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How to get from Astypalaia to Karpathos
There is no regular direct ferry between Astypalaia and Karpathos. The usual options are a ferry towards Kos or Rhodes and an onward ferry or flight to Karpathos, or flights via Athens (sometimes with a connection in Rhodes). Either way, plan a full day or an overnight stop.
Best option: Flight. Flying via Athens or Rhodes avoids depending on infrequent ferry connections that rarely line up.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| flight Astypalaia to Athens, then Athens to Karpathos (or via Rhodes) | a full day including the connection | Astypalaia flights several times a week; Karpathos daily from Athens in summer | about €100–250 total | Check that both flights run on the same day. |
| ferry Ferry from Astypalaia to Kos or Rhodes, then an onward ferry to Karpathos | often 1–2 days with an overnight stop | a few sailings a week on each leg | about €40–80 total | Connections depend on the season; check current timetables before booking rooms. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Book flights early in summer; island planes are small.
- If you go by ferry, an overnight in Rhodes is often the most reliable link to Karpathos.
- Karpathos has two ports (Pigadia and Diafani); most ferries use Pigadia.
- Strong winds can cancel ferries in this area; keep a buffer day before an international flight.
Common questions
Is there a direct ferry from Astypalaia to Karpathos?
Not on a regular basis. Astypalaia sits between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese and its ferries mostly go to Piraeus, the Cyclades, Kalymnos, Kos and Rhodes. Karpathos is served on lines via Rhodes and Crete. You will normally need at least one change, often with an overnight stop.
What is the fastest way?
Usually flying. Astypalaia has flights to Athens, and Karpathos has flights from Athens and from Rhodes. If both legs run the same day the trip takes several hours including the wait. Flights on these routes use small aircraft and sell out in summer, so book as early as you can.
What is the cheapest way?
Ferries are generally cheaper than flights, but the connection may require a night in Kos or Rhodes, which adds a hotel cost. Compare the total: two ferry tickets and a night in Rhodes against two flights. In shoulder season, flights can be competitive.
When do ferry timetables come out?
Greek summer ferry schedules for the Dodecanese are usually published in spring, and winter schedules in the autumn. Small island lines can change at short notice, so check current timetables a few days before departure and again on the day.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.