🐾
🚇
Travelling with Pets in Rhodes
🇬🇷Rhodes, Greece·Updated 19 June 2026
Most of compact Rhodes Town is walkable, and the wider island is reached by KTEL buses, taxis or a hire car. The single biggest factor for pets is the ferry: Rhodes is a Dodecanese hub and both Blue Star Ferries and Dodekanisos Seaways carry dogs, but with strict muzzle-and-leash rules and no access to indoor lounges. In summer, the heat inside a parked car or a midday taxi is the real danger, so plan transfers for cooler hours.
| Mode | Policy | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry (Blue Star Ferries) | Dogs travel on all routes via dedicated pet areas, pet-friendly cabins (A4 Pets, advance booking required, limited availability) or pet carriers. Pets are not allowed in standard cabins or indoor public areas; dogs may be walked on open decks only, leashed and muzzled. | 💡 Book a pet cabin by phone well in advance for overnight crossings. They sell out and cannot be booked online. |
| Ferry (Dodekanisos Seaways) | Pets travel to any Dodecanese port at no extra cost. Dogs must wear a muzzle and be on a leash and are not permitted inside the cafe-bar, lounges or other indoor public areas. Small pets are allowed on the open deck with their owner. | 💡 Carry the muzzle ready before boarding. Staff do enforce the muzzle-and-leash rule on the deck. |
| KTEL Bus & Taxi | On KTEL island buses, small dogs in a closed carrier are generally accepted; larger dogs are at the driver's discretion. Taxis may accept a leashed or carried dog at the driver's discretion, so agree before getting in. | 💡 For airport or port transfers with a larger dog, pre-book a taxi by phone and confirm the dog is welcome. |
Heat safety on the move
Rhodes summers are hot and dry, with July and August highs around 31 C. Never leave a dog in a parked car, even briefly. Time ferry boarding, taxi transfers and walks for early morning or evening, test pavement and deck temperature with your hand before letting your dog walk on it, and carry water on every journey. Ferry open decks can be very exposed to sun, so bring shade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my dog on a ferry from Rhodes?
Yes. Both Blue Star Ferries and Dodekanisos Seaways carry dogs. They must be leashed and muzzled, can only travel in pet areas, pet cabins or carriers, and are not allowed in indoor lounges. Book a pet cabin in advance for overnight crossings.
Do dogs need a muzzle on Rhodes ferries?
Yes. On both main ferry operators, dogs walked on the open deck must wear a muzzle and be on a leash. Have the muzzle ready before boarding, as staff enforce this rule.
Are dogs allowed on Rhodes KTEL buses?
Small dogs in a closed carrier are generally accepted on KTEL island buses. Larger dogs are at the driver's discretion, so for longer island trips a pre-booked taxi or hire car is more reliable.
Pet-Friendly Hotels in Rhodes
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
Evdokia Boutique Hotel
★★★ · 9/10
€90/night
Jensen Luxury Suites
★★★★ · 9.1/10
€130/night
DECAN Concept Boutique Estate
★★★★ · 9.2/10
€140/night
More Rhodes guides
Pet-friendly destinations nearby
Looking for a place to stay elsewhere? These destinations near Rhodes also welcome your dog.