Why Rent a Car at Rhodes Airport?
Rhodes has more going for it than almost any Greek island. There’s the medieval Old Town — one of Europe’s best-preserved walled cities, built by the Knights of St John. There’s Lindos, with its ancient acropolis perched above white houses. There are beaches: Anthony Quinn Bay, Tsambika, Prasonisi where two seas meet. And there’s the interior, with villages and valleys that most visitors never see. Renting a car at Rhodes Airport (RHO) is how you experience all of this without spending your holiday waiting for buses.
The island is about 80 kilometres long and 35 kilometres wide — large by Greek island standards. Public buses cover major destinations, but the hidden beaches, mountain monasteries, and authentic villages require your own transport. Plus, Rhodes has some of Greece’s best driving roads — the coastal route to Lindos is genuinely beautiful, and the west coast offers spectacular sunset drives.
Arriving at Rhodes Airport
Rhodes International Airport sits on the west coast, about 15 kilometres southwest of Rhodes Town. The drive into town takes 20-30 minutes. The airport is well-positioned for the main resorts: Ixia (20 minutes), Faliraki (40 minutes), and Lindos (50 minutes). Car rental desks are in arrivals — all major companies represented. Pre-booking is essential in July-August.
Driving in Rhodes — What to Expect
Rhodes has excellent roads by Greek island standards. The main coastal roads are wide and well-maintained. Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on open roads. Traffic in Rhodes Town can be busy, but parking is available at the edge of the Old Town (driving inside the walls is restricted).
Coastal driving: The road to Lindos is one of Greece’s prettiest drives — turquoise sea on one side, mountains on the other. The west coast road offers dramatic coastal scenery with fewer tourists.
Must-Visit Destinations
Rhodes Old Town
20-25 minutes from the airport. One of Europe’s great medieval cities — UNESCO-listed, entirely walled, with the Palace of the Grand Masters and streets that haven’t changed much in 500 years. Allow a full day. Park outside the walls and walk in.
Lindos
50 minutes south. The postcard image of Greece: white houses climbing the hillside, the ancient acropolis above. Arrive early (before 10am) or late (after 5pm) to avoid crowds and cruise ship passengers. The climb to the acropolis takes 20 minutes. Views are spectacular.
Faliraki
40 minutes southeast. Famous as a party resort, but the beaches are excellent and the nearby Anthony Quinn Bay is beautiful. Water sports, boat trips, and a relaxed vibe away from the heart of the resort.
Tsampika Beach and the East Coast
45 minutes south. One of Rhodes’ best beaches — long, sandy, with the Tsampika monastery on the cliff above. The monastery involves a 300-step climb; the beach is straightforward. The surrounding countryside is pretty.
Prasonisi
1 hour 15 minutes south. Where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean. A narrow strip of sand connects a small island to the mainland, creating kitesurfing and windsurfing paradise. Spectacular at sunset. The drive to reach it is scenic.
Butterfly Valley and the Interior
30 minutes southwest. A peaceful valley where thousands of butterflies gather in summer. Shaded, cooler than the coast, and a nice contrast to beach life. The nearby villages offer more authentic Rhodes.
Practical Tips
Peak seasons: July-August is busy and hot. June, September are ideal. May and October are quieter.
Parking in Rhodes Town: Use the car parks outside the Old Town walls. Driving inside is restricted and not worth the stress.
Documents: EU licences accepted. Others may need an International Driving Permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a car in Rhodes?
Recommended if you want to see the whole island. Buses cover major destinations, but the best beaches and villages need your own transport.
How far is Lindos from the airport?
About 50 minutes via the east coast road. The drive is beautiful.
Is Rhodes Town walkable?
The Old Town is pedestrianised and perfect for walking. Park outside the walls and explore on foot.
Book Your Rhodes Airport Car Hire
Ready to explore beyond your resort? We work with trusted rental companies at Rhodes Airport to bring you competitive rates with no hidden fees. The price you see includes essentials. Compare vehicles, book online, and discover Rhodes your way.