Car hire at Rhodes Airport
Rhodes is a big island (Lindos is 50 km from the airport, Prasonisi 90 km) and public transport thins out beyond the main resorts, so a hire car is the practical way to see it. The airport is the island’s main pick-up point, with the rental desks in the arrivals hall and the car parks a short walk from the terminal.
On-airport desks charge an airport surcharge that off-airport companies avoid by meeting you outside with the car. Both work well; the difference is convenience against price, and whether you want to walk with luggage in August heat.
Rental companies at Rhodes Airport
The international brands keep staffed desks in the arrivals hall through the season; local island firms either share a desk or meet customers outside arrivals with the car. Desks are open for every scheduled arrival in summer, but if you land on a late charter after midnight, confirm the pick-up time when booking, as some local firms deliver only until a set hour.
- Avis / Budget
- Hertz
- Sixt
- Europcar
- Enterprise / Alamo / National
- Local island firms (meet outside arrivals; usually the cheapest for a week or more)
Booking tips
- Book weeks ahead for July and August; automatics and seven-seaters sell out first
- Full-to-full fuel policies are the norm; the nearest petrol stations are in Paradisi and Kremasti
- Check whether the price includes full damage waiver; gravel roads and tight village streets scuff bumpers
- Bring a credit card in the driver’s name for the deposit; debit cards are often refused
- Licences issued outside the EU/EEA need an international driving permit
Driving from the airport
The airport exit joins the main west-coast road. Turn left (north) for Rhodes Town, Ixia and Ialyssos, right (south) for Kamiros, Embonas and the road to Prasonisi. For Faliraki, Lindos and the east coast, drive to Rhodes Town and take the coast road south, or cut across the island via Koskinou; the cross-island road via Psinthos looks shorter on the map but is slower.
Rhodes Old Town is closed to traffic and the streets around it are narrow and one-way; park at Mandraki harbour or near the Gate d’Amboise and walk in. Speed cameras are rare, but police checks for seat belts and phones are not.
Frequently asked questions
Which car rental companies are at Rhodes Airport?
Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sixt, Europcar and Enterprise have desks in the arrivals hall, and many local island firms meet customers outside arrivals with the car. The cars are parked a short walk from the terminal.
Do I need to book a rental car in advance for Rhodes?
In July and August, yes: automatics and seven-seaters sell out weeks ahead and walk-up prices are much higher. In spring and autumn you can usually rent on arrival. Bring a credit card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
See also
Prices and timetables are indicative and change seasonally. Confirm before you travel.