Car Rental in Rhodes

Why rent a car in Rhodes?

The island of Rhodes is a fascinating place to explore by car. As it’s the fourth largest island in Greece, there is plenty to see, from Rhodes Town to ancient monuments, stunning beaches, and nice nature areas. The public buses can often be overcrowded and do not reach some landmarks at all, so getting a rental car is your best bet to see as much as you’d like and to travel outside the main tourist areas.

Top ways to enter Rhodes

• Rhodes Airport: Diagoras International Airport on Rhodes handles about 6 million travelers every year. The airport is extremely busy during the summer months when it is served by more than 30 different airlines, including low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Norwegian Air, easyJet, and Volotea. During the winter months, however, only a handful of domestic flights are operating. Rhodes Airport is about 14 km (8.7 mi) southwest of Rhodes City, a trip that can be made in 15-20 minutes by car.
• By sea: Multiple ferries connect Rhodes to many other Greek islands, as well as mainland destinations like the capital city, Athens. It’s worth keeping in mind, however, that ferry services are a lot more active during the summer months of the year (during this time, it’s also a good idea to book your ferry tickets in advance). Most ferry companies permit bringing a rental car on board, but it’s good to make sure beforehand. You should also ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it. In addition to connections with Greek destinations, there are also ferries between Rhodes and Bodrum, Fethiye, and other destinations in Turkey. Many rental car providers do not permit crossing the border between the two countries! A better idea is to pick up a rental car after arriving at your destination. It’s also worth keeping in mind that unlike Greece, Turkey  is not a member of the EU and the Schengen Area, so you should check whether you need a visa to enter either country. If you’re arriving in Rhodes by sea, you can conveniently pick up your rental car at the Rhodes Port. 

City facts

• Like many other Greek islands, Rhodes enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate. It is not unusual for temperatures to reach 30-35°C (86-95°F) in summer and even in winter the temperature can often reach 15-20°C (59-68 °F). Summers are extremely dry, so keeping hydrated is important at all times. Winters, on the other hand, typically see some precipitation. 
• Rhodes has been inhabited since long before written history and very little is known about the island’s first inhabitants. Throughout the centuries, many different cultures have settled on the island due to its strategic location at the crossroads of East and West. At the time of Ancient Greece, Rhodians developed their own culture that was heavily influenced by neighboring areas such as Anatolia and Upper Egypt. In the 14th century AD, Knights Hospitaller conquered Rhodes and established a fortified city which was besieged by the Ottoman Turks in 1522. Today, Rhodes retains its unique character thanks to its long history and numerous influences throughout time.
• Although a part of Greece, Rhodes is located about 360 km (225 mi) from the Greek mainland, but just 18 km (11 mi) from Turkey. The island used to be a part of the Ottoman Empire for a few centuries. These days, you can find a small, but thriving Muslim community.

Top sights and activities

• Rhodes Old Town. The medieval Old Town of Rhodes is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Greece. It is best known for its fortifications, gates, and palaces, but its sheer size will take you by surprise. Rhodes Town is a fantastic place to taste delicacies such as the stuffed vine leaves, known locally as giaprakia. 
• Rhodes Archaeological Museum. Like most other places in Greece, Rhodes has a long and fascinating history. The museum is home to many interesting artifacts from the different civilizations that have inhabited the island over the centuries.
• The Valley of the Butterflies. The so-called Petaloudes Valley is one of the most famous natural reserves in Greece. It is a lovely, fertile area with lush vegetation, where thousands of butterflies come to spend the summer. 
• Faliraki. This small beach resort, about 10 km (6.2 mi) from the island’s airport, used to be famous for its wild nightlife. These days, it’s a popular spot in Rhodes for water sports and relaxed entertainment.

Traffic and parking

• There are no highways on Rhodes (nor on any other Greek islands).
• Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 90 km/h (55.9 mph) on roads outside populated areas and 50 km/h (31 mph) in populated and built-up areas.
• While the larger roads are in good shape, the smaller roads might have poor surfacing and potholes. Be careful when driving on them, especially after dark.
• Many gas stations might be closed during weekends and public holidays. 
• It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving.
• The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.02% for novice drivers. Exceeding these limits can lead to high fines and a license ban. Exceeding the limit of 0.11% is a criminal offense and can lead to up to six months of imprisonment.
• The insurance and car documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
• If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• The general emergency number, like elsewhere in the EU, is 112. The police number is 100, the ambulance number is 166, and the fire brigade number is 199. 

Toll roads

There are no toll roads in Rhodes. There are, however, a number of tolled roads, tunnels, and bridges on mainland Greece. Many travelers find them very hard to navigate and some choose to avoid using the toll roads altogether because of the very complex toll system that is in place. Different toll roads are administered by different private companies and so there is not a single, nationwide (or even region-wide) system in place.

For most toll roads, payment can be either made with cash at a toll gate, by a credit card, or with coins at an automatic toll machine. For some roads, an electronic transponder might be used to pay for using the toll road. Some rental cars may be equipped with such an electronic transponder. However, because of the aforementioned different toll systems that are in place, this payment method might work for some toll roads, but not for others. Determine out your route in advance and ask your car rental provider about the best way to pay for all the toll roads that you plan to use.

Ideas for day trips

• Lindos and the Acropolis. Lindos is a charming village located on the east coast of Rhodes, about a 50-minute drive from Rhodes Town. It features a blend of ancient history and traditional architecture, with its white-washed houses and narrow cobblestone streets. The main landmark is the Acropolis of Lindos, an ancient citadel built on a hill overlooking the village. The village itself is lively, with a variety of bars and restaurants serving traditional Greek food and drink. Nearby, you can discover beautiful beaches like St. Paul's Bay, where the crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. 
• South Rhodes. South Rhodes is the island’s wildest and least developed region, and it’s ideal for people who like natural landscapes. Located on the southernmost tip of Rhodes, it is home to the unique Prassonissi Beach. This is a long, sandy beach that is famous for being a windsurfing and kitesurfing haven, due to its favorable wind conditions. It is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, which is worth visiting even if you are not planning to enjoy any of the beach activities. 
• Ancient Kameiros. The ancient site of Kameiros is often overlooked by visitors, but it’s equally - if not more - interesting than Lindos. It is located on the northwest coast of the island, about a 40-minute drive from Rhodes Town. Visitors will see ruins of Greco-Roman buildings and structures, including an agora, a temple, an early Christian basilica, a thermal bath, and a large cistern. 
• Asklipio. This small inland settlement is named after the Greek god of medicine and was once home to a healing cult. Asklipio boasts two very impressive buildings, the Dormition of the Theotokos church, with some exceptional frescoes, and the Asklipio Castle, which offers a magnificent view of the sea in the distance. Don’t miss the small Folklore Museum. 
• Archangelos. The second largest settlement on Rhodes, Archangelos is home to a number of beautiful churches. In this area, you will also find Seven Springs, known in Greek as Epta Piges, a beautiful green area with a waterfall.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Rhodes is the Citroen C3, although travelers also love the VW Polo, and the Hyundai i30. The most popular rental car types are economy, compact, and mini. Many of the roads in Rhodes are quite narrow, so picking a smaller vehicle is a good idea.

Further destinations

• Symi. Despite being tiny, the jagged coastline of the island of Symi is 85 km (53 miles) long, making it one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to beach destinations in this part of Greece. Historically known for the industry of sponge trade, it is now a much more tranquil, less busy alternative to the likes of Rhodes and Santorini. During the summer months, there are frequent daily ferry services between Symi and Rhodes. As with other destinations, make sure that both the ferry company and your rental car supplier permit bringing a vehicle on deck.
• Tilos. Although populated for 5,000 years, the island of Tilos is home to only 350 permanent inhabitants nowadays. Despite its small size, it is actually the center of an archipelago that also includes 15 uninhabited islets. Getting to Tilos takes some planning, but those who brave the difficulties will be rewarded with a surprising variety of historical architecture and great natural diversity that is especially rich in bird life.
• Kos. In addition to all the other pleasures that you’d expect from a Greek island, Kos excels in snorkeling opportunities and also has a hot spring. There is a ferry service from Rhodes, and it might be possible to bring your rental car onboard but do ask your car rental provider if they permit it first. Alternatively, you can drop off your rental car in Rhodes and pick up another one in Kos.
• Karpathos. Traveling to this little island south of Rhodes can feel like going back in time. Karpathos is perhaps even more famous for its local culture and traditions than its beaches. There are ferry services from Rhodes to Karpathos every few days. It might be possible to bring your rental car,, but do ask your car rental provider if they permit it first. Alternatively, you can drop off your rental car in Rhodes and pick up another one in Karpathos.
• Marmaris and Bodrum. The two Turkish resort towns have truly stunning beaches but are quite different and unique in atmosphere. They also offer the opportunity to travel further inland or along the Aegean coast. While there is a ferry service, it will most likely not be possible to pick up your rental car in Greece and drop it off in Turkey, so you’ll have to pick up another one in Bodrum or Marmaris. Also, make sure your entry documentation for Turkey is in order (Greece is a member of the EU while Turkey is not).

Car rental prices in Rhodes

• Medium cars - from $9 per day
• SUVs - from $12 per day
• Station wagons - from $17 per day
• Large cars - from $14 per day
• Vans - from $25 per day
• Small cars - from $5 per day
• Premium cars - from $32 per day
• Convertibles - from $12 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Try these things to get the best car rental deal in Rhodes:

• Compare rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Rhodes is the cheapest in February when renting a car is about 80% cheaper than the yearly average and an unbelievable 90% cheaper than visiting in July.  If you want to avoid the summer crowds, you can consider traveling in April, May, September or October, when rental prices are low, and the weather is good.