Renting a Car in Rhodes: The Complete Guide

Rhodes Blog › Renting a Car in Rhodes: The Complete Guide

Are you heading to Rhodes? Great choice! If you’re wondering beforehand whether renting a car in Rhodes is worth it, I can tell you—Yes! The most spectacular viewpoints are only reachable by car. My guide covers rental car pick up at Rhodes Airport and port, what car hire in Rhodes costs, licensing requirements, driving tips, and the must-see activities on the island.

Want to see the most beautiful bays, drive along the stunning west coast, or get to know the locals in the villages in the Rhodes countryside? With a rental car, you’ll be independent and can plan your day however suits you best—all at your own pace.

Table of Contents

Reting a Car on Rhodes – Quick Overview

Do I need a rental car on Rhodes?

Rhodes has a well-maintained public bus network (KTEL) connecting the main east coast resorts like Faliraki, Kolymbia, Lindos with Rhodes Town. If you’re staying at one resort and day-tripping by bus to Lindos, you can manage without a car. With a car, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want. You don’t have to wait for buses or pay for taxis.

My honest advise: Even for a 5-day stay at a single resort, a car during your stay can unlock a completely different Rhodes. The island is simply too spread out to experience fully without wheels.

What Type of Car Should I Hire in Rhodes?

An small or medium sized economy car (VW Polo, Toyota Yaris, Renault Clio) handles the main coastal roads without problem and is asy to park at busy beaches and in narrow village streets.

Consider an SUV if you:

• Plan to explore dirt tracks to secluded beaches in the far south of the island
• Prefer more comfort on the longer mountain road sections through the interior
• Are travelling with a lot of luggage

Tips for Your Reservation

• Insurance: Make sure the rental includes comprehensive insurance with no deductible, as well as sufficient liability coverage.
• Pickup Location: Picking up the car directly at Rhodes Airport is often the easiest and most affordable option.
• Seasonal Demand: Especially for the summer months, it’s best to book online well in advance, as prices can otherwise rise sharply. To save money, compare prices online and book your car before you leave. This way, you can find great deals and avoid last-minute surcharges. Make sure you know what’s included in the price so there are no surprises.
• Age Limits: The minimum age to drive is generally 21. Drivers under 21 may have to pay a “young driver fee” (about €10/day) on larger cars, but often avoid it if renting Mini or Economy classes. 
• Compare deals on a platform. DiscoverCars.com shows the full market — local and international — in just one search. The cheapest and most expensive option for the same category can differ by €20 to 30€ a day.
• Combine pickup and return points. Collecting and returning at the same location (airport to airport) avoids additional charges.

Should I book a rental car in advance, or can I just do it when I get there?

That depends mainly on when you’ll be on the island. During peak season, it’s definitely recommended to reserve your rental car in advance. In the off-season, you can also do it on-site, but if you’re already sure you want to explore the island by rental car, play it safe and reserve your vehicle ahead of time. That will give you additional peace of mind upon arrival.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Rhodes?

Renting a car in Rhodes typically costs between €50 and €60 per day in peak season, though compact cars can drop to €20 to €30 per day in spring or autumn. A one-week rental averages around €300 to €450 for standard vehicles. Booking in advance often gets you a better deal.

Note: Automatic transmission adds roughly €5-10/day over manual. Worth it if you’re not confident driving stick in unfamiliar places.

Should I choose a local or international rental company?

I’ve personally always had good experiences with local rental companies and are happy to support them. A big advantage here is that the cars are usually delivered directly to your hotel and picked up there as well (or wherever you’d like to pick up the rental car); prices are often negotiable, and in the event of damage or an accident, everything is handled very accommodatingly.

5 Things to Know before Renting a Car in Rhodes

Insurance Policy

Make sure to make yourself familiar with what’s covered and what isn’t. To save yourself hassle in the unlikely event of an accident or damage, I recommend booking comprehensive insurance. Whether with or without a deductible—that’s something you’ll have to decide for yourself. If you choose the option without a deductible, the daily rate will be higher accordingly. Warning! Glass, tires, the roof and undercarriage, as well as theft, are usually not included in the insurance.

Check for any Pre-existing damage

Take a close look at the vehicle beforehand and, ideally, record a video pointing out any scratches, as well as the fuel level.

Second driver

An additional driver must be registered, and this may sometimes result in additional costs. If you don’t do this and someone else was driving in the event of an accident, the insurance won’t cover it.

GPS & Navigation

This is only applicable to some drivers. Nowadays, if you have a smartphone, you can easily use Google Maps – or better yet, just go with the flow – you’re on vacation. The island has two main roads—the east coast and the west coast. It’s hard to get lost here.

Fuel Policy

The common rule here is: Return the vehicle in the same aount of fuel as when you received it. If you forget to fill up the tank, you might be charged extra at the end, and these fees are definitely higher than at the gas station. So I recommend making sure to return the car with a full tank.

Questions about Car Rental and Driving on Rhodes

Renting a car in Rhodes is the best way to explore all the great places at your own pace. Secure a good deal by booking early, choose the right insurance, and enjoy the ride. With Rhodes Car Rental, you’re all set for a great adventure in Rhodes!

Where is the best place to pick up a hire car in Rhodes?

Rhodes Airport (RHO) is the best option, with all major companies located at arrivals. The port is a strong secondary option for ferry arrivals, with several offices operating from nearby.

What are the roads like on Rhodes?

The main roads on Rhodes, such as the coastal roads and the highway to Lindos, are generally well-maintained, paved, and easy to drive on. Away from the main routes—especially in the island’s mountainous interior or in smaller mountain villages—you should expect narrow, winding roads, potholes, and, in some cases, unpaved gravel roads.

What are the speed limits on Rhodes?

Depending on the type of road and signage, the following speed limits apply:

• In built-up areas: 50 km/h
• Country roads & main roads: 70–80 km/h
• Expressway (e.g., Rhodes–Lindos): up to 100 km/h in some sections

Rhodes drives on the right, the same as mainland Greece and most of continental Europe. Road signs follow standard EU conventions, most main routes are well-marked in both Greek and Latin script.

Do I need an International Driving License to rent a car in Rhodes?

No, if you have a valid EU driver’s license, you do not need an international driver’s license in Rhodes. It simply needs to be have been issued at least one year ago. Travelers from non-EU countries, on the other hand, do need an international driver’s license.

Which month is best for a road trip on Rhodes?

The best time to visit Rhodes, Greece, is between May and October, when temperatures are pleasant, there is little rain, and conditions are ideal for exploring.

What are the must-do activities on Rhodes?

An absolute must-do in Rhodes is exploring the medieval Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll down Knights’ Street and visit the imposing Grand Master’s Palace. Also, let yourself be enchanted by the whitewashed houses in Lindos and enjoy the view from the Acropolis there.

I recommend you make sure to experience the following highlights

• Relax at the Kallithea Thermal Springs: The Kallithea Thermal Springs feature stunning Moorish architecture, beautiful mosaics, and crystal-clear water perfect for snorkeling.
• Swim in Anthony Quinn Bay: This picturesque bay, named after the actor from the movie “The Guns of Navarone,” is surrounded by impressive cliffs and is ideal for swimming.
• Visit the Valley of the Butterflies (Panagia Kalopetra) and head south to Prasonisi, a paradise for windsurfers and kitesurfers where the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet.
• Take a boat tour to Symi island: Take advantage of the wide range of boat tours departing from Mandraki Harbor to visit the picturesque neighboring island of Symi with its neoclassical houses.
• Relax at Tsambika Beach: Unwind on one of the island’s most beautiful and finest sandy beaches. The more adventurous can also climb the steps from there up to the Tsambika Monastery for a breathtaking panoramic view.

Driving and Sightseeing: Driving in Rhodes is fun and easy. Just make sure you have your driver’s license and rental paperwork with you. There are many great places to visit, such as Lindos with its breathtaking views and Hilltop Monolithos with its typical blue-and-white village. Take your time and enjoy the drive!

Plan Your Rhodes Trip