Your Airport Arrival: Transfer vs Taxi vs Bus
Your first transport decision comes at the airport, where the choice is between the budget public bus, the on-demand taxi rank, and a pre-booked private transfer. The bus is the cheapest way to reach Rhodes Town, Ixia and Ialyssos, but it does not offer a direct hotel drop-off and luggage space can be limited.
Taxis from the official rank outside arrivals offer a direct journey, but queues can build up during peak season or when several flights land at once. For families, travellers with lots of luggage, late arrivals or those with a long journey to southern resorts like Lindos or Kiotari, a pre-booked transfer is often the most sensible option. It provides a pre-agreed price, a guaranteed vehicle and a driver waiting for you, removing any uncertainty.
Exploring the Island: Car vs Bus
For sightseeing days, a rental car offers the most freedom. It allows you to visit quieter beaches, inland villages and west-coast sites like Ancient Kamiros on your own schedule. If you’re staying in one resort but want to explore for a day or two, hiring a car just for that period is more practical than renting for the whole week.
The bus network is a cost-effective alternative for simpler, out-and-back trips. It’s important to know that Rhodes has two separate operators. RODA serves Rhodes Town and nearby west-coast resorts, while KTEL handles longer intercity routes to the east coast and south. East-coast services are generally more frequent, but always check the latest timetable for your specific route, especially for the last bus back.
Taxis, Boats and Walking
Beyond the main options, other forms of transport are essential for a complete Rhodes experience.
- Taxis: Best used for short, direct journeys where convenience is key, such as a trip from Ixia into Rhodes Old Town. They become less economical than a rental car for multiple or long-distance sightseeing trips.
- Boats: For coastal destinations like Lindos, consider a boat excursion as an alternative to a road journey. It turns the travel into a scenic part of the day's sightseeing.
- Walking: An unavoidable and pleasant part of visiting. You cannot drive into the pedestrianised centres of Rhodes Old Town or Lindos village, so even if arriving by car or taxi, expect to complete the final part of your journey on foot.
Related Rhodes guides
Next, read our local guides to pre-booked private transfer, rental car and bus network. Check the details of the specific place or listing before you book, as general island advice will not fit every trip.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to rent a car for my whole holiday in Rhodes?
No, not necessarily. If you're staying in a well-connected resort and only plan a couple of big exploring days, you can hire a car just for those days and use buses or taxis for the rest of your stay.
Can I use Uber or Bolt to get a taxi from Rhodes airport?
Don't plan around them. Uber announced a service on Rhodes in 2023, but that announcement is not a reliable basis for an airport arrival or an important journey. If you want to try an app, check your actual journey and keep another option ready: the official taxi rank, the public bus or a pre-booked private transfer. See our guide Is there Uber in Rhodes?.
My hotel is in Rhodes Old Town. Can a transfer drop me at the door?
Vehicle access is restricted in Rhodes Old Town. Taxis and private transfers will likely have to drop you at one of the main gates, leaving you with a short walk to your accommodation. It's wise to check the best drop-off point with your hotel beforehand.
Is it easy to get around Rhodes by bus?
For direct journeys between major towns and resorts like Faliraki and Lindos, the bus is straightforward. However, there are two different operators, and services to remote beaches and villages can be infrequent. In peak summer, popular routes can be very busy, and full buses may not stop to pick up more passengers.