Comparing Your Main Airport Transfer Options
It’s a good choice if you're arriving during the day, travelling light, and staying in Rhodes Town, Ixia, or Ialyssos. However, luggage space can be tight in summer, and you'll need to check how far your hotel is from the bus stop. For southern resorts like Lindos, the bus is less practical, usually requiring a change in Rhodes Town and a much longer travel time.
For a direct, no-fuss journey, the official taxi rank is just outside arrivals. You don't need to book, just join the queue. Taxis work well for resorts closer to the airport, but be prepared for a potentially long wait if several flights land at once, a common occurrence in peak season. A standard taxi may also be a squeeze for four passengers with large suitcases.
Pre-booking a private transfer is the most predictable way to start your trip. This is especially true for families, those with lots of luggage, late-night arrivals, or anyone heading to southern resorts like Lindos, Pefkos or Kiotari. The price is agreed in advance, you can choose a vehicle to suit your group, and a driver typically meets you in the arrivals hall. It allows you to bypass the taxi queue entirely and can be surprisingly competitive on price.
Special Cases: Old Town, Package Shuttles & Car Hire
If you're staying in Rhodes Old Town, remember that vehicle access is restricted. Even a private car might have to drop you a short walk from your hotel, so check with your accommodation for the best drop-off point. For those on a package holiday, a shared transfer might be included. While this saves money, be prepared for waiting for other passengers and multiple hotel stops, which can add hours to the journey to southern resorts. Finally, collecting a rental car at the airport offers immediate freedom, but consider whether you want to drive on unfamiliar roads straight after a flight, particularly if you're arriving late at night.
Related Rhodes guides
Next, read our local guides to staying in Rhodes Old Town and collecting a rental car at the airport. 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 Uber and Bolt operate in Rhodes?
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?.
What's the best way to get to Lindos from the airport?
For a direct journey, especially with luggage or children, a pre-booked transfer or a taxi is most convenient. The public bus is not direct and requires a change in Rhodes Town, making the journey significantly longer.
My flight arrives late at night. What's the best transfer option?
For late arrivals, pre-booking a private transfer is the most reliable option. It guarantees a driver will be waiting for you, allowing you to avoid potentially long or slow-moving taxi queues when availability may be reduced.
Is a transfer to a hotel in Rhodes Old Town always door-to-door?
Not always. Vehicle access in the Old Town is restricted, so your taxi or transfer may have to drop you at a designated point a short walk from your hotel. It is best to ask your accommodation for advice on the nearest drop-off location.