For departures from Rhodes International Airport (RHO), also known as Diagoras, plan to be at check-in about 2 to 3 hours before an international flight and roughly 2 hours before a domestic Greek one, then clear a single security point to reach the airside shops and cafés. The terminal handles domestic flights to Athens and other Greek destinations alongside a wide spread of European services, all from one departures hall.
When to arrive
As a guide, plan to be at check-in about 2 to 3 hours before an international flight and roughly 2 hours before a domestic Greek departure, or earlier if your airline says so. Rhodes Town is about 14–15 km from the airport, a 20 to 25 minute drive, but allow buffer for traffic and for returning a rental car. The summer season is the busiest, and morning and evening waves of European charters can mean longer lines, so the earlier end of those windows is wise in those months.
Check-in and bag drop
You can usually check in online the day before and arrive with a boarding pass on your phone, then simply use the bag-drop desk. If you prefer, or if your fare requires it, check in at the airline counter in the departures hall. Have your passport or national ID ready, confirm any onward paperwork for your destination, and label your bags. Keep liquids, electronics and travel documents where you can reach them quickly for the next step.
Security and after the gates
From the desks you head to the security screening point, where the usual rules on liquids, gels and laptops apply. Once airside you reach the duty-free shops, a selection of cafés and bars, souvenir stores stocking local wine, olive oil, honey and ouzo, and plenty of seating near the gates. Free Wi-Fi covers the terminal, with restrooms and charging points along the concourse. Leave enough time after security to browse, grab a coffee and reach the gate before boarding closes.
Departures at a glance
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Arrive before international flights | About 2 to 3 hours |
| Arrive before domestic flights | About 2 hours |
| Check-in options | Online or airline desk, then bag drop |
| After security | Duty-free, cafés, bars, seating, free Wi-Fi |
| Departure tax | Normally included in the ticket; confirm with your airline |
Departure tax and getting to the airport
- Departure tax: airport charges are normally built into the ticket price, so there is usually nothing extra to pay at the airport. Confirm this with your airline, as arrangements can vary by ticket type.
- Getting there: taxis, hotel shuttles, the RODA bus and rental-car returns all serve the departures kerb. To compare options and times from your part of the island, see our guide to getting to the airport.
- Final check: rules on arrival times, baggage allowances and any onward paperwork can change, so reconfirm the details with the carrier close to your travel date.
Not sure how check-in, security and the gates sit in relation to the entrance? The airport map lays out the departures side level by level.
