Only a handful of hotels sit right beside Rhodes International Airport (RHO), so most visitors stay in Rhodes Town, about 14–15 km away (a 20 to 25 minute drive), or at the west-coast resorts, which are even closer, and travel in by taxi or pre-booked transfer. The terminal is set by the village of Paradisi rather than in a hotel district, so where you stay really comes down to two things: the time of your flight, and whether you want a city break or a beach holiday.
Where to stay, by area
| Area | Drive to RHO | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Airport area (Kremasti / Paradisi) | ~5 min | Very early or late flights and short layovers |
| Ixia / Ialysos | ~10–15 min | West-coast resorts close to the airport |
| Rhodes Town (Old Town / New Town) | ~20–25 min (more in summer traffic) | Sightseeing, restaurants and the historic centre |
| Faliraki | ~30–35 min | Beach resorts, nightlife and family hotels |
| Lindos | ~1 hr | Iconic clifftop village, further south |
City base or beach base?
The two main choices pull in different directions. Rhodes Town keeps you steps from the medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its cobbled lanes, the Palace of the Grand Master and a dense run of restaurants, which suits sightseeing and short trips. The resort areas such as Ixia, Ialysos and Faliraki trade that buzz for the sea on your doorstep, with beaches and watersports close by, making them the natural pick for a longer beach holiday or a family trip. Ixia and Ialysos are the closest of these to the airport, so they are a sensible compromise if you want resort comforts without a long drive.
Hotels for an early-morning flight
A dawn departure changes the maths. Staying in the airport area, around five minutes from the terminal in Kremasti or Paradisi, removes the risk of a long pre-sunrise drive across the island and lets you sleep a little later. Some properties run a shuttle to the terminal, though it is never guaranteed, so check the timing when you book. From a city or beach hotel, a pre-booked transfer or taxi is the reliable fallback for getting to check-in on time.
Booking tips
- Confirm whether the rate includes an airport shuttle, and the exact pick-up time, before you rely on it.
- Ask about free parking if you are picking up a hire car at the terminal.
- Book well ahead for the summer high season, when the island fills up and the best rooms sell out.
- If you are heading straight to the coast, plan the journey first with our guide to the beaches and resorts.
Shuttle services, rates and availability change through the year, so reconfirm the details with your hotel close to your travel date.
