Rhodes International Airport (RHO), also known as Diagoras Airport, sits by the village of Paradisi on the island's west coast, about 14–15 km south-west of Rhodes Town, roughly a 20–25 minute drive on a good run, and up to about 35 minutes in peak summer traffic. There is no train or metro on the island, so every traveller reaches town the same way: by taxi, pre-booked transfer, rental car, hotel shuttle or the public bus. Which one suits you comes down to your budget, how much luggage you have, the time you land and whether you plan to explore beyond the capital.
Your options at a glance
| Option | Time to Rhodes Town | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airport taxi | ~20–25 min | Metered fare plus airport, luggage and night surcharges; ask for an estimate |
| Private transfer | ~20–25 min | Booked ahead at a fixed rate; driver waits at arrivals |
| Rental car | ~20–25 min | Desks in the terminal; best for exploring the island and beaches |
| Hotel shuttle | varies | Offered by many resorts; check when you book |
| Public bus (RODA) | ~30–45 min | Cheapest, but a limited schedule |
By taxi
Licensed taxis wait at the rank just outside the arrivals hall, so you rarely queue for long. Rhodes taxis run on a meter, with legitimate extras on top such as an airport pick-up charge, a per-item luggage fee and a higher night tariff. Because the final figure depends on traffic and the exact address, it is sensible to ask the driver for a rough estimate before you set off. Payment is in euros; many drivers now take cards, but carry some cash in case. Use only the official cabs at the rank, see our airport taxis guide for how the meter and surcharges work.
Private transfer
A pre-booked transfer locks in a fixed price and puts a driver in the arrivals hall waiting for you, often with a name board. It is the calmest choice after a long flight, when you are travelling as a family or group, carrying a lot of luggage, or landing late at night. You can also size the vehicle to your party. Full detail is on our private transfers page.
Rental car
Several rental companies keep desks in the arrivals terminal. A car is the easiest way to reach the quieter beaches and the villages of the interior at your own pace; remember that traffic drives on the right, and you should carry your licence and booking documents. If you are heading straight for the coast, see our guide to the beaches and resorts.
Hotel shuttle and the public bus
- Hotel shuttle: many resorts run a complimentary or low-cost pick-up, so confirm the service and your flight details when you book the room.
- Public bus (RODA): the municipal RODA buses stop on the main road by the airport and run into Rhodes Town and the nearby north-west suburbs; for Faliraki, KTEL adds a direct summer line 25 from the airport (€3.50). They are the budget choice, but the schedule is limited and large suitcases are awkward, so they suit flexible, light packers.
Drive times, fares and timetables can change, so confirm the details locally close to your travel date.
