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Rhodes is one of the easiest Greek islands to reach and navigate, with an international airport, regular ferries, and a functioning year-round public bus network. This guide covers the practical logistics that make or break a trip: getting there, getting around, staying safe, and understanding local customs. For more on events and festivals, see our events and festivals.
Travel Tips for Rhodes: Getting There
Rhodes Diagoras International Airport (RHO) is 16km southwest of Rhodes Town on the west coast near the village of Paradeisi. It handles direct seasonal flights from most European countries (April-October) and year-round flights from Athens (50 minutes, EUR 50-100 one-way with Aegean Airlines or Sky Express). From the airport to Rhodes Town, the bus costs EUR 2.50 and takes 30-40 minutes, running every 20-40 minutes during the day. The bus stop is outside the arrivals hall. A taxi costs EUR 25-30 to Rhodes Town (EUR 30-35 to Ixia/Ialysos, EUR 75-85 to Lindos). Pre-booked private transfers run EUR 35-50 to Rhodes Town. Car rental desks (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, local agencies) are in the arrivals hall; book ahead in July-August. For more on things to do, see our things to do.
Ferries connect Rhodes to Athens (Piraeus), 13-17 hours overnight, and to nearby islands including Kos (2-3 hours), Symi (1.5 hours), and Kastellorizo (3 hours). Day trips to Symi are popular (EUR 25-35 return). Ferries dock at the commercial port or Kolona Harbour in Rhodes Town. Buy tickets online at FerryHopper or directly at the port offices. For Turkish day trips, catamarans run from Rhodes Town to Marmaris (1 hour, EUR 45-60 return including port taxes; you need your passport). For more on what to pack for different seasons, see the Rhodes weather by month guide. For more on where to stay, see our where to stay.
Travel Tips for Rhodes: Getting Around the Island
KTEL buses run from the main station at the port in Rhodes Town (Plateia Rimini) to most destinations. The Rhodes-Lindos bus (EUR 5.50, 1 hour 15 min) runs roughly hourly in summer, less frequently in winter. Buses to Faliraki (EUR 2.40, 30 min) depart every 30 minutes in summer. Bus schedules are posted at KTEL station and on their website (KTEL Rodou). In summer, the last bus back from Lindos leaves around 9 PM; verify the schedule on the day you travel. Taxis are metered: the flag drop is EUR 1.30 and the rate is about EUR 0.80/km. A taxi from Rhodes Town to Faliraki costs EUR 15-20, to Lindos EUR 55-65. Taxi ranks are at Mandraki Harbour, the port, and Plateia Kyprou. Rideshare apps do not operate on Rhodes.
A rental car gives you the most flexibility for reaching inland villages, Prasonisi, and the west coast. Prices start at EUR 25-35/day for a small car in shoulder season, EUR 50-80/day in August. Book in advance for July-August. Most agencies require the driver to be 21+ with at least one year of licence held. An International Driving Permit is not required for EU licence holders but some agencies may ask for one from non-EU visitors. Parking inside the Old Town is impossible; use the large car parks outside the walls (EUR 3-5/day). For the best areas to base yourself, the neighborhoods guide explains each area in detail.
Travel Tips for Rhodes: Money and Budget
Greece uses the euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available in Rhodes Town, Lindos, and Faliraki but charge EUR 2-4 per withdrawal on top of your home bank fees. Many smaller tavernas and shops in villages are cash-only, so carry EUR 50-100 in cash. Tipping is customary but not obligatory: round up to the nearest euro for coffee and drinks, leave 5-10% in restaurants if service was good, and tip taxi drivers a euro or two. Hotel porters expect EUR 1-2 per bag. A mid-range two-course meal with wine costs EUR 20-30 per person. Sunbed rental at organised beaches: EUR 8-15 per set in high season. A frappe (iced coffee) costs EUR 3-4. The best time to visit article covers which months offer the best value.
Travel Tips for Rhodes: Safety and Practicalities
Rhodes is a safe island with low crime rates. Pickpocketing can occur in the crowded Old Town alleys in August; keep valuables in a front pocket or zipped bag. Tap water in Rhodes Town is treated and safe to drink, but it has a slightly chlorinated taste. In villages and on the west coast, tap water may come from desalination and some locals prefer bottled water; ask at your hotel. Pharmacies (farmakeia) are marked by a green cross and can provide over-the-counter medication and basic medical advice. The main hospital (Andreas Papandreou General Hospital) is in Rhodes Town near the village of Agioi Apostoloi (3km south); dial 166 for emergencies. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC) is accepted. Travel insurance is strongly recommended as the public hospital has limited capacity in peak season.
Sun protection is serious on Rhodes: UV levels reach 9-10 in July/August. Bring high-SPF sunscreen (sold on the island but at higher prices), a hat, and sunglasses. Heat exhaustion is a real risk when visiting archaeological sites like Lindos Acropolis with zero shade. Carry at least 1.5 litres of water per person for any daytime excursion between June and September. Sea urchins are present on rocky sections of beaches; water shoes (EUR 10-15 at local shops) protect your feet. Jellyfish are rare but not impossible in August when sea temperatures peak. For what to expect in each season, see the Rhodes weather by month breakdown.
Travel Tips for Rhodes: Local Customs and Etiquette
Greeks are warm and hospitable, and a few cultural notes go a long way. Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries: cover shoulders and knees (wraps are often provided at the entrance). When entering a shop or taverna, a greeting of “Kalimera” (good morning) or “Kalispera” (good evening) is expected before launching into a request. Greeks eat late by northern European standards: dinner starts at 9 PM and restaurants fill up around 10 PM in summer. The siesta tradition means many shops close from 2 PM to 5 PM, reopening in the evening. Do not flush toilet paper anywhere on Rhodes: the sewage pipes are narrow and block easily. Use the bin provided next to the toilet. This applies to hotels, restaurants, and private homes across the entire island.
Travel Tips for Rhodes: Connectivity and Internet
Free WiFi is standard in hotels, cafes, and many tavernas. Mobile data coverage on the island is generally good in towns and along the coast but can be patchy in inland valleys and the far south (Prasonisi). EU visitors with roaming included in their plan can use their data without extra charges. Non-EU visitors can buy a prepaid Greek SIM at the Cosmote or Vodafone shops in Rhodes Town (EUR 10-15 for 5-10GB). The airport has a small kiosk selling SIM cards but prices are higher than in town.
Suggested Hotels in Rhodes
Rodos Park Suites & Spa
A five-star hotel a 5-minute walk from the Old Town walls with a rooftop pool and bar overlooking the Medieval City. Rooms are spacious with balconies and the spa offers massages and a hammam. Best for couples and luxury travellers who want Old Town proximity with full resort amenities. Check rates and availability
Trinity Boutique Hotel
A beautifully restored heritage building inside the Old Town walls with original stone architecture, a courtyard garden, and individually styled suites. Perfect for couples who want to stay within the medieval walls in a romantic, atmospheric setting. Check rates and availability
Hotel Galaxias
A family-run 3-star hotel in the New Town with a swimming pool, spacious rooms, and a generous included breakfast. A 10-minute walk to the Old Town gates. Best for families and budget-conscious travellers who want a pool without paying resort prices. Check rates and availability
