Rhodes Transport Tips – Best Ways to Travel Around the Island (2026)

Rhodes transport tips covering taxis, buses, transfers and car rental, with real prices, mistakes to avoid and local advice for stress-free travel.

Looneytravels

11/24/202514 min read

This guide is part of my Discover Rhodes Transport collection — local insight to help you understand the island, its culture, seasons, costs, and how everything fits together.

⭐ Rhodes Transport Tips 2026 – How to Travel Around the Island Like a Local

Hi traveller — I’m Looneytravels, your friendly Rhodes local. I live here year-round, exploring every resort, every road, every hidden beach and every bus route so your holiday becomes smoother, cheaper and completely stress-free.

Rhodes transport tips can make the difference between a smooth holiday and daily travel frustration. This local guide shares practical advice, real travel times and common mistakes visitors make when using taxis, buses, transfers and car rental across the island.

If you want a quick overview comparing all transport options before diving into detailed advice, start with my Getting Around Rhodes guide.

Many travellers also plan transport together with sightseeing and activity days, so you may also want to explore Best Things to Do in Rhodes while planning how you’ll move around the island.

taxis
buses
private transfers
car rental
parking rules
scooters & quad warnings
best choices based on your travel style
insider micro-tips
real distances, prices & times

Before planning routes, choose the right base first. Compare real availability and seasonal prices inside Rhodes Island Greece Hotels, then read Where to Stay in Rhodes for First Time – Best Areas (2026) to reduce transport costs from day one.
If you’re travelling without a car, read Where to Stay in Rhodes Without a Car before booking.

Grab the FREE Rhodes Pocket Planner (instant download) — the hidden shortcut to easy boat trip bookings, must-do experiences, and smoother holiday planning.

Let’s make your Rhodes holiday easy from the moment you land.

If you're planning your arrival from the airport, comparing transport comfort, travel times and fixed pricing can make a huge difference — especially after a long flight.

👉 See the full breakdown here: Rhodes Airport Transfers (2026) – Private Hotel Pickup

⭐ Getting Started With Transport in Rhodes

Rhodes is one of the largest Greek islands, stretching:

78 km long (north to south)
up to 38 km wide
with beaches, mountain villages, forests, hidden bays and resort strips scattered across the coastline

Because the island is large, choosing the right way to move around impacts your entire holiday.

What most first-timers misunderstand:

❌ Buses are good — but slow and full in summer
❌ You cannot drive into Rhodes Old Town or Lindos village
❌ Taxis are safe, but limited during peak hours
❌ Scooters & quads are not a safe choice
❌ Transfer services can be cheaper than taxis for long routes

And the #1 mistake:

Staying far from your beach or bus stop.

If you’re still choosing a base, read Where to Stay in Rhodes – All Best Areas and Where to Stay in Rhodes Without a Car first.
Choosing the right location reduces transport costs more than any bus or taxi trick.

⭐ Taxis in Rhodes – Safe, Reliable & Everywhere

Taxis are one of the easiest ways to travel around Rhodes. You’ll find taxi stands at:

Rhodes Airport
Rhodes Town (Mandraki, Old Town Gates, Elli Beach area)
Faliraki
Kolymbia
Lindos
Afandou
Ixia
Ialysos
Kiotari (summer station)

There is no Uber or Bolt on Rhodes.

⭐ Typical Taxi Prices in Rhodes (2026 Updated)

Airport → Rhodes Town: €27–30
Airport → Faliraki: €28–32
Airport → Kolymbia: €40–48
Airport → Lindos: €85–100
Rhodes Town → Faliraki: €19–22
Rhodes Town → Kolymbia: €25–32
Rhodes Town → Lindos: €70–85
Faliraki → Lindos: €55–65
Ixia → Rhodes Old Town: €8–12

Check my Rhodes Taxi Prices – Full Guide with Prices for detailed fare lists, airport routes and real local pricing — and if you want transport combined with sightseeing or excursions, you can also compare organised routes inside Best Guided Tours in Rhodes.

Distances to help you understand pricing:

Rhodes Town ↔ Lindos: 48 km
Faliraki ↔ Lindos: 35 km
Kolymbia ↔ Lindos: 25 km

⭐ How Payments Work

✔ Cash preferred
✔ Card sometimes accepted — but never rely on it
✔ Always ask: “Is card OK?” before entering
✔ Hotel taxi call fee: €2–3 surcharge
✔ Night surcharge may apply after 00:00

⭐ Local Taxi Tips From a Rhodes Resident

✔ Taxi ranks show fixed prices — no surprises
✔ July–August queues can form at taxi stations
✔ Drivers are friendly but may drive fast
✔ In Lindos, taxis cannot enter the village
✔ At the airport, taxis run 24/7 without reservation

External reference: Lonely Planet confirms taxis are widely available but busier in peak season.

⭐ Pros & Cons of Taxis

Pros
✔ Fast for short distances
✔ Always available
✔ Safe and reliable
✔ Good for families & seniors

Cons
❌ Expensive for long routes
❌ Harder to find during storms or heatwaves
❌ Drivers may decline long card payments

⭐ Private Transfers – The Most Comfortable Way to Travel in Rhodes

Private transfers offer a more relaxed experience, especially after a long flight or during peak summer crowds. Many travellers also combine transfers with scenic stops, cultural visits or full island excursions featured inside Best Guided Tours in Rhodes.

Sea-based sightseeing is also very popular, especially for Lindos and coastal bays, which you can compare inside Best Boat Trips in Rhodes.

Many visitors switch to private transfers once they compare comfort vs taxi rush.

If you want fixed prices, luggage space and a stress-free arrival, compare options inside Rhodes Local Deals & Exclusive Discounts, where I list trusted partner transfer services with your Looneytravels discount included.

⭐ Why Private Transfers Are Better

✔ Professional, calm drivers
✔ No rushing, no aggressive driving
✔ No hidden fees
✔ Ideal for airport pickups
✔ Guaranteed space for luggage
✔ Perfect for families, seniors, couples
✔ 24/7 availability
✔ Often cheaper than taxis on long routes

If you want to understand when transfers are actually cheaper than taxis, which resorts benefit most, and what realistic travel times look like, read the full guide here:

👉 Rhodes Airport Transfers – Private Hotel Pickup

⭐ Looneytravels Recommended Transfer Partner

G.E.S Travel Agency
A trusted local partner I’ve worked with for years — reliable, friendly, and ideal for stress-free transfers and private tours.

👉You can Request a quote via WhatsApp — the message is prefilled with Looneytravels, so the 10% discount is applied automatically.

⭐ Transfer Pros & Cons

Pros
✔ Safest overall option
✔ Best for long distances
✔ Perfect for late-night arrivals
✔ If you have luggage, this is the easiest choice

Cons
❌ Must be pre-booked
❌ Slightly higher cost than taxis for short 5–7 km trips

⭐ Understanding Buses in Rhodes (Full Breakdown)

Rhodes has two separate bus systems, each covering different parts of the island:

🔵 RODA (Blue Buses) – West Coast
🟠 KTEL (Orange Buses) – East Coast

Both systems start in Rhodes Town.

Important:

Rhodes buses are very cheap, but also slow and crowded from June to September. If you’re planning sightseeing days using public transport, you can compare routes that work well by bus inside Best Day Trips in Rhodes.

Check real-time Rhodes bus routes, timetables and ticket prices inside the Rhodes Bus Guide.

⭐ Blue Buses (RODA) – West Coast Routes

Covers:
Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialysos, Kremasti, Paradeisi, Theologos, Soroni, Damatria, Pastida, Eleousa, Archipoli, Dimilia, Embonas, Siana, Monolithos, Ancient Kamiros.

New 2025 route:
Airport → Kallithea → Faliraki → Kolymbia

Tickets:

Cash to driver
Kiosks in bigger towns

Frequency: Every 15–30 minutes
Issue: Skip stops when full

Useful for:

Ixia
Ialysos
West coast villages
Budget travellers

⭐ Orange Buses (KTEL) – East Coast Routes

Covers:
Rhodes Town, Faliraki, Kalithies, Afandou, Kolymbia, Archangelos, Haraki, Malona, Massari, Lindos, Pefkos, Lardos, Kiotari, Gennadi, Lachania, Kattavia, Prasonisi.

Tickets:

Driver (cash/card)
Station booths (Rhodes Town & Lindos)

Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes
Issue: Lindos buses full daily in high season

External reference: Visit Greece notes buses are affordable but crowded in summer.

⭐ Pros & Cons of Buses

Pros
✔ Cheapest way to travel
✔ Good for short distances
✔ Ideal for car-free travellers staying in Faliraki, Kolymbia or Rhodes Town

Cons
❌ Slow — 2 hours to Lindos
❌ Standing room only in summer
❌ Last buses extremely full
❌ Timetables change seasonally

If you rely mainly on buses, start with Where to Stay in Rhodes Without a Car to choose a base that actually works without driving. Check real-time Rhodes bus routes, timetables and ticket prices inside the Rhodes Bus Guide.

⭐ Car Rental in Rhodes – Best for Exploring

Renting a car is the best choice for travellers who want:

Hidden beaches
Mountain villages
West coast sunset spots
Remote monasteries
Scenic drives
Freedom without timetables

Rhodes is one of the most road-trip-friendly islands in Greece.

Many travellers realise that 2–3 long taxi rides can cost more than renting a small car for the entire day.
To compare trusted local providers with full insurance, no hidden deposits and real local support, check Car Rental Rhodes before booking.

⭐ Why Renting a Car Helps

✔ Explore Rhodes your way
✔ Air-conditioning in summer
✔ Discover quiet beaches
✔ Perfect for families
✔ Easier for grocery runs
✔ See more in fewer days

Average drive times:
Rhodes Town → Lindos: 48 km (45–55 min)
Faliraki → Lindos: 35 km (30–40 min)
Kolymbia → Tsambika Beach: 7 km (10 min)
Pefkos → Prasonisi: 42 km (45 min)

If you want to compare trusted local providers and avoid hidden deposits or excess fees, you can explore options inside Car Rental Rhodes.

⭐ Car Rental Prices in Rhodes 2026

Small car, per day:

April: €25–35
May: €30–40
June: €40–55
July: €55–75
August: €60–85
September: €40–55
October: €30–40

⭐ Recommended Provider – Looneytravels Local Partner

Siech Rent a Car (North Rhodes)

✔ No deposit
✔ Full insurance
✔ New cars
✔ Professional staff

Mention “Looneytravels” for a Juicy discount.

See Car Rental Rhodes for full driving rules, local provider comparisons, pricing tips and trusted rental partners with full insurance.

⭐ Important Local Driving Warnings

❌ Avoid online 3rd-party rental websites
❌ Avoid scooters and quads
❌ Never drive inside Medieval Rhodes Old Town
❌ Never enter Lindos village center
❌ Watch for goats on mountain roads
❌ Avoid driving the west coast at sunset (glare)
❌ Park ONLY in approved lots in Lindos

External reference: Travel + Leisure confirms car rental is the ideal way to explore remote Rhodes areas.

⭐ Scooters, Quads & ATVs in Rhodes – Local Warning

This is the section almost every traveller thanks me for.

Scooter and ATV accidents are the most common tourist injuries on the island.

⭐ Why Scooters & Quads Are Dangerous in Rhodes

❌ Strong coastal winds on the west coast
❌ Slippery corners on mountain roads
❌ Heavy traffic around Faliraki & Rhodes Town
❌ Inexperienced drivers
❌ No protective clothing
❌ Cars misjudge distance

External reference: European travel insurance policies often do not cover quad accidents without special licensing.

⭐ Why to avoid Renting Scooters

✔ Crosswinds push you sideways
✔ Rhodes drivers are not used to scooters
✔ Heat exhaustion leads to mistakes
✔ Serious accidents every summer

If you want safety and full freedom to explore the island, renting a properly insured car is strongly recommended. You can compare trusted local companies and full-insurance options inside Car Rental Rhodes.

⭐ Parking in Rhodes Town & Lindos

Parking rules confuse many visitors — here’s the clear version.

⭐ Parking in Rhodes Town

Free parking:

Marina area
Akandia Port

Paid parking:

Mandraki area
Elli Beach parking lot
New Town blue-zone areas

NEVER:
❌ Drive into Medieval Old Town
❌ Park near moat entrances
❌ Block narrow alleys

Best times to find parking:
Before 10:00 or after 18:00.

For exploring Old Town attractions, cultural landmarks and walking routes, you can also explore ideas inside Best Things to Do in Rhodes and Best Guided Tours in Rhodes.

⭐ Parking in Lindos

✔ Large official parking lots outside the village
✔ Shuttle bus from parking to village entrance
✔ Walking path available

NEVER:
❌ Attempt driving inside Lindos — impossible + illegal
❌ Park on residential alleys

Parking is easy until 10:30, difficult after.

See Rhodes Lindos Travel Guide 2026 for exploring the village like a local.

⭐ Choosing the Best Transport for Your Rhodes Holiday

Best for families:
Private transfers + rental car

Best for couples:
Transfer to hotel + rental car for 1–2 days

Best for solo travellers:
Buses + taxis for short trips

Best for explorers:
Rental car for entire trip

If you’re still planning your overall itinerary, accommodation and transport strategy together, my Plan Your Rhodes Trip hub helps you organise everything step-by-step using local knowledge.

👉You can combine scenic drives, cultural stops and hidden beaches using routes suggested inside Best Day Trips in Rhodes and Best Experiences in Rhodes.

Best for budget travellers:
Buses + one rental car day

Best for non-drivers:
Faliraki, Kolymbia, Rhodes Town
(see Where to Stay in Rhodes Without a Car)

If you’re building your full route — beaches, villages, boat days and cultural stops — structure it first using Best Day Trips in Rhodes, then decide which transport option makes the most financial sense.

For sea-based sightseeing days (Lindos, Symi, Anthony Quinn Bay), compare routes inside Best Boat Trips in Rhodes before booking taxis unnecessarily.

Before flying you may also want to read: Flying to Rhodes from the UK – Entry Rules, Flights & Airport Tips

⭐ FAQ – Transport in Rhodes (2026 Long-Form SEO Edition)

Here are expanded answers to the most searched transport questions about Rhodes.

❓ Is Rhodes easy to get around without a car?

Yes — if you stay in Rhodes Town, Faliraki or Kolymbia.
Buses run frequently, taxis are everywhere, and many attractions are walkable.

If you stay in Kiotari, Gennadi or inland villages, transportation becomes more difficult.

Read Where to Stay in Rhodes Without a Car for the full breakdown.

Choosing the right accommodation area dramatically affects transport ease, so many travellers compare locations inside Rhodes Island Greece Hotels before booking.

❓ What is the best way to get from Rhodes Airport to my hotel?

For comfort and fixed pricing → private transfer

For quick arrival → taxi

For budget → public bus (KTEL or RODA depending on direction)

Most travellers now pre-book airport transfers because they remove waiting, guarantee vehicle size and allow direct hotel drop-offs. You can compare organised transfer options and sightseeing combinations inside Best Guided Tours in Rhodes.

Most travellers worry about how they’ll reach their hotel after landing — especially when visiting Rhodes for the first time. Airport arrival logistics can feel confusing, so these resort-specific guides make planning your transfer much easier.

❓Can I read detailed airport transport guides for specific resorts?

Yes — if you want a clearer picture of travel time, taxi fares, bus availability and the easiest way to reach your exact resort after landing, I’ve created detailed airport arrival guides for the main areas across the island.

These explain realistic transfer duration, arrival expectations and which option works best depending on luggage, arrival time and travel style.

Airport to major resorts

Helpful airport transfer tips

Airport arrival tips & problem scenarios

These guides help you choose the smoothest arrival option before you travel.

If you prefer a fixed-price pickup with a driver waiting at arrivals, you can also arrange your transfer directly inside my Rhodes Airport Transfers guide.

❓ Are buses in Rhodes reliable?

Public buses in Rhodes are reliable for short resort-to-resort travel, especially between Rhodes Town, Faliraki, Kolymbia and Lindos. However, during peak summer months buses often become crowded, slower and less predictable — particularly on long routes.

Travellers using buses should expect:

• Standing room on busy summer routes
• Possible delays on Rhodes Town → Lindos journeys
• Very full return buses during late afternoon and evening

If you plan sightseeing days using buses, you can compare realistic routes and travel times inside Best Day Trips in Rhodes. Travellers staying without a car should also read Where to Stay in Rhodes Without a Car to choose accommodation close to reliable bus routes.

For Bus timetable and prices you can look inside my Rhodes Bus Guide.

❓ Is driving in Rhodes safe for visitors?

Driving in Rhodes is generally safe and straightforward, especially between resort areas and main coastal roads. Most beaches, villages and attractions are easily accessible by car, making driving one of the most flexible ways to explore the island.

For safe driving in Rhodes:

✔ Avoid scooters and quads
✔ Never drive inside Old Town or Lindos village centre
✔ Watch for animals on rural and mountain roads
✔ Drive slowly through villages and narrow roads
✔ Use offline navigation maps

Driving is especially useful if you plan scenic routes, cultural stops or beach-hopping days. You can find ready-made driving ideas inside Best Day Trips in Rhodes and Best Experiences in Rhodes.

If you want to compare trusted local providers with full insurance and no hidden deposits, see Car Rental Rhodes.

❓ Should I rent a car or rely on buses in Rhodes?

The best transport option depends on your travel style, accommodation location and itinerary plans.

Rent a car if:

• You want to visit remote beaches and hidden bays
• You stay in southern resorts like Kiotari or Gennadi
• You want to explore mountain villages and scenic drives
• You are travelling with children or groups

Use buses if:

• You stay in Rhodes Town or Faliraki
• You mainly want beach days and short resort travel
• You are travelling on a tighter budget

Many travellers combine car rental with sightseeing routes, cultural stops and beach-hopping days suggested inside Best Day Trips in Rhodes and Best Experiences in Rhodes.

For comparing reliable local rental companies and full-insurance options, visit Car Rental Rhodes.

❓ What is the best way to travel from Rhodes Town to Lindos?

The best route between Rhodes Town and Lindos depends on your budget, comfort preference and travel style.

Fastest option → rental car
Most relaxing option → boat trip from Mandraki Harbour
Cheapest option → KTEL public bus
Most comfortable option → private transfer

Many visitors also combine Lindos travel with sightseeing stops, coastal viewpoints and swimming bays. You can explore these combined routes inside Best Guided Tours in Rhodes and Best Day Trips in Rhodes.

❓ How far is Lindos from Rhodes Town?

Lindos is located approximately 48 km south of Rhodes Town.

Typical travel times:

Bus → around 90 minutes
Car → approximately 45–55 minutes
Taxi → typically €70–85 depending on season

Travellers often combine Lindos with nearby beaches and cultural stops, which you can plan using routes inside Best Experiences in Rhodes.

❓ Can I reach Prasonisi by bus?

Yes, Prasonisi can be reached by bus, but services are limited and usually operate only once or twice per day, depending on season. Because of this, most travellers prefer renting a car or joining organised excursions.

Prasonisi is often combined with scenic drives, west-coast villages and monastery stops. You can compare suggested routes and organised excursions inside Best Day Trips in Rhodes and Best Guided Tours in Rhodes.

If you prefer independent travel, compare providers inside Car Rental Rhodes.

❓ Are scooters or quads legal for tourists in Rhodes?

Scooters and ATVs are legal in Rhodes, but they are strongly discouraged by locals due to safety risks.

Visitors should know:

• Correct licence categories are legally required
• Travel insurance often excludes quad or scooter accidents
• Coastal winds and mountain roads increase accident risk
• Summer traffic can be difficult for inexperienced riders

For safety, most travellers choose full-insurance rental cars instead. You can compare trusted local providers and driving advice inside Car Rental Rhodes.

❓ Is parking free in Rhodes?

Parking availability in Rhodes varies by location and season.

Free parking areas include:

• Marina and Akandia Port areas
• Many beach parking zones
• Most village car parks

Paid parking areas include:

• Mandraki Harbour area
• Elli Beach parking zones
• New Town blue-zone streets

Driving is restricted inside Old Town and Lindos village centre.

Travellers planning beach-focused or sightseeing-heavy trips usually find driving easiest when combining routes and attractions suggested inside Best Experiences in Rhodes.

❓ How much does fuel cost in Rhodes?

Fuel prices in Rhodes typically range between €1.95 and €2.10 per litre (2026 estimates), depending on season and station location. Most fuel stations across the island operate long opening hours, especially on main coastal roads.

Travellers planning road trips or scenic driving routes can find suggested island itineraries and driving distances inside Best Day Trips in Rhodes and Plan Your Rhodes Trip.

❓Is renting a car worth considering alongside other transport options?

For travellers comparing flexibility, comfort, and overall travel costs, these guides explain when car rental adds value, what risks to understand, and how to avoid the most common booking regrets.

These guides help you feel confident, avoid common rental stress, and understand when having a car genuinely improves your Rhodes experience.

❓ What is the best way to travel around Rhodes for a first-time visit?

The best transport method depends on your travel style. Buses work well for simple resort travel, taxis and transfers provide comfort, and rental cars give the most freedom for exploring the island. If you're still planning your overall holiday structure, accommodation location and daily routes, my Plan Your Rhodes Trip hub helps you organise transport together with your full itinerary using local knowledge.

⭐ Final Thoughts

Transport becomes easy when you choose the right base.

If you’re still unsure where to stay, return to Where to Stay in Rhodes – All Best Areas or Where to Stay in Rhodes Without a Car to pick the location that matches your travel style.

I hope these Rhodes transport tips help you move around the island confidently and avoid the common travel mistakes visitors make each year.

If you want to organise your full trip properly:

• Start with Best Things to Do in Rhodes for the full activity overview
• Compare curated tours inside Best Experiences in Rhodes
• Plan scenic routes using Best Day Trips in Rhodes
• Structure your entire week using the Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary
• Get complete insider planning inside the Rhodes Travel Guide 2026 – Digital Guide by Local Expert

Wishing you smooth rides and unforgettable adventures around Rhodes. 🌞🚕🚌🚗🏝