Rhodes Airport to Rhodes Town: Private Transfer vs Taxi vs Bus (2026 Guide)

5 October 2026 · 6 min read · Transfer Rhodes by Rodos Tours

Rhodes International Airport "Diagoras" (IATA code RHO) sits on the west coast of the island, next to the village of Paradisi, roughly 14 km south-west of Rhodes Town. The drive takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and on where exactly you are staying: the New Town, the Old Town gates or a hotel along the beach road.

You have three realistic ways to cover that distance: a pre-booked private transfer, a taxi from the airport rank, or the public bus. Each one works, but they are very different experiences after a long flight. Here is an honest comparison.

Option 1: Private airport transfer (from €40)

A private transfer is booked before you fly. Your driver tracks your flight, waits for you in the arrivals hall with a sign showing your name, helps with the luggage and drives you straight to your door. The price is fixed per vehicle, not per person, and agreed in advance.

• ✓Price: €40 in a sedan for up to 3 passengers between Rhodes Airport and Rhodes Town. Minivans for 4 or more passengers start from €50.
• ✓Waiting: none. The car is already there when you walk out, even if your flight lands late.
• ✓Best for: families, couples, groups, late-night arrivals and anyone with a lot of luggage.

The biggest advantage shows up in peak season (June to September), when several charter flights land within the same hour. That is exactly when the taxi queue grows and the buses fill up. A pre-booked car takes that uncertainty out of your arrival.

Option 2: Taxi from the airport rank

Licensed taxis wait outside the arrivals hall. They are metered, so the final fare depends on the time of day (a higher night tariff applies), the exact destination and any extras such as luggage. There is nothing wrong with a taxi, but you cannot book a specific car in advance at the rank and you may need to queue.

• ✓Price: metered, so it varies. Ask the driver for an estimate before you set off.
• ✓Waiting: short off-season, but queues can be long when several flights land at once in summer.
• ✓Best for: travellers who did not pre-book and arrive outside peak hours.

Option 3: Public bus

Public buses connect the airport with Rhodes Town. It is the cheapest option, costing just a few euros per person, but it is also the slowest. Buses stop along the west coast villages, run on a timetable that is thinner early in the morning and late at night, and leave you at the central bus station near Mandraki, from where you still need to walk or take another ride to your hotel.

• ✓Price: a few euros per person. Check the current timetable and fares locally, as they change by season.
• ✓Waiting: depends on the timetable. A missed bus can mean a long wait.
• ✓Best for: solo travellers with light luggage and flexible plans.

Quick comparison

Is a private transfer cheaper than a taxi?

For two or three people it is usually similar or cheaper, and you know the price before you land. Because a transfer is priced per car, a family of three pays €40 in total for Rhodes Town, roughly €13 each, with meet & greet included. For four or more people a minivan from €50 is often the most economical option of all, since you would otherwise need two taxis.

Tips for arriving at Rhodes Airport

• ✓Share your flight number, not just the landing time. Your driver then follows delays automatically.
• ✓Turn on your phone after landing. WhatsApp is the quickest way to reach your driver if you are held up at baggage claim.
• ✓Mention child seats when booking. They are free on request, but they need to be in the car before the pick-up.
• ✓Staying in the Old Town? Cars cannot drive inside the medieval walls. Your driver will drop you at the nearest gate.
• ✓Book early for July and August. Demand peaks with charter flights, so reserving a few days ahead guarantees your car.

The bottom line

If you value a calm arrival, a known price and someone waiting with your name, a private transfer is the easiest way from Rhodes Airport to Rhodes Town, and at €40 per car it costs less than most people expect. The bus is the budget choice for light travellers, and the taxi rank remains a fallback when you have not booked anything.

FAQ