Rhodes is one of Greece’s most popular islands, welcoming millions of visitors every year. The island has one main airport, and knowing all the details about how it operates will help you organize your trip smoothly and stress-free. In this blog, we cover everything you need to know — from location and transport connections to airport infrastructure and seasonal tips.
Rhodes Airport: Diagoras
Rhodes is served by a single civil airport — Rhodes International Airport Diagoras (IATA code: RHO). It is located about 14 kilometers southwest of Rhodes Town, near the village of Paradisi. Although it is the only airport on the island, it successfully handles the large influx of tourists, especially during the summer months.
Diagoras Airport serves both international and domestic flights. During the high season, flights arrive from most major European cities, as well as from Athens, Thessaloniki, and other regions of Greece.
Infrastructure and Services
Although Rhodes Airport is relatively compact, it is well-equipped to ensure a comfortable experience. There is a single passenger terminal serving both arrivals and departures. Inside, you’ll find airline counters, information points, duty-free shops, cafés, ATMs, car rental desks, and seating areas.
The airport has recently undergone modernization, with improved waiting areas, better logistics, and new check-in counters and information displays. However, in peak summer months, queues may still occur, especially at passport control and baggage drop-off, so it is recommended to arrive at least three hours before your departure.
How to Get To and From Rhodes Airport
Rhodes Airport offers convenient transport options:
Taxi — the most comfortable choice, especially if you have luggage or are traveling with children. The journey takes around 20 minutes.
Bus — regular buses run between the airport and Rhodes bus station, with a travel time of about 35–40 minutes. Tickets can be purchased from the driver or vending machines.
Car rental — several major car rental brands have desks right in the terminal. Renting a car is a popular option for tourists who wish to explore the island on their own. You can also book your vehicle in advance at secrental.com to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Hotel transfer — many hotels offer their own transfer services to and from the airport, which is convenient and saves you the hassle of finding transport on arrival.
High-Season Airport Tips
From April to October, Rhodes experiences its peak tourist season, with passenger numbers increasing several times over. July and August are especially busy. To avoid delays and crowds, try to book flights outside peak hours (early morning or late evening) and use online check-in whenever possible.
During high season, there are also significantly more charter flights from countries like Germany, the UK, France, Italy, and Scandinavia. This can lead to limited check-in counters and longer queues, particularly for international flights.
The duty-free shop at the airport is open until late in the evening and offers a wide selection of products, from souvenirs to cosmetics and alcoholic beverages. If you are traveling with children, you will find baby-changing rooms and dedicated family areas in the terminal. There are also assistance counters for passengers with reduced mobility.
Alternatives and Interesting Facts
There are no other civilian airports on Rhodes, making Diagoras Airport the island’s sole air gateway. In the past, a small military airfield operated on the island, but it is no longer available for civilian use. Some travelers also choose to fly into Athens and then reach Rhodes by ferry.
Interesting fact: Rhodes Airport is named after Diagoras, a famous ancient Greek athlete who symbolizes the physical and spiritual strength of the island. The name honors Rhodes’ rich cultural and historical heritage.
Car Rental at Rhodes Airport
Renting a car at Rhodes Airport is one of the best ways to start your island adventure right after landing. Diagoras Airport hosts many international and local car rental providers, offering a wide range of vehicles and competitive terms.
One of the most popular online booking services is secrental.com, which offers a great selection of vehicles with clear rental conditions and a user-friendly filter system by car type, price, insurance options, and more.
Upon arrival, you can pick up your reserved vehicle in the arrivals area of the terminal, where rental company counters are located. Some providers also offer free shuttle transfers to parking areas just 2–3 minutes from the airport.
To rent a car, you will need:
A valid international driving permit (or Greek/EU license)
A passport
A bank card (usually a credit card)
Before signing the contract, carefully inspect the vehicle for scratches or damage and take photos. Also check fuel policies, mileage limits, and insurance coverage conditions.
Car rental is an excellent choice for travelers who want to explore Rhodes without restrictions — from hidden beaches to mountain villages and ancient ruins. Thanks to the airport’s convenient location, you can quickly join the island’s main road network and head in any direction you wish.
Rhodes Airport is a compact but modern hub that ensures a smooth arrival and departure from one of Greece’s most beautiful islands. When planning your trip to Rhodes, you can be confident that Diagoras Airport will offer all essential services and help you start or finish your vacation comfortably. Knowing how the airport operates can save you time, help you avoid stress, and make your journey as pleasant as possible.
Find the best car rental deals on Rhodes and Crete at secrental.com! Convenient search tools, a wide vehicle selection, and attractive prices will guarantee maximum comfort for your island adventures.
