Last updated: 29 July 2026
Why Rent a Car in Rhodes?
Rhodes Old Town is one of Europe's largest inhabited medieval centres and absolutely must be explored on foot — cars cannot enter the historic walls. The case for a rental car is the rest of the island, which stretches over 50 kilometres from north to south: Lindos's Acropolis village, the spring-fed Valley of the Butterflies, the inland wine villages of Embonas, and the southern beaches all need driving access.
🏆 Top Drive from Rhodes
East coast road from Rhodes Town to Lindos — this is the drive that makes renting a car in Rhodes truly worthwhile.
Compare Car Rental Providers in Rhodes
Rhodes' island rental market is highly seasonal with limited inventory in peak summer. Booking 6–8 weeks ahead and comparing across platforms is the only way to secure a reasonable rate for July–August.
| Provider | Coverage | Best For | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|
 Localrent.com | Operates in Greece — local agencies from its 60-destination network, small deposits | Lowest prices from local Greek operators — 15–20% prepaid, small or no deposit | Check Prices |
 QEEQ | Covers Greece among ~200 countries — 1,000+ rental partners | Price Drop Protector — automatic rebooking if the rate falls before pickup | Check Prices |
 Economybookings.com | Covers Greece among 150+ countries — 800+ rental companies, 20,000+ pickup points | Seeing the widest range of offers in Greece in one search | Check Prices |
 AutoEurope | Books Greece through its broker network — ~190 countries, 28,000 pickup points | One-way itineraries in Greece and across Europe — 70 years of them | Check Prices |
 GetRentacar.com | Greece is in its directory of 80 countries with active listings | Local marketplace prices in Greece — debit cards accepted, from age 18 | Check Prices |
Driving Tips for Rhodes
Greek conventions apply — right-hand traffic, 90 km/h on rural Rhodes roads — but the island's interior mountain villages have single-track roads requiring you to reverse into passing places. Fuel costs around €1.85/L, with the cheapest stations located in Rhodes Town itself rather than the southern beach resorts.
Local tip: Rhodes Old Town is a strict pedestrian zone — park at the dedicated lots near the Akantia gate or the harbour. Both have reasonable daily rates and are within a 5-minute walk of the main historic area.
Best Time to Visit & Drive in Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes operates on the same dramatic seasonal cycle as other Greek islands — late June through early September is peak, with August commanding double the shoulder-season rates. May, early June, and September offer the optimal balance of weather, crowds, and price. The interior mountain villages of Embonas and Siana are best driven in spring when wildflowers blanket the roadsides. Winter rentals are extremely limited as most island operators close, and ferry connections to neighbouring Symi and Halki run on reduced schedules. Avoid renting during major religious festivals like the August 15 Assumption when island traffic peaks and accommodation prices triple. The Rhodes Marathon in late October is small enough not to disrupt rentals significantly. Easter weekend on Rhodes is more elaborate than mainland Greece — book accommodation and rental car at least 6 weeks ahead.
Car Hire at Rhodes Airport (RHO)
Rhodes International Airport (Diagoras / RHO) places rental desks immediately outside the arrivals hall, with no covered walkway during the long summer rains. About 10 brands compete here, and prices for the same compact car can vary by €15/day between adjacent counters — comparison literally takes one minute.