🚙 How to get around Rhodes: all the options (2025)

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Updated: April 29, 2025

Once you’re on the island, it’s time to figure out how to get around. Rhodes isn’t huge, but moving around can sometimes be tricky—some areas are well connected, others not so much. Picking the right way to get around can be the difference between a fun day of exploring or a long, boring wait at a bus stop.

Here I’ll break down all the ways to get around Rhodes depending on your travel style, budget, and patience level.

Table of Contents

Getting around Rhodes

1. Buses

This is the cheapest option and, surprisingly, a pretty good one if you’re staying in popular areas like Rhodes Town, Faliraki, or Lindos.

In Rhodes Town there are two buses stations operated by two companies: one for buses heading along the west coast and around Rhodes Town (DES Roda), and another for the east coast (Ktel Rodou).

Buses run fairly often, but don’t expect Swiss-style punctuality. For example, Lindos, one of the Rhodes must-sees spots, has quite a few buses throughout the day. But places like the Seven Springs or Butterfly Valley only get a few a day—and none during the low season.

During high season, buses can get crowded and you might have to stand. Still, tickets are cheap and the ride, even if slow, gives you nice views of the island.

It’s not the best option if you’re in a rush, traveling with little kids, want to explore hidden spots, or need to move around early in the morning or late at night. Also, there are no buses that connect the east and west coasts directly—you’ll have to go through Rhodes Town first.

Details you should know about each company:

🔹 DES Roda (West & Rhodes Town)

Color: White and blue
Routes: They cover several areas, some around Rhodes Town and others along the west coast, including the airport. They also run a line to Butterfly Valley (May to September), and in summer, they share the Rhodes-Kalithea route with Ktel Rodou.
Timetables and fares: These change quite a bit depending on the season, day of the week, and route. You can download the schedules on their website and check updated prices here .
Rhodes office: You can buy tickets at the office with either a card or cash. Round trips usually come with a small discount.
Ticket machines: There are machines near the office and at some major stops. They only take cash.
Onboard payment: Card only.

🔸 Ktel Rodou (East)

Color: White and orange
Routes: They cover the east coast and villages all the way down to Prasonisi, including Kalithea, Faliraki, Lindos, and Seven Springs.
Timetables and fares: These also vary a lot depending on the season and the route. You can download the schedule and price list on their website You’ll also find a QR code at most bus stops to download it.
Rhodes office: You can buy tickets there with either a card or cash.
Onboard payment: Cash only—better to have coins or small bills.

⭐ Related article: How to get from Rhodes Airport to the City Center and other areas.

2. Taxi

Taxis are a convenient option in Rhodes, and you can easily find one in the main towns or call one. There are also taxi stands in popular tourist areas.

Prices are usually fair if you’re not going too far, but if you’re planning of using taxis to explore the whole island, get ready to spend a bit. If you're traveling with a few people, though, it might be worth it—especially if you want to skip the August heat on a crowded bus.

The good thing is that fares between the main towns are fixed and posted on signs like the one in the photo below (those are from Rhodes Town).

Keep in mind that most taxi drivers only take cash, so if you want to pay by card, make sure to ask before you get in.

Just so you know—there’s no Uber or similar apps in Rhodes.

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3. Renting a Car

This is the best way to explore Rhodes on your own and my favorite. Renting a car gives you the freedom to find hidden beaches, inland villages, and just get around without worrying about bus times. Roads are in good shape, and driving is pretty easy even if you don’t speak Greek (most signs are also in English).

If you're visiting during high season, it's smart to book ahead. You can rent a car right at the airport or in the main towns. Prices depend on the season, car type, and where you rent, but you can usually find great deals if you book early.

I recommend this website to rent a car in Rhodes—it’s the one I personally use. I’ve found cars for as little as €5 a day in low season and about €35 in peak season. If not, you can also check this other site, that sometimes has really good prices.

✔️ Requirements to rent a car in Greece

Minimum Age: 21 (some companies require 23 or 25). Young driver surcharge may apply.
Driving license:
- Valid if you are from the EU.
- If you are from outside the EU, you’ll need an international driving permit.
License held for at least: 1 year (sometimes 2).
Credit Card in the driver's name for the deposit (some accept debit, but with restrictions).
Additional documentation: Passport.

4. Quad

Quads have become popular among tourists, mostly because you can rent one with just a regular driver’s license. But honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it. Every summer, there are accidents involving people who’ve never driven one before and decide to take them out on the road anyway.

They’re not as stable as they look. A lot of tourists end up flipping them and getting injured—sometimes it’s just broken bones, but it can be much worse. So if you don’t have experience, it’s better to be safe.

5. Scooter

Renting a scooter is a good option if you have experience and the right license (in Greece, a car license doesn’t cover scooters). In places like Faliraki, Kalithea, or Rhodes Town, it can be super convenient to get around on your own. Just be careful with the heat, traffic, and curvy roads if you head outside the towns.

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6. Bike & E-scooter

If you’re into eco-friendly travel or just want to go at a slower pace, you can rent a bike in Rhodes Town or in tourist areas like Faliraki. Just a heads-up—roads aren’t really designed for bikes, so it’s not the safest option outside the city center.

Still, for a chill ride along the seafront or short distances, it’s a nice alternative. You can also rent electric bikes and e-scooters.

7. Boat rental

A fun way to explore the coast is by renting a boat. In Rhodes Town, Faliraki, and other seaside spots, you’ll find well-maintained boats at fair prices. There are lots of options too—from catamarans, sailboats, and yachts to small boats that don’t require a license.

To rent a boat in Rhodes, I recommend this website. They have great prices and are super reliable.

8. Hop-on hop-off bus

A fun and easy way to get around Rhodes Town is by taking the hop-on hop-off bus. It stops near all the main attractions in both the medieval city of Rhodes and the modern part of the city. I recommend this one —it’s pretty affordable.

9. Day trips

If you don’t want to drive or deal with buses, joining a day trip is a great option. You’ll find ones that take you to Lindos or to beaches with crystal-clear water. Some go by bus, others by boat—it’s a great way to explore the island.

Here are some of the best day trips on the island:

Boat trip to Lindos: the most beautiful acropolis on the island
Full-day trip to the Seven Springs and Butterflies Valley
Cruise tour: visit the medieval town of Rhodes and Lindos in one day

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Final Thoughts

These are all the ways to get around Rhodes. Each one has its pros and cons. If you’re staying in the city, buses or taxis work great. If you want to explore the whole island, renting a car is your best bet. And if you just want to relax, organized tours might be the way to go.

No matter what you choose, Rhodes is best explored at a slow pace. Because here, even the drive between two villages can be part of the adventure.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘