Tips for Renting a Car Inexpensively in Rhodes
Looking for a cheap car rental in Rhodes? With Economybookings, you can easily compare different companies to find the best deals on cheap car hire in Rhodes. Rhodes combines a historic town, beaches, and charming villages, so renting a car makes a lot of sense if you want to see more than just the area around your accommodation.
- Compare pick-up options between the airport and other locations, and see whether it works out better to have the car from day one or collect it later.
- For most trips, a compact car is enough and is usually the cheapest option.
- If your plan is to explore beaches and villages at a relaxed pace, there is usually no need to go too far up in category.
- Book early. If you're travelling in high season, it's worth reserving your rental car in advance for better prices and wider availability.
Tips when renting a car in Rhodes
- Rhodes Airport has rental companies in the arrivals area, so it's the most convenient place to pick up the car.
- If you're planning to spend quite a bit of time in Rhodes Town, it's better to choose a small car that's easy to park.
- The airport's official car park operates 24 hours a day, which is useful if you're returning the car early or arriving at an odd hour.
- When you pick up the car, carefully check the fuel level, insurance cover, and any existing marks or scratches.
Driving tips in Rhodes
- Always carry your driver's license, rental contract, and insurance documents.
- Drive on the right and overtake on the left. Always signal before any manoeuvre.
- In Rhodes, the streets around the historic centre and some tourist areas are narrow and often busy with pedestrians, so drive slowly and carefully.
- In Greece, driving under the influence of alcohol is not allowed. The legal limit is 0.5 g/L, dropping to 0.2 g/L for new and professional drivers, and fines can exceed €200.
- If you're visiting Rhodes Town, a very convenient option is to leave the car for free at the Akantia municipal car park, near the old commercial harbour. The local council also runs a free minibus from Akantia to the centre, departing every 20 minutes from Monday to Saturday.
- If you're picking up or returning your rental car at Rhodes Airport, the official car park is open 24 hours a day, and the first 20 minutes are free.
Speed limits
In Rhodes, the general speed limits used in Greece apply.
- 110 km/h (68 mph) on signposted main roads.
- 90 km/h (55 mph) on roads outside built-up areas.
- 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas.
On both the coastal road and the approaches to tourist areas, you'll see many stretches with lower posted limits, such as 70, 60, or 50 km/h. Within Rhodes medieval town, traffic moves very slowly, almost always below 30 km/h.
Road signs
Road signs in Rhodes follow the European standard: clear, easy to understand, and with limits shown in km/h. In Greece, direction signs often appear in Greek as well as the Latin alphabet on main routes, which is very helpful for visitors. In Rhodes, you'll see plenty of signs for bends, junctions, urban areas, and warnings on roads leading to beaches and tourist zones. In the town itself and near the historic centre, it's important to pay close attention to mandatory direction signs, narrow streets, and pedestrian-priority areas, as the setting is older and denser than on the coastal roads.
Tolls and restricted zones
There are no toll motorways on the island of Rhodes, so getting around by car is fairly straightforward. In Rhodes Town, especially in the medieval quarter, you'll come across pedestrian streets, restricted-access areas, and zones where using a car is simply not practical.
Discover Rhodes by car
Rhodes is a perfect island to enjoy by car, because within just a few kilometres you can go from historic sites to fantastic beaches and quieter inland corners. One of the most recommended drives is along the coast to Lindos, a beautiful village with an acropolis that's well worth the visit. If you continue south, you'll reach Prasonisi, where the landscape opens up, and the sea is often full of people windsurfing or kitesurfing. If you're in the mood for more nature, the interior has stops such as Seven Springs (Epta Piges) or the Butterfly Valley (Petaloudes), both very worthwhile for a walk. And of course, Rhodes medieval town is a must: the best plan is to leave the car outside and explore it on foot, as that's by far the best way to enjoy it.
When to Visit
Rhodes enjoys plenty of sunny days throughout the year, so you'll have lots of time to enjoy the island's beaches and villages.
- May-June: A very good time to explore Rhodes by car, as the weather is usually pleasant and there are fewer people than in summer.
- September-October: The sea stays warm, and the atmosphere is more relaxed, perfect if you prefer travelling with fewer crowds.
- July-August: These are the hottest months and when the island feels most lively, so it's a good option if you're looking for beaches, atmosphere, and long days.
Languages & Communication
Greek is spoken in Rhodes, although English is very widely used in tourist areas. As it's such a popular island, it's normal for hotels, restaurants, shops, and car rental companies to assist you in English without any problem. In some places, it's also easy to find staff who can manage in German or other European languages.
Currency & Payments
The euro (€) is used in Rhodes. Credit and debit cards are usually accepted in hotels, restaurants, and all kinds of tourist businesses, especially in the island's most visited areas. Still, it's always useful to carry some cash for small expenses, more traditional tavernas, or quick purchases. There are also ATMs in the town and in the main tourist centres.
Top driving routes from Rhodes
With a rental car, you can discover very different sides of Rhodes, from beaches and charming villages to more natural landscapes.
- Lindos: One of the island's classic visits. It's known for its Acropolis, white houses, and views that are absolutely worth it.
- Prasonisi: At the southern tip, you'll find a more open and wilder landscape. It's a very popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
- Butterfly Valley: A very pleasant nature escape, especially in the warmer months.
- Seven Springs: A green, fresh corner of the island, ideal if you want a break from the beach atmosphere and a different kind of stop.
- Eastern coastal route: A very easy drive, with beaches, coves, and several tourist villages linked one after another along the way.
