Car rental in Rhodes: prices, insurance, parking and licence (2026)
What a car costs in Rhodes each season, what you need to hire one, which insurance is worth it, and how to handle parking in Lindos and the Old Town.
- Israelis need an Israeli licence together with an International Driving Permit.
- A small car costs roughly €20–35/day in winter and €45–75/day in summer (2026), before extra insurance.
- In Lindos you park at the entrance car park; in summer arrive before 10am.
If you're flying to Rhodes in summer, book a car a few weeks ahead, get an International Driving Permit before you fly and check the insurance excess.
Do you need a car in Rhodes?
Rhodes is a large island of about 1,400 km², and most beaches, villages and sights are outside Rhodes Town. With a car you can easily combine Lindos, Anthony Quinn Bay, the west coast and Prasonisi at the southern tip, without waiting for buses or paying for taxis. A taxi from the airport to Lindos costs about €75, and the same money can rent a small car for one to three days, depending on the season.
What do you need to hire a car in Rhodes?
- Israeli licence + International Driving Permit: Israel is not on the list of countries exempt from the IDP in Greece, and most rental firms ask for it at the desk. See Israeli driving licence in Greece.
- Age: most firms require drivers to be at least 21 with a licence held for at least a year. Drivers under 25 usually pay a surcharge.
- A credit card in the driver's name for the deposit.
How much does car hire in Rhodes cost?
| Season | Small car (Fiat 500, Polo) | Compact family car |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Nov–Apr) | about €20–35/day | about €35–55/day |
| May, October | about €30–50/day | about €50–75/day |
| June–September | about €45–75/day | about €65–100/day |
| Peak July–August | €55–85+ | €80–115+ |
Source: a 2026 guide; base rates before extra insurance, fuel and one-way fees. Prices vary a lot with booking date. Book early for summer.
Insurance: what to watch
Basic cover usually includes CDW (damage), theft and third-party liability, but with an excess of about €500–1,500. To reduce it you can buy a waiver at the desk (about €8–15/day), check whether your credit card covers it, or buy standalone excess insurance. Read the terms before you sign, and photograph the car from every side when you collect it. More tips in our car rental in Greece guide.
Where do you pick up the car?
Rhodes Airport (RHO) has rental desks in arrivals, with cars in the adjacent car park. The airport is about 14 km south-west of Rhodes Town, and Lindos is about 55 km south of the airport along the east coast. You can also pick up a car in Rhodes Town or at the port.
Driving in Rhodes: what to know
- Roads: the east coast has a relatively fast road from Rhodes Town to Lindos. The west coast road is narrower and more scenic, and mountain roads wind but aren't difficult.
- Speed: 50 km/h in built-up areas, and up to 80–90 km/h on rural roads as signed.
- Alcohol: the limit is 0.05%, and 0.02% for new drivers and motorcyclists. Don't drink and drive.
- Phones: using a mobile while driving is banned. Navigation is allowed.
Parking in Rhodes Town and Lindos
- Rhodes Town: white lines are free, blue lines are paid (about €1.50/hour, free on Sundays) and yellow lines mean no parking. You can't drive inside the Old Town unless you're a resident.
- Lindos: the village is car-free. Park in the large car park at the entrance, which is paid in summer and fills by about 10am in July–August. Arrive early.
Scooters and quad bikes
Scooters and quads are widely rented in Rhodes, especially in Faliraki and Lindos. Make sure your licence covers the vehicle, wear a helmet and check whether your travel insurance covers an accident on one. Many policies don't. See travel insurance for Greece.
FAQ
Do you need an International Driving Permit to hire a car in Rhodes? Yes. Israelis need a valid Israeli licence together with an International Driving Permit, and most firms ask for it at the desk.
How much does it cost to hire a car in Rhodes? According to a 2026 guide, a small car costs roughly €20–35 a day in winter and €45–75 a day in summer, before extra insurance.
Where do you park in Lindos? In the large car park at the entrance to the village. In July–August it fills by about 10am, so arrive early.
How far is Lindos from Rhodes Airport? About 55 km along the east coast, usually under an hour's drive outside rush hours.
