Rhodes car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Rhodes
The best car rental companies in Rhodes are Sixt, Hertz, Avis. Prices start from €19/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 21, and airport pickup adds about 13%.
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Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in Rhodes
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Sixt
Editor’s pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€21/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#2
Hertz
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€22/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#3
Avis
Top ratedFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€21/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#4
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€19/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#5
Europcar
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€20/day
all-in estimate
View Europcar deal
#6
Enterprise
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€23/day
all-in estimate
View Enterprise deal
#7
Alamo
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€20/day
all-in estimate
View Alamo deal
#8
National
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€24/day
all-in estimate
View National deal
#9
Avance
Local pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €200Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€16/day
base rate
View Avance deal
Prices are indicative market estimates · Last checked 2026-07-20 · 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in Rhodes
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | €19 | Hyundai i10 | 4 |
| Compact | €24 | Opel Corsa | 5 |
| SUV | €39 | Dacia Duster | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | €54 | Volkswagen Touran | 7 |
| Luxury | €80 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 5 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in Rhodes
Airport — Rhodes International Airport "Diagoras" (RHO)
Sits about 14km southwest of the city near Paradisi — unlike most Greek islands, the ferry port sits right in Rhodes Town itself, so pickup location (airport vs. in-town office) matters more here than usual.
Downtown — Rhodes Town
Desks in Rhodes Town serve travelers arriving by ferry (Mandraki or Akandia port) or staying near the Old Town before exploring Lindos and the rest of the island by car.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Airport surcharge | ~13% of base rate | RHO airport pickup |
| Young-driver fee (21–24) | €15–25/day | Drivers under 25 |
| Additional driver | €7–12/day | Per extra driver |
| One-way fee | €60–130 | Different pickup/drop-off point on the island |
| Old Town blue-zone parking | ~€3/hour | Parking near the Old Town walls (white=free, blue=paid, yellow=no stopping) |
| Refundable deposit | €300–500 | Standard hold at pickup |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in Rhodes
- RHO airport (Diagoras) sits about 14km southwest of the city — unlike most Greek islands, the ferry port sits right in Rhodes Town itself, an inverted logistics pattern worth planning around.
- Driving inside the Old Town’s walls is completely prohibited except for residents and supply vehicles — parking outside follows a strict color code: white=free 24h, blue=paid (except Sundays), yellow=no stopping at all.
- Documented deposit complaints against specific providers (EXER Rent A Car, Rodos Cars) make it worth reading rental terms carefully and filming the car before driving off.
- Quad/ATV rental (from €20/day for a 200cc) is popular for beach access but not recommended on the main coastal highway — it’s too slow and creates traffic behind it.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is effectively required — companies can refuse a rental without one due to a €1,000 fine risk for both parties.
- Rental prices swing dramatically by season — from about $10–13/day in January–February to $36–38/day in August (2–3x higher).
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Rhodes
Should I pick up my rental at the airport or in Rhodes Town?
It depends on how you arrive. Rhodes Airport (RHO) sits about 14km from the city, while the ferry port sits right in Rhodes Town itself — the opposite of most Greek islands. Choose the pickup point that matches your arrival method to avoid an extra transfer.
Can I drive into the Rhodes Old Town?
No — driving inside the Old Town’s walls is completely prohibited except for residents and supply vehicles. Park outside using the color-coded system: white is free, blue is paid (except Sundays), and yellow means no stopping at all.
Is there a deposit or insurance scam risk in Rhodes?
There are documented complaints against specific providers, including EXER Rent A Car (a two-month wait for a deposit refund) and Rodos Cars (a "100% full damage waiver" claim described as misleading in a detailed review). Read the rental terms carefully and photograph the car before you drive off.
Should I rent an ATV/quad instead of a car in Rhodes?
Quads (from €20/day for a 200cc) are fun for reaching beaches on smaller roads, but they’re not recommended for the main coastal highway — they’re too slow and tend to create traffic behind them. A regular car license (Category B) is sufficient to rent one.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Rhodes?
Effectively yes — rental companies can refuse to hand over the car without one, since driving without a valid IDP can carry a €1,000 fine for both the renter and the company.
When is the cheapest and most expensive time to rent a car in Rhodes?
January and February are cheapest, averaging around $10–13/day, while August is the most expensive at around $36–38/day — a 2–3x seasonal swing.
