Rhodes is one of the larger Greek islands — about 78km from north to south — which means transport planning matters for any visit that goes beyond the Old Town and nearby beaches. The road network is generally good, and public buses reach most major destinations, though timetable reliability varies. Prices listed here are approximate as of 2026.
Guided Tours and Island Excursions
| Tour | Duration | Price (from) | Group Size | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhodes Old Town and Acropolis Walking Tour | 3 hrs | from €25/person | Up to 15 | Street of the Knights, Palace of Grand Master, Ippokratous Square |
| Full-Day Island Panorama Tour | 8 hrs | from €55/person | Up to 35 | Lindos, Valley of Butterflies, Ancient Kamiros, east coast viewpoints |
| Rhodes by E-Bike Tour | 4 hrs | from €45/person | Up to 12 | Old Town, New Town, beach road, Kallithea Springs |
| Lindos Day Trip by Coach from Rhodes Town | 6 hrs | from €35/person | Up to 40 | Lindos village, acropolis guided visit, Lindos Bay swimming stop |
| Rhodes Jeep Safari Off-Road Adventure | 7 hrs | from €65/person | Small group | Interior villages, Prasonisi tip, west coast, taverna lunch included |
Browse all Rhodes guided tours and island excursions → GetYourGuide
Understanding Rhodes’s Layout
Rhodes Town sits at the northern tip of the island. The Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is within the medieval walls immediately south of Mandraki Harbour. The New Town wraps around the northern tip to the west.
The main tourist strip south of Rhodes Town runs along the eastern coast through Ixia, Ialyssos, and Faliraki beach (15km south). The road continues 50km south to Lindos. Key inland sites — Valley of Butterflies (Petaloudes), Ancient Kamiros — are on the north-western coast.
Key distances from Rhodes Town:
- Rhodes Town to Faliraki: 15km
- Rhodes Town to Lindos: 50km (1 hour by car)
- Rhodes Town to Valley of Butterflies: 25km
- Rhodes Town to Ancient Kamiros: 35km
- Airport to Rhodes Town: 14km
Walking in Rhodes Old Town
The medieval Old Town is the one part of Rhodes where walking is not just possible — it is the only sensible option. Vehicles are restricted inside the walls; the streets are cobbled and often stepped.
The main loop from New Gate (Porta d’Amboise) through the Street of Knights, the Palace of the Grand Master, and down through Ippokratous Square to the Harbour Gate is approximately 1.5km. Side lanes and the Jewish Quarter area add considerably more distance.
Wear comfortable, flat-soled shoes — the cobblestones are polished smooth and can be slippery, particularly after rain. The outer walls of the Old Town are walkable on foot (entry approximately €2–4 as of 2026).
KTEL Buses
Rhodes has two bus stations in Rhodes Town:
East Side Bus Station (KTEL Rhodon): located near Mandraki Harbour. Routes cover the eastern coast including Faliraki, Lindos, Kamiros (eastern village), and east coast beach villages. This is the station for the Lindos bus.
West Side Bus Station: located near the Sound and Light show area. Routes cover the western coast including Ixia, Ialyssos, Filerimos, Valley of Butterflies (Petaloudes), and Kamiros archaeological site.
Fares are low: approximately €2–5 for most routes as of 2026. The Lindos service costs approximately €5 each way; the journey takes about 1 hour with stops. Buses to Lindos in July and August are heavily used — arrive early at the station to guarantee a seat. Timetables are posted at both stations and available at tourist offices in Rhodes Town.
For Ancient Kamiros and the Valley of Butterflies, the West Side bus is less frequent — check current timetables before planning your day.
Mopeds, Scooters, and ATVs
Scooter and ATV hire is popular for reaching beaches along the eastern coast without depending on bus timetables.
- 50cc scooter: approximately €15–25/day as of 2026
- 125cc scooter: approximately €25–35/day
- ATV (quad bike): approximately €30–45/day
Most rental companies are in Rhodes New Town near the ferry port and along the approach roads to the Old Town. A valid driving licence is required; engine sizes above 50cc require a motorcycle licence category.
The main road south from Rhodes Town along the eastern coast (towards Faliraki and Lindos) is well-paved and manageable. The western coast road is quieter but narrower in sections. Avoid the main road to Lindos on a 50cc scooter — it has long straight sections where traffic moves at 80–100km/h.
Car Hire
A hire car is the most practical option for visitors planning to cover multiple sites: Lindos, Valley of Butterflies, Ancient Kamiros, and Prasonisi in a week-long itinerary all require significant distances from Rhodes Town.
- Rates: approximately €40–65/day for a small car in peak season as of 2026; significantly cheaper in May, June, and October
- Rental locations: airport arrivals hall (major international operators), Rhodes Town (local operators often cheaper)
- Lindos: park in the designated car parks outside the village entrance — no driving inside Lindos. The car park is approximately 500m walk from the main village square
For the route to Lindos, car hire makes the return journey more flexible than the bus (last bus from Lindos back to Rhodes Town is typically in the early evening — confirm before travelling).
Taxis
Taxis operate from the main rank on Mandraki Harbour and are generally available in Rhodes Town. In peak season they become scarce in the evening when demand spikes.
Standard fares as of 2026:
- Airport to Rhodes Town (Old Town / Mandraki): approximately €25–35
- Rhodes Town to Faliraki: approximately €15–20
- Rhodes Town to Lindos: approximately €40–55 (one way — confirm before departure)
- Rhodes Town to Valley of Butterflies: approximately €20–25
Radio taxis can be pre-booked; your hotel can arrange this. For the airport transfer, book in advance for early morning or late night flights.
Rhodes Airport to Old Town
Distance: 14km south-west of Rhodes Town Options:
- Taxi: approximately €25–35, 20–25 minutes as of 2026
- KTEL bus: approximately €2.50, 25–35 minutes to Mandraki (check current airport bus service frequency)
- Hotel transfer: many hotels offer shared or private transfers — confirm cost when booking
The airport bus stops at Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes Town, walking distance from the Old Town entrance gates.
Getting Between Rhodes Town and the New Town
Rhodes New Town surrounds the northern tip of the island immediately adjacent to the Old Town walls. The distance between Mandraki Harbour and the Old Town main gate (New Gate/Porta d’Amboise) is approximately 500m — a 10-minute walk. Most hotels in the New Town are within walking range of the Old Town.
For the full island overview and accommodation guide, see Rhodes travel guide. For day trips to Lindos, Valley of Butterflies, and Ancient Kamiros, see day trips from Rhodes.
See Also
- Rhodes Travel Guide - island overview, Old Town, and getting there
- Things to Do in Rhodes - Palace of Grand Master, Lindos, Valley of Butterflies
- Best Beaches in Rhodes - Faliraki, Tsambika, Anthony Quinn Bay, Prasonisi
- Day Trips from Rhodes - Lindos, Valley of Butterflies, Kamiros, and Symi
- Where to Stay in Rhodes - Old Town vs New Town vs beach resort areas
- Restaurants in Rhodes - Old Town tavernas, Lindos, and best value dining