RHODESLeaving Rhodes International (Diagoras): transport guide
Heavy tourist airport; KTEL buses honest; airport taxis use posted fares but drivers sometimes ignore. Insist on the meter or pre-pay desk.
RHO (Rhodes International (Diagoras)) is the main international airport serving Rhodes, Greece. The recommended way out is Take KTEL bus to Rhodes Town / hotel zones (~€2.80–€4.50 KTEL / €25–€35 taxi to town, 30–45 min KTEL / 20–25 min taxi). Pickup is at KTEL bay outside Arrivals. The most common scam to watch for is "'Tour' upsell scam". Fares on the RHO → Rhodes Town route typically run €2.80–€35; anything above €80+ no-meter is almost certainly a scam. Last updated June 2026.
Take KTEL bus to Rhodes Town / hotel zones
- Typical fare
- €2.80–€4.50 KTEL / €25–€35 taxi to town
- Journey time
- 30–45 min KTEL / 20–25 min taxi
- Pickup
- KTEL bay outside Arrivals
Compare your options at a glance
| Option | Cost | Wait | Payment | Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
KTEL bus | €2.80–€4.50 | Hourly / per schedule | 💵Cash | |
Metered taxi | €25–€35 | Immediate | 💳Card / Cash | — |
Pre-booked transfer | €30–€50 | Pre-arranged | 💳Card | — |
No-meter taxi | €60–€100 | Immediate | 💵Cash | — |
Your first 30 minutes
- 1Clear immigration
- 2Collect bags, clear customs
- 3Walk to KTEL bay or taxi rank
- 4Pay driver or use pre-pay taxi desk
- 5Total to Rhodes Town: 20–45 min
Airport exit score
- Scam risk65
- Public transport70
- Ride-hailing75
- Signage clarity80
- Payment convenience80
Fare reality check
- €2.80–€35ExpectedWhat locals actually pay
- €60+ConcerningQuestion this — ask for the meter
- €80+ no-meterProbably being scammedWalk away. Find another ride.
Best ways out, ranked
- 1
KTEL bus
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- €2.80–€4.50
- Journey
- 30–45 min
- Wait
- Hourly / per schedule
- Payment
- 💵 Cash
Pros- Cheap
Cons- No luggage racks
- 2
Metered taxi
- Cost
- €25–€35
- Journey
- 20–25 min
- Wait
- Immediate
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Door-to-door
Cons- Insist on meter
- 3
Pre-booked transfer
- Cost
- €30–€50
- Journey
- 20–25 min
- Wait
- Pre-arranged
- Payment
- 💳 Card
Pros- No surprises
- Hotel knows you
Cons - 4
No-meter taxi
- Cost
- €60–€100
- Journey
- 20–25 min
- Wait
- Immediate
- Payment
- 💵 Cash
ProsCons- Tourist-priced
Paying without surprises
- Cards in tourist areas; small € for KTEL and tips
Common scams
'Tour' upsell scam
Medium riskDriver offers 'cheap day tour' that becomes high-pressure jewellery shop visits.
HOW TO AVOID · Book tours through your hotel or major operators.
No-meter overcharge
Medium riskDriver doesn't engage meter, then quotes €60+.
HOW TO AVOID · Insist on taximetro before entering.
What locals & travellers say
“Many travellers go straight to Lindos — pre-book transfer.”
- "Many travellers go straight to Lindos — pre-book transfer." — Lindos is 50 min south
Arrival checklist
- Cash for KTEL
- Insist on taxi meter
- Hotel destination clear
Take it with you
RHO arrival FAQs
- What is the safest way to leave Rhodes International (Diagoras)?
- Take KTEL bus to Rhodes Town / hotel zones. Don't accept 'special tour' offers from drivers — book through your hotel.
- Are taxis at RHO safe?
- Official taxis from the marked rank are generally fine, but watch for: no-meter overcharge — Driver doesn't engage meter, then quotes €60+. Insist on taximetro before entering.
- Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at RHO?
- Ride-hailing availability at RHO varies — check the app before you land. Where it works, the pickup point is usually outside the arrivals curb in a marked zone.
- How much should a taxi from RHO to the city centre cost?
- Expected fare on the RHO → Rhodes Town route is roughly €2.80–€35. Anything around €60+ is high — €80+ no-meter is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.
- Do I need cash for a taxi at RHO?
- Carry small local notes — KTEL bus expects cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.
- Where is the official taxi pickup at Rhodes International (Diagoras)?
- KTEL bay outside Arrivals. If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.
- Is RHO safe to arrive at late at night?
- RHO is generally manageable at night if you stick to the official taxi rank or pre-book a transfer. Avoid empty bus stops and outdoor pickup zones, and confirm your ride is moving before sharing personal details.
- What scams should I watch for at RHO?
- The most reported at RHO: 'Tour' upsell scam; No-meter overcharge. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.