Few destinations in the Mediterranean reward the journey quite like Rhodes. Whether you arrive by air to a runway edged with cypress trees, or glide into the harbour aboard a sun-bleached ferry with the medieval fortress rising before you, the island announces itself with unmistakable drama. This guide covers everything you need to know about reaching Rhodes — so you can spend less time planning and more time living the myth.
Flying to Rhodes: Everything You Need to Know
Rhodes International Airport "Diagoras" (RHO) is one of the busiest airports in Greece, and for good reason: it sits just 14 kilometres from Rhodes Town and connects the island to the rest of Europe with surprising ease.
Direct flights operate from dozens of European cities throughout the summer season (April to October), with carriers including Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, British Airways, Aegean Airlines, and TUI. From London, you can be on the island in under four hours. From Athens, it's barely 45 minutes. During peak season (June to August), flights run daily from most major UK, German, Dutch, Scandinavian and Polish hubs.
Off-season travellers will find fewer direct options, but Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air maintain year-round connections via Athens. A short layover at Athens International is often a pleasant start to the journey — the airport is modern, uncrowded compared to northern European hubs, and stocked with excellent Greek wine.
Booking tips: Prices typically drop if you fly midweek and book 6–8 weeks in advance for summer travel. Set price alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner, and consider flying into Kos or Heraklion then ferrying over if fares spike.
Arriving by Ferry: The Romantic Route
For travellers with a little more time and a taste for the sea, arriving by ferry is an experience in itself. Watching Rhodes Town materialise from the Aegean — first the outline of the medieval walls, then the windmills at Mandraki, then the amber glow of the Old Town — is one of Greece's great arrival moments.
From Piraeus (Athens): Hellenic Seaways and Blue Star Ferries operate regular services from Piraeus, the main port of Athens. The journey takes approximately 14–18 hours depending on the vessel and route (some stop at Patmos, Kos, or other Dodecanese islands). Night ferries are popular — book a cabin, dine on deck as the sun sets, and wake up in Rhodes.
From other Greek islands: Rhodes is well-connected within the Dodecanese chain. Ferries run frequently to and from Kos, Patmos, Samos, Santorini, Crete, and Mykonos. If you're island-hopping, Rhodes makes a natural final stop — grand enough to be a destination in its own right.
Booking ferries: The most reliable booking platforms are Ferryhopper and Direct Ferries. Book cabins well in advance in July and August, when vessels fill quickly. Deck passage is dramatically cheaper and perfectly comfortable in calm summer weather.
Getting from the Airport to Your Accommodation
Rhodes Airport is compact and refreshingly stress-free to navigate. Once you've collected your bags (the carousels are efficient), you have several ways to reach Marathonas and Rhodes Town — where Olympus Hospitality awaits.
By taxi: Taxis queue outside both arrivals halls and the fare to Rhodes Town is fixed by the regional tariff — typically €25–35 depending on exact destination. The drive takes around 20 minutes. Always use the official taxi rank; avoid touts approaching you inside the terminal.
By bus (KTEL): The island's public bus service is reliable and absurdly inexpensive. Bus No. 5 connects the airport to the main bus station in Rhodes Town (Rimini Square) for a few euros. The journey takes around 30–40 minutes including a stop or two, and buses run every 30–60 minutes in summer.
Pre-arranged private transfer: For the most seamless arrival — especially after a long journey — a pre-booked private transfer is worth every cent. Several local operators offer air-conditioned minibuses and cars, and your driver will be waiting with your name on a sign. The team at Olympus Hospitality can recommend trusted local transfer providers when you book.
Car hire: If you plan to explore the island independently (and you should — Rhodes rewards the curious driver), hiring a car at the airport makes logistical sense. Major international companies including Hertz, Europcar, and Avis operate desks in the terminal, alongside competitive local operators. Note that parking in Rhodes Old Town is restricted; our location in Marathonas gives you easy access with none of the old-town parking headaches.
Arriving by Cruise Ship
Rhodes is one of the most popular cruise ports in the eastern Mediterranean, and for good reason: you can step off the ship and walk directly into a UNESCO-listed medieval city. Cruise ships dock at the Commercial Harbour, which lies right alongside the Old Town. The Palace of the Grand Masters, the Street of the Knights, and the winding lanes of the old quarter are all within minutes of the quayside.
If you're extending a cruise with a land stay — an increasingly popular choice — the team at Olympus Hospitality can arrange early check-in or luggage storage so you can begin exploring immediately.
The Drive from Rhodes Town to Marathonas
Once you've arrived on the island and made your way to Rhodes Town, you're just 10 minutes from Olympus Hospitality. Marathonas is a peaceful residential area north of the old town — close enough to everything, far enough from the tourist bustle to feel genuinely restorative.
From the airport, the total drive is around 25 minutes via the northern coastal road. The route takes you past the island's famous windmills and the broad sweep of Elli Beach before arriving at our doorstep.
Your Myth Begins Here
However you choose to arrive, the moment you step through the doors of Olympus Hospitality, the journey truly begins. Our Zeus Suite invites you to command the island from above; the Poseidon Suite echoes the rhythm of the sea just minutes away; and the Ares Suite makes a bold statement for those who travel with intention.
Ready to start planning your Rhodes escape? Visit www.olympushospitality.eu to check availability and book directly — our guests enjoy the best rates, flexible terms, and a personal welcome that no booking platform can match. We look forward to welcoming you to where myth meets luxury.