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Guide to Minibus Hire Rhodes Airport – Self Drive Rental
Diagoras International Airport (RHO) sits near Paradisi, about 15 kilometres south west of Rhodes Town. Many UK holidaymakers choose self drive minibuses to move larger groups after arrival.
For Cyprus trip planning, Minibus Hire Larnaca Airport outlines similar self-drive minibuses and rental tips.
Picking a self drive minibus gives flexibility for island tours, airport transfers, and flexible itineraries. Minibuses handle luggage and beach gear with ease.
Arrivals and collection at Rhodes Airport
Car hire desks are located in the arrivals hall on the ground floor. Most companies operate direct handovers at the terminal. Some budget providers use a short shuttle to an off-airport lot. Expect a 5 to 20 minute transfer when a shuttle is used.
Allow 30 to 45 minutes from aircraft disembarkation to vehicle handover during busy arrival times. Summer peaks increase queue times and paperwork checks.
Driver eligibility and documentation
UK driving licences are widely accepted for visitors. Some firms may request an International Driving Permit. Check the rental terms before travel.
Typical requirements include a full driving licence held for at least one year and a credit card for the security deposit. Minimum driver age varies by company. Many minibuses require drivers aged 23 or 25 and older.
Insurance, deposits and extras
Collision Damage Waiver with an excess is standard. Super cover will reduce the excess at extra cost. Damage to tyres and windows is often excluded from basic cover. Expect a credit card hold from a few hundred to several thousand euros.
Optional extras include roof racks, child seats, and additional driver cover. Book child seats in advance to ensure availability.
Driving on Rhodes and practical tips
Roads around the main towns and coastal resorts are well maintained. Rural roads to Lindos and mountain villages can be narrow. Drive cautiously on single-lane bends and be alert for local traffic and scooters.
Parking in Rhodes Town and the Old Town is limited. Use designated car parks or hotel parking. Do not leave valuables visible in the vehicle.
Typical drive times from Rhodes Airport
Use these drive times to plan routes and pick-up windows. Times assume normal traffic in summer and good weather.
| Destination | Distance | Typical drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Rhodes Town (Ixia to Old Town) | 15–18 km | 20–30 mins |
| Faliraki | 15–20 km | 20–30 mins |
| Kallithea | 12–15 km | 15–25 mins |
| Lindos | 45–55 km | 50–65 mins |
| Kalithea Springs | 14 km | 20 mins |
Minibus models at Rhodes Airport
These models are commonly available at Rhodes Airport. Pros and cons reflect load capacity and manoeuvrability for island roads.
| Model | Seats | Pros / Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes Sprinter | 12–16 | Spacious, good luggage space / Larger to park |
| Ford Transit Minibus | 9–15 | Reliable, strong load capacity / Taller vehicle height |
| Volkswagen Caravelle | 8–9 | Comfortable ride, easy to drive / Less cargo volume |
| Mercedes Vito Tourer | 8–9 | Compact for town driving / Smaller luggage area |
| Fiat Ducato Minibus | 12–17 | Good cargo space / Can be wide for narrow streets |
Booking timing and seasonality
July and August are peak months. Availability drops and prices rise. Book at least two to three months ahead for summer travel.
Spring and autumn offer lower rates and easier collection. Late bookings may face limited model choice and higher deposits.
Pickup and booking checklist
Use this checklist to prepare paperwork and extras. It speeds up the handover and avoids surprises.
| Item | Typical requirement | Quick tip |
|---|---|---|
| Driving licence | Full UK licence for up to 12 months | Bring both photocard and paper counterpart if held |
| Age | Usually 23–25 minimum | Check for young driver surcharge |
| Payment | Credit card for deposit | Debit cards may be refused |
| Insurance | CDW with excess standard | Pre-purchase super cover for lower excess |
| Extras | Child seats, roof racks | Reserve these at booking time |
Frequently asked questions
Do UK driving licences work for minibus hire in Rhodes?
Yes. UK licences are widely accepted for visitors. Some firms require an International Driving Permit. Check the booking terms to confirm.
Where do I collect a minibus at Rhodes Airport?
Most hires have desks in the arrivals hall. Budget or local companies sometimes meet customers at an external lot. Expect a short shuttle if the lot is off-airport.
What are age limits for hiring a minibus?
Many companies require drivers aged 23 or older. Larger minibuses often need drivers aged 25 or above. Younger drivers will face daily surcharges.
Can I take the minibus on a ferry to another island?
Ferries may accept vehicles, but rental firms often restrict ferry use. Inform the rental company before booking if you plan to take a ferry. Extra insurance and paperwork are usually required.
How long does the handover at Rhodes Airport take?
Expect 20 to 45 minutes for paperwork and vehicle checks. During busy arrival periods allow up to an hour. Pre-complete online check-in where available for a faster process.