All-inclusive car rental in Rhodes
An all-inclusive rental on Rhodes includes full insurance with zero excess - the easiest way to combine the medieval old town with Lindos and the island’s quieter beaches.
Rhodes pairs a UNESCO-listed medieval old town with long beaches and the clifftop acropolis of Lindos down the east coast. A car lets you escape the resorts and explore the wilder west coast and inland villages too.
A Cardamar all-inclusive rental includes comprehensive zero-excess cover, unlimited mileage and free cancellation, with pick-up at Rhodes Airport.
Good to know before you drive in Rhodes
| Pick-up point | Rhodes Airport (RHO) |
|---|---|
| Highlights | Old Town, Lindos, Prasonisi |
| Island loop | East-coast resorts vs wild west coast |
| Best months | May–June, September–October |
Driving on Rhodes
The east coast road links the airport, the old town and the beach resorts down to Lindos (about an hour). The west coast is windier and quieter - popular with windsurfers at Prasonisi on the southern tip - and inland roads climb to villages like Embonas.
Rhodes Old Town is car-free, so park outside the walls and walk in. Zero-excess cover is reassuring on the narrow village roads.
Practical tips
Distances are manageable but allow time for winding sections. Fuel up before exploring the south, and carry water in summer.
The all-inclusive price already includes full insurance, unlimited mileage and airport fees.
Picking up your car in Rhodes
Rhodes Diagoras Airport (RHO) sits on the island’s northwest coast, with the rental area close to the terminal, so you are quickly on your way to Lindos or the quieter west coast. Completing the online check-in beforehand helps you skip most of the desk in the busy season.
Bring your driving licence, passport or ID and the lead driver’s card; an International Driving Permit is required alongside many non-EU licences in Greece, so check before you travel. There is no deposit to block at most pick-up points.
All-inclusive vs. a cheap basic rate plus counter insurance
Two cars on the same lot in Rhodes can advertise very different prices. The gap is almost always insurance: an all-inclusive rate settles it up front, while a "basic" rate leaves you to buy excess cover at the desk. Here is what each really means.
| All-inclusive (Cardamar) | Basic rate + counter insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Damage & theft excess | €0 – fully covered | High excess (often €800–2,000) blocked on your card |
| When you insure | Before you travel, at a fixed price | At the desk, under time pressure, price varies |
| Tyres, glass & undercarriage | Included | Usually excluded or charged extra |
| Deposit / card hold | None or low at most stations | Large hold blocked for the whole trip |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation | Often non-refundable |
| What you pay in total | Known the moment you book | Can climb sharply at the counter |
A basic rate can look cheaper online, but once you add proper excess cover at the desk it usually costs more than an all-inclusive booking - with none of the certainty.
Rhodes car rental - FAQ
Is a car useful on Rhodes?
Yes - it is the easiest way to combine Lindos, the old town and the quieter west coast and villages, with an all-inclusive booking covering insurance and excess.
Can I drive into Rhodes Old Town?
No - the walled old town is pedestrian. Park outside the walls and explore on foot.
How far is Lindos from the airport?
Roughly an hour down the east coast.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Rhodes?
Your driving licence, a passport or national ID, and where required a card in the lead driver’s name. In Greece an International Driving Permit is required alongside many non-EU licences, so check before you travel; online check-in beforehand speeds up collection.
Can I add a child seat or extra driver in Rhodes?
Yes - add child seats and additional drivers when you book so they are confirmed in advance and ready at the desk.