Rhodes car rental guide

Driving licence

A full, valid driving licence held in the main driver's name is required. EU, EEA and UK licences are used as issued in Greece.

Drivers with a licence issued outside those areas are generally asked for an International Driving Permit alongside it. An IDP must be obtained in your own country before travelling. Exact requirements can vary by rental provider, so check the conditions for your rental.

Age requirements

The minimum age for car rental is 23 years for the smaller categories. 7-seaters, 9-seaters, cabriolets and SUVs require a minimum age of 25 and at least 2 years of driving experience.

Deposits and payment

A credit card is not asked for anywhere in the rental process. A deposit applies only to cabrios, SUVs, minivans and buses; where a deposit is needed, it can be paid in cash or with a normal debit card.

The deposit is cancelled or refunded when the car is returned as agreed.

What is included

Every rental includes full insurance, unlimited kilometres, glass coverage and tyre cover on asphalt roads. Driving off asphalt is not covered, so stay on sealed roads.

Fuel and charging

Petrol stations are frequent along the north and east coasts and sparser in the south and the interior, so fill up before long southern or mountain drives. Some rural stations keep shorter hours.

Electric cars are rented out fully charged. Public charging is concentrated around Rhodes Town and the northern resorts, which makes an electric car a better fit for a northern base than for daily runs to the far south.

Driving and parking

• •Greece drives on the right. Seat belts are compulsory and phones must be hands-free.
• •Speed limits vary by road and location: commonly 30 km/h and 50 km/h in built-up areas and up to 80 km/h on some main roads. Always follow the posted limit and road signs.
• •Watch for animals on rural roads, especially around sunset and after dark. Goats are common in rural and mountain areas, and deer can also appear on roads.
• •Parking in Rhodes Town is not easy. The closest free parking is at Acandia Harbour; for paid parking close to the Old Town, use Izipark. The Old Town inside the walls is largely closed to traffic — park outside and walk in.
• •Village streets narrow abruptly, and scooters and delivery vans overtake in unexpected places.