Rhodes Airport

Rhodes International Airport "Diagoras" is not merely a transport hub, but the first gateway to a world of sunny antiquity and Aegean charm. Upon descent, the aircraft flies so low over the turquoise expanse of the sea that it seems one could touch the waves with one's hand, gifting travellers with unforgettable emotions even before landing. The airport is named after the famous ancient Greek athlete Diagoras, immediately immersing guests in the atmosphere of legends and the history of the Island of the Knights. Despite its compact size, during the summer season, this air harbour turns into a bustling hive of activity, receiving flights from all over Europe.

The airport possesses several features that are useful for tourists to know. After coming under the management of Fraport Greece, the terminal was modernised: security screening areas were updated, the check-in area was expanded, and the air conditioning system was improved, making the wait for flights much more comfortable. One of the highlights is its location literally at the water's edge, which provides stunning views during takeoff and landing, though it can also be the cause of strong crosswinds — a trademark of the island.

The infrastructure includes a decent selection of Duty Free shops featuring local products, such as olive oil and Greek sweets, as well as cafes and car rental desks. You can get to the city of Rhodes and major resorts via scheduled buses, the stop for which is located right at the terminal exit, or by taxi. Travellers should note that during the peak season (July-August), the airport operates at maximum capacity, so arriving for check-in in advance is highly recommended.

• Official Website: www.rho-airport.gr
• Information Service Phone: +30 22410 88700
• Address: Rhodes International Airport "Diagoras", Paradisi, 851 06, Rhodes, Greece
• Email (General Inquiries): info@fraport-greece.com
• Lost & Found Information: Contacts for the baggage tracing service depend on your airline and ground handler. The current list of contacts is available in a special section on the official airport website.
• Passenger Support: To receive assistance and answers to questions, you may use the information service phone number or write to the airport's general email address.

You can get to "Diagoras" International Airport (RHO), located approximately 14 km from the island's capital, the city of Rhodes, in several ways. The choice depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. The trip from the city centre to the airport usually takes between 20 to 40 minutes.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. RODA buses run between the airport and the central bus station of Rhodes city. The stop is located opposite the exit of the arrivals terminal. In the high season, buses run quite frequently, approximately every 20–30 minutes. The ticket price is about 2.50–3.00 Euros, and the travel time is roughly 30–40 minutes. This is an excellent choice for economical travellers without a large amount of luggage.

Taxi and Transfer offer more comfort and speed. The taxi rank is located right at the exit of the arrival zone. The trip to the city centre will take about 20–25 minutes, and the cost will be approximately 25–35 Euros. Prices may vary depending on the time of day and traffic. To avoid uncertainty with the price and to be sure that you will be met, you can book a private transfer in advance. This is particularly convenient if you are travelling with family or heavy luggage.

Car Rental is an ideal option for those planning to actively explore the island. Desks of many international and local rental agencies are located within the airport building. By booking a car in advance, you can immediately set off upon arrival to journey through the picturesque corners of one of the most famous gems of Greece. This provides maximum freedom of movement for the entire duration of your holiday.

If you are arriving at the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, parking is at your service. There are both short-term and long-term parking zones located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal, which is convenient for those seeing someone off or leaving their car for the duration of their trip.

Diagoras Airport on Rhodes has one passenger terminal that serves all domestic and international flights. This makes navigation quite simple, as you will not have to move between different buildings. However, it is worth noting that during the peak tourist season (from July to August), the terminal can be heavily congested, which affects the time taken to complete all procedures.

The structure of the terminal is fairly standard and intuitive. The building is divided into two main levels:

• Ground Floor — This is the arrivals area. Here you will find baggage claim belts, customs control counters, car rental offices, travel agencies, and exits to taxis and buses.
• First Floor — This is the departures area. Escalators and lifts lead here. Located on this floor are flight check-in counters, security screening points, and passport control. After passing control, passengers enter the general waiting area with Duty Free shops, cafes, and boarding gates.

Since there is only one terminal, transitions between zones are made on foot within the single building. Signs in Greek and English will help you find your way. Despite its compactness, be prepared for queues at the height of the season. It is recommended to allow at least 2.5-3 hours before departure for international flights for check-in and screening. During the rest of the year, procedures are significantly faster, and 1.5-2 hours is usually sufficient.

The main advice for navigating Rhodes Airport is to arrive early, especially if you are travelling in summer. Immediately after entering the building, proceed to the first floor for check-in if you are flying with luggage, or find your boarding gate if you already have an electronic boarding pass. All necessary infrastructure is located compactly, but due to the large flow of people, movement may take longer than expected.

The International Airport of Rhodes, bearing the name "Diagoras", was opened to passengers in 1977. Its construction became a necessity as the old Maritsa Airport could no longer cope with the rapidly growing flow of tourists wishing to relax on the sunny island. The new airport was designed taking into account the modern requirements of that time and was situated near the village of Paradisi, approximately 14 kilometres from the island's capital.

The airport received its name, "Diagoras", in honour of Diagoras of Rhodes — a famous ancient athlete and boxer, a multiple winner of the Olympic Games who lived in the 5th century BC. This choice highlights the rich history and cultural heritage of the island, which greets travellers immediately upon arrival.

Since its opening, the airport has constantly developed to match the status of one of the busiest in Greece, especially during the summer season. A key stage of modernisation was the opening of a new terminal in 2005, which allowed for a significant increase in capacity and improved the level of comfort for passengers. In subsequent years, further work was carried out to expand and update the infrastructure, including the runway and service areas, to ensure the reception of a large number of charter and scheduled flights from all over Europe.

Rhodes "Diagoras" Airport offers passengers all necessary services to make waiting for a flight comfortable. Although the terminal is not very large, you can find everything needed for a pleasant time before departure.

For those feeling hungry, there are several cafes and snack bars in the airport where you can have coffee or a light meal. Shopping enthusiasts will appreciate the Duty Free shops with a traditional assortment of perfumes, alcohol, tobacco products and sweets. Here you can also purchase olive oil, honey, and other Greek souvenirs as gifts for loved ones.

Passengers preferring to wait for their flight in a quieter environment can use the services of VIP lounges. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and special stations and sockets are provided in waiting areas for charging gadgets.

Financial services are represented by ATMs and currency exchange points, where you can perform necessary transactions before your trip. In case of need, passengers can contact the medical centre for first aid.

For travellers with children, mother and child rooms are equipped where you can feed and change your baby in a calm environment. The airport also provides services for passengers with reduced mobility. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance about the need for assistance so that airport staff can provide all necessary support.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, many accommodation options — from budget apartments to five-star resorts — are located within a few minutes' drive by taxi or bus. Business services, such as conference rooms, are practically non-existent at the airport, as it is primarily oriented towards tourist flows.

While waiting for your flight at Rhodes Airport (RHO), you will easily find a place to have a snack or a full lunch. The airport offers several dining options located both in the public area and in the departure zone after passing security control.

In the public area (landside), before passing screening, several cafes usually operate. This is a great place to have coffee with pastries if you arrived early or are seeing friends off. Here you can often find establishments of popular Greek chains serving sandwiches, salads, and traditional pies.

The main part of catering establishments is concentrated in the departure zone (airside), after passport control and screening. Here the choice is wider: from bars where you can order beverages and light snacks, to quick-service restaurants offering more substantial meals. The opening hours of most establishments are adapted to the flight schedule, especially in the high tourist season, and they are open from early morning until late at night.

Even at the airport, it is worth paying attention to local cuisine dishes. Be sure to try a traditional Greek pie — tiropita (with cheese) or spanakopita (with spinach). This is an ideal option for a quick and authentic snack. For a more substantial meal, you can find pizza, burgers, or fresh salads. Prices, as in most airports, are slightly higher than in the city.

Regarding special dietary needs, vegetarian options such as salads and meat-free sandwiches are available in most cafes. Finding certified gluten-free or Halal dishes might be more challenging, so if you have strict restrictions, it is better to bring food with you. Coffee shops are perfect for a quick snack, while bars in the departure zone are suitable for a leisurely wait with a beverage.

Planning your trip through "Diagoras" Airport on Rhodes will help make your journey smoother. To avoid rushing, especially at the height of the tourist season (from June to September), arrive at the airport at least 2.5-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you enough time to complete all procedures without unnecessary stress.

To save time, check in for your flight online if your airline provides this option. At security control, be ready to present liquids (up to 100 ml each in a transparent bag) and remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage. Following these simple rules will significantly speed up the screening process.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider that the left side during takeoff and the right side during landing often offer the best views of the island and the Aegean Sea. If comfort is important to you, consider paying extra for seats with extra legroom near the emergency exits.

Do not put sharp objects in your hand luggage, in addition to standard restrictions on liquids. If you are buying olive oil or local alcohol as souvenirs, ensure they are packed according to regulations and checked in as luggage if their volume exceeds 100 ml. Products purchased in Duty Free after security control can be taken on board.

Passengers with connections should clarify the procedure in advance. If you have a single ticket, luggage will likely be transferred automatically, and you will need to follow the "Transit" signs. If you have two different tickets, you will have to collect your luggage, check in again for the next flight, and pass through screening.

Customs control for those arriving from non-Schengen countries follows the standard scheme. Use the "Green Channel" if you have nothing to declare, and the "Red Channel" if you are carrying goods subject to declaration. We remind you of the existing restrictions on the import of tobacco and alcohol into Greece.

In case of a flight delay, remain calm. Ask the airline representative about the reason and the estimated departure time. For long delays, you are entitled to meals and drinks, and in some cases, hotel accommodation according to EU rules. The airport has cafes and shops where you can pass the time while waiting for departure.