Flights to Rhodes: Athens Routes, Fares and Travel Tips

For flights from Athens to Rhodes, budget around €40–150 one way and €80–300 return in economy when booking early and travelling outside peak dates. Fares can rise significantly in summer or close to departure. A direct flight takes approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, with services from AEGEAN and SKY express. Lower fares are usually available from November to March, excluding holiday periods, and on dates with less demand.

The amounts below are indicative budget ranges, not live offers or guaranteed prices. They generally refer to basic economy fares including mandatory taxes, but not necessarily checked baggage, seat selection or flexible changes. The final price will be confirmed when you search for your travel dates.

At a glance

• Route: Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” (ATH) to Rhodes “Diagoras” Airport (RHO).
• Flight time: approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes non-stop.
• Airlines: AEGEAN and SKY express. Flight times and frequencies vary by season.
• Typical fares: €40–150 one way and €80–300 return outside peak periods. Allow a larger budget for summer travel.
• When it is cheaper: usually in winter, excluding Christmas and public holidays, with flexibility over travel dates.
• Getting into town: bus, taxi, private transfer or hire car. The airport is approximately 14 kilometres from the centre.

Which airlines fly from Athens to Rhodes?

Direct flights

AEGEAN and SKY express operate direct flights between Athens and Rhodes. The route runs year-round, but the timetable varies from month to month. There are usually more options in summer, while exact departures can only be checked by searching for your chosen date.

Look beyond the airline name when comparing flights. A cheaper fare may come with baggage or change restrictions, while a more expensive one may include services you would otherwise pay extra for. Also check which airline operates the flight, as shown in the booking.

Connecting flights and seasonal routes

When departing from Athens, a connecting flight usually offers no practical advantage over a direct service. Depending on available schedules, flights via another airport may appear in search results, but they increase the total journey time and often the cost.

If you choose a connecting flight, book the whole journey on a single reservation and check how your baggage will be handled. With separate tickets, a delay could leave your onward journey unprotected. The fact that airlines such as Ryanair fly to Rhodes from other airports does not mean they operate a direct route from Athens. Seasonal routes change, so always check the timetable.

How much do flights cost by season?

The season has a strong influence on fares, but it is not the only factor. Seat availability, departure time, length of stay and how far ahead you book also matter. Use the following indicative ranges for initial planning, rather than treating them as minimum or maximum prices.

• November to March, excluding holiday periods: approximately €40–100 one way and €80–200 return.
• April to June and September to October: approximately €50–150 one way and €100–300 return, with exceptions around Easter, long weekends and popular weeks.
• July and August: approximately €80–220 one way and €160–440 return, with potentially higher fares when seats are limited.
• Holiday periods and last-minute departures in high demand: allow around €100–250 one way and €200–500 return. Fares may exceed these ranges on some dates.

The return leg will not necessarily cost the same as the outbound flight. A cheap outbound fare may be paired with an expensive Sunday return. Try shifting your dates by a day or two and compare the cost of the whole trip, not just the first price displayed.

Add transfers to both airports, baggage and any parking costs in Athens to your final budget. For a family or a longer stay, these charges can make more difference to the total than a small saving on the basic fare.

When to book for cheaper flights

As a practical starting point, begin tracking fares one to three months ahead for off-peak travel, and earlier,around three to six months ahead,for August, Easter or fixed holiday dates. These are planning windows, not a guarantee that the lowest fare will always appear then.

There is no fixed “best day” to buy. Comparing nearby dates and different departure times is more useful. A midweek departure may be cheaper than a Friday flight, but you need to check each time.

• Check outbound and return dates with a two- or three-day margin.
• Set up price alerts if your search tool offers them.
• Compare a return ticket with two one-way tickets, including flights with different airlines.
• Book when the total cost fits your budget, rather than relying on a possible future offer.

Our guide to 20 tips for cheap flights has more ways to compare fares. If you are travelling soon, see what to look for when booking last-minute flights, without assuming that the final seats will be cheaper.

How long is the flight, and which airports serve the route?

The scheduled flight time for a direct Athens–Rhodes service is approximately 60–70 minutes. The time shown on your ticket usually includes the aircraft’s movements on the ground, not just time in the air. Weather and air traffic can affect arrival times.

In Athens, you depart from “Eleftherios Venizelos” Airport (ATH). In Rhodes, you land at “Diagoras” Airport (RHO), on the western side of the island near Paradisi. This is a domestic flight, but you still need an accepted form of identification under your airline’s rules.

Plan to arrive at the airport around two hours before departure, especially if you are checking in baggage. Check-in, bag-drop and gate-closing deadlines are different, so check them in your booking. For the return journey, allow extra time for summer crowds at Rhodes Airport.

Getting from Rhodes Airport to the town centre

The town centre is approximately 14 kilometres away. The journey times and fares below are indicative and apply to travel into town, not to Lindos or the southern resorts. Confirm current fares and transfer quotes before you travel.

• Bus: the cheapest option for one or two travellers with light luggage. Allow around 35–50 minutes, excluding waiting time, and approximately €3–5 per person. Check the RODA timetable, especially for an evening arrival.
• Taxi: around 20–35 minutes depending on traffic, with an indicative fare of €30–45 into town. Confirm the price, any surcharges and the exact drop-off point.
• Pre-booked transfer: for a standard vehicle to the centre, budget around €35–60. Vehicle category, waiting time and special requirements affect the quote.
• Hire car: most useful if you plan to explore the island. As a guide, a small car may cost €20–70 per day, with potentially higher rates in peak season and depending on insurance cover.

If you are staying inside the Medieval Town, ask your accommodation which gate is most convenient. Vehicle access is restricted, and you may need to walk with your luggage. For driving around the island, read our guide to car hire in Rhodes and collection requirements.

Rhodes: what to see and when to go

Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese, so it pays to be selective rather than rush through a checklist of sights. For a first visit, four to five days gives you time to explore the town, visit Lindos and enjoy the sea. With a week, you can add villages, inland drives and beaches further south without long journeys every day.

Start in the Medieval Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Street of the Knights, the Palace of the Grand Master and the Archaeological Museum, housed in the former Hospital of the Knights, provide valuable historical context. Leave time to wander the smaller lanes too, away from the busiest shopping streets. Exploring is more comfortable early in the morning, especially in the hotter months.

Continue towards Mandraki Harbour and the waterfront of the new town. Elli Beach is handy for a swim without a separate excursion, particularly on a short stay. Avoid planning several museums and a long waterfront walk for the same afternoon: the heat and walking distances can be more tiring than the map suggests. Check opening hours and ticket availability before planning your day.

Lindos, around 50–55 kilometres from Rhodes Town, deserves a separate trip. The acropolis stands above the village, and the climb involves uphill walking and steps. Visit in the morning, wear closed-toe shoes and bring water. Afterwards, explore the village or head to a nearby beach. If you want to stay until the evening, check the return bus service in advance.

For beaches, the east coast offers plenty of popular choices, including Tsambika and Faliraki. Kallithea Springs combines historic architecture with a seaside setting. The west coast is often more exposed to the wind, while Prasonisi, at the southern tip, is known for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It is not a quick stop from town: plan it as a separate day trip.

Inland Rhodes offers a different pace. Villages such as Embonas are good places to eat and discover local winemaking, while Kamiros is worth visiting for its archaeological site. The Valley of the Butterflies is a seasonal experience, and insect numbers vary throughout the year. Follow the site’s guidance and avoid making noise or disturbing wildlife.

For a mix of sightseeing and beach time, May, June, September and early October are often the most practical choices, although the weather is never guaranteed. July and August bring bigger crowds and higher temperatures. In winter, the town remains lively, but many tourist businesses outside the centre reduce their hours or close. For more places to visit, consult our Rhodes travel guide and read about what Rhodes is famous for and its signature sights.

Where to stay

For a short trip without a car, Rhodes Town is a practical base, with restaurants, sights and plenty of transport options close together. The Medieval Town offers a distinctive setting, but consider luggage access and possible night-time noise, depending on the street.

Ialyssos is convenient for the west coast and relatively close to the airport. Kallithea and Faliraki suit beach-focused holidays, while Lindos and Pefkos involve a longer transfer on arrival. Compare bases in our guide to where to stay in Rhodes by area.

If you are travelling with children, check family rooms, shade and distance from the sea at family-friendly hotels in Rhodes. For more predictable meal costs, compare all-inclusive hotels in Rhodes, reading exactly what each package includes.

Baggage and low-cost airlines

The lowest fare does not buy you the same thing with every airline. Distinguish between a small personal item, cabin baggage and a checked bag. Permitted dimensions, weight and number of items depend on the airline and fare category.

On the Athens–Rhodes route, compare the total price for the services you need, rather than the “low-cost” label. If you need a checked bag, add it before deciding which option offers better value. Families should also check the rules on sitting beside children and taking a pushchair.

Do not assume that sports equipment or a large beach bag is covered by the basic fare. Special baggage may need to be declared in advance. Also check security rules for liquids, batteries and power banks before packing your cabin bag.

Practical tips before booking

• Consider the flight and transfer together: a late arrival may require a taxi, cancelling out your airfare savings.
• Check your name: it must match your travel document. Corrections are subject to specific conditions.
• Read the change and cancellation rules: being allowed to change a booking is not the same as changing it free of charge with no fare difference to pay.
• Arrange your arrival at your accommodation: let them know if you need a late check-in and ask for directions, especially in the Old Town.
• Allow extra time for your return: the drive to the airport from southern Rhodes is much longer than the transfer from the town centre.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Athens to Rhodes cost?

As a guide, budget €40–150 one way and €80–300 return outside peak periods. Fares can be significantly higher in summer and close to departure. Extra baggage affects the final cost.

How long is the flight from Athens to Rhodes?

A direct flight takes approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes. Add time for getting to the airport, security checks and baggage collection.

Which airlines fly direct from Athens to Rhodes?

AEGEAN and SKY express operate direct flights on this route. Frequencies and departure times vary, so check the timetable for your dates.

Which airline is cheapest for Rhodes?

No airline is consistently the cheapest. Compare flights on the same day, with the same baggage requirements and similar change conditions. The lowest basic fare is not always the cheapest option overall.

When can I find cheap flights to Rhodes?

Usually in winter outside holiday periods, and on less popular departure days. Tracking fares early and being flexible is more helpful than waiting for a last-minute deal.

How do I get from Rhodes Airport to town?

By bus, taxi, pre-booked transfer or car. Allow around 35–50 minutes by bus and 20–35 minutes by car without heavy traffic. As a guide, the bus costs €3–5 per person and a taxi €30–45 per journey.