Search and compare cheap 9 seater and minibus prices at Rhodes Airport to find the best deal for your group travel.
Before You Book a 9 Seater at Rhodes Airport
Rhodes Diagoras Airport (RHO) serves large summer peaks. Demand for 9 seaters spikes in July and August. Book early if you travel then.
Minibuses are bulkier than family cars. They need more space in arrivals and at hotels. Check access at your first destination.
Car Hire Desks at Rhodes Diagoras Airport
Most mainstream companies keep desks inside the arrivals hall. Look for the car hire row near baggage reclaim. Smaller operators often park off-site and run shuttles to their lot.
Off-site shuttle times vary. Expect a 5 to 12 minute transfer from the terminal to an off-airport car park during low traffic. In summer this can extend to 15 minutes.
Terminal Pickup vs Shuttle Services
Pick-up inside the terminal is quicker but sometimes more expensive. Off-site collection may save money but adds time. Factor this into your arrival schedule.
Driving from Rhodes Airport to Rhodes Town
The airport is about 14 km south-west of Rhodes Town. The main route follows national roads and usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Expect heavier traffic in mornings and early evening during summer.
Roads to Lindos and the east coast are narrow and winding. Large minibuses like the Mercedes‑Benz Sprinter or Fiat Ducato can feel tight on those bends. Drive slowly on coastal stretches.
Why 9 Seater Availability at Rhodes Airport Is Often Limited
Island fleets are smaller than mainland fleets. Suppliers keep only a few 9 seaters at RHO. Peak weeks exhaust stock fast.
Many companies reserve minibuses for resorts and long-term hires. That reduces same-day pickup options for last-minute travellers.
How Minibus Rental Differs Between Rental Companies at Rhodes Airport
Some local companies include unlimited mileage. Others cap daily miles. Read the contract before you sign.
Vehicle models vary by supplier. Expect Ford Transit Custom, Volkswagen Caravelle, Mercedes Vito Tourer, Opel Zafira Life and Fiat Ducato in the fleet mix.
Why Booking a Minivan at Rhodes Airport Is More Complex Than a Standard Car
Insurance and deposit levels rise with capacity. Many providers ask for higher security holds on credit cards. Prepare for larger pre-authorisations.
Seat configurations differ. Some 9 seaters have narrow luggage space with nine passengers. Check luggage and passenger needs before booking.
What Happens If a 9 Seater Isn’t Available at Rhodes Airport
Suppliers may offer two smaller cars instead of one minibus. This splits the group and raises driving coordination needs and parking costs.
Alternatively you may receive a different minibus model with similar seating. Expect consultancy or station staff to explain the change. Ask for written confirmation of seating and luggage capacity.
How Group Size Affects the Type of Vehicle You’re Given at Rhodes Airport
Groups with lots of luggage often get a larger van such as a Fiat Ducato. Groups with mainly hand luggage may be offered an Opel Zafira Life or Volkswagen Caravelle.
Travellers with child seats need to tell the company at booking. Fitting three child seats in a middle row can be hard or impossible in some models.
Why 9 Seater Prices at Rhodes Airport Vary So Widely
Seasonal demand drives the biggest swings. Peak summer weeks can double daily rates compared to spring or autumn. Supply and demand set the market.
Airport collection fees and mandatory insurances also differ. Two similar quotes can include very different extras. Compare the full price.
Why Booking Early Matters More for 9 Seaters Than Any Other Vehicle Type
Fewer vehicles are available. Early reservations secure both the model and the price. Last-minute hires often face limited options and higher deposits.
Booking early also lets you confirm baggage space and child seat availability. This reduces the risk of being offered two cars on arrival.
Car Hire Cost by Vehicle Type
Typical daily ranges below reflect realistic island pricing. High season refers to July and August. Low season covers spring and autumn.
| Car Type | Typical Daily Cost (Low Season) | Typical Daily Cost (High Season) |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Seater Minibus | £65–£110 | £120–£220 |
| 7 Seater MPV (e.g. Opel Zafira Life) | £40–£80 | £60–£120 |
| 12 Seater Minibus (Fiat Ducato) | £80–£130 | £140–£260 |
| Two standard cars (split group) | £45–£90 each | £70–£140 each |
Common Extra Charges (9 Seater Rentals)
Extra fees on Rhodes can add a large share to the headline rental rate. Check likely charges before you book.
| Extra | Typical Cost | Can It Be Avoided? |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit | £500–£2,000 hold | Partly. Use higher insurance or credit card cover |
| Additional driver | £5–£12 per day | Sometimes. Named drivers may be free on promos |
| Airport surcharge | £8–£25 flat | Rarely. Choose non-airport pickup to avoid it |
| One-way fee | £30–£120 | No. It applies if you drop off away from pickup |
Troubleshooting: The Most Common Reasons 9 Seater Rentals Go Wrong at Rhodes Airport
- Double bookings or stock mismatches during peak weeks.
- Insufficient luggage space for nine people.
- Off-site collections that add unexpected delay.
- High security holds that exhaust credit limits.
- Access limits at medieval Rhodes and small resort hotels.
What You Should Double-Check Before Booking a 9 Seater at Rhodes Airport
Confirm exact seat count and luggage allowance for your chosen model. Written confirmation avoids surprises.
Check whether the supplier uses an off-airport lot and the shuttle time. Factor that into flight schedules and transfers.
Ask about deposit size, fuel policy, and permitted mileage. Have the card used for the hold at checkout.
FAQs
Can I pick up a 9 seater directly inside Rhodes Airport?
Yes. Many major suppliers operate desks in the arrivals hall. Smaller companies may require a short shuttle transfer.
How long does shuttle transfer take from the terminal to off-site car parks?
Typically 5 to 12 minutes off-peak. Expect up to 15 minutes in busy summer periods.
Are 9 seaters allowed in Rhodes Old Town?
Access to the Medieval City is restricted. Large minibuses cannot drive the narrow streets. Plan drop-off points outside the Old Town.
What models are commonly provided for 9 seater hirers?
Common models include Ford Transit Custom, Mercedes Vito Tourer, Volkswagen Caravelle and Fiat Ducato.
Do suppliers provide child seats for 9 seater hires?
Yes, but stock is limited in peak season. Reserve seats at booking to guarantee availability.
Is there a one-way fee if I drop the minibus at another Greek airport?
Yes. One-way fees apply and can be substantial. Confirm the cost when you reserve.
Will a 9 seater fit narrow coastal roads to Lindos?
It will fit, but expect tight bends and slower speeds. Drive carefully on the coastal and mountain stretches.
How much is the security deposit for a 9 seater at Rhodes?
Deposits vary widely. Expect a hold in the range of £500 to £2,000 depending on the supplier and insurance chosen.
Can I add an additional driver for a 9 seater hire?
Yes. Additional driver charges usually apply. Some firms include one extra driver for free on certain rates.
Are there parking restrictions that affect minibus travellers?
Yes. Resort car parks are limited. Rhodes Town also has restricted spaces. Book hotels with guaranteed parking if possible.
