Rhodes is a Greek island of endless possibilities, with a fascinating history and plenty of medieval and modern attractions to explore — from ancient Greek temples and fortifications to stunning beaches, there's something for everyone here.

And its main event — the city of Rhodes — is especially captivating with its cobblestone streets lined by ancient ruins, elegant cafes and quaint shops. Perched high above the city, the Palace of the Grand Masters stands watch over it all like a guardian angel.

You could spend a week on this sun-kissed island and barely scratch the surface. But if you'd like to truly experience all that Rhodes has to offer in a short period of time, nothing beats a open-air hop-on-hop-off bus tour in Rhodes. Efficient and educational, these double-decker tours allow you to discover hidden gems while learning about the region's incredible past.

Here's all you need to know about hop-on hop-off bus tours, one of the most captivating sightseeing tours in Rhodes.

What are the best hop-on-hop-off Rhodes bus tours? What are their prices?

With a reputation for being one of the most popular Greek islands, it should come as no surprise that Rhodes has a variety of hop-on-hop-off bus tours to choose from. While each company offers a similar experience — combining sightseeing, transport and an educational audio guide — they all have their own unique elements, timetables and routes.

The most popular hop-on-hop-off bus tours are listed in greater detail below, allowing you to discover their individual features and decide which one is the best for you.

Rhodes City Tour (Yellow Bus)

A great choice for first-time visitors and budget travelers, the Rhodes City Tour (Yellow Bus) offers a comprehensive tour of the city's main attractions. Along the way, you'll be able to take in the breathtaking views of the coast and marvel at historical sites such as the Palace of Grand Masters and the ancient Acropolis of Rhodes.

Plus, you have the added bonus of being able to hop off whenever you wish, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace.

Route

The yellow Rhodes hop-on-hop-off city tour makes 11 stops on its route around the city of Rhodes, starting and ending at the Rhodos Horizon Hotel and driving around in a clockwise direction.

As you make your way around town, you'll have the opportunity to disembark at any of the following locations: Psaropoula Square, Grand Hotel, the Aquarium on Elli Beach, Town Hall, Rhodes City Center, the Old Town of Rhodes, Tourist Harbor, New Marina, San Francisco and the Acropolis of Rhodes.

While there are no stops directly outside these landmarks, you will also pass by within close view of a series of other notable attractions, such as St Stephen's Hill, the Rhodes Casino, Saint Paul's Gate, the Rhodes Windmills, Sachtouri Beach, Diagoras Municipal Stadium and St Georges Bastion, to name a few.

Timetable

The Rhodes City Tour runs every day to a set timetable. Buses depart every hour between 9 AM and 6 PM. The first bus departs from the Rhodes Horizon Hotel is at 9 AM.

In April, busses run to a shorter schedule, with the last bus departing from the Rhodes Horizon Hotel at approximately 3 PM.

Tickets

Tickets for the Rhodes City Tour cost €15 per adult (aged 13 and above) and €7 per child (aged 0-12 years). Tickets can be purchased online, as well as on board from the bus driver.

Use of the ticket is valid for 1 day (24 hours) and includes the opportunity to hop on and hop off at 11 different stations around the city. You are not limited to the full duration of the route and can hop off at any stop.

Rhodes Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour (Red Bus)

The Rhodes Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour (Red Bus) is the perfect option for those who wish to explore the coastline and interior of the island, as it covers some of its most popular attractions. Onboard, you'll find a knowledgeable audio guide that will provide informative commentary about each location – making your journey even more enjoyable.

Overall, the Rhodes Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour offers a comprehensive and exciting way to explore the island.

Route

The Rhodes Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour has a total of 12 stops, beginning and ending at the Rhodos Horizon Resort. The journey takes about an hour and — just like the Yellow Bus — whisks you around the island in a clockwise direction.

Some of the notable attractions that can be found on this route include the Ancient Stadium of Rhodes, the Aquarium, the Acropolis of Rhodes, the Mitsis Grand Hotel, Elli Beach and the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, to name a few.

The route mainly stays inside Rhodes Town, rather than exploring the outskirts of the island.

Timetable

The first bus, departing from the Rhodes Horizon Resort, departs at 8:30 AM and the last bus departs at 6:30 PM from June to September. Outside of summer, the last bus departs between 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM. Buses run every hour between these times and it takes about an hour to complete the full journey.

Tickets

Tickets for the Rhodes Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour cost €15 per adult (12 years old and above) and €7 per child (3-12 years old). Kids under 2 years old ride for free.

Tickets can be purchased online as well as on board from the bus driver. Use of the ticket is valid for 24 hours and includes the opportunity to hop on and off at any of the 12 stops around the city.

You can usually cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How do hop-on-hop-off bus tours in Rhodes work? What is included?

Hop-on-hop-off bus tours in Rhodes are a great way to see the sights of the island quickly and easily. The buses run on a regular timetable at designated stops around the city, so you can plan your day accordingly.

Designed to be flexible and adaptable to your own schedule, these buses allow you to hop on and off at any of the stops provided. Alternatively, you can ride the full loop (multiple times in a row if you wish) to experience an overview and highlight reel of the city before exploring further.

The buses are equipped with a knowledgeable audio guide that will provide interesting commentary about each location, giving you an insight into the culture and history of Rhodes.

Are there any combined tickets including hop-on-hop-off bus tours?

Yes, if you book a Rhodes City Tour hop-on-hop-off bus and submarine combination ticket, you can explore both the coastline and interior of the island. These tickets cost €26 for adults (13+ years old), and €14 for children (aged between 1-12). Infants ride free!

The combination ticket includes access to a total of 11 stops on the red Rhodes hop-on-hop-off bus tour as well as an hour-long underwater exploration on board the Poseidon submarine – making it a solid holistic sightseeing tour for first-timers.

Departing from Mandraki Harbor, the submarine remains at sea level at all times, allowing you to appreciate the view of the city from afar on the upper deck, and get a glimpse of the local aquatic life through the large underwater viewing windows inside.

What other sightseeing tours can you do in Rhodes?

Travel tips

Bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water on hot days, especially if you want to sit on the upper deck.
If you're thinking about purchasing Rhodes hop-on-hop-off bus tickets, use them at the beginning of your Rhodes trip. This will give you a strong overview of the city and help you get your bearings before you explore further.
Arrive at the bus stops a few minutes early, so you don't miss your allocated time slot.
Don't forget about the audio commentary! It's a great way to learn more about the city and its history.

Hop on Hop off Bus Tours in Rhodes