How to get to the island of Kos

Air transport

The Greek island of Kos has its own international airport - Kos International Airport "Ippokratis" (KGS), located approximately 23 km southwest of the capital city of Kos. The airport serves domestic flights from Athens, Thessaloniki and Rhodes as well as seasonal charter flights from many European destinations. During the main tourist season (May-October), Ippokratis Airport is very busy.

There are regular buses from the airport to Kos Town, which takes approximately 35 minutes. A taxi from the airport to Kos Town costs around €35.

Ferry service

The second way to get to Kos is to use the ferry service. The island of Kos is well connected to the surrounding islands and the Greek mainland.

The main ferry service operates from the port of Piraeus (Athens), from where it takes between 10 and 11 hours to reach Kos. From the surrounding islands of the Dodecanese (Rhodes, Patmos, Léros, Kalymnos), travellers can reach Kos in 1 to 4 hours, depending on the distance. And from Bodrum in Turkey, which is very close by, the ferry ride takes just 30 minutes, making it a destination suitable for day trips.

Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways, Aegean Speed Lines.

Transport options on the island of Kos

Rent a car or scooter

Hiring a car or other means of transport is probably the most convenient way to explore the island. There are many car, scooter and quad bike rental companies on Kos, especially in the capital and tourist resorts such as Kardamena, Tigaki, Marmari, etc.

The main advantages are flexibility, independence and the possibility to visit remote places off the main tourist routes, where the real natural gems of the island are often hidden.

What to watch out for: the driver must show proof of identity (ID or passport) and a valid driving licence. An international driving licence is generally required in Greece. In the high tourist season (June-September), advance booking is recommended. Rates range from €25/day for a scooter, €35-60/day for a small car (depending on the season and length of rental). Rental companies also sometimes require a refundable deposit, which they will block on the customer's credit card (used to cover damages not covered by insurance). Very cheap car rentals compared to competitors are suspicious and clients should be wary of whether rental cars are insured in case of accidents.

Public bus transport (KTEL)

The bus network covers most popular places on Kos and is an economical alternative to hiring a vehicle. The bus service on Kos is operated by KTEL and works reasonably well. The central bus station is located in Kos town.

Prices are very reasonable, with one-way fares ranging from €2 to €5 depending on distance. Buses run more frequently in high season, but in low season you should expect a limited timetable. Current timetables are available at www.ktelkos.gr

Taxi service

Taxis are available in all major tourist areas and are a convenient, if more expensive, alternative.

Official taxi cars on Kos are usually blue or silver. All should have a taximeter. Prices start at around €3.50 plus €1 per kilometre, for longer journeys (e.g. from the airport to more distant resorts) it is advisable to arrange a price in advance.

Cycling

Kos is a relatively flat island, which makes it an ideal place for cycling. A well-marked cycle path runs along the north coast, connecting Kos Town with Tigaki. A well-maintained cycle path also follows the east coast of the island, connecting Kos Town with the nearby resorts of Lambi and Psalidi.

There are several bicycle rental shops in Kos town and the larger resorts. Bike rental prices range from 5-10 €/day. The use of bicycles is suitable for short transfers or to explore the coast. Don't forget plenty of water and sun protection, especially in the summer months.

Boat transport

Boat transport is a great way to discover the beauty of the Kos coastline or visit neighbouring islands. The port of Kos Town is the main port of the island, where ferries leave for Athens, the surrounding islands and Turkey.

However, there are other smaller ports on Kos that are particularly suitable for boat trips around the coast or cruises on smaller boats to nearby islands. The port of Mastichari is located on the northern coast and provides the main connection to the island of Kalymnos. On the south coast, tourists can use the smaller port of Kardamena and take a trip to the volcanic island of Nisyros, for example. The port of Kefalos also operates in the south of the island, with less frequent connections to smaller islands.

So what are the shipping options on Kos? Probably the most popular among tourists are the cruise boats around the island ("boat trips"), with prices starting at €25 for a day trip. In high season, boat taxis also operate on the island, especially between the most popular beaches. Day trips to Turkey (Bodrum) are provided by ferries from €30, including basic insurance. Regular services to the surrounding islands (Kalymnos, Pserimos, Nisyros, Patmos).

Traffic regulations and the situation on the roads

Basic traffic rules

In Greece, you drive on the right, the maximum speed limit is 50 km/h in the village and 90 km/h outside the village. On the main road connecting the towns of Kos and Kefalos, the maximum speed limit is up to 110 km/h. Seat belts must be worn by all passengers and a helmet is compulsory when riding a motorcycle or scooter. Please also note that the use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited.

In Greece, there is an alcohol tolerance of up to 0.5 per mille of alcohol in the blood. For motorcyclists, as well as for novice drivers (who have held a licence for less than 2 years) and professional drivers, the tolerance is reduced to 0.2 per millilitre of alcohol in the blood.

Dipped-beam headlights are only used during the day in poor visibility, otherwise they are not used during the day in Greece. In towns, the use of driving lights is prohibited. Roundabouts are not very common on Kos, but beware - some have the opposite rules (i.e. the person entering the roundabout is on the main road).

Again, parking rules are similar to those in the EU. However, parking can be problematic, especially in the main town of Kos, as it tends to be crowded in the main tourist season. Paid car parks in Kos town are around €2-3/hour, with the most secure ones in the centre and by the harbour. Most hotels and restaurants offer free parking. However, also pay attention to road signs when parking, as yellow lines mean no parking.

Road conditions and road signs

The quality of the roads on Kos varies. The main road connecting Kos town with the south coast and Kefalos is in good condition. Secondary roads can be narrower and of poor surface quality, especially in mountainous areas. In the more remote parts of the island it is common to encounter unpaved roads, for example when driving off the road towards the coast, towards one of the beautiful beaches here.

Signs are mostly in Greek and English, but are less frequent off the main routes. In some places, the bends are marked too late and not always with turn signals, extra caution is advised. You may also suddenly see goats or donkeys on the road. Signposts to the main tourist attractions are usually clearly visible.

Gas stations are easily accessible along the main roads. Most petrol stations are open from 7am to 7pm, some on the main routes even longer. Fuel prices are similar to other parts of Europe. It is advisable to carry cash; not all stations accept credit cards.

A few recommendations and warnings in conclusion

• During the summer months, traffic can be heavy in some areas of the island, especially around the capital of Kos and the main holiday resorts. So allow plenty of time for your journey and be patient.
• Local drivers may be less disciplined than you are used to. Stay fully focused while driving.
• The right of way is not so well respected here. Drive slowly through junctions.
• Not using indicators when turning and not stopping at stop signs is typical.
• Watch out for cyclists and pedestrians, especially in tourist areas.
• In mountainous areas, expect sharp curves and narrower roads.
• Honking is frequent, but it's not meant in a bad way.
• Important telephone numbers in emergency situations: emergency 112, Police 100, Ambulance 166, Roadside assistance 104 or 10400

Note: The prices quoted in the article are an average of the 2024 tourist season.