Ferry Routes to Kos
The main ferry routes to Kos run directly from Piraeus or neighboring Dodecanese islands on Blue Star Ferries and Dodekanisos Seaways. As the largest operators in the region, they transport well over a million passengers annually alongside thousands of vehicles. Check the ferry map above to plan your onward island-hopping adventure north to Kalymnos or south to Rhodes.
Getting to Kos from Greece
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The Dodecanese Hub: Ferry routes to Kos
Kos is one of the most important islands in the Dodecanese chain, located very close to the coast of Turkey. The largest ferry operators in the region include Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways, and Makri Travel. Because it has a major airport and a massive harbor, it is a primary transit point for people traveling to smaller nearby islands.
| Starting Port | Travel Time | Price Estimate (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Athens (Piraeus) | 10 to 14 hours | €60 to €90 (Book a cabin for the overnight trip). |
| Bodrum, Turkey | 20 to 45 minutes | €15 to €25 (You need your passport for this route). |
| Rhodes | 2.5 to 5 hours | €30 to €50 (Depends on if you take a fast or slow boat). |
Kos Town handles all the big ferries from Athens and Rhodes, plus the daily boats to Turkey. Mastichari is a smaller port on the north coast that only serves boats to Kalymnos. Kardamena in the south serves boats to Nisyros. Always check your ticket to see which port you need!
“Kos is completely flat near the main town, making it the best island in Greece for bicycling. When you get off the ferry at Kos Town, you can rent a bike right across the street and cycle to your hotel on dedicated bike paths.”
