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Kos Ferries

Everything you need to know about ferries to and from Kos — the Kos Town port, routes from Piraeus and Rhodes, and how to use Kos as a hub for exploring the Dodecanese island chain.

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The port: Kos Town

The ferry port at Kos Town is one of the most picturesque in the Aegean. Large ferries dock directly in front of the town's palm-lined harbour promenade, with the medieval Castle of the Knights of St John rising over the quayside. The town centre — restaurants, shops, the ancient Agora and the famous Hippocrates Plane Tree — is within easy walking distance of the port.

Kos handles both conventional car ferries and high-speed passenger services. The Bodrum–Kos hydrofoil crossing (around 30 minutes) connects the island to the Turkish coast, giving it an international dimension unusual for a Greek island ferry port.

Routes from Kos

Kos is the southern anchor of the central Dodecanese ferry corridor. Key connections include:

  • Piraeus (Athens) — Blue Star Ferries runs direct overnight sailings of 10–11 hours; the boat usually departs in the evening and arrives early morning.
  • Rhodes — southward in 2–2.5 hours high-speed or 3–4 hours conventional; Blue Star calls at both on its Piraeus–Dodecanese run.
  • Kalymnos and Leros — northward on the same Blue Star route, short inter-island legs of 30–60 minutes each.
  • Bodrum (Turkey) — a short international crossing of about 30 minutes by hydrofoil or small ferry; check visa requirements.

The island

Kos is the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, and the famous Plane Tree in the town centre is said (romantically, if not archaeologically) to be where he taught. The island is long and flat with a backbone of hills, excellent cycling infrastructure, and some of the best beaches in the Dodecanese — including Tigaki, Paradise Beach and Kefalos. The ancient ruins at the Asklepion, the great healing sanctuary, are among the most important Greek heritage sites in the eastern Aegean. Kos has a lively tourist scene but retains a genuine local identity.

Planning tips

Overnight ferries from Piraeus are the practical way to reach Kos from Athens — they cover the long distance efficiently without consuming a full day. Book well ahead in July and August, especially for a cabin (essential for a comfortable overnight crossing) or if you are taking a vehicle. The Kos–Rhodes day trip by ferry is a popular and well-organised excursion; check that you board the right return service, as Blue Star ferries are not always the first morning departure.

Ports & terminals

Ferry routes from here

Frequently asked questions

Which port do ferries use on Kos?
Kos Town harbour, right in front of the main town. Large Blue Star conventional ferries dock here; the port is walking distance from the town centre and the Castle of the Knights.
How long is the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Kos?
Blue Star conventional ferries take around 10–11 hours overnight from Piraeus. There is no direct high-speed service from Athens.
Can I take a ferry from Kos to Rhodes?
Yes — Blue Star Ferries runs the Kos–Rhodes route in roughly 2–2.5 hours by high-speed or 3–4 hours by conventional ferry. There are also connections to Bodrum in Turkey.