Ferry to Kos 2026: routes, prices & tickets
Kos is connected to Piraeus by ferry all year round. The crossing is an overnight one and takes roughly 10–14 hours, depending on the ship and the intermediate stops. Here's what to choose, when to book and how to get around once you arrive at Kos port.
Ferry tickets to Kos
- Departure ports
- 1
- Travel time
- 9h 35m – 15h 20m
- Tickets from
- €63
- Ferry companies
- 1
Ferries to Kos from Athens and the mainland
| Route | Travel time | Type | Ferry companies | from | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piraeus to Kos | 9h 35m – 15h 20m | Conventional |  | €63 | Schedule → |
Ferry times to Kos
Indicative schedule — times change by season. Confirm in the search before booking.
| Departs | Arrives | Vessel / Company | Type | Days | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 | 23:55 | Blue Star Patmos | Conventional | Sun | — |
| 15:00 | 02:40 | Blue Star Patmos / Blue Star Delos (εναλλάσσονται) | Conventional | Tue | — |
| 15:00 | 02:30 | Blue Star Delos | Conventional | Thu | — |
| 18:00 | 05:50 | Blue Star 1 / Superfast XI (εναλλάσσονται) | Conventional | Mon | — |
| 18:00 | 06:10 | Superfast XI | Conventional | Wed | — |
| 18:00 | 07:50 | Nissos Rodos | Conventional | Thu | — |
| 18:00 | 06:10 | Superfast XI | Conventional | Fri | — |
| Departs | Arrives | Vessel / Company | Type | Days | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13:00 | 01:40 | | Conventional | Thu | — |
| 15:00 | 01:45 | | Conventional | Sun | — |
| 17:00 | 04:40 | | Conventional | Tue | — |
| 18:00 | 09:20 | | Conventional | Thu | — |
| 18:00 | 03:35 | | Conventional | Fri | — |
| 18:00 | 05:50 | | Conventional | Mon | — |
| 18:00 | 09:20 | | Conventional | Tue | — |
| 18:00 | 06:10 | | Conventional | Wed | — |
| 23:55 | 11:35 | | Conventional | Sat | — |
How much is the ferry to Kos
Conventional
from €63Starting prices per person, economy seat, one way.
When to book: for July–August 3–4 weeks ahead; May, June and September have more availability. Discounts for students, large families and island residents.
Ferry companies serving Kos
Port information
- Port: the main port is in Kos Town, next to Neratzia Castle. It is the arrival port for ferries from Piraeus.
- Walking into town: hotels, restaurants, cafés and the old town are all within walking distance.
- KTEL buses: the main KTEL bus station is at 7 Kleopatras Street, close to the port. Buses to the airport and the island's beach resorts depart from there.
- Airport: about 25 km from the town. A taxi takes around 25–35 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Taxis: usually available at the port. For a night-time arrival (02:00–04:00), arrange a transfer in advance through your accommodation.
- Parking and vehicles: if you're travelling with a car, you'll arrive right in the town centre. If you're staying in town, ask your accommodation about parking, as finding a space near the port is difficult in summer.
- Other ports on the island: Mastichari (for Kalymnos) and Kardamena (for Nisyros and other local services). Check which port your sailing departs from.
- Connections from the port: Rhodes, Kalymnos, Nisyros, Tilos, Symi, Patmos and Bodrum (Turkey), depending on the season.
How to get to Kos by ferry
Kos is one of the most distant islands you can reach by ferry from Athens. The Piraeus connection is operated by Blue Star Ferries' conventional ships, 6–7 times a week all year round. Tickets start from €63. That price usually applies to an economy (deck-class) seat, and the final fare varies with the date, the type of accommodation and whether you're taking a car.
There is no high-speed ferry from Piraeus to Kos. It's a long journey, around 10–14 hours. The duration depends on the ship and on how many islands it calls at along the way. Some sailings stop at Syros, Patmos, Leros and Kalymnos and take longer, while others are more direct. If time matters, check the arrival time and not just the departure.
Which sailing to choose
In the autumn 2026 timetables, ferries leave Piraeus around midday or in the afternoon (roughly 12:00–18:00). Arrival in Kos falls between midnight and early morning, with times ranging from 02:30 to 07:50. Two things are worth checking before you pay:
- Arrival time: a 03:00 arrival means your hotel needs to be expecting you, or you'll be looking for a taxi on empty streets. An arrival between 06:00 and 07:00 is usually more convenient.
- Number of stops: the more stops, the longer the journey. The same destination can differ by several hours from one day to the next.
Timetables change by season and by day of the week. The ships on this route (e.g. Blue Star Delos, Nissos Rodos, Superfast XI) don't run the same schedule every day. Check your exact date in the timetables on this page rather than relying on a “general” schedule.
Economy seat or cabin?
With 10–14 hours at sea and an overnight sailing, a cabin makes a real difference, especially if you have activities planned for the next day or you're driving. If you're travelling with children or luggage, a cabin is also practical, as you have somewhere to leave your things. An economy seat is fine if you can put up with a comfortable but not especially restful night. The “from €63” price is for the cheapest seat, so don't expect it to apply to a cabin or a vehicle.
When to book
From June to the end of September, Kos is very busy. There are more sailings, but seats also sell out quickly. For July and August, especially around 15 August and at weekends, book a few weeks ahead. This is even more important if you want a cabin or are taking a car, as vehicle spaces and cabins sell out first. Outside the peak season (October to May) it's easier to find space, but there may be fewer sailings and they are more exposed to the weather. Changes due to strong winds are common in winter, so don't leave too tight a connection with a return flight.
Kos port
The main port is in Kos Town, next to Neratzia Castle. From there it's easy to walk to hotels, restaurants and the old town. If you're staying in a beach resort (Tigaki, Marmari, Kardamena), you'll need a taxi or a KTEL bus (the island's public bus service). The main KTEL bus station is at 7 Kleopatras Street, a short distance from the port.
The airport is about 25 km from the town, and a taxi takes around 25–35 minutes depending on traffic. If you're combining a ferry with a flight, allow for the fact that the transfer isn't instant.
Travel tips
- Get to Piraeus with plenty of time to spare. Check-in closes before departure and Piraeus has many gates. The gate number is shown on your ticket or in your booking confirmation email.
- If you're arriving at night, tell your accommodation what time you'll get in and ask them explicitly to wait up for you.
- Bring something warm. Air-conditioned areas are colder than you'd expect, even in August.
- For getting around the island, Kos is relatively flat and well suited to cycling. If you want to see the Asklepieion, Zia and the southern beaches, however, hire a car or scooter.
From Kos to other islands
Kos is a hub for the Dodecanese. From its port there are connections to Rhodes, Kalymnos, Nisyros, Tilos, Symi and Patmos. The closest crossing is to Bodrum in Turkey, about 30 minutes by high-speed boat, and you will need your travel documents. For Kalymnos, if you're arriving by air, Mastichari is closer to the airport than Kos Town. Check which port your sailing departs from before you book.
Kos ferry FAQ
How much is a ferry ticket from Piraeus to Kos?
Prices start from €63 for the cheapest seat. The fare varies with the date, the type of accommodation (economy seat or cabin) and whether you're taking a car. In peak season, prices tend to be higher.
How long is the ferry from Piraeus to Kos?
Around 10–14 hours, depending on the ship and the intermediate stops (e.g. Syros, Patmos, Leros, Kalymnos). The timetable for your date shows the exact duration before you book.
Is there a high-speed ferry from Athens to Kos?
No. The Piraeus – Kos route is operated by conventional Blue Star Ferries ships. If you want to save time, the alternative is to fly from Athens to Kos, which takes about 50 minutes.
Which ferry company goes to Kos?
From Piraeus, Kos is served by Blue Star Ferries. For routes between islands (Rhodes, Kalymnos, Nisyros, Tilos) there are other operators too, depending on the season.
What time does the ferry arrive in Kos?
Because it's an overnight crossing, arrivals take place between midnight and early morning. On the autumn 2026 sailings, arrival times ranged from 02:30 to 07:50. Choose the time that suits your accommodation.
How do I get from Kos port to the airport?
The airport is about 25 km away. You can take a taxi (around 25–35 minutes) or a KTEL Kos bus, which departs from the town centre at 7 Kleopatras Street.
How far in advance should I book a ferry to Kos?
For July and August, book a few weeks ahead, especially if you want a cabin or are taking a vehicle. Outside peak season there is usually more availability, but fewer sailings.
Can I take a ferry from Kos to Turkey?
Yes, there is a connection to Bodrum, about 30 minutes by high-speed boat, with regular sailings mainly in the summer season. You will need travel documents and, depending on your nationality, possibly a visa.