Ferry from Kalymnos (Pothia) to Kos

Kalymnos to Kos is the busiest short crossing in this part of the Dodecanese, worked by ANEM, Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways and SAOS Ferries between them. Depending on the vessel it takes anywhere from about thirty-five minutes on the Dodekanisos Express catamaran to a little over an hour on the bigger conventional ferries such as Blue Star 2 or Blue Star Patmos. Fares start around five euros, so this is a genuinely cheap and easy hop.

Most sailings arrive at Kos Town, right beside the medieval Castle of the Knights that guards the harbour entrance. Kos is a large, lively island with a strong resort side, good beaches and enough flat ground to make cycling a practical way to get about. The archaeological sites, the Asklepieion above all, are the counterweight to the beach and nightlife side of the island.

Sailings run several times a day in season, which makes this an easy same-day trip in either direction. The current timetable and fares are shown in the tables below. Note that some crossings use Mastichari on the northwest coast rather than Kos Town, which is handy for the airport but a bus ride from the capital.

Kalymnos to Kos Ferry Fares

Weekly Kalymnos to Kos Ferry Schedule

The repeating pattern behind the dated timetable, without dates. Each row is one scheduled departure and the days it runs.

Hiring a car

Can you rent a car in Kos?

Yes. The ferry port sits right in Kos Town, about 2km from the centre, a 20-25 minute walk or five-minute drive, with rental desks nearby. Buses run regularly between the main towns but thin out fast once you leave them, so a car is worth it if you want to reach the Asclepion, Mount Dikeos villages or the quieter beaches. Compare prices at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Kalymnos to Kos between 24 August 2026 and 6 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Kalymnos to Kos ferry

• November through February are the quietest months; you may have the ferry almost to yourself on some routes, which is a remarkable experience.
• The return wave after Easter (Sunday–Tuesday) is equally busy; allow an extra day of buffer if you need a reliable return sailing.
• At smaller island ports, taxis are scarce; book one in advance or confirm with your hotel that a transfer is arranged.
• In Kos, ancient history and beach life sit side by side – the Tree of Hippocrates in Kos Town is said to be the very spot where the father of medicine taught, while the nearby Asklepion was one of antiquity's most important healing sanctuaries. The island's long sandy beaches and flat terrain, ideal for cycling, make it one of the most accessible of the Dodecanese.

Plan a journey

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