Ferry from Kos to Kalymnos (Pothia)

The Kos to Kalymnos ferry is one of the most convenient short hops in the Dodecanese, linking two very different but equally rewarding islands. Kos is a bustling resort island with a well-developed waterfront; Kalymnos, just a short sail away, is rugged, quieter, and carries a proud identity shaped by centuries of sponge diving. The crossing takes under an hour, and the service runs daily throughout the year.

On average, you can expect around two ferries per day on this route, with departures spread across the day to give you decent flexibility. Frequency picks up slightly in the busier months and eases back in winter, but you are never left with only one option.

Kos to Kalymnos Ferry Fares

Weekly Kos to Kalymnos 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 Kos to Kalymnos between 4 September 2026 and 17 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Kos to Kalymnos ferry

• The harbour sits right beside the medieval Castle of the Knights, with ticket agencies lining the waterfront. For domestic sailings on Dodekanisos Seaways and Blue Star ferries, arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure to buy tickets and locate your berth.
• If you are travelling on to Kalymnos, check which port is printed on your ticket – many sailings, including the frequent local car ferries, depart from Mastichari on Kos's north-west coast, not from Kos Town harbour.
• Left-luggage lockers at Kos Town port are limited, so don't rely on finding one at short notice; pack light enough to carry your bags the short walk from the harbour into the old town yourself.
• The bow (front) of the vessel experiences the most pitching in head-on swells; the stern tends to be smoother when seas are rough.
• In Kalymnos, world-class rock climbing routes in the island's limestone cliffs have made it a magnet for climbers from across Europe, while the sheltered pebbly beach of Vlychadia and other coastal spots offer superb swimming. The island also has a deep tradition as a sponge-diving centre, which still shapes its culture today.

Plan a journey

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