Ferry from Kos to Nisyros (Mandraki)

Kos to Nisyros is one of the shortest and best served crossings in the Dodecanese, taking anywhere from under an hour on the Dodekanisos Seaways catamarans to about an hour and forty minutes on the conventional ferries. Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways, SAOS Ferries and ANEM all work the route with a mix of vessels including the Blue Star Patmos, the Dodekanisos Express and Pride, and the Olympios Ermis. Fares start around €7.50, which makes it one of the cheaper island hops in the region.

Nisyros is a volcanic island and that is the whole point of going. The main port is Mandraki, a small harbour town on the northwest coast, and the island's centrepiece is the caldera inland, where a road runs down to a crater floor you can walk across. It is a small island with limited accommodation, and many people come over from Kos for the day and go back the same evening.

With around twenty sailings a fortnight this runs several times a day in season, which is what makes the day trip workable. Current departure times, operators and fares are listed below. Onward links from Nisyros continue to Tilos, Symi and Rhodes on the Dodecanese chain.

Kos to Nisyros Ferry Fares

Weekly Kos to Nisyros 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 Nisyros between 24 October 2026 and 6 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Kos to Nisyros 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.
• Photography from the deck is excellent – the golden hour light on island whitewashed buildings as you arrive is hard to match.
• If you have a connecting ferry from the same port, check the departure board immediately on disembarking and confirm the gate for your next vessel.

Plan a journey

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