Ferry from Kos to Athens (Piraeus)

Kos to Piraeus is one of the longer hauls in the Greek network, running the length of the Aegean from the eastern Dodecanese down to Athens' main port. It's less a quick hop than a proper sea voyage, and most people who book it are either avoiding a flight connection or building the crossing itself into the trip -- a cabin and a night on deck watching the islands slide past, or a full day spent reading in the lounge as the ferry works its way through the Cyclades. Check the schedule box above for the latest confirmed dates before you plan around it.

Service runs daily for as long as the season is published, though on this route "daily" usually means a single sailing rather than a shuttle -- the crossing is long enough that operators rarely stack multiple departures in a day outside the summer peak. In the busiest weeks of summer a second, faster boat sometimes joins the roster, but don't count on it; treat one sailing a day as the baseline and check the box above for what's actually confirmed on your dates.

Kos to Piraeus Ferry Fares

Weekly Kos to Piraeus 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 Piraeus?

Yes, several agencies meet passengers directly at the ferry gates (E1 to E12), so there is no need to arrange transport into central Athens first. It suits travellers continuing on to the mainland rather than islanders, since central Athens is only 20 minutes away and has good metro and bus links. Compare local suppliers at Discover Cars.

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 Piraeus between 5 November 2026 and 18 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Kos to Piraeus 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.
• A light cardigan or jacket is still useful in summer – the spray and wind on open deck can make even a 30°C day feel cool when the vessel is at speed.
• Ferries from Piraeus depart from the main port of Athens, giving easy access to the Acropolis, the world-class Acropolis Museum, and the ancient Agora. The historic Plaka neighbourhood at the foot of the Acropolis hill, with its neoclassical lanes, Roman ruins, and traditional tavernas, is the most atmospheric place to spend time before or after your crossing.

Plan a journey

Search for a connection between any two Greek ports, including journeys that need a change.