Ferry from Kos to Vathy (Samos)

Kos to Vathy is a long haul north through the eastern Aegean, linking the busiest of the southern Dodecanese islands with the capital of Samos. Superfast Ferries run it with the Lefka Ori, and the crossing takes somewhere between four and a half and six and a half hours depending on how many islands the ship calls at on the way. It is a conventional car ferry rather than a fast craft, so there is deck space, seating inside and a canteen for the duration.

Vathy, officially Samos Town, is the island's capital and main port. It sits at the head of a deep, sheltered bay, which is where the name comes from, and it feels like a working Greek town rather than a resort: administrative buildings, proper shopping streets and a harbourfront lined with cafes. The archaeological museum is an easy walk from the dock, and the town is the natural base for onward travel around Samos.

The route runs only a few times a fortnight, so it needs planning around rather than turning up for. Current departures, journey times and fares are listed in the timetable below. From Vathy there are onward links to Piraeus, other eastern Aegean islands and the short hop across to Kusadasi on the Turkish coast.

Weekly Kos to Vathy Ferry Schedule

What each ferry company has published from 13 November 2026 to 27 November 2026, where the published timetable ends: the days it sails and its departure times from Kos.

Kos to Vathy Ferry Fares

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 Vathy between 13 November 2026 and 26 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Kos to Vathy 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.
• Greek ferries are generally safe and well-maintained; life jacket locations are posted throughout the vessel and a safety briefing sheet is usually displayed in cabins.
• If you are comparing ferry versus flying between islands, factor in port transfer times at each end – ferries are often more time-efficient for short hops.

Plan a journey

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