Ferry from Nisyros (Mandraki) to Kos

Nisyros to Kos is the island's main lifeline, taking anywhere from about three quarters of an hour on the fast catamarans to an hour and forty minutes on the conventional ferries. ANEM S.A., Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways and SAOS Ferries all work it, with vessels including Dodekanisos Express, Dodekanisos Pride, Blue Star Patmos and Olympios Ermis. The catamarans are quicker and smoother, the conventional ships carry vehicles and cost less.

Kos is a large, lively Dodecanese island with the Turkish coast near Bodrum just across the water. The main harbour at Kos Town sits directly beneath the medieval Castle of the Knights, which is visible as you come in. Beyond the town there are beach resorts, flat cycling country and archaeological sites including the Asklepieion, the ancient healing sanctuary associated with Hippocrates.

This is a busy pairing, with sailings most days and often more than one a day in high season. Current times and fares are shown in the timetable below, with fares starting around €7. Some services use Kos Town and others the smaller ports of Mastichari or Kardamena, so check which harbour your ticket names.

Nisyros to Kos Ferry Fares

Weekly Nisyros 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 Nisyros to Kos between 24 August 2026 and 6 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Nisyros to Kos ferry

• If you need to change your ticket, it is usually cheaper to do so online than at the port ticket office, where a handling fee may apply.
• Campervans and motorhomes require a dedicated vehicle category when booking; standard car prices do not apply and spaces are limited.
• Weather disruptions in winter can trigger a cascade of cancellations across a whole island group; plan your exit route well in advance if you are on a deadline.
• If you booked through a third-party agent, you may still need to collect a physical ticket at the port – check your booking confirmation carefully.
• 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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