Ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Kos

Piraeus to Kos is one of the busier Dodecanese runs, worked by Blue Star Ferries and Superfast with the Blue Star 2, the Blue Star Patmos and the Lefka Ori. Journey times range from around nine and a half hours on a direct overnight sailing to fifteen or more when the ship works its way through the intermediate islands. Cabins are worth booking on the night services, and there is plenty of deck space and catering on board.

Kos is large, flat and firmly geared to beach holidays, with a lively resort scene alongside some substantial ancient history. Ferries dock in Kos Town, right beneath the medieval Castle of the Knights, and the town centre is a short walk from the quay. The Asklepieion is just outside town, the island is easy to cycle, and Kardamena and Mastichari cover the quieter end of things.

Sailings run most days through the year, with several a day at the height of summer, and fares start around €63. Check the table below for current departures and prices. Kos is a hub in its own right, with links to Kalymnos, Nisyros, Rhodes and Bodrum, and an international airport nearby.

Piraeus to Kos Ferry Fares

Weekly Piraeus 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.

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.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Piraeus to Kos between 24 October 2026 and 6 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Piraeus to Kos ferry

• Piraeus port is large, with departure gates E1 to E10 spread along the waterfront – allow extra time to find yours, as it can be a 15–20 minute walk from the metro station, and check the gate number printed on your ticket.
• Ferries to the Saronic islands – Aegina, Hydra and the nearby islands – depart from Gate E8, while Cyclades sailings (Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos) leave from gates in the E6–E10 range, so double-check your specific gate on arrival.
• Take Metro Line 1 or Line 3 to Piraeus station, then use the free shuttle bus that circulates around the port roughly every 10–15 minutes, linking the metro to all gates – useful if your ferry departs from a distant terminal such as E2 or E3.
• There is no parking inside the port itself, so if you are driving, use one of the private car parks nearby rather than looking for a space at the gate; ticket booths at each gate can print e-tickets if you have not already.
• 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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