Ferry from Symi (Gialos) to Kos

Symi and Kos sit close together in the Dodecanese, and the ferry crossing between them is one of the more straightforward hops in this part of the Aegean. You step off the boat in Kos Town after a relatively short sailing, trading Symi's narrow lanes and colourful neoclassical harbour for a larger, livelier island with Roman ruins, sandy beaches and a busy waterfront. It is an easy route to plan around, and because departures run most days of the week throughout the season, you have genuine flexibility.

The service runs from March through to December, with frequency building as summer approaches. In the shoulder months you can expect one or two crossings a day; at the height of summer the number edges a little higher. Book in advance if you are travelling in July or August, particularly if you want a specific departure time.

Symi to Kos Ferry Fares

Weekly Symi 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 Symi to Kos between 4 September 2026 and 17 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Symi to Kos ferry

• Symi's harbour has two separate docking points: Dodekanisos Seaways catamarans use the clock tower, while larger conventional ferries dock at the New Port, a shadeless 15-minute walk away with no shops or taxis – confirm which one applies before you set off.
• Buy or confirm ferry tickets at the Symi Tours office on the harbour front, the long-standing general agent for Dodekanisos Seaways and Blue Star Ferries, rather than assuming online booking alone will guarantee your allocated departure point.
• Don't confuse the scheduled Dodekanisos Seaways or ANES catamarans with the organised day-trip excursion boats from Rhodes, which fill the harbour around midday and typically call passengers back for a fixed afternoon return sailing.
• Waterproof dry bags or zip-lock bags are useful for protecting electronics and documents from sea spray when spending time on the outdoor deck.
• 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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