Ferry from Syros (Ermoupoli) to Kos

Syros to Kos is a long Blue Star Ferries leg on the Blue Star 2, taking between five and a half and roughly eight hours depending on the stops the ship makes en route. This is the line that ties the Cyclades to the Dodecanese, so you are on a full-size ferry with cabins, seating lounges and open decks. Many of these sailings run at unsocial hours, which is worth checking before you commit.

Kos is a large, lively island close to the Turkish coast, geared towards beaches, resorts and family holidays alongside a serious ancient past. The main harbour sits directly beneath the medieval Castle of the Knights in Kos Town, so the landmark is right in front of you as you dock. The island is flat and easy to cycle, and the Asklepieion is a short trip out of town.

Sailings run around three times a week rather than daily, and the current timetable and fares are shown below. Fares start around €60. Kos has its own airport and frequent local links to Kalymnos, Nisyros and Rhodes, so it is a practical place to begin a Dodecanese leg.

Syros to Kos Ferry Fares

Weekly Syros 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 Syros?

Yes, and rental desks cluster right in Ermoupoli, a short walk from where the ferry docks. Syros Town itself is easily walkable, but a car earns its keep for reaching Kini, Galissas and Poseidonia beaches, each 8-10km away on the other side of the island. Compare prices across local suppliers at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Syros to Kos between 10 October 2026 and 23 October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Syros to Kos ferry

• The ferry quay sits right in Ermoupoli town centre, close to hotels, cafés and the bus station, so you can walk to most accommodation. In peak summer, arrive at least an hour early, or 60–90 minutes if you're bringing a car.
• There's no single ferry ticket office at the port – tickets are issued by several independent travel agencies clustered near the harbour, so check your booking confirmation for pickup details rather than expecting one terminal counter.
• A taxi rank is around 100 metres from the quay, but ranks empty fast in August, so pre-book a taxi or arrange a hotel transfer in advance rather than relying on hailing one on arrival.
• At smaller island ports, the quay surface can be cobblestone, wooden planking, or rough concrete – wheeled bags take a beating and can tip on uneven ground.
• 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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