Best option from Athens to Kos: Flight — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 0h 55min, from €47. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 4, 2026): Blue Star Ferries; main departure point: Piraeus Port.
There are 2 ways to get from Athens to Kos
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 4, 2026 for a departure on November 25, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Star Ferries | Ferry | Piraeus Port | €82 | 1 |
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Practical tips
Athens has three ferry ports: Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio. Confirm which one your sailing uses before you leave, because they are far apart and a wrong choice can mean a missed boat.
In July and August, ferries to the Dodecanese fill up, especially cabins and cars. Reserve online as soon as your dates are fixed to secure your place and avoid last-minute stress at the port.
If your ferry is sold out or cancelled because of strong winds, a domestic flight is the easiest way to stay on schedule. Compare both before committing to non-refundable accommodation on Kos.
The ferry is a long sailing, often overnight. A cabin or reclining seat makes arrival far more pleasant. Bring a light jacket, snacks and a charger, as the deck can be cool and breezy.
Ferries can run late in rough weather. Avoid booking a tight onward connection or a fixed-time tour on your arrival day, and keep your accommodation's contact details handy in case you arrive late.
The journey experience
Getting from Athens to Kos comes down to one simple choice: save time or save the scenic route. Kos sits far out in the Dodecanese, so you can either fly or take a long overnight-style ferry, and the page's comparison table shows both side by side so you can decide in seconds.
The flight is the practical option if you want to land, drop your bags and be on the beach the same day. It leaves from Athens airport and avoids any worry about wind-related ferry disruptions. The ferry is the slower, more atmospheric way to travel: you board at the port, can book a cabin or a deck seat, watch the islands pass and arrive with luggage that never faced a weight limit. It suits flexible travellers and anyone linking several Dodecanese islands afterwards.
The real trap with Greek ferries is the departure port. Athens has three (Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio), and sailings, operators and days of the week change by season. Always check the port printed on your ticket before leaving your hotel, and book early in summer when boats sell out. If the schedule looks thin on your dates, the flight is a reassuring fallback that always keeps your plans on track.
Frequently asked questions — Athens → Kos
Flights start from €47, with typical fares up to around €50. The ferry starts from €82, with typical fares up to about €83. Prices vary with season, cabin choice and how early you book, so compare both options for your dates and reserve ahead in summer.
The flight takes about 1 hour, making it the fastest way to reach Kos. The ferry takes roughly 12 to 15 hours, depending on the sailing and the stops along the way. Allow extra time for airport or port transfers and check-in on either option.
It depends on your priorities. The flight is best if you want to save time and arrive the same day, with fares from €47. The ferry, from €82, suits travellers who enjoy the sea journey, prefer a cabin overnight, or plan to continue island hopping in the Dodecanese.
Athens has three ferry ports: Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio. The departure port depends on the operator and the sailing, so always check the port shown on your booking confirmation. Do not assume it is the same on every date, and plan your transfer accordingly.
Yes, flights are available and take about 1 hour, with fares from €47. This is the simplest choice if the ferry is sold out, if winds disrupt sailings, or if you simply want to reach Kos quickly and keep more time for the island.
Why visit Kos?
- ✓ Explore the Asklepieion, the ancient healing sanctuary where Hippocrates' legacy lives on, with views over the sea to Turkey
- ✓ Visit the 14th-century Knights of St John Castle of Neratzia, linked to Kos Town by a palm-lined causeway
- ✓ Cycle along Kos Town's extensive network of flat seafront bike paths, past the Roman Agora and ancient ruins
- ✓ Relax on Paradise Beach, Marmari or the long sandy shores of Kefalos Bay, ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing
- ✓ Take a day trip by boat to Pserimos or Kalymnos, or to the volcanic island of Nisyros and its crater
When to visit Kos?
MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
May to early October — hot, dry and sunny, with calm seas and ideal beach weather
What to do in Kos?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Kos?
Plan 4 to 7 days. With 3-4 days you can cover Kos Town (Asklepieion, castle, ancient agora), a beach day on the south coast (Paradise, Agios Stefanos) and a day trip to Nisyros volcano. With a week, add Zia sunset, Kefalos, Pyli ruins and a boat trip to Pserimos or Kalymnos. Rent a scooter or car and use the island's cycle paths in Kos Town.
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