Best option from Kos to Athens: Flight — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 1h, from €43. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 4, 2026): Blue Star Ferries; main departure point: Kos Port.
There are 2 ways to get from Kos to Athens
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 | Kos Port | €82 | 2 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
In July and August, seats and cabins on Kos–Athens sailings can sell out. Book online as soon as your dates are fixed, and choose a booking with instant confirmation so you are not left stuck on the island.
Athens has three ferry ports: Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio. Look at the arrival port on your ticket before booking a hotel or onward transfer, as getting to the wrong one costs time and money.
If you take the ferry and have an international flight from Athens, never schedule it the same day. Delays from wind or port congestion happen, so arrive at least one day before your departure.
An overnight ferry saves a hotel night, but a reclining seat can be tiring. If you want proper rest, book a cabin early, and keep valuables and a warm layer in your hand luggage.
Fly if time matters most or the weather looks rough; take the ferry if you prefer the scenery, generous luggage allowance and a lower fare. Compare both in the table on this page before you decide.
The journey experience
Getting from Kos to Athens is a simple choice once you know what matters most to you: saving money and enjoying the sea, or saving as much of your day as possible. Only two options are covered here, the ferry and the plane, and the table on this page shows durations, price ranges and frequency side by side so you can decide in seconds.
The ferry is the classic island experience. Conventional ships sail overnight or across a long day, with deck seats, airline-style seating and cabins on some sailings, plus cafés and open decks for watching the Dodecanese slide past. It suits you if you want to save a night's accommodation, travel with luggage without worrying about weight limits, or simply enjoy the journey. Several companies can serve Aegean routes, so compare the operators shown at booking. The plane is the fast alternative: Kos airport is small and easy, flights land at Athens International Airport, and you keep a full day for sightseeing or an onward connection.
The main worry is choosing the wrong port or missing a connection. Ferries from Kos arrive at an Athens port, usually Piraeus, so always check the arrival port on your ticket before planning your onward journey. Timetables shift with the season and winds can delay sailings, so avoid tight connections on the same day as an international flight. In summer, book ahead online to secure your seat or cabin, and you will get instant confirmation.
Frequently asked questions — Kos → Athens
The ferry starts from €82, with typical fares up to €83. The plane starts from €43, with typical fares up to €69. Prices vary with season and how early you book, so check the live comparison on this page and book ahead in summer for the best choice.
The ferry takes about 10 to 12 hours, so it often runs overnight or covers most of a day. The flight takes about 1 hour. Remember to add airport transfers and check-in time if you fly, and allow a buffer for delays on the ferry.
It depends on your priorities. The plane is best if you want to save time and keep a full day in Athens. The ferry suits you if you like sea travel, want to save a night's accommodation with a cabin, or prefer a flexible luggage allowance.
Athens has three ferry ports: Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio. The arrival port depends on the sailing you book, so always check the details on your ticket. Confirm it before arranging your hotel or onward transfer to avoid an expensive detour.
Yes, you can compare and book ferry and flight options online through the booking button on this page, with instant confirmation. Booking ahead is especially wise in high season, when popular sailings and cabins can sell out well in advance.
Why visit Athens?
- ✓ Explore the Acropolis and the Parthenon at opening time to beat the crowds and the midday heat
- ✓ Wander the Acropolis Museum, with its glass floors over active excavations and the Parthenon Gallery
- ✓ Get lost in the Plaka and Anafiotika alleys, a whitewashed island-style village below the Acropolis
- ✓ Taste souvlaki, loukoumades and fresh produce at the Varvakios Central Market and in Psyrri tavernas
- ✓ Watch the sunset from Lycabettus Hill or take a half-day trip to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
When to visit Athens?
MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
April to June and September to October — warm, sunny days, fewer crowds and no extreme summer heat
What to do in Athens?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Athens?
Allow 3 days to cover Athens properly: day one for the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum and Plaka; day two for the Ancient Agora, Monastiraki, Thissio and the National Archaeological Museum; day three for a day trip to Cape Sounion or the Saronic islands. With only 2 days, skip the day trip and start at the Acropolis at opening time to beat the heat and the crowds. With 4 or 5 days, add Delphi or Nafplio.
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