Fastest way from Rhodes to Kos: Flight (1 stop), about 2h (from €114). Cheapest: Ferry, from €15 (about 3h 14min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 4, 2026): Blue Star Ferries; main departure point: Rhodes Port.
There are 2 ways to get from Rhodes 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 | Rhodes Port | €15 | 2 |
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Practical tips
In July and August, boats between the islands fill up, especially on weekends. Book your ferry as soon as your dates are fixed, so you are not left searching for a sold-out crossing.
Your ticket names the departure port. Confirm it before leaving your hotel, as larger ports can have several quays. Unlike Athens, with its three ports, Rhodes keeps things simple, but always check your ticket.
Some Dodecanese links run only on certain days outside peak season. Check that a boat sails on your date before booking accommodation on Kos, so you are not stuck waiting an extra day.
Strong winds can delay or cancel sailings. Never schedule a flight home or a non-refundable tour on the same day as your crossing. Keep a spare day in your plan.
Get to the port well before departure to find the right quay, collect any ticket you need and board calmly. It is especially useful in summer, when queues and traffic are heavier.
The journey experience
Rhodes and Kos are neighbours in the Dodecanese, and getting between them is simpler than most Greek island links. You have two clear options: a ferry or a flight with a stopover. The ferry is the natural choice for most independent travellers, while the flight only makes sense in specific situations. The comparison table on this page shows durations and price ranges side by side, so you can decide in seconds.
The ferry leaves from Rhodes town and arrives on Kos, with seating decks, indoor lounges and a café on board. It lets you step off close to the town centre and keep your luggage with you, with no airport transfers or security queues. The flight with a stopover is a very different experience: you have to get to the airport, check in, change planes and then travel into town at the other end. That adds hassle and rarely feels worth it unless you are on a tight schedule or the sea is too rough for the boats.
Greek timetables shift with the season, and Dodecanese links can run fewer days a week outside summer. So check the dates you want before you fix the rest of your itinerary. In July and August, book ahead so you are not left with a sold-out boat. Wind can delay or cancel crossings, so avoid scheduling a tight onward connection or flight home on the same day. Book online for instant confirmation and keep your ticket on your phone.
Frequently asked questions — Rhodes → Kos
The ferry from Rhodes to Kos starts from €15, and typical fares go up to €16. Prices can vary with the operator, the season and how early you book, so it is worth checking the dates you want and booking online for instant confirmation.
The ferry takes about 3 h 15 to 3 h 55, depending on the vessel and the conditions at sea. A flight with a stopover takes around 2 hours in total, but that does not include getting to the airport, check-in and the transfer into town at the other end.
For most travellers the ferry is the best choice: fares start from €15 and you arrive close to the centre of Kos with your luggage. The flight with a stopover is faster on paper, around 2 hours, but starts from €114 and adds airport time.
Yes, there is a flight with a stopover, taking around 2 hours in total. Fares start from €114, and typical prices go up to €122. It can suit you if you are short on time, but once you add airport time it is often not much quicker than the ferry.
You can compare the ferry and the flight on this page and book online through the booking button, with instant confirmation. The ferry starts from €15, so it is worth reserving your seat in advance, especially in July and August when boats get busy.
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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