Getting from Athens to Kos

If you are heading to Kos from Athens you are going to one of the most popular islands in the Dodecanese and one of the most historically rich. Kos is the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, and the ancient plane tree under which he is said to have taught still stands in the centre of Kos Town. The Asklepion, the ancient healing sanctuary a few kilometres outside the town, is one of the finest ancient sites in Greece. The island is large enough to absorb its visitors and has a good mix of beaches, ancient ruins, a lively town and a flat interior that makes it one of the best cycling destinations in the Aegean.

Take the ferry

The Piraeus to Kos ferry runs year-round with several weekly crossings, taking around 10 to 12 hours on conventional vessels. The overnight crossing is the practical approach if you want to travel by sea, arriving in the morning with the day ahead of you. Kos is also connected to Rhodes, Kalymnos and Patmos in the Dodecanese network for onward connections.

Getting there by air

Both Athens and Kos have airports. Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air and Sky Express all operate multiple daily flights from Athens to Kos taking around 1 hour. This is the fastest and most practical approach for most travellers.

Your best option

Fly from Athens. Multiple daily flights make this one of the easiest Dodecanese connections from the capital and the 1-hour flight is hard to beat. If you want to travel by sea the overnight ferry from Piraeus is a comfortable crossing on the larger vessels with cabins available, but flying is the right choice for most people.