Getting from Elafonisos to Kos

If you are heading to Kos from Elafonisos you are making your way from a small island off the southern Peloponnese coast to one of the most popular islands in the Dodecanese group, on the opposite side of Greece. It is the birthplace of Hippocrates, with good beaches, a lively town and ancient ruins that are among the finest in the eastern Aegean.

Take the ferry

Elafonisos has no ferry connection to the wider Greek ferry network. The only ferry from Elafonisos is the short 10 minute crossing to Pounta on the southern Peloponnese, which runs every 30 minutes in summer. Getting to Kos means taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, driving north to Athens and either flying to Kos or continuing to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Kos ferry, which runs daily in summer and takes around 12 to 15 hours. Flying is considerably more practical for most travelers.

Getting there by air

Kos has an international airport with daily connections from Athens. Elafonisos has no airport. The nearest airport is Athens, around 3.5 to 4 hours by car from Pounta. Taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, driving north to Athens and flying from Athens to Kos takes around 1 hour on the second leg. Total journey time is around 7 to 8 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, drive north to Athens and fly from Athens to Kos. It is the fastest and most practical approach. Having a car is essential for the Pounta to Athens leg as the KTEL bus connection is slow and infrequent. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta and drive to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Kos ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.