Getting from Syros to Kos

If you are heading to Kos from Syros you are making your way from the capital of the Cyclades to one of the most popular islands in the Dodecanese group, on the opposite side of the Aegean. 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

There is no direct ferry from Syros to Kos. Getting there by sea means taking the ferry from Syros to Piraeus, which runs up to 6 daily crossings in summer and takes around 2 hours on the fast boat, and then boarding 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. Syros has a small domestic airport with limited connections from Athens. Taking the ferry from Syros to Piraeus and flying from Athens to Kos takes around 1 hour on the second leg. Total journey time is around 4 to 5 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Syros to Piraeus and fly from Athens to Kos. It is the fastest and most practical approach. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Syros to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Kos ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.