Getting from Thessaloniki to Kos

If you are heading to Kos from Thessaloniki you are making your way from the second largest city in Greece to one of the most popular islands in the Dodecanese group, on the opposite side of the country. It is the birthplace of Hippocrates, with good beaches, a lively town and ancient ruins that are among the finest in the eastern Aegean.

Getting there by air

Kos has an international airport with daily connections from Athens and seasonal direct flights from Thessaloniki in summer. When the direct service is running the flight takes around 1 hour making it one of the most convenient connections from Thessaloniki to any Dodecanese island. Check the schedule carefully as direct flights are seasonal. Alternatively fly from Thessaloniki to Athens and then Athens to Kos.

Take the train, bus or drive

Thessaloniki is connected to Athens by train, taking around 4 to 5 hours, and by KTEL bus, taking around 5 to 6 hours. From Athens the overnight Piraeus to Kos ferry runs daily in summer and takes around 12 to 15 hours. Flying is considerably more practical than the combined train and ferry journey for most travelers.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Thessaloniki to Kos. Getting there by sea means traveling to Piraeus for the overnight ferry to Kos.

Your best option

Fly directly from Thessaloniki to Kos when the seasonal service is running. It is the fastest and most practical approach. When direct flights are not available, fly from Thessaloniki to Athens and then Athens to Kos. If you are traveling with a car, drive from Thessaloniki to Piraeus via the E75 motorway and take the overnight Piraeus to Kos ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.