Kos Airport

Kos International Airport ‘Hippocrates’ (IATA code: KGS) is located about 24 km from Kos Town (the main town) and close to the villages of Antimachia and Kardamena, in a strategic position that allows easy access to all major destinations on the island.

The airport, named after the famous Greek physician Hippocrates, serves heavy tourist traffic, especially during the summer season, when numerous charter and scheduled flights connect the island with major European cities. From Athens, the island of Kos can be reached with a flight time of about 55 minutes, with daily connections operated mainly by Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air, while from Thessaloniki the flight time is about 1 hour.

The airport has a medium-sized passenger terminal that houses all essential services for travellers, including shops, cafés, exchange offices and car rental agencies.

The airport’s scenic location, with views of the Aegean Sea and the nearby Turkish coastline, offers arriving passengers a first taste of the beauty of this island, characterised by a fascinating contrast of archaeological sites, traditional villages, pristine beaches and a vibrant nightlife, making it an ideal destination for both history and culture lovers and those seeking relaxation or entertainment.

Connections to Kos Town

Bus

The KTEL public bus service connects the airport with Kos Town and other locations on the island during the tourist season (May-October). Buses operate mainly to coincide with the arrival of scheduled and charter flights, with a higher frequency during the peak summer season.

The journey to Kos Town takes about 35-40 minutes. Buses make several stops along the way, also serving the towns of Mastichari, Antimacheia and the tourist areas on the northern coast.

The frequency of public service is limited, especially in the low season, and timetables may not coincide perfectly with all flight arrivals. It is advisable to check timetables in advance on the official KTEL website. During the winter, the bus service from the airport is greatly reduced, with only a few daily runs.

Taxi

The fare to Kos Town is about €35-38 during the day and €45-50 during the night (00:00-5:00), with a journey time of about 30 minutes in normal traffic conditions. For other popular destinations such as Kardamena (15 km) or Kefalos (40 km), fares are around 25€ and 50€ respectively.

It is possible that during the high season there may be queues at taxi stands, especially during peak hours when several flights arrive at the same time. To avoid waiting, you can book a taxi or private transfer service in advance via various online agencies or through your hotel.

Hire cars

Renting a car is the best option for exploring the island of Kos independently and easily reaching even the most remote locations. The airport hosts several car rental offices, both international and local companies, located in or near the arrivals terminal.

It is strongly recommended to book well in advance during the summer, when prices skyrocket, to ensure availability and the best rates.

To rent a car in Kos we always recommend comparing the rates of all companies with DiscoverCars because in our opinion it offers the best prices, allows cancellation up to 48 hours before rental and offers a very cheap comprehensive insurance policy.

Connections with other islands

The island of Kos, thanks to its strategic position in the south-eastern Aegean Sea, offers numerous maritime connections with other Dodecanese islands and the Turkish coast. Ferries and hydrofoils to Rhodes, Patmos, Leros, Kalymnos and other islands of the archipelago depart regularly from the port of Kos Town.

Particularly popular is the day trip to Bodrum on the Turkish coast, which can be reached in just 20 minutes by ferry. Connections to Kalymnos depart from Mastichari, while the volcanic island of Nisyros with its impressive fumaroles can be reached from Kardamena.

Arrivals and Departures

Recommended hotels

Below is a list of recommended hotels near Kos Airport.