Rhodes- Kos: Ferry tickets and routes
- Rhodes - Kos passenger ferry tickets from €14.50
- Car ferry tickets from €48.50 with Blue Star Ferries
- Journey duration from 2 hours and 20 minutes by high-speed ferry
- Ferry companies: Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways and Saos Ferries
- Frequency: 1-3 daily departures during periods with a full sailing schedule
- Ferries: Blue Star vessels, Dodekanisos Express, Dodekanisos Pride and Saos Ferries vessels
- Possible intermediate stops at Symi, Chalki, Tilos or Nisyros
- Departure from Rhodes passenger port and arrival at Kos Port
Rhodes - Kos: Ferry tickets and sailing schedules
The ferry connection from Rhodes to Kos is one of the main routes in the Dodecanese. It links two large islands with significant tourism activity, airports and regular ferry connections to other destinations.
The route serves residents, professionals, families and travellers who want to combine several islands during their holidays.
The most important factor when selecting a ticket is the difference between high-speed and conventional ferries. These two vessel categories serve different travel needs, as journey times, seating options and vehicle transportation facilities vary.
Through booktickets.gr, you can compare departures, choose your preferred ferry company and complete your online booking for passengers and cars.
Which ferry companies operate between Rhodes and Kos?
Three ferry operators serve this connection, offering different travel options.
Blue Star Ferries operates conventional passenger and vehicle ferries. Its sailings form part of the wider Dodecanese network, with connections to Piraeus and other islands.
Dodekanisos Seaways operates high-speed services using Dodekanisos Express and Dodekanisos Pride. Both catamarans offer passenger seating and vehicle transportation, subject to available garage capacity.
Saos Ferries also serves routes between the Dodecanese islands, including connections with smaller destinations.
When booking, check the specific vessel rather than only the ferry company. Journey duration, onboard facilities and intermediate stops may differ considerably.
How much do Rhodes - Kos ferry tickets cost?
Passenger ferry tickets start from €14.50 with Blue Star Ferries, while fares from €14.70 have been recorded with Saos Ferries.
For Dodekanisos Seaways, the published fare list includes tickets from €29, with differences between certain route categories.
Passengers travelling with a car can find listed prices from €48.50 with Blue Star Ferries. On Dodekanisos Seaways high-speed vessels, the published fare for a standard car up to 1.90 metres high is €109.
Vehicle tickets are issued separately from the driver's passenger ticket.
Before booking, consider:
- The ferry operator and vessel type.
- Economy seating or a numbered passenger seat.
- The category of your car or motorcycle.
- Any available passenger discounts.
- Seat and vehicle availability on your selected sailing.
Final prices must be confirmed during booking, as the same fares may not apply on every travel date.
High-speed or conventional ferry: Which should you choose?
Dodekanisos Seaways high-speed catamarans offer a practical option for passengers who want to reach Kos quickly.
On sailings that travel via Symi, passengers remain onboard the same vessel during the intermediate stop. No ferry change is required when the ticket covers the entire route.
Blue Star Ferries conventional vessels offer different passenger areas and a wider range of vehicle transportation options.
Some services travel without intermediate stops, while others call at several ports.
Passengers who prefer outdoor decks, additional space to move around or a particular seating category should review the vessel's facilities before purchasing tickets.
When do ferries operate between Rhodes and Kos?
The Rhodes - Kos route operates throughout the year, with changes in frequency and departure days.
During the tourist season, travel options increase as conventional ferry services are combined with Dodekanisos Seaways high-speed departures.
Sailings may be scheduled in the morning, afternoon or evening. Some conventional ferries arrive in Kos late at night or during the early morning hours.
If you plan to continue your journey by air, avoid arranging an excessively tight connection. Travelling from Kos Port to the airport requires road transportation.
For trips involving scheduled professional commitments, pay particular attention to the arrival time and available transfers from the port.
Which port do ferries depart from in Rhodes?
Ferries depart from the passenger port facilities in Rhodes Town.
Google Maps - Rhodes Passenger Port
The port area is close to the Medieval Town and the commercial centre. Travellers staying in central hotels can reach the port by taxi or a short transfer.
The harbour has different berths and boarding areas. For this reason, check the exact departure point assigned to your ferry.
If you are travelling from Ialysos, Ixia, Faliraki or Lindos, allow additional time to reach Rhodes Town.
Passengers travelling with cars should follow the ferry operator's instructions regarding arrival at the vehicle loading area.
How can you transport a car or motorcycle?
Vehicle transportation is available on sailings operated by passenger and vehicle ferries, provided that garage spaces are available.
During booking, you must select the correct vehicle category. Larger cars, campervans or vehicles with additional equipment require confirmation of the permitted dimensions.
Dodekanisos Seaways catamarans have specific vehicle height restrictions that must be checked before purchasing a ticket.
Drivers board their vehicles according to the crew's instructions. Other passengers use the designated boarding areas.
After parking your vehicle, take any luggage and personal belongings you will need during the crossing. Access to the garage is restricted while the ferry is at sea.
If you are using a rental car, obtain permission from the rental company before transporting it to another island.
Arriving in Kos and reaching the town centre
Ferries on this route arrive at the main passenger port of Kos, located in Kos Town.
Google Maps - Kos Passenger Port
The port is situated close to the historic and commercial centre, providing convenient access to hotels, shops and restaurants.
Eleftherias Square, Neratzia Castle and the waterfront are among the town's most recognisable landmarks.
For accommodation in the centre, many properties are within walking distance of the port.
If you are travelling to Tigaki, Marmari, Kardamena, Mastichari or Kefalos, you will need local public transport, a taxi or a car.
For late-night arrivals, arrange your transfer to your accommodation before leaving Rhodes.
Can you continue your journey to other Dodecanese islands?
Kos is an important ferry hub for travelling to smaller islands in the southeastern Aegean.
The island offers ferry connections to Kalymnos, Nisyros, Patmos, Leros and other destinations.
If you are planning an island-hopping holiday, check the tickets for each route separately.
The arrival of one ferry does not automatically guarantee a connection with the next departure, especially when different ferry operators are involved.
Discounts and special ferry fares
Ferry companies offer reduced fares to specific passenger categories.
Dodekanisos Seaways provides discounts for children, students, large families and passengers with disabilities, subject to the company's conditions.
Blue Star Ferries and Saos Ferries apply their respective discount policies and eligibility requirements.
More information is available on the ferry ticket offers and discounts page.
Passengers must carry the necessary supporting documents when boarding.
Booking ferry tickets and returning to Rhodes
When booking, select your travel date, number of passengers, seating category and vehicle details, where applicable.
If you are planning the return journey, you can visit the separate Kos - Rhodes ferry route page.
Sailings in both directions should be checked independently, as departure days, times and intermediate stops may differ.
Through booktickets.gr, you can compare available ferry services and complete your ticket purchase online.
Before payment, carefully review the passenger information and the applicable modification or cancellation conditions.
Frequently asked questions about the Rhodes - Kos ferry
Are there direct ferries from Rhodes to Kos?
Yes. Ferries operate with a single ticket and no vessel change. Some departures include intermediate stops, but passengers remain onboard the same ferry.
What is the difference between Dodekanisos Express and Blue Star Ferries?
Dodekanisos Express is a high-speed catamaran, while Blue Star Ferries operates conventional passenger and vehicle ferries. They differ in journey duration, passenger facilities and vehicle transportation arrangements.
Where do passengers board ferries in Rhodes?
Boarding takes place at the passenger facilities of Rhodes Town harbour. The exact boarding location should be confirmed with the ferry operator.
Can I travel with an electronic ferry ticket?
Yes, provided that the selected sailing supports electronic boarding. Follow the web check-in instructions included in your booking confirmation.
Are pets allowed onboard?
Yes, subject to the ferry company's regulations. Pets must be declared during booking and accompanied by the required documents.
What happens if ferries cannot depart due to bad weather?
If port authorities prohibit departures because of adverse weather conditions, sailings may be postponed or cancelled. Ticket changes and refunds are handled according to the ferry operator's applicable conditions.
Content editing: booktickets.gr