Kos to Kalymnos Ferry
Kos to Kalymnos — At a Glance
- Season: Year-round service.
- Frequency: 2-3 ferries per day, year-round.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
- Operators: Dodekanisos Seaways.
- Tickets from: €7 per person.
The Kos to Kalymnos ferry is one of the most convenient short hops in the Dodecanese, linking two very different but equally rewarding islands. Kos is a bustling resort island with a well-developed waterfront; Kalymnos, just a short sail away, is rugged, quieter, and carries a proud identity shaped by centuries of sponge diving. The crossing takes under an hour, and the service runs daily throughout the year.
On average, you can expect around two ferries per day on this route, with departures spread across the day to give you decent flexibility. Frequency picks up slightly in the busier months and eases back in winter, but you are never left with only one option.
Monthly Schedule Overview
Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Kos to Kalymnos:
| Month | Available | Avg. Ferries/Day |
|---|---|---|
| January | No | – |
| February | Yes | 2.0 (1–4) |
| March | Yes | 2.5 (1–4) |
| April | Yes | 2.8 (1–4) |
| May | Yes | 2.3 (1–4) |
| June | Yes | 2.1 (1–3) |
| July | Yes | 2.2 (1–3) |
| August | Yes | 2.6 (1–4) |
| September | Yes | 2.1 (1–3) |
| October | Yes | 2.2 (1–3) |
| November | Yes | 1.0 |
| December | Yes | 1.0 |
Ferry Companies
The Kos–Kalymnos route is served by 1 company:
- Dodekanisos Seaways
Tips for the Kos–Kalymnos Ferry
- Gangways on older vessels can be steep and narrow – wheeled suitcases are harder to manage than backpacks on these boarding ramps.
- The meltemi wind, a strong north-north-westerly, blows across the central and southern Aegean from roughly July through to early September.
- Drinking water at port kiosks is typically expensive; bring your own water bottle to fill before you leave your accommodation.
- In Kalymnos, world-class rock climbing routes in the island’s limestone cliffs have made it a magnet for climbers from across Europe, while the sheltered pebbly beach of Vlychadia and other coastal spots offer superb swimming. The island also has a deep tradition as a sponge-diving centre, which still shapes its culture today.
Useful Resources for Your Greek Island Trip
- Find accommodation in Greece – hotels, apartments and villas on Booking.com
- Book tours and activities in Greece via Viator
- Find guided experiences and day trips via GetYourGuide
- Compare car hire prices in Greece via DiscoverCars
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do ferries run from Kos to Kalymnos?
Ferries run 2-3 times per day on this route, and the service operates year-round. Frequency is slightly higher during the spring and summer months, dropping back to around one crossing per day in November and December.
How much does the Kos to Kalymnos ferry cost?
Ticket prices start from €7 per person for a standard seat. Booking in advance is advisable during peak summer weeks when demand is high.
Which ferry companies operate the Kos–Kalymnos route?
The route is served by Dodekanisos Seaways, a regional operator with long experience on the Dodecanese inter-island connections.