Kos to Rhodes Ferry
Kos to Rhodes -- At a Glance
- Season: Year-round service.
- Frequency: Typically 1 ferry per day in winter, increasing to 2-3 ferries per day in summer.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
- Journey time: 2 hours 5 minutes to 5 hours 55 minutes.
- Operators: Dodekanisos Seaways, Saos ferries.
- Tickets from: €15 – €18 per person.
- Book tickets: Check prices at Ferryscanner
The Kos to Rhodes ferry is a straightforward crossing between two of the Dodecanese’s most visited islands. Whether you’re island-hopping through the southern Aegean or making a dedicated trip to Rhodes, this route runs throughout the year with at least one sailing daily — so you’re rarely stuck waiting long for a connection.
Frequency picks up considerably in the warmer months. Throughout the year there are 2 ferries per day on average. In summer (June–August), this increases to 2 per day, while winter sees around 1 per day — useful to know if you’re planning travel outside the main tourist season.
Monthly Schedule Overview
Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Kos to Rhodes:
| Month | Available | Avg. Ferries/Day |
|---|---|---|
| January | Yes | 1.0 |
| February | Yes | 1.9 (1–3) |
| March | Yes | 2.0 (1–3) |
| April | Yes | 2.2 (1–3) |
| May | Yes | 2.3 (1–4) |
| June | Yes | 2.4 (1–4) |
| July | Yes | 2.7 (2–4) |
| August | Yes | 2.7 (2–4) |
| September | Yes | 2.4 (1–4) |
| October | Yes | 2.0 (1–3) |
| November | Yes | 1.0 |
| December | Yes | 1.0 |
Ferry Companies
Two companies operate the Kos–Rhodes route, and they offer very different crossings. Choose based on your priorities — speed or cost:
- Dodekanisos Seaways – approximately 2 hours 5 minutes
- Saos ferries – approximately 5 hours 55 minutes
Tips for the Kos–Rhodes Ferry
- Where a route has both a slow overnight ferry and a fast daytime catamaran, consider whether speed or cost matters more – the conventional ferry is usually significantly cheaper.
- Drinking water at port kiosks is typically expensive; bring your own water bottle to fill before you leave your accommodation.
- Air conditioning inside Greek ferries can be set very cold, especially in summer – keep a light layer in your day bag even in hot weather.
- Early June crossings in the Cyclades are notably calm – the meltemi has not yet established itself and sea conditions are often glassy.
- Once you arrive in Rhodes, the medieval walled Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, with the Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master as its centrepieces. Tsambika Beach on the east coast and the ancient hilltop site of Lindos are the island’s other headline attractions.
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 Rhodes?
Typically 1 ferry per day in winter, increasing to 2-3 ferries per day in summer. Service runs year-round.
How long is the ferry from Kos to Rhodes?
The fastest crossing takes approximately 2 hours 5 minutes, while the slowest takes around 5 hours 55 minutes. Journey times depend on the ferry type and company.
How much does the Kos to Rhodes ferry cost?
Ticket prices start from €15 per person for a standard seat. Prices can go up to €18 depending on the company, seat class, and time of year.
Which ferry companies operate the Kos–Rhodes route?
The route is served by Dodekanisos Seaways, Saos ferries.