Symi to Kos Ferry

Book Symi to Kos ferries in 2026 with daily departures March-December.

Symi to Kos Ferry

Symi and Kos sit close together in the Dodecanese, and the ferry crossing between them is one of the more straightforward hops in this part of the Aegean. You step off the boat in Kos Town after a relatively short sailing, trading Symi's narrow lanes and colourful neoclassical harbour for a larger, livelier island with Roman ruins, sandy beaches and a busy waterfront. It is an easy route to plan around, and because departures run most days of the week throughout the season, you have genuine flexibility.

The service runs from March through to December, with frequency building as summer approaches. In the shoulder months you can expect one or two crossings a day; at the height of summer the number edges a little higher. Book in advance if you are travelling in July or August, particularly if you want a specific departure time.

Monthly Schedule Overview

Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Symi to Kos:

Month	Available	Avg. Ferries/Day
January	No	–
February	No	–
March	Yes	1.5 (1–3)
April	Yes	1.6 (1–3)
May	Yes	1.6 (1–3)
June	Yes	1.6 (1–2)
July	Yes	1.7 (1–2)
August	Yes	1.6 (1–2)
September	Yes	1.5 (1–2)
October	Yes	1.5 (1–2)
November	Yes	1.0
December	Yes	1.0

Tips for the Symi–Kos Ferry

• Greek ferries blast the air conditioning in summer. Even on a short crossing in July heat, pack a light layer in your bag – the deck is warm, the cabin is often not.
• If any part of your trip is time-critical – a connecting ferry, a flight back to Athens, or a pre-booked tour – book that leg first and build the rest of your itinerary around it. Trying to work backwards from a flexible ticket rarely ends well in high season.
• Kos rewards those who look beyond the beach bars. The Tree of Hippocrates stands in Kos Town's central square, reputedly where the father of medicine taught his students, and the Asklepion outside town was one of the ancient world's great healing sanctuaries. Rent a bicycle – the island is flat by Greek standards – and you can reach the ancient sites and the long sandy western beaches in the same afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do ferries run from Symi to Kos?

1 to 3 ferries per day depending on the season. The route operates from March to December.

Which ferry companies operate the Symi–Kos route?

Multiple ferry companies operate this route. Check current schedules for the latest operators.