Symi to Kos Ferry
🚢 Symi → Kos — this week
12 sailings over the next 7 days · usually 1/day
Tomorrow (Fri 7 Aug): 2 ferries — first at 08:55
Symi to Kos Ferry
Symi to Kos -- At a Glance
- Season: Sailings are scheduled into the winter, with timetables published through 28 February 2027.
- Frequency: Typically 1 ferry per day, year-round.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
- Journey time: 1 hour 20 minutes to 5 hours 30 minutes.
- Operators: Dodekanisos Seaways, Blue Star Ferries, SAOS Ferries.
- Tickets from: €9 – €32 per person.
- Book tickets: Check prices at Ferryscanner
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 | Yes | 1.0 |
| February | Yes | 1.0 |
| March | Yes | 1.5 (1–3) |
| April | Yes | 1.6 (1–3) |
| May | Yes | 1.6 (1–3) |
| June | Yes | 1.6 (1–3) |
| July | Yes | 1.7 (1–3) |
| August | Yes | 1.7 (1–3) |
| September | Yes | 1.6 (1–3) |
| October | Yes | 1.4 (1–2) |
| November | Yes | 1.0 |
| December | Yes | 1.0 |
Book ferry port and airport transfers here: Welcome Pickups →
Symi to Kos — next 14 days
Actual sailing dates and departure times for the next two weeks (last updated 2026-08-06):
| Date | Sailings | Departure times |
|---|---|---|
| Thu 6 Aug | 1 | 09:50 |
| Fri 7 Aug | 2 | 08:55, 17:50 |
| Sat 8 Aug | 1 | 08:55 |
| Sun 9 Aug | 1 | 08:55 |
| Mon 10 Aug | 3 | 08:55, 09:50, 17:50 |
| Tue 11 Aug | 2 | 08:55, 18:15 |
| Wed 12 Aug | 2 | 08:55, 18:30 |
| Thu 13 Aug | 1 | 09:50 |
| Fri 14 Aug | 2 | 08:55, 17:50 |
| Sat 15 Aug | 1 | 08:55 |
| Sun 16 Aug | 1 | 08:55 |
| Mon 17 Aug | 3 | 08:55, 09:50, 17:50 |
| Tue 18 Aug | 2 | 08:55, 18:15 |
| Wed 19 Aug | 2 | 08:55, 18:30 |
Check availability & book on Ferryscanner →
Tips for the Symi–Kos Ferry
- Symi's harbour has two separate docking points: Dodekanisos Seaways catamarans use the clock tower, while larger conventional ferries dock at the New Port, a shadeless 15-minute walk away with no shops or taxis – confirm which one applies before you set off.
- Buy or confirm ferry tickets at the Symi Tours office on the harbour front, the long-standing general agent for Dodekanisos Seaways and Blue Star Ferries, rather than assuming online booking alone will guarantee your allocated departure point.
- Don't confuse the scheduled Dodekanisos Seaways or ANES catamarans with the organised day-trip excursion boats from Rhodes, which fill the harbour around midday and typically call passengers back for a fixed afternoon return sailing.
- Waterproof dry bags or zip-lock bags are useful for protecting electronics and documents from sea spray when spending time on the outdoor deck.
- In Kos, ancient history and beach life sit side by side – the Tree of Hippocrates in Kos Town is said to be the very spot where the father of medicine taught, while the nearby Asklepion was one of antiquity's most important healing sanctuaries. The island's long sandy beaches and flat terrain, ideal for cycling, make it one of the most accessible of the Dodecanese.
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 Symi to Kos?
Typically 1 ferry per day, year-round. Service runs year-round.
Are there ferries from Symi to Kos today?
Yes – 1 sailing today. See the 14-day timetable above for departure times.
How many ferries run from Symi to Kos this week?
Around 12 sailings over the next 7 days (typically 1 per day).
What time is the first ferry from Symi to Kos?
The first departure is usually 08:55.
How long is the ferry from Symi to Kos?
The fastest crossing takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes, while the slowest takes around 5 hours 30 minutes. Journey times depend on the ferry type and company.
How much does the Symi to Kos ferry cost?
Ticket prices start from €9 per person for a standard seat. Prices can go up to €32 depending on the company, seat class, and time of year.
Which ferry companies operate the Symi–Kos route?
The route is served by Dodekanisos Seaways, Blue Star Ferries, SAOS Ferries.
Can you rent a car in Kos?
Yes. The ferry port sits right in Kos Town, about 2km from the centre, a 20-25 minute walk or five-minute drive, with rental desks nearby. Buses run regularly between the main towns but thin out fast once you leave them, so a car is worth it if you want to reach the Asclepion, Mount Dikeos villages or the quieter beaches. Compare prices at Discover Cars.