Dear travelers,
You know that feeling when you land somewhere new and the first thought isn’t “wow, paradise!” but rather “okay… how do I get out of this airport?” That was exactly me when I landed in Kos.
Before we dive into transport tips, let me give you a quick snapshot of the island: Kos is part of the Dodecanese island group in the southeastern Aegean Sea, right off the coast of Turkey. It’s about 42 km long and 10 km wide, so not huge, but big enough to need a car if you want to explore beaches, villages, and historical sites without being rushed. The main town, Kos Town, is where most ferries, shops, and nightlife are, while smaller villages like Kefalos and Zia give you a more relaxed, local experience.
Airport
The airport itself? Tiny. Like, “Did I just land in a regional bus station with airplanes?” tiny. And before you get excited about killing time with duty-free shopping or a cigarette after passport control -nope. There’s no smoking area once you pass security. Consider this your first pro tip: smoke before you go through.
Renting a Car in Kos (Without a Credit Card!)
I’m not usually a fan of rental cars – deposit stress, hidden fees, insurance that costs more than the car itself… But in Kos, it turned out to be the best choice we made.
Right outside the airport (okay, 5 minutes’ walk, so technically just outside the airport), we found Autorent Kos. Here’s the magic part:
No deposit.
No credit card needed.
Quick paperwork, friendly service, and off you go.
If, like me, you don’t love flashing a credit card everywhere, this is a dream. Also, driving is almost essential in Kos; the island is spread out, and the best beaches aren’t exactly reachable by bus.
Buses in Kos: Cheap but…
Of course, if you’re feeling adventurous (or very budget-conscious), buses are an option. The ride from the airport to Kos Town is about 30 minutes and costs just €3.50. Not bad, right?
But, and it’s a Greek-island-sized but, the schedules change depending on the day of the week. Think of it as part of the Mediterranean charm: you’re not just catching a bus, you’re catching an attitude. So check the timetables carefully and don’t assume daily consistency. Also, the bus connections aren’t shown in Google Maps.
Taxis (When You Just Want to Arrive)
Yes, there are taxis, and yes, they’re convenient. A ride from the airport to Kos Town is about €35–40. Honestly, if you’re a group of 3–4 people, that might be worth it compared to buses. But for solo travelers? I’d still go car rental or bus.
Getting Around Once You’re There
Driving in Kos is surprisingly stress-free. Roads are decent, parking is mostly free (even at some popular beaches), and traffic isn’t crazy. The only challenge is not getting distracted by the views. Picture this: you’re driving, the sea is glistening like something straight out of a Mamma Mia movie scene, and suddenly you forget you’re supposed to be looking at the road.
Buses work for the main routes (Kos Town ↔ Kefalos, for example), but if you want flexibility to hop from Paradise Beach to some hidden taverna, driving yourself is the way to go.
My Honest Tips for You
If you’re staying in one spot (say, Kos Town) and don’t plan on island-hopping: buses + taxis are fine.
If you want to explore (and trust me, you’ll want to), rent a car. You’ll thank yourself when you roll into Agios Stefanos Beach without dragging luggage through bus stops.
Don’t forget cash. Some car rentals and even bus tickets prefer cash over cards.
Check bus timetables twice. They’re like Greek mythology – confusing, fascinating, and occasionally unreliable.
So, friend, that was my very first lesson on the island: Kos isn’t just about beaches and ouzo. It’s about figuring out the puzzle of getting around and laughing when plans shift a little (or a lot).
Next, I’ll take you to Kefalos, my base for four days, where honey-tasting, traditional Greek tavernas, and magical beaches made me forget all about airport stress.
Pack your sunglasses, a good playlist for road trips, and maybe a bit of patience. Kos rewards the curious.
Truly yours,
The Creation of Us
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