Port information & tips for Kos
Kos is a sun-drenched jewel of the Dodecanese, combining authentic Greek island charm with a deeply rooted historical heritage. The harbor is located right by the picturesque basin of the island's capital, where turquoise water meets ancient monuments and a lively, palm-fringed promenade. At the same time, visitors will find the imposing Neratzia Fortress, the legendary Plane Tree of Hippocrates, and the extensive excavations of the ancient Agora in the immediate vicinity of the pier. Thanks to excellent connections, cruise ships dock at the central pier in the Port of Kos (Limenas Ko), from where the charming old town and all major sights can be reached easily and accessibly in just a few minutes on foot.
The port of Kos is idyllically and centrally located in Kos Town, making it an ideal starting point for your cruise. Thanks to its close proximity to the old town and good connections, arrival is convenient and straightforward.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region is primarily via Kos International Airport "Hippocrates" (KGS), which is located about 25 to 27 kilometers from the cruise port. Direct flights connect the island with many European cities, although a relaxed arrival the day before is often recommended due to the flight duration.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Kos Airport, you can reach the port in about 30 to 35 minutes. A budget-friendly option is the KTEL public buses, whose tickets can be purchased directly on the bus in cash and cost approximately 2 to 3.20 euros. For more comfort, taxis are available directly at the airport, and private transfer services such as Transfeero or urlaubstransfers offer pre-bookable shuttles or private rides that take you directly to the port or to your pre-cruise hotel.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
For a particularly relaxed start to your cruise, an overnight stay in Kos Town is recommended. Numerous hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the port, allowing you to reach the ship flexibly and without time pressure on embarkation day. Many accommodations also offer comfortable amenities for a restful night before departure.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Kos is idyllically and centrally located in Kos Town, making it an ideal starting point for your cruise. Thanks to its close proximity to the old town and good connections, arrival is convenient and straightforward.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region is primarily via Kos International Airport "Hippocrates" (KGS), which is located about 25 to 27 kilometers from the cruise port. Direct flights connect the island with many European cities, although a relaxed arrival the day before is often recommended due to the flight duration.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Kos Airport, you can reach the port in about 30 to 35 minutes. A budget-friendly option is the KTEL public buses, whose tickets can be purchased directly on the bus in cash and cost approximately 2 to 3.20 euros. For more comfort, taxis are available directly at the airport, and private transfer services such as Transfeero or urlaubstransfers offer pre-bookable shuttles or private rides that take you directly to the port or to your pre-cruise hotel.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
For a particularly relaxed start to your cruise, an overnight stay in Kos Town is recommended. Numerous hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the port, allowing you to reach the ship flexibly and without time pressure on embarkation day. Many accommodations also offer comfortable amenities for a restful night before departure.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Kos Port impresses with its central location, allowing travelers a relaxed start to their shore excursion thanks to short distances.
On Foot
The city center of Kos as well as the historic Neratzia Castle are located in the immediate vicinity of the pier and can be easily reached in 5 to 10 minutes. A walk along the picturesque harbor promenade leads directly to the most important sights and the charming alleys of the Old Town.
Local Buses (DEAS)
The dark blue city buses operated by the DEAS company offer regular connections to nearby destinations and beaches in the immediate vicinity. The stops are centrally located at the harbor and also enable uncomplicated onward travel to other cultural highlights of the island.
Taxi
Numerous taxis are waiting directly at the harbor exit and take guests quickly and comfortably to more remote locations or to the famous mountain village of Zia. This service offers a convenient way to explore the scenic diversity of Kos completely individually and flexibly.
To make the most of your day on Kos, we recommend a relaxed stroll through the historic city center combined with an excursion to the island's most significant ancient sites.
Kos Town & Mandraki Harbor
The charming old town impresses with its blend of Ottoman and Venetian architecture, and the picturesque Mandraki Harbor is perfect for a walk along the medieval Neratzia Fortress, located right by the turquoise sea.
Asklepieion of Kos
This significant archaeological site was the most important healing center of antiquity and offers visitors fascinating insights into medical history, as well as wide panoramic views over the Aegean Sea thanks to its terraced layout.
Lambi Beach
The extensive sandy beach is located in the immediate vicinity of the cruise port and invites you to take a refreshing break under the Greek sun, thanks to its crystal-clear water and welcoming beach bars.
The Asklepieion of Kos
The ancient sanctuary of Asklepieion is located about four kilometers from the port and can be easily reached by taxi or the popular tourist train in around fifteen minutes. As the birthplace of modern medicine, this historical site offers fascinating insights into the legacy of Hippocrates and also boasts a spectacular panoramic view over the Aegean Sea. The extensive terraces are lined with shady cypress groves, creating a peaceful atmosphere that is ideal for a relaxed cultural tour. It is best to visit the Asklepieion in the morning to explore the site at your leisure and then plan some time for a coffee in the charming old town of Kos. Thanks to the short distances, you will return to your ship on time and completely relaxed.
The return journey to the port of Kos is particularly straightforward thanks to the central location of the pier and the short distances within the island's capital. You can reach your ship safely and punctually via the bustling waterfront promenade or by using the island's well-organized transport network.
Taxi
Taxis are available for you at the central taxi stand at Plateia Eleftherias and along the Akti Kountouriotou harbor promenade. From the beaches or sights outside the city, the drivers will bring you directly back to the harbor entrance, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable ride right up to the gangway.
On Foot
Since the ships usually dock directly at the harbor basin near the Neratzia Fortress, you can walk back on board from the old town in just a few minutes. The path leads along the wide coastal road and, thanks to good signage and the constant visibility of your ship, offers perfect orientation for a timely check-in.
Public Transport and City Train
The regional buses stop at the central station on Kleopatras Street, providing an easy way back from the mountain villages or coastal towns. In addition, the popular little city train regularly returns from the Asklepieion to the harbor square, allowing you to complete the final stage of your sightseeing relaxed and on schedule.
