Kos Airport
Airport guide 2026

Kos Airport KGS

Greece

Kos Hippocrates Airport serves the island of Kos in the Dodecanese, birthplace of Hippocrates, father of Western medicine, approximately 24 km from the city centre.

Kos is known for its sandy beaches, historic centre and archaeological remains linked to the ancient medical tradition.

Content verified on 03/09/2026
Official source: www.kgs-airport.gr/el

How to get to Kos Airport

Kos city centre is approximately 24 km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 30-35 minutes by bus or taxi.

By Car

Those who arrive by car reach Kos city centre in about 30-35 minutes.

By Train

Kos has no railway network.

By Bus

A bus connects the airport to Kos town centre, with regular services during peak summer months; ticket approximately 3.50-4 euros.
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Tips It is advisable to rent a car or a bicycle, since Kos is known for being one of the Greek islands best suited for cycling, with predominantly flat terrain.

Average travel time to KGS

TrainNot available
Shuttle bus35-40 minutes (seasonal)
Taxi / Private hire35-40 minutes

Parking near Kos Airport

A short distance from the terminal is a small parking area.

The lot is unmanned; rates remain reasonably priced.

How to get to Kos Island from KGS

By Train

Kos does not have a railway network.

By Bus

The bus connects the airport to central Kos in approximately 35-40 minutes during peak months; approximately 3.50-4 euro.

By Taxi

Official taxis are available in the arrivals area; approximately 35-40 euros to the city center.

Airport transfers you can book in advance

Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.

Car rental at Kos Airport

All major car rental brands have a counter in the arrivals area.

A driver's license, passport, and a credit card in the driver's name are required for the security deposit.

 

Hotels near Kos Airport

Hippocrates Airport is near Antimachia, inland in the south-central part of the island: Kos Town is the furthest zone, about 24 km away, while Kardamena and Marmari are on the south coast just minutes away by car. For nightlife, Kardamena is the better choice, being the closest to the runway; those looking for the historic centre, the Castle of the Knights and the ferry links to Turkey instead need to allow 30-45 minutes by bus or taxi to reach Kos Town.
Neighbourhood

Kardamena

About 6.5 km from the airport, 8-10 minutes by taxi; no direct bus, though it still passes along the road to Kos Town.

Best for: Travellers who want the south coast's nightlife and want to keep the transfer from the airport as short as possible.

Pros
  • The tourist area closest to the airport, handy for dawn flights or short layovers
  • Beach and seafront promenade just minutes on foot from the flats in the centre
Cons
  • Noisy nightlife in high season, not suited to those seeking quiet
  • The historic centre of Kos Town still needs 30-40 minutes by bus or taxi
See more hotels in this area
Airport area

Marmari

About 11.4 km from the airport, 14 minutes by car or taxi.

Best for: Travellers who want to stay close to the runway in an all-inclusive resort, without aiming for Kardamena's nightlife.

Pros
  • Short transfer from the airport, useful for early-morning departures
  • Marmari's sandy beach, quieter than Kardamena
Cons
  • An area geared to organised resort tourism: little independent evening life
  • Kos Town or the harbour still need a taxi or a car
See more hotels in this area
City centre

Kos Town and Lambi

About 24 km from the airport: KTEL bus in 30-45 minutes (2-7 euros depending on the route and time), taxi in 30-35 minutes for about 39 euros.

Best for: Travellers who want the Castle of the Knights, the harbour and the ferry links, with Lambi beach just steps away.

Pros
  • Castle of the Knights, harbour and Agora within walking distance of the centre
  • Lambi is a few minutes on foot from the harbour, with a beach and an evening promenade
Cons
  • Longer transfer from the airport than Kardamena or Marmari
  • KTEL buses run infrequently, worth checking in advance so as not to be left stranded
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

This airport serves Kos, an island with connections throughout Europe, especially during summer months.

Shopping & Duty Free

A duty-free area features products typical of the Dodecanese islands.

Lounges & relaxation

A business lounge is available for business passengers, with entry typically accessible via day-pass purchase.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available in the terminal's public areas. Operators Cosmote, Vodafone Greece, and Nova have counters at the airport.

Families & Children

Some essential provisions are available for families in transit in the waiting areas.

Terminal guide

The terminal is designed to handle intense seasonal tourist traffic.

Before departure, allow 2–3 hours (more during peak season) for international flights.

Map of Kos Airport

Map of Kos Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Why is Kos linked to Hippocrates?

It's the birthplace of the famous ancient physician, considered the father of Western medicine: the ancient Asclepeion, a place of healing and teaching, can still be visited today.

Q. Is Kos suitable for cycling?

Yes, it's considered one of the Greek islands best suited to cycling, thanks to its mostly flat terrain.

Q. Is the Kos area subject to earthquake risk?

Yes, the whole Dodecanese arc is a seismically active area: Kos was hit by a significant earthquake in 2017. The risk is managed through anti-seismic building regulations and shouldn't discourage a visit, but it's useful to know in case of tremors.

Q. Is Kos connected to Turkey?

Yes, with ferries to Bodrum, Turkey, since the island is just a few kilometers from the Turkish coast.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

Things to do in Kos Island

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