Kos Dodecanese, Greece Travel Guide
Buses serve as the main public transport on Kos. KTEL Kos operates two networks: local Kos Town buses (connecting town center to areas like Psalidi and Lambi) and intercity KTEL buses (linking Kos Town with the airport, and major villages like Kardamena, Kefalos, and Zia).
The The Main town on kos Bus Station serves as the main hub for all intercity buses, located near the port. Route maps and schedules are set posted at the bus station and available on the KTEL Kos website.
Some KTEL buses may have lower-level floors or ramps. Contact KTEL Kos ahead of time for certain accessibility needs on routes.
Check timetables in advance. Arrive at the stop a few minutes early. Have small Euro denominations ready for tickets. Confirm place with the driver.
Use Google Maps for real-tracking buses in real time or to identify nearby stops for more efficient travel planning.
Must have a valid driver's license; IDP for non-EU/EEA. Minimum age 21-25. Credit card for deposit. Pre-book online for best rates.
Minimum age 18-21. International motorcycle permit for non-EU. Helmets mandatory. Exercise caution due to road conditions.
Rich in Kos City/resorts. Flat terrain makes cycling enjoyable. Rates: €5-€10/day for basic city bike. Wear a helmet.
Popular for rural roads. Helmets often required. Driver's license rules similar to scooters. Can be unstable on uneven terrain.
Kos provides many opportunities for walking and cycling, offering intimate ways to get to know the island’s beauty and local charm.
Organized bus tours visit island highlights like Zia village and the Asclepieion, offering a convenient way to see several sights without planning transport.
"Kos Sightseeing" operates a mini-train in Kos Town, providing a charming loop around major attractions for quick overview tours.
Small excursion boats transport visitors to nearby beaches (Paradise Beach, Bubble Beach) from Kos Town and Kardamena, a scenic alternative to land travel.
Day trips by boat are popular, typically visiting neighboring islands like Nisyros, Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati (often as a "3-island cruise"). These trips provide opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring different islands. International connections to Bodrum, Turkey, are also available.
Popular excursions to Nisyros (volcanic island), Kalymnos, and Pserimos.
Enjoy swimming and snorkeling stops.
Often includes visits to Kalymnos, Pserimos, and the small islet of Plati.
A classic way to experience the Dodecanese.
Transport to beaches like Paradise Beach or Bubble Beach from the coast towns.
Convenient and picturesque method to reach secluded spots.
From leisurely bicycle rides along coastal paths to fast ferry connections for island hopping, Kos offers a mode for every journey.
Ideal for direct transfers, late-night travel, or when carrying luggage. Widely available at designated stands.
Essential for island hopping within the Dodecanese and excursions to nearby Turkey (Bodrum).
Kos Town and many coastal areas are perfect for leisurely strolls and exploring on foot.
Consider a blend of transportation methods. A rental car for a few days to discover remote areas, combined with public buses for town-to-town travel, and bicycles for charming coastal rides, offers a truly complete Kos experience.
Slow down to the local pace and appreciate the journey as much as the destination.
