Kos – Kalymnos
Ferries to Dodecanese Islands
Kos – Kalymnos
Ferries to Dodecanese Islands
There are approximately 6 weekly sailings from Kos to Kalymnos. 2 operators sail this route
The Kos Kalymnos ferry typically departs from Kos at around 00:20.
The average duration of a Kos Kalymnos ferry is around 36m. The fastest sailings are approximately 35m. Sailing times can vary; durations often differ between ferry operators, type of ship and can be impacted by weather conditions.
Kos Kalymnos ferry prices typically range between $25.16* and $178.05*. The average price is typically $87.7*. The cheapest Kos Kalymnos ferry prices start from $14.55*. The average price for a foot passenger is $87.44*. The average price for a car is $328.54*.
Pricing will vary depending on the number of passengers, vehicle type, route, and sailing times. Prices exclude service fees.
The distance between Kos and Kalymnos is approximately 21.3 miles (34.3km) or 18.5 nautical miles.
Foot passengers are allowed on ferries between between Kos and Kalymnos with Blue Star Ferries & Dodekanisos Seaways. Please note that the availability of foot passenger services may vary between ferry operators. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for foot passenger ferries.
Pets are welcome on board Kos Kalymnos ferries with Blue Star Ferries & Dodekanisos Seaways. Please also note that your pet may have to stay in the vehicle during the journey unless the ferry operator supplies pet accommodation.
More routes than anyone else.
Compare fares, times & routes in one place.
Change plans easily with flexi tickets.
Book e-tickets & manage trips in-app.
Live ship tracking & real-time updates.
Top-rated customer support when you need it.
| Kos - Kalymnos Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Country | Greece | |
| Destination Country | Greece | |
| No. of Operators | 2 | |
| Operators | Blue Star Ferries & Dodekanisos Seaways | |
| Average Price | A$88* | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 6 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 36m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 35m | |
| First Ferry | 00:20 | |
| Last Ferry | 22:20 | |
| Distance | 18 nautical miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 2024-11-05.
One of the most notoriously popular islands in Greece, Kos rests on the Aegean Sea among many other small islands. Kos boasts stunning beaches, both busy and secluded, rugged coastlines and delicious authentic Greek restaurants, however, it has become most well-known to the public for its intense nightlife. Millions of young holidaymakers from around the globe, but typically Europe, flock there for the constant parties, cheap alcohol and budget accommodation. Away from the party strip, Kos does have more serene areas that will be of great interest to visitors who enjoy cultural and historical landmarks. There are several remains of Greek ruins dotted around the island, as well as highly regarded museums surrounded by lush greenery – a free and relaxing way to spend the day. In the evening there are plenty of restaurants along the beach offering delicious food next to the peaceful sounds of the ocean. In and around the port area are several travel offices and sales reps trying to promote their daily excursions. For those wishing to try their hand at jet-skiing or riding a speedboat it provides a convenient way to organise the holiday. For visitors hoping for peace and quiet, the port is probably best to be avoided. Ferry routes from the port head all over the country of Greece, including the capital city of Athens, which may offer a pleasant change of pace. There are also crossings to popular island groups and Bodrum in Turkey.
Not many nations across the world can boast to have a moniker as unique (or indeed as strange) as the “Sponge-diving Island”, of Kalymnos. The odd nickname is a throwback to the Greek island’s thriving sponge trade when local divers, armed with just a harpoon and a lungful of air, trawled the bottom of the surrounding Aegean Sea in search of so-called “Kalymnian gold”. Such is the importance of sponges to the island’s culture that an annual Sponge Week celebration is held to honour the bravery of divers through the telling of poems, the singing of songs, and even the showing of tribute films. Nowadays Kalymnos is a millionaires’ playground, teeming with wealthy Greeks who want to while away the hours in the glorious warmth of the Mediterranean sun. The island is shaped by a rough and ragged coastline and a landscape of barren hills; their steep slopes marked by solitary pine trees clinging desperately to the rocks. Yet the desolate backcountry is a stark contrast to the beauty of Kalymnos town, where a pristine promenade hugs the deep-blue waters of a bay and narrow streets play host to white-washed buildings topped with terracotta tiles. The entire town is huddled at the foot of a valley; one side coloured by a rare swathe of deep-green where the lemon and tangerine groves of Pothia grow. The port in Kalymnos covers most of the town’s waterfront and consists largely of small piers and jetties lined with yachts that roll with the gentle swell of the waves. The ferry terminal is found on the largest of these piers at the western edge of the bay, just beside a sharp-angled, S-shaped breakwater. It is a small facility consisting of little more than a car-park and a designated section of the roadside where ferries make anchor. Though the port is located in the heart of Kalymnos’ main urban centre, travelling further afield can prove difficult due to the island’s harsh terrain and largely remote nature. The best way to get around is by following the single, main road that circles around the spine of mountains that cut across the region from the south-east to the north-west. This route – regularly traversed by local buses - leads directly from the ferry terminal, slices through Kalymnos town, and snakes away to the smaller villages of Mirties, Arginonta, and Vathis. A wide range of ferry routes currently operate from the port throughout the week, most hopping to the multitude of neighbouring islands. Services hosted by Dodekanisos Seaways sail to Arki, Fournoi, Agios Kirikos, Pyhagorio, Agathonisis, Lipsi, and Chalki as well as sharing the journey to Symi, Rhodes, Tilos, Patmos, Nisyros, Leros, and Kos with Blue Star Ferries. Blue Star Ferries also travel to Astypalea, Kastelorizo and the city of Piraeus on the Greek mainland.
