July 4, 2025
Planning a journey from the beautiful island of Kos to the bustling port of Piraeus? This popular Greek route connects one of the most beloved Dodecanese islands with the main gateway to Athens and mainland Greece. While many travellers consider flight options, the ferry journey offers a unique and scenic experience across the Aegean Sea. With regular sailings covering the 419.3 km (260.5 miles) sea route, ferry travel provides a convenient alternative with the benefit of bringing vehicles and enjoying the journey itself. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about travelling from Kos to Piraeus, with a focus on ferry options, port information, and making the most of your time at both destinations.
How to get from Kos to Piraeus: Flights and Ferries
When planning your journey from Kos to Piraeus, you have two main transportation options: flying or taking a ferry. Each option has its advantages depending on your priorities, budget, and travel preferences.
Flying from Kos to Athens takes approximately 1 hour of actual flight time, though you'll need to factor in airport transfers, check-in time, and potential delays. From Athens Airport, you'll need additional transportation to reach Piraeus, which takes around 45-60 minutes by bus, metro, or taxi.
The ferry journey offers a different experience entirely. Covering 226.4 nautical miles across the Aegean Sea, ferries connect Kos directly to Piraeus port. The average journey time is 11 hours and 37 minutes, with the fastest service operated by Blue Star Ferries completing the route in 9 hours and 10 minutes. Ferry prices typically start from around £199 for the fastest services, varying based on season, cabin selection, and whether you're bringing a vehicle.
While flying may save time, the ferry journey offers unique advantages. You'll enjoy spectacular views of the Greek islands, have the freedom to move around during the journey, and arrive directly at Piraeus port without additional transfers. Ferries also allow you to bring vehicles, making them ideal for those planning to explore the Greek mainland by car.
Taking the ferry from Kos to Piraeus
You can take a ferry from Kos to Piraeus. Ferries sail in around 11 hours and 37 minutes with about 1 sailing a day. The fastest ferry sails in around 9 hours and 10 minutes and is provided by Blue Star Ferries. Ferry prices are typically around £199 for the fastest services. Departures start as early as 00:20, with the last departure from Kos to Piraeus at 22:20.
Blue Star Ferries operates modern vessels on this route, providing comfortable facilities for the overnight journey. With approximately 4 weekly sailings and 18 monthly connections, the service offers good flexibility for travellers, though advance booking is recommended, especially during peak summer months.
Onboard, you'll find a range of amenities to make your journey comfortable. Most ferries feature multiple lounges, restaurants and cafés, shops, and various accommodation options from airline-style seats to private cabins. For overnight journeys, we strongly recommend booking a cabin for comfort and privacy. The vessels typically offer both interior and exterior cabins with various bed configurations to suit solo travellers, couples, or families.
The ferries operating on this route are well-equipped for longer journeys, with shower facilities, charging points for electronic devices, and sometimes even Wi-Fi connectivity. Entertainment options vary by vessel but often include lounges with TV screens, and some ships have dedicated play areas for children.
During summer months (June to September), sailings may be more frequent, while winter schedules are typically reduced. Weather conditions in the Aegean can occasionally affect crossing times, particularly during winter, so it's advisable to check for updates before travelling.
Navigating the Ports
Departure Port (Kos)
Kos Port is located in Kos Town, making it easily accessible from most parts of the island. The main ferry terminal is modern and well-organised, offering basic amenities for travellers.
If you're staying in Kos Town, the port is within walking distance from most hotels and accommodations. From other parts of the island, local buses connect to Kos Town regularly, with the bus station located about 10 minutes' walk from the port. Taxis are readily available across the island and provide a convenient option for reaching the port, especially if you have heavy luggage.
For those driving, there is parking available near the port area, though spaces can be limited during peak season. If you're renting a car on Kos but not taking it to the mainland, be sure to return it before your departure.
The port terminal offers basic facilities including waiting areas, toilets, and some small cafés and kiosks where you can purchase snacks and drinks before boarding. We recommend arriving at least 60 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in and boarding procedures.
Arrival Port (Piraeus)
Piraeus is one of the largest and busiest ports in Europe, serving as the main gateway to the Greek islands and the primary port for Athens. The port is divided into several gates serving different destinations, so it's important to note which gate your ferry arrives at.
Upon arrival, you'll find various transportation options to reach Athens city centre or other destinations. The most convenient is the Metro Line 1 (Green Line), with Piraeus station located about 500 metres from the main port gates. The journey to central Athens takes approximately 20-25 minutes.
Buses also connect the port to various parts of Athens, with the X96 bus offering direct service to Athens International Airport. Taxis are abundant at the port, with designated ranks outside the main terminal buildings.
Within the port area, you'll find facilities including ATMs, luggage storage, tourist information points, cafés, and small shops. For those continuing their journey to other islands, the port's central location makes transfers between ferries relatively straightforward, though you may need to move between different gates.
Day Trip Possibilities
Given the lengthy ferry journey between Kos and Piraeus, a day trip is unfortunately not feasible. With the average crossing taking 11 hours and 37 minutes (and even the fastest service taking 9 hours and 10 minutes), you would spend virtually all your time travelling.
For those interested in exploring Piraeus or Athens as a day trip from Kos, flying would be the only viable option, though even this would allow for only a very limited time at your destination considering airport transfers and check-in requirements.
We recommend planning at least a one-night stay in Athens/Piraeus if you're making this journey. This allows you to take an overnight ferry, arriving in the morning with a full day ahead to explore. Many travellers use this route as part of a longer itinerary, perhaps spending several days in Athens before continuing to other destinations.
For those with limited time who still want to experience island hopping from Kos, consider instead taking shorter ferry trips to nearby islands like Kalymnos, Patmos, or Rhodes, which are more suitable for day excursions.
Things to Do in Piraeus
While many travellers pass through Piraeus on their way to Athens, the port city itself offers several attractions worth exploring:
Archaeological Museum of Piraeus - Housing significant ancient Greek sculptures and artifacts, including impressive bronze statues recovered from the harbour. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 to 15:00.
Mikrolimano - A picturesque harbour lined with seafood restaurants and tavernas, offering fresh catches and beautiful views of moored fishing boats and yachts.
Kastella Hill - The most elegant neighbourhood in Piraeus, with neoclassical buildings, narrow streets, and panoramic views of the Saronic Gulf. Perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Piraeus Municipal Theater - An impressive neoclassical building dating from 1895, which hosts various performances and cultural events throughout the year.
Zea Marina - A modern yacht harbour surrounded by cafés and restaurants, ideal for an evening promenade or watching luxury vessels.
Of course, Athens with its world-famous Acropolis, ancient Agora, and National Archaeological Museum is just a short metro ride away, making it easy to combine exploration of both cities during your stay.
Neighbourhood Guide
Piraeus consists of several distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own character:
The Port Area - The bustling commercial heart of Piraeus, with ferry terminals, shops, and services catering to travellers.
Kastella/Profitis Ilias - The historic hill neighbourhood offering the best views and a more upscale residential atmosphere with neoclassical architecture.
Pasalimani/Zea - A vibrant area around the marina with numerous restaurants, cafés, and bars, particularly lively in the evenings.
Mikrolimano - A smaller, picturesque harbour known for excellent seafood restaurants and a more traditional atmosphere.
Piraeus Centre - The main shopping district around Korai Square, offering local shops, markets, and more authentic Greek urban experiences than tourist-oriented areas.
Weather in Piraeus
Piraeus enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Summer temperatures (June to September) typically range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), with July and August being the hottest months. These conditions are ideal for exploring, though the midday heat can be intense, so morning and evening activities are recommended during peak summer.
Winter months (December to February) see temperatures between 8°C and 15°C (46°F to 59°F), with increased rainfall, though still considerably milder than northern European winters. Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) offer pleasant temperatures between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F) and are excellent times to visit for comfortable sightseeing conditions.
Weather conditions can affect ferry operations, particularly during winter when occasional strong winds in the Aegean may cause delays or cancellations. Summer generally offers the most reliable sailing conditions, though the ferries operating on the Kos-Piraeus route are large vessels designed to handle typical Mediterranean sea conditions.
Cost of Visiting Piraeus
Piraeus and nearby Athens offer options for various budget levels, though generally prices are moderate by European standards.
Budget travellers can manage on approximately £50-70 per day, staying in hostels or budget hotels (£20-40 per night), eating at local tavernas (£8-15 per meal), and using public transportation (£1.20 for a 90-minute ticket valid on all public transport).
Mid-range travellers should budget around £100-150 daily, affording comfortable hotels (£60-100 per night), good restaurants (£20-30 per meal), and occasional taxis or guided tours.
To save money, consider staying in Piraeus rather than central Athens, as accommodation tends to be more affordable. Many local eateries offer excellent value compared to tourist-oriented restaurants. The excellent public transportation system eliminates the need for taxis in most situations.
Common expenses include a coffee at a café (£2-3), souvlaki from a street vendor (£3-4), museum entrance fees (£5-10), and a glass of local wine at a taverna (£3-5).
Best Time to Visit Piraeus
The peak tourist season in Piraeus and Athens runs from June through August, coinciding with the hottest weather and school holidays. During this period, you'll find the most frequent ferry connections, lively atmosphere, and all attractions operating at full capacity. However, this also means larger crowds, higher prices, and intense heat that can make sightseeing challenging.
The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October offer excellent compromises, with pleasant temperatures, reduced crowds, and still-reliable ferry schedules. These periods are ideal for exploring the city comfortably while enjoying good weather and more reasonable accommodation rates.
Winter visits (November through March) provide the most authentic local experience and the lowest prices, though some tourist facilities may have reduced hours and ferry schedules are less frequent. This period is perfect for cultural exploration, museums, and experiencing the city like a local.
Notable events include the Athens and Epidaurus Festival (June-August) featuring performances at ancient theatres, Navy Week celebrations in Piraeus (late June), and the Athens Marathon in November. For religious experiences, Orthodox Easter (date varies) offers spectacular celebrations and processions.
We recommend late May or September as the ideal times to visit, balancing good weather, reasonable prices, and manageable crowd levels while still offering frequent ferry connections.
Accommodation Options in Piraeus
Finding the right place to stay in Piraeus offers travellers a strategic base for exploring both the port city and nearby Athens. The area provides a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets.
Budget-Friendly Options
For travellers watching their spending, the neighbourhoods of Pasalimani and Mikrolimano offer several affordable guesthouses and small hotels starting from around £40 per night. These areas provide the added benefit of being close to the picturesque marina and numerous authentic tavernas.
Mid-Range and Luxury Accommodations
Couples might enjoy the boutique hotels near Zea Marina, where rooms with sea views typically range from £60-120 per night. Families travelling together should consider the apartment rentals in the Kastella area, which provide more space and often include kitchen facilities—ideal for longer stays.
For those seeking luxury, the waterfront hotels near the main port area offer premium amenities with prices starting from £150 per night, often including spectacular views of the arriving and departing ferries.
Getting Around Piraeus
Once you arrive in Piraeus after your ferry journey from Kos, you'll find the city offers efficient transport options for exploring both locally and venturing into Athens.
Public Transport
The metro Line 1 connects Piraeus directly to central Athens, with trains running approximately every 10 minutes and tickets costing just £1.20 for a 90-minute journey. The local bus network is comprehensive and affordable, serving all major areas of Piraeus.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Taxis are readily available throughout Piraeus, with a typical fare to Athens city centre costing around £15-20 depending on traffic. Ride-sharing apps also operate in the area, often providing slightly lower rates than traditional taxis.
Walking and Cycling
The central areas of Piraeus are quite walkable, particularly around the harbour areas and shopping districts. Several bicycle rental shops offer daily hires from approximately £10, providing an eco-friendly way to explore the coastal routes.
Your Aegean Adventure Awaits
The journey from Kos to Piraeus by ferry represents one of the most scenic routes in the Aegean Sea, covering 226.4 nautical miles of crystal-blue waters. With Blue Star Ferries offering the fastest crossing at 9 hours and 10 minutes, this sea route balances convenience with the authentic Greek island-hopping experience.
Remember that with four weekly sailings and an average ticket price of £199, booking in advance is recommended, especially during the summer months when demand increases. The overnight departures (starting as early as 00:20) allow you to maximise your time on both islands, arriving refreshed and ready to explore all that Piraeus and nearby Athens have to offer.
Whether you're drawn by the ancient wonders of Athens, the maritime charm of Piraeus, or simply the journey itself, this ferry route delivers an unforgettable travel experience that flight options simply cannot match. Book your ferry tickets today and prepare for an authentic Greek adventure connecting these two iconic destinations.