Symi to Kos Ferry
🚢 Symi → Kos — this week
12 sailings over the next 7 days · usually 2/day (1 on weekends)
Tomorrow (Wed 22 Jul): 2 ferries — first at 08:55
Operated by Dodekanisos Seaways, Blue Star Ferries, SAOS Ferries · crossing 1h20m–5h30m
Book Symi to Kos ferries in 2026 with daily departures March-December.
Symi to Kos Ferry
Symi to Kos -- At a Glance
- Season: Ferries operate from January to December.
- Frequency: 1 to 3 ferries per day depending on the season.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
- Book tickets: Check prices at Ferryscanner
Symi and Kos sit close together in the Dodecanese, and the ferry crossing between them is one of the more straightforward hops in this part of the Aegean. You step off the boat in Kos Town after a relatively short sailing, trading Symi's narrow lanes and colourful neoclassical harbour for a larger, livelier island with Roman ruins, sandy beaches and a busy waterfront. It is an easy route to plan around, and because departures run most days of the week throughout the season, you have genuine flexibility.
The service runs from March through to December, with frequency building as summer approaches. In the shoulder months you can expect one or two crossings a day; at the height of summer the number edges a little higher. Book in advance if you are travelling in July or August, particularly if you want a specific departure time.
Monthly Schedule Overview
Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Symi to Kos:
| Month | Available | Avg. Ferries/Day |
|---|---|---|
| January | Yes | 1.0 |
| February | Yes | 1.0 |
| March | Yes | 1.5 (1–3) |
| April | Yes | 1.6 (1–3) |
| May | Yes | 1.6 (1–3) |
| June | Yes | 1.6 (1–3) |
| July | Yes | 1.7 (1–3) |
| August | Yes | 1.7 (1–3) |
| September | Yes | 1.5 (1–3) |
| October | Yes | 1.4 (1–2) |
| November | Yes | 1.0 |
| December | Yes | 1.0 |
Symi to Kos — next 14 days
Actual sailing dates and departure times for the next two weeks (last updated 2026-07-21):
| Date | Sailings | Departure times | Operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tue 21 Jul | 2 | 08:55, 18:15 | Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways |
| Wed 22 Jul | 2 | 08:55, 18:30 | Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways |
| Thu 23 Jul | 1 | 09:50 | SAOS Ferries |
| Fri 24 Jul | 2 | 08:55, 17:50 | Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways |
| Sat 25 Jul | 1 | 08:55 | Dodekanisos Seaways |
| Sun 26 Jul | 1 | 08:55 | Dodekanisos Seaways |
| Mon 27 Jul | 3 | 08:55, 09:50, 17:50 | Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways, SAOS Ferries |
| Tue 28 Jul | 2 | 08:55, 18:15 | Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways |
| Wed 29 Jul | 2 | 08:55, 18:30 | Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways |
| Thu 30 Jul | 1 | 09:50 | SAOS Ferries |
| Fri 31 Jul | 2 | 08:55, 17:50 | Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways |
| Sat 1 Aug | 1 | 08:55 | Dodekanisos Seaways |
| Sun 2 Aug | 1 | 08:55 | Dodekanisos Seaways |
| Mon 3 Aug | 3 | 08:55, 09:50, 17:50 | Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways, SAOS Ferries |
Check availability & book on Ferryscanner →
Tips for the Symi–Kos Ferry
- Greek ferries blast the air conditioning in summer. Even on a short crossing in July heat, pack a light layer in your bag – the deck is warm, the cabin is often not.
- If any part of your trip is time-critical – a connecting ferry, a flight back to Athens, or a pre-booked tour – book that leg first and build the rest of your itinerary around it. Trying to work backwards from a flexible ticket rarely ends well in high season.
- Kos rewards those who look beyond the beach bars. The Tree of Hippocrates stands in Kos Town's central square, reputedly where the father of medicine taught his students, and the Asklepion outside town was one of the ancient world's great healing sanctuaries. Rent a bicycle – the island is flat by Greek standards – and you can reach the ancient sites and the long sandy western beaches in the same afternoon.
Useful Resources for Your Greek Island Trip
- Find accommodation in Greece – hotels, apartments and villas on Booking.com
- Book tours and activities in Greece via Viator
- Find guided experiences and day trips via GetYourGuide
- Compare car hire prices in Greece via DiscoverCars
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do ferries run from Symi to Kos?
1 to 3 ferries per day depending on the season. The route operates from January to December.
Are there ferries from Symi to Kos today?
Yes – 2 sailings today. See the 14-day timetable above for departure times.
How many ferries run from Symi to Kos this week?
Around 12 sailings over the next 7 days (typically 2 per day, 1 on weekends).
What time is the first ferry from Symi to Kos?
The first departure is usually 08:55.
How long is the ferry from Symi to Kos?
The fastest crossing takes approximately 1h20m, while the slowest takes around 5h30m. Typical crossing times by operator: Dodekanisos Seaways 1h20m–3h15m (hydrofoil), Blue Star Ferries 2h10m–4h20m, SAOS Ferries 5h20m–5h30m (conventional).
Which ferry companies operate the Symi–Kos route?
The route is served by Dodekanisos Seaways, Blue Star Ferries, SAOS Ferries. Crossings run on conventional, hydrofoil vessels.