Kos Hippocrates Airport (IATA: KGS) is a busy summer charter airport, and unlike most island airports it is nowhere near the main town. It sits in the middle of the island near Antimachia, roughly 25km from Kos Town, with the resorts of Kardamena, Mastichari and Kefalos closer than the capital itself. That makes the choice of transfer more important than on islands where the town is next to the runway. This guide covers the options with approximate prices as of 2026.
Airport Overview
IATA code: KGS
Full name: Kos Island International Airport “Hippocrates”
Location: near Antimachia, approximately 24-28km south-west of Kos Town
Terminal: One main terminal for arrivals and departures
Operator: Fraport Greece
Facilities include cafés, ATMs and car hire desks. As with many charter airports, the terminal can fill quickly when flights arrive close together in July and August, and queues for taxis and rental pickups follow. Plan your transfer before you arrive.
Transfer Options from Kos Airport
Taxi
Taxis wait outside arrivals. Fares are fixed per destination and listed on a sign near the rank. Cash is the safest way to pay.
Approximate taxi fares (as of 2026):
- Kos Town: approximately EUR 30-40
- Tigaki: approximately EUR 30-40
- Marmari: approximately EUR 30-40
- Mastichari: approximately EUR 15-22
- Kardamena: approximately EUR 20-28
- Kefalos: approximately EUR 25-35
- Psalidi and Lambi: approximately EUR 35-45
Night fares are higher, and large luggage may carry a surcharge.
Public Bus
KTEL runs buses on the island, and some services connect the airport with towns and resorts, timed around flights in summer. Fares are approximately EUR 3-5 per person as of 2026. The limits are timetable and coverage: services may not match a late or delayed flight, and the island network is built around Kos Town. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or your hotel before you plan around it.
Private Transfer
Given the distance to Kos Town, a pre-booked private transfer is the most reliable option, particularly for families and groups. A driver meets you at arrivals and delivers you to your hotel. Kiwitaxi lets you compare local operators with fixed prices. Welcome Pickups offers meet-and-greet service that tracks your flight.
Approximate private transfer prices (as of 2026):
- Kos Town: approximately EUR 35-50
- Kardamena: approximately EUR 25-35
- Tigaki: approximately EUR 35-45
- Kefalos: approximately EUR 30-40
Hotel Transfers
All-inclusive resorts in Kardamena, Tigaki and along the north coast often arrange transfers, sometimes in shared coaches. Ask whether it is private or shared. A shared coach may do several drop-offs and add up to an hour.
Car Hire
Kos is flat, but the island is large enough that a car or scooter makes sense if you want to see Kefalos, the thermal springs and the Asklepion on the same trip. Rental desks are in the terminal. Book ahead for July and August. Our Greece car rental guide covers insurance and deposits, and you can compare car hire in Greece before you fly.
Cycling is popular on Kos, but cycling from the airport is not a practical option because of distance.
Getting to Key Destinations
To Kos Town
About 25-30 minutes by road. Kos Town is the island’s hub, with the harbour, the Castle of the Knights and the ferry port. If you are still deciding where to base yourself, our where to stay in Kos guide compares Kos Town with the resorts.
To Tigaki and Marmari
The north coast resorts are 25-35 minutes away. They are flat, sandy and popular with families. A taxi or private transfer is the simplest way to reach them.
To Kardamena and Mastichari
These are the closest major resorts, 15-20 minutes. Kardamena is a lively beach town with a busy bar strip. Mastichari is a quieter harbour village with ferries to Kalymnos.
To Kefalos
Kefalos, at the western end of the island, is about 20 minutes away. It is the quietest area, with the long beach of Kamari and the bay of Agios Stefanos.
Late Arrivals and Early Departures
Buses are limited late at night, and taxis can be scarce when the last flights land. Pre-book a driver for any arrival after 22:00. For early flights, arrange a pickup the evening before. Because the airport is a long way from Kos Town, leave extra time if you are coming from the town on the day of a morning departure.
Ferries and Onward Travel
Kos is a ferry hub for the Dodecanese, with boats to Kalymnos, Nisyros, Patmos and Rhodes, and a short crossing to Bodrum in Turkey. Boats leave from Kos Town and Mastichari. For what to do once you have arrived, see our Kos island guide and things to do in Kos, and browse Kos tours for day trips.
Tips for Kos Transfers
- Pick your base with the airport in mind: Kardamena and Mastichari are the closest, Kos Town and Tigaki further.
- Confirm shared or private: Particularly with resort coaches.
- Carry some cash: For taxis and tips.
- Save the driver’s phone number: In case flights run late.
- Book the return trip: Arrange your pickup back to KGS at the same time.
Pre-book your Kos airport transfer for a fixed price, or choose Welcome Pickups for flight-tracked meet and greet.
Related Guides
- Kos Travel Guide - Asklepion, beaches and day trips
- Things to Do in Kos - sights and activities
- Where to Stay in Kos - areas and hotel types
- Getting Around Greece - domestic flights, ferries and buses
Plan Your Trip
✈️ Book your flights to Greece 🛡️ Get travel insurance 📱 Stay connected with an eSIM 🚗 Rent a car