If you’re arriving at Kos International Airport (Hippocrates) and want to save money, using the public bus (our complete Kos intercity bus guide is available now) is the most budget-friendly option.
KTEL buses from Kos Airport (KGS) connect to 4 major destinations: Kos Town (€3.50, 40 min), Mastichari (€2.30, 10 min), Kardamena (€2.30, 10 min) & Kefalos (€2.90, 25 min).
Here’s everything you need to know about airport bus routes, schedules & fares.
Where is Kos Airport Located?
Kos Airport (IATA: KGS) is located near the city of Antimachia, about 24 km from Kos Town, the island’s capital. Depending on traffic, the drive takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes to get to the main city of the island.
Does Kos Airport Have a Bus Service?
Yes, KTEL Kos operates public buses connecting Kos Airport with major destinations on the island, including Kos Town, Mastichari, Kardamena, and Kefalos.
All 4 Bus Routes from Kos Airport
Kos Town to Kos Airport
Direct buses run up to 10 times per day in the Summer, with less departures the rest of the year. Ticket price: Around €3.50 (as of 2025, subject to change).
Mastichari to Kos Airport
Up to 10 direct busses a day in the Summer (less in other months), taking about 10 minutes for €2.30 (as of 2025, subject to change). This is ideal if you’re heading to the ferry for Kalymnos (another Dodecanese beauty).
Kardamena to Kos Airport
Kardamena is only a short bus ride away, taking approximately 15 minutes. Ticket price: Around €2.30 (as of 2025, subject to change).
Kefalos to Kos Airport
Buses are less frequent to Kefalos, so check the schedule if you’re heading towards that city. It takes approximately 25 minutes to connect the city from the Airport, for about €2.90 (as of 2025).
Bus Schedule from Kos Airport
The KTEL bus stop is located just outside the arrivals area. Here’s the airport bus timetables:
Where to Buy Tickets
As with any Kos KTEL intercity bus, you have to buy your ticket directly on the bus from the driver. Therefore make sure to have cash, preferably coins or small notes as card payments are not accepted.
Important Tips
- Always check the timetable in advance, as services can change depending on season and flight schedules. Information correct as of June 2025.
- If your flight arrives late at night or early morning, there might not be a bus available. Taxis are available 24/7 at the airport taxi rank.
- During summer, buses can be busy, especially when several flights arrive simultaneously.
- Finally, while the number of buses on Saturdays is almost the same as weekdays, fewer services run on Sundays. That’s why you have to check the schedule carefully if you plan to travel then.
Questions
No, tickets can only be bought when boarding the bus, with the driver. Note that only cash payments are accepted, so ensure you have some change or small bank notes.
While unlikely, KTEL busses can be full. In such scenario the driver may allow passengers to stand in the aisle or advice them to wait for the next bus. Sometimes it is simply a question of a few minutes before having another bus coming. Nevertheless, if you plan on going to Kos town this way, it’s best to go straight to the bus stop (there’s not much to do at the airport anyway).
One trip from Kos Airport to Kos city, Kefalos, Mastichari or Kardamena cost from €2.30 to €3.50 (as of April 2026, subject to change).
KTEL busses in Kos do not accept card payments, plan to have cash (ideally change or small bank notes) and double check the received change.
Yes, while purse and backpacks will of course go with you onboard, cabin and bigger luggage are accepted as well. You’ll simply need to stow them under the bus, as instructed by the driver.
Other options
As you saw in our article, it is convenient to rely on public busses to go from the airport to other cities around Kos. However, a late or early arrival might make you prefer booking a private transfer ahead or relying on a local taxi.
From Kos Airport by Taxi
Should you arrive too early or too late to rely on KTEL busses, taking a taxi is always an option. From Kos Airport to Kos City it should cost you approximately 40 euros, while we do advice checking with the driver and ensuring a flat rate is applied or the meter is reset.
From Kos Airport by private transfer
If you’d rather have complete peace of mind, private transfers are a great option with drivers waiting for you right outside the luggage pick-up area. Best is to contact your hotel or a travel agent you worked with in order to book it or get references.
Final Thoughts
Taking the KTEL public bus services is a convenient and cheap way to reach your destination. If you’re travelling and want to experience local transport from the start, this is an excellent choice.
Want to explore more of Kos by bus? Check out our complete Kos bus guide for routes, timetables, and tips to travel easily around the island without a car. Unless you want to go straight to wine tasting, discovering Kos unique wineries without having to drive.