Arriving at Kos Airport: What to Expect

Kos International Airport (KGS), also known as Hippocrates Airport, is small but gets busy during peak summer months. If you’re picking up a rental car here, knowing the layout and process saves you time and stress.

The airport is about 22km from Kos Town and handles flights from across Europe, especially UK, Germany, and Scandinavia. In July and August, the arrival hall can get packed with multiple flights landing within the same hour.

Where Are the Car Hire Desks?

The car hire desks are located in the arrivals hall, just after you exit baggage claim. You’ll see them lined up along the left wall as you walk toward the exit doors. Most major companies have a presence here: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and several local operators.

If you’ve booked through a comparison site like Vipcars, you’ll need to check your voucher for the specific supplier. Sometimes the desk uses a different trading name than what appears on your booking confirmation.

Tip: The queues move slowly in summer. If you’re arriving between 10am and 2pm on a Saturday (the busiest time), expect to wait 20-40 minutes at the desk.

Pre-Book vs Walk-In: What’s Better?

Pre-booking is almost always cheaper and guarantees availability. Kos Airport doesn’t have a massive fleet of spare cars sitting around, especially in July and August. Walking up to a desk in peak season often means:

• Limited car choice (whatever is left)
• Higher daily rates
• Potential sold-out situation

Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead for summer trips. Book earlier if you need an automatic or a larger vehicle like a 7-seater.

Documents You Need to Bring

Don’t assume your regular travel documents are enough. Greek car hire companies are strict about paperwork:

• Driving licence: Your full licence, held for at least 1 year. Photocard licence preferred. Paper licences sometimes cause issues.
• International Driving Permit (IDP): Required if your licence uses non-Latin characters (Arabic, Cyrillic, Greek, etc.). Some companies ask for it even with EU licences. Check your voucher.
• Passport: Must be valid and match your booking name.
• Credit card: In the main driver’s name. Debit cards are often refused or come with higher deposit requirements.
• Booking voucher: Printed or on your phone. It has the supplier name and booking reference.

Warning: Names must match exactly. If your passport says “Jonathan” but you booked as “John,” you might be refused the car or charged for a new booking.

Insurance Options Explained

The insurance situation can feel overwhelming. Here’s what you actually need to know:

Basic insurance (included): This covers damage to the rental car with a high excess (typically €800-1,500 for economy cars). If someone scratches your car in a car park, you’re paying up to the excess amount.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Reduces your excess but never removes it entirely. Read the fine print.

Super CDW / Full coverage: Often sold at the desk for €15-25/day. This brings your excess to zero or close to it. You can usually get this cheaper by buying standalone excess insurance online before you travel.

What’s usually NOT covered:

• Undercarriage damage
• Windscreen and tyres
• Roof damage
• Keys lost or locked inside
• Driving off-road or on unpaved roads

Take photos of the car from every angle at pickup, including the roof and undercarriage if you can safely check. This protects you from disputes later.

Driving From Kos Airport to Popular Destinations

Once you’ve got your car, here’s how long it takes to reach the main tourist areas:

Kos Town: About 20 minutes via the main coastal road. Head northeast from the airport. The route is straightforward – follow signs for Kos (ΚΩΣ). Parking in Kos Town can be tricky in summer. There’s a large free car park near the harbour (entrance near the Castle of the Knights), but it fills up by 10am in August.

Kardamena: About 30 minutes southeast. Kardamena is a popular resort town with a younger crowd. The drive takes you past the airport again (head in the opposite direction from Kos Town). Check out car hire in Kardamena if you’re staying there and want to rent locally.

Kefalos: About 50 minutes southwest. This is a quieter area with some of the best beaches on Kos. The drive takes you through the centre of the island. See our Kefalos car hire guide for local tips.

Mastichari: About 25 minutes west. A lovely fishing village with ferry connections to Kalymnos. Great tavernas along the harbour. More info at Mastichari car hire.

Picking Up During Ferry Delays

If you’re arriving by ferry and connecting with a car hire, build buffer time into your schedule. Ferries to Kos arrive from Piraeus, Rhodes, Samos, Patmos, and other islands. The Dodecanese Seaways and Blue Star Ferries can run behind schedule in rough weather.

Most car hire companies at the airport will hold your booking for 1-2 hours past the scheduled pickup time. If you know you’ll be late, call the number on your voucher. Many will extend the hold if you communicate with them.

The ferry port in Kos Town is about 25 minutes from the airport by taxi. If your flight arrives before your ferry connection, there’s a cafeteria upstairs at the airport (landside) where you can wait.

Fuel Policy: How It Works

Most rentals operate a “full-to-full” fuel policy. You pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. Empty the tank before you return it, or you’ll be charged for the missing fuel plus a refuelling fee.

There’s a fuel station about 5 minutes from the airport on the road to Kos Town. It’s the most convenient place to fill up before returning your car. Note: Fuel stations on Kos often close on Sundays, though some stay open in tourist areas during summer.

Top Tips for Kos Airport Car Hire

• Download offline maps: Signal can be patchy in rural areas. Google Maps or Maps.me work well.
• Check your car thoroughly: Before driving off, point out any scratches, dents, or marks to the staff and ensure they’re recorded on your contract.
• Ask about border crossings: If you plan to take the car to another island or to Bodrum (Turkey), you’ll need special permission and paperwork. Not all companies allow this.
• Automatic vs manual: Most cars in Greece are manual. If you need automatic, book early and confirm at pickup.
• Child seats: Bring your own if possible. Rental seats are often low quality and cost extra.

Ready to Book?

Car hire at Kos Airport gives you the freedom to explore this beautiful island properly. From the ancient ruins of Asklepion to the stunning beaches near Kefalos and the mountain villages inland, having your own car opens up experiences you’d otherwise miss.

Compare prices from trusted suppliers with no hidden fees, then book your Kos Airport car hire today. The sooner you book, the better the rate.