Kos is one of Greece’s most accessible Dodecanese islands — a short flight or ferry from Athens, or a ferry from Bodrum in Turkey — and it’s the kind of place that rewards having your own wheels. The island stretches about 44km long and 22km wide, but its best beaches, ancient sites, mountain villages, and thermal springs are scattered far from the main resort areas. Car rental in Kos gives you the freedom to discover all of it on your own schedule.
Why Rent a Car on Kos?
Most visitors to Kos land at Kos Airport (KGS) and stay in the resort strip around Kardamena or the main town of Kos. That’s fine if you want to lie on the beach and drink cocktails. But if you’re the kind of traveller who wants to wake up early, find the quietest bay, explore a 2,500-year-old Asclepion healing temple, and eat lunch in a mountain village where nobody speaks English — you need a rental car.
A hire car can help with trips beyond your accommodation, but the price depends on dates, vehicle and pickup point. Compare a current Kos quote with the transport you would otherwise use.
Requirements for Renting a Car on Kos
To rent a car in Kos Greece, you need:
- Full driving licence — EU licences are accepted directly. UK licences are also accepted but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended as a translation document. Licences from other countries may require an IDP — check with your rental company before booking.
- Credit card — Most rental companies place a hold (security deposit) on your card. Debit cards are often not accepted.
- Passport or national ID
- Minimum age 21 — Some companies charge a young driver surcharge for drivers under 25. Drivers under 21 are generally not accepted.
International Driving Permit
If your licence is in a non-Latin script (Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese, etc.), you must carry an IDP. Even if your licence is in English, an IDP is a cheap and useful backup — it costs about £5–6 in the UK and is available from the AA, RAC, or Post Office. Police checks are not common but they do happen, especially near the airport.
How Much Does Car Rental Cost on Kos?
Prices vary significantly by season:
- Quieter travel dates: Run a current search for your actual dates and compare the total amount, deposit and rental conditions for a suitable small car.
- Busier travel dates: Search early enough to compare suitable categories, but treat only a location-verified offer as a current Kos price.
- Cover and excess: Check what the selected offer includes, its excess and exclusions, and whether optional protection changes the supplier’s own liability or reimburses you later.
Compare current online offers for your dates and pickup location. KosCarHire.com shows available suppliers; read the selected full quote and rental terms before booking.
Where to Pick Up and Drop Off Your Car
Kos Airport (KGS)
Most visitors pick up their rental car at Kos Airport. The airport is small, the car hire desks are just outside arrivals, and there’s usually someone waiting with your booking confirmation. Easy.
Kos Town Port
If arriving by ferry, compare a Kos Town pickup with airport collection. Confirm the actual meeting point, hours and complete price in the selected offer.
Other Locations
Some companies will deliver to your hotel or apartment — especially in Kardamena, Mastichari, or Tingaki. Ask when booking. Drop-off at a different location (e.g., airport pickup, town drop-off) is usually free but confirm this before you commit.
Popular Drives on Kos
Kos Town to the Asclepion
Start with the island’s headline attraction. The Asclepion is an ancient healing temple and medical centre, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Dodecanese. It’s about 3km southwest of Kos town and makes a perfect first stop. The drive takes 10 minutes; budget an hour to wander the terraces and read the Greek and Roman inscriptions. Combined with the nearby Catacombs, this is a half-day activity that costs almost nothing to visit.
Mount Dikaios (Mount Dikos)
The highest point on Kos (864m) is the spiritual centre of the island in ancient times — home to a sanctuary of Zeus. The road up is steep and winding but entirely paved. From the summit on a clear day you can see the Turkish coast, the full arc of the Dodecanese islands, and the mountains of Kalymnos. There’s a small chapel at the top. Come early morning or late afternoon — midday visibility can be hazy. The drive from Kos town takes about 45 minutes each way.
Thermal Springs of Emm Stefano
On the western side of the island near the village of Aggia Kyriaki, natural thermal springs empty into the sea. The water is warm (around 40°C), rich in minerals, and said to help skin conditions and joint pain. Park at the end of a rough track, wade out to the rocks, and let the hot spring water run over you while looking at the Turkish coastline 10km away. It’s one of those weird Greek experiences you won’t forget. A 4×4 is helpful for the track approach but not essential in dry weather.
Kardamena and the South Coast
Kardamena is the main resort town and home to most of Kos’s nightlife. But drive south along the coast and you’ll find quieter beaches — most are named after beach bars rather than villages. Camel Beach (yes, there’s a camel) is the most famous, but the stretch between Mastichari and the salt pans is emptier and just as nice.
Mastichari and the Salt Pans
North of Kardamena, Mastichari is a working fishing village with a small beach, a couple of good tavernas, and the ferry port for Kalymnos. Keep going past Mastichari and you’ll reach the salt pans — flat, white, surreal, and often completely empty of tourists. They’re an easy drive and a fascinating contrast to the beach resorts. Flamingos turn up here in spring and autumn.
Zia and the Central Villages
The village of Zia perches on the slopes of Mount Dikaios and is famous for its sunsets and mountain views. The road up is steep and winding in places — take it slowly, enjoy the olive groves. Zia is touristy in the evening but beautiful. Stop at one of the tavernas for dinner as the sun drops over the Turkish mountains. Other central villages worth a detour: Pyli (with a Byzantine castle), Lagoudi (photogenic and quiet), and Antimachia (castle ruins and a traditional feel).
Driving on Kos — What You Need to Know
Roads are generally good — the main ring road is well-maintained. Mountain roads are narrower and steeper but mostly fine in a standard car. Watch for unexpected potholes, animals, and drivers who take corners wide.
Speed limits: 50km/h in towns, 80km/h on open roads, 100km/h on the main ring road. Greeks drive at their own pace — you’ll be overtaken on blind corners. Stay calm and keep right.
Fuel: Petrol stations are plentiful in Kos town, Kardamena, and Mastichari. More sparse elsewhere. Fill up whenever you’re below half a tank, especially before heading to remote beaches or the mountain villages.
Parking: Free and easy in most places. Kos town has some paid zones near the port but they’re well-signposted. Beach car parks charge €3–5 in peak season.
Drinking and driving: The limit is 0.05% blood alcohol — lower than the UK and many other countries. Best to not drink at all if you’re driving. Police do set up random breath test checkpoints, especially on summer weekends.
Kos or Bodrum? Which Side to Explore?
Kos is surprisingly close to Turkey — on a clear day you can see Bodrum from the west coast, and the ferry crossing takes just 20 minutes. If you have time, consider taking the ferry to Bodrum for a day trip. Drive around the Bodrum peninsula, visit the ancient Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, and eat a late lunch in a Turkish harbour restaurant before sailing back. Just make sure you have the right paperwork for Turkey (check visa requirements for your nationality before you go — don’t assume you can just turn up).
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Rental on Kos
Do I need an International Driving Permit for Kos?
If your driving licence is from an EU country, you don’t need an IDP — your regular licence is accepted. For UK licences and other non-EU licences in English, an IDP is recommended but not always required. However, if your licence uses a non-Latin script (Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese, etc.), you must carry an International Driving Permit. It’s cheap insurance — get one before you travel.
What’s the minimum age to rent a car on Kos?
Minimum age, licence-holding period and young-driver fees differ by supplier and vehicle. Enter the main driver’s age in the search and check the selected offer before paying.
Can I pick up at the airport and drop off in town?
Different pickup and return locations may be available for some offers. Check the exact return point and any one-way or location fee with the selected supplier before booking.
Is it worth renting a car on Kos or are buses enough?
For several island stops, compare the total rental cost with the bus, transfer or taxi journeys you would otherwise make. Check the latest routes and your chosen offer before deciding.
What side of the road do they drive on in Greece?
Greece drives on the right — same as most of continental Europe and the United States. The steering wheel is on the left side of the car. If you’re coming from the UK, Australia, or another left-side country, take extra care at roundabouts and when turning at junctions in your first day or two.
Are the roads on Kos difficult to drive?
Generally, no. The main ring road and coastal routes are well-maintained and similar to roads anywhere in southern Europe. Mountain roads are steeper and narrower but still manageable in a standard car. The biggest hazards are unexpected potholes, free-roaming animals (goats, sheep), and local drivers who take corners wide. Drive slowly on unfamiliar roads and you’ll be fine.
How much does car rental cost on Kos?
There is no dependable single daily rate for every Kos trip. Use the same dates, pickup point, driver details and vehicle class when comparing quotes. Review local balance, deposit, excess, fuel, mileage and cancellation conditions in each offer.
Book Your Kos Rental Car
Compare Kos rental options for your dates and check the selected supplier, collection address and full rental terms. Choose a vehicle category that fits your passengers and luggage.
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