Can I Take My Rental Car on a Ferry in Greece?

You may be able to take a rental car on a ferry in Greece, but permission depends on the exact supplier, rental agreement, route and vehicle. Before paying for a vehicle ferry ticket, ask the selected rental station for written permission covering your planned crossing and return arrangements.

Use this guide to check the rental terms, any ferry-related charge or coverage restriction, and the ferry operator’s current timetable and vehicle space. A passenger sailing does not necessarily accept cars.

Why Take a Rental Car on the Ferry?

Greece has over 200 inhabited islands, and while many are connected by ferry routes, public transport on the islands themselves can be limited. Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to:

• Explore at your own pace — No rushing to catch the last bus or waiting for taxis
• Access remote beaches — Many of Greece’s best beaches are only accessible by car
• Visit mountain villages — Discover authentic Greek villages far from tourist crowds
• Carry your luggage easily — No hauling suitcases on and off buses
• Compare transport costs — Include the vehicle ferry fare, rental terms, fuel and parking alongside local transfers

For an island day trip, compare taking your existing rental car with travelling as a foot passenger and hiring locally. Check both ferry directions, vehicle availability and the rental supplier’s written permission before deciding.

How to Check Whether Your Rental Can Travel by Ferry

Do not rely on an old list of suppliers or fees: policy can differ by rental station, vehicle, route and booking date. Before reserving, ask the supplier to confirm the following in writing for the exact offer:

• Permission: Are the planned ferry crossings and destinations allowed for this vehicle?
• Cover and liability: What protection applies while loading, aboard and unloading, and what exclusions or excess apply?
• Cost: Is there a ferry-related charge, special cover, one-way fee or extra amount due at the station?
• Return: Can the car be returned on another island or at a different station, and what happens if a sailing changes?

Keep the supplier’s written answer with your rental documents. Separately, confirm with the ferry operator that the selected sailing accepts a vehicle of your category and has space available.

Essential Tips for Taking Rental Cars on Ferries

Successfully taking your rental car on a Greek ferry requires preparation. Follow these tips to avoid issues:

Before You Book

• Choose a suitable offer — Confirm the exact supplier and station will permit your planned crossings in writing before booking
• Read the rental terms — Each supplier has different requirements; check before booking
• Book early — Ferry routes can fill up quickly in summer, especially if you’re traveling with a vehicle

At Pick-Up

• Declare your ferry intentions — Tell the rental agent you plan to take the car on a ferry
• Get written confirmation — Never rely on verbal permission; get it in writing
• Confirm any charge — Pay only a ferry-related amount shown in the selected terms or confirmed by the supplier, and keep the receipt
• List your destinations — Some suppliers require you to specify which islands you’ll visit
• Save the documentation — Keep all paperwork showing ferry authorization in the car

On the Ferry

• Lock your vehicle — Always lock your car and set the alarm when leaving it on the car deck
• Don’t leave valuables visible — Take important items with you to the passenger deck
• Note your deck position — Ferries can be crowded; remember where you parked
• Return before disembarkation — Be back at your car before the ferry docks

If Something Goes Wrong

• Contact the supplier immediately — If you have an accident or the car is damaged, call the rental company straight away
• Document everything — Take photos and get witness statements if possible
• Follow reporting instructions — Ask the supplier and ferry operator what documentation they require for an incident

Ferry Routes to Check from Kos

Destinations to investigate include Kalymnos, Leros, Patmos, Nisyros and Rhodes. Availability, departure port, journey time and vehicle carriage depend on the current operator and sailing. A route shown for foot passengers may have no vehicle space. Cross-border travel to Bodrum requires separate rental permission and border-document checks.

For more information about exploring Kos by car, see our guide to renting a car in Kos and our driving in Greece guide.

Costs to Check Before You Book

There is no reliable universal ferry fee or vehicle-ticket price. Ask the rental supplier for any permission charge, additional cover, one-way fee and amount due locally. Then price the exact ferry sailing with the operator for your vehicle category and passengers.

• Rental quote: Compare the full rental price, deposit, excess and any ferry-related amount.
• Ferry ticket: Confirm that the sailing accepts your vehicle and check the current fare and booking conditions.
• Alternatives: Compare travelling as foot passengers and hiring another car at the destination, if available.

Cover and Liability on a Ferry

Do not assume road cover also applies during loading, the crossing or unloading. Ask the selected supplier what is covered, what is excluded, whether a separate product is required and how any excess or claim is handled. Check any third-party cover against the same circumstances before relying on it.

Keep written permission and the applicable rental terms with your ferry booking. If the operator changes the sailing, check again with the supplier before taking the car aboard.

What If You Travel Without Permission?

Taking a car aboard against the rental agreement can create a contract or cover dispute. The outcome depends on the selected terms and the circumstances. If permission is unclear, leave the rental car on Kos and travel as a foot passenger until the supplier confirms the position in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take any rental car on a ferry?

No blanket rule applies. Ask the selected supplier and rental station for written permission for the exact vehicle, crossing and destination before booking a vehicle ticket.

Do I need to tell the rental company I’m taking the car on a ferry?

Yes. Disclose the planned crossing before booking and obtain the supplier’s written answer about permission, cover, charges and return arrangements.

Is the ferry fee worth it?

Compare the supplier’s confirmed ferry-related amount and the operator’s current vehicle fare with foot-passenger travel and local transport. The best option depends on your route and dates.

Can I take a rental car from Kos to mainland Greece?

Only if the selected rental supplier permits that route for the vehicle in writing and the ferry operator accepts the vehicle on your sailing.

What if I return the car to a different island?

Ask the supplier whether an inter-island return is allowed for your booking and request the exact return point and any one-way charge in writing.

Can I book ferry tickets in advance?

Check the ferry operator’s current timetable and vehicle capacity for your sailing. Book the vehicle ticket only after the rental supplier confirms ferry permission.

Check the Ferry Operator for Your Sailing

Use the current operator timetable to confirm your departure port, vehicle capacity, fare and boarding instructions. For example, Blue Star Ferries publishes vehicle embarkation conditions; check the conditions for the operator and sailing you actually book. Do not assume a passenger-only service can carry a rental car.

Before You Commit

First confirm written ferry permission, cover and any charge with the selected rental supplier. Then check the ferry operator’s current vehicle space, fare and boarding instructions. If either side cannot confirm the plan, compare a foot-passenger ticket and local transport instead.

For more planning help, see our Kos Airport car hire guide, driving in Kos guide, and best beaches in Kos accessible by car.