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

Yes, you can take your rental car on a ferry in Greece — but it depends entirely on your car rental supplier. Each company has different policies regarding ferry travel, with some allowing it freely, others requiring special permissions and fees, and a few prohibiting it completely.

If you’re planning to explore the Greek islands by car, understanding these ferry policies before you book is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know about taking rental cars on ferries, including which suppliers allow it, the associated costs, and practical tips for a smooth island-hopping experience.

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
• Save money — Taxis on islands can be expensive, especially for day trips

Island hopping by car opens up a completely different side of Greece. You can wake up on Kos, take a morning ferry to Kalymnos, spend the day exploring hidden coves, and return in the evening — all without relying on local transport schedules.

Which Car Rental Suppliers Allow Ferry Travel?

The good news is that most major car rental suppliers on Kos and throughout Greece permit ferry travel. However, each has specific requirements you must follow. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:

Suppliers That Allow Ferry Travel (2024-2025 Season)

Alamo

Status: Allowed with authorization
Requirements: You must request permission at the time of pick-up. Speak directly to the Alamo representative when collecting your vehicle to confirm ferry travel approval.
Notes: Always get written confirmation before loading your car onto a ferry.

Alma Car Rental

Status: Allowed with written consent
Fee: €70 per rental (ferry risk fee)
Requirements: You must request permission at the local rental station. Written consent from the rental company is mandatory. You must declare all islands you intend to visit.
Important: Ferry travel without written permission invalidates your insurance coverage.

Auto Union Car Rental

Status: Allowed with coordination
Fee: €74.40 per rental (ferry insurance)
Requirements: You must coordinate with the local station before taking the vehicle on a ferry. The additional ferry insurance can be purchased when collecting the car.
Coverage: Vehicles can be transported to all parts of Greece by ferry after coordination.

Budget

Status: Allowed with prior written permission
Requirements: You must obtain written permission from Budget before taking the rental car on any ferry. Speak to the supplier at pick-up to arrange this.

Enterprise

Status: Allowed with authorization
Requirements: You can request approval at pick-up or email reservations@enterprise.gr before your rental begins. Written approval is recommended.

Europcar

Status: Allowed with special permission
Requirements: Taking rental vehicles on ferries is permitted, but you must receive special permission from the supplier. You must also purchase special coverage.
Warning: All protections and coverage products lose validity during ferry trips unless you purchase the special ferry coverage. Ask for details when picking up your vehicle.
Coverage: Crossings between different islands and between islands and the mainland are permitted with proper authorization.

Green Motion

Status: Allowed with written permission
Fees: €31 per direction OR €155 per rental
Requirements: You may not take the rental vehicle on any type of boat, ship, or ferry without prior written permission from the supplier. The fee applies per crossing or you can pay a flat rate for the entire rental period.

Exer Car Rental

Status: Allowed with ferry insurance
Fee: €62 per rental (includes VAT)
Requirements: Ferry insurance from one rental office to another is available at the rental desk when you pick up your car. This covers you for ferry travel during your rental period.

National Car Rental

Status: Allowed with written permission
Fee: €40.75–43.44 per direction
Requirements: You may not take the rental vehicle on any type of boat, ship, or ferry without prior written permission from the supplier. Fees apply per ferry crossing.

Sixt

Status: Allowed with mandatory ferry fee
Fee: €30 per rental (Island/Ferryboat Travel Fee)
Requirements: Ferries between Greek islands are permitted. The ferry travel fee is mandatory and must be purchased at the rental desk.
Important: If you fail to purchase this product and damage occurs to the car on a ferry, all protections become invalid and you will be held liable for damages.
Note: Please leave a note in your booking that you will be traveling by ferry.

Suppliers That Do NOT Allow Ferry Travel

SurPrice

Status: NOT ALLOWED
Reason: Ferrying rented vehicles is prohibited. No insurance covers the vehicle in such cases. If you plan to island hop, choose a different rental supplier.

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 the right supplier — If ferry travel is essential for your trip, select a supplier with straightforward policies (Sixt, Auto Union, or Exer have simple fee structures)
• 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
• Pay the ferry fee — Purchase any required ferry insurance or travel fee at the desk
• 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
• Get a police report — For any significant incident, you’ll need official documentation

Popular Ferry Routes from Kos

If you’re renting a car on Kos, here are some popular island destinations you can reach by ferry:

• Kos to Kalymnos — Just 30-45 minutes by ferry, perfect for a day trip
• Kos to Leros — About 1 hour, a beautiful island with excellent beaches
• Kos to Patmos — Around 2 hours, famous for the Monastery of Saint John
• Kos to Nisyros — About 1 hour, home to an active volcanic crater
• Kos to Rhodes — 2-3 hours, the largest of the Dodecanese islands
• Kos to Bodrum (Turkey) — 20-30 minutes, but check visa requirements

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

Costs You Should Expect

Taking a rental car on a ferry involves several costs beyond the ferry ticket itself:

Rental Supplier Fees

• One-time fees: €30–74 per rental (covers entire rental period)
• Per-crossing fees: €31–43 each way (some suppliers charge per ferry trip)
• Combined fees: Some suppliers charge both a base fee and per-crossing

Ferry Ticket Costs

Vehicle ferry tickets cost more than passenger-only tickets. Expect to pay approximately:

• Small car (up to 4m): €15-30 per crossing (varies by route)
• Medium car (4-5m): €20-40 per crossing
• Large car/SUV: €30-60 per crossing

These are approximate prices for shorter routes. Longer routes (like Kos to Rhodes) may cost more. Always check current prices with the ferry operator.

Insurance Considerations

This is where things get complicated. Your standard rental car insurance may not cover you while the car is on a ferry. Here’s what you need to know:

Standard Coverage Gaps

• Most CDW policies don’t cover ferry travel — Collision Damage Waiver typically applies to road accidents only
• Theft protection may be limited — If your car is stolen from a ferry, standard theft coverage might not apply
• Third-party liability — Coverage during ferry crossings varies by supplier

Solutions

• Purchase the supplier’s ferry insurance — This is usually the simplest option
• Use a credit card with rental coverage — Some premium credit cards cover rental car damage worldwide, but check the fine print
• Travel insurance — Some comprehensive travel insurance policies include rental car coverage

What Happens If You Don’t Follow the Rules?

Taking a rental car on a ferry without proper authorization can have serious consequences:

• Insurance voided — If you damage the car on a ferry without permission, you’re liable for the full cost of repairs
• Theft not covered — If the car is stolen while on a ferry, you may have to pay the full value of the vehicle
• Contract breach — You’ve violated the rental agreement, which could lead to additional penalties
• Difficulty with claims — Any future insurance claims may be denied

Always follow the proper procedures. The small fee for ferry authorization is far cheaper than paying for a damaged rental car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take any rental car on a ferry?

No, it depends on your rental supplier. Some suppliers prohibit ferry travel entirely (like SurPrice), while others allow it with various conditions and fees. Always check your rental terms before booking.

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

Yes, absolutely. Most suppliers require you to declare your ferry intentions at pick-up and pay any applicable fees. Failure to do so may void your insurance coverage.

Is the ferry fee worth it?

If you want to explore multiple islands, yes. The freedom to drive to remote beaches, mountain villages, and hidden spots far from ferry ports is invaluable. A €30-70 fee is reasonable for the flexibility it provides.

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

Yes, several suppliers allow inter-island and mainland ferry travel. Check with your rental company about specific routes. Some require you to list all intended destinations.

What if I return the car to a different island?

One-way rentals between islands may be possible but usually incur additional fees. Coordinate with your rental supplier before booking to confirm availability and costs.

Can I book ferry tickets in advance?

Yes, and it’s recommended during peak season (July-August). Popular routes can sell out. You can book tickets online through ferry operator websites or at port ticket offices.

Recommended Ferry Operators from Kos

Several ferry companies operate from Kos to nearby islands. The main operators include:

• Blue Star Ferries — Large car ferries to Rhodes, Patmos, and other Dodecanese islands
• Dodekanisos Seaways — Fast ferries and hydrofoils connecting Kos to nearby islands
• ANEK Lines — Longer routes connecting to mainland Greece

Book tickets in advance during summer months, especially if you’re traveling with a vehicle.

Conclusion

Taking a rental car on a ferry in Greece is not only possible but opens up incredible opportunities for exploration. The key is choosing the right rental supplier and following their specific procedures. Most suppliers allow ferry travel for a reasonable fee, and the freedom to explore islands at your own pace is well worth the extra cost.

Before you book your rental car, check the ferry policies carefully. Get written authorization, pay any required fees, and carry your documentation with you. With proper preparation, you can enjoy the best of both worlds — the convenience of a rental car and the adventure of Greek island hopping.

Ready to explore Kos and beyond? Check out our other guides: Kos Airport car hire guide, driving in Kos guide, and best beaches in Kos accessible by car.