Car Rental in Kos
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Downtown
Mini
Fiat Panda
or similar
$9.97
per day
Downtown
Economy
Suzuki Swift
or similar
$11.35
per day
Kos Airport
Mini Elite
Skoda Citigo
or similar
$13.37
per day
Kos Airport
Compact
Hyundai i30
or similar
$17.25
per day
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
Kos Airport
Intermediate SUV
Opel Mokka
or similar
$22.41
per day
Kos Airport
Economy Elite
Toyota Auris
or similar
$23.91
per day
Kos Port
Standard SUV
Ford Kuga
or similar
$38.49
per day
Kos Airport
Compact Elite
BMW 1 Series
or similar
$51.14
per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 3:10 AM on 11/19/24. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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Travel Information
Languages
Greek
Currency
EUR
Drive on
Right-hand side
Country code
+30
Average car rental price
$23 per day
Average car rental length
7 days
Speed limit within town
50 km/h or 31 mph
Speed limit out of town
90 - 130 km/h or 56 - 81 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Average gas price
$2.00 per liter or $7.58 per gallon
Lowest gas price
$1.92 per liter or $7.26 per gallon
Highest gas price
$2.15 per liter or $8.13 per gallon
Why rent a car in Kos?
Kos is a great place to explore by car. It has a wealth of impressive architecture and ancient sites as well as beautiful beaches, quaint fishing villages, and many small restaurants that serve delicious local food. The island has no single center and many areas can only be accessed by car, so getting your own ride is the best way to see as much of it as you can.
Top ways to enter Kos
- Kos Airport: Also known as Hippocrates Airport after the Ancient Greek “Father of Medicine” who was born on the island, Kos Airport served 2.6 million travelers in 2018. The airport is growing at a rapid pace, having recorded a 14% increase from the previous year. The airport is especially active during the summer months when it has flights by more than 30 different airlines. The airport is located in the central part of the island, not far from its southwestern coast. With a car, it can be reached from any other point on the island in 45 minutes at most.
- By ferry: It is also possible to fly to another international airport on one of the nearby Greek islands and then take a ferry to Kos. Some airports near Kos include Rhodes Airport, Samos Airport, Santorini Airport, Karpathos Airport, and Naxos Airport. It might be possible to pick up a rental car at the airport and then take it to Kos by ferry, but you should first ask your rental car provider if they permit it. A lot of them won’t, so a better idea might be to take a ferry as a passenger and to pick up a rental car at Kos Ferry Port. It’s also important to check the ferry schedule in advance - the services are much more frequent during the spring and summer months.
- During the summer months, there is also a ferry service between Kos and Bodrum in Turkey. It is possible to reach Kos by flying to Bodrum International Airport and then taking a ship to Kos. However, be sure to check if you need a visa to enter either Turkey or Greece - the two countries have quite different immigration laws (for example, Greece is a member of the Schengen Area while Turkey is not).
City facts
- Like the surrounding Greek islands, Kos enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate. The average high temperature is 30°C (86°F) in July and August, the warmest months, and 13°C (56°F) in January, the coldest. Kos’ summers are extremely dry with practically no precipitation from June to August; on the other hand, it’s quite rainy from November to February.
- Like many other places in Greece, Kos has had a turbulent and fascinating history. First inhabited by ancient Carian tribes, it was invaded by the Dorians and Persians; later, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Italians ruled it, all leaving their print on the island’s architecture, customs, and cuisine.
- Although part of Greece, Kos is located very near mainland Turkey and has historically had a high Turkish population. Even though its proportion has slightly decreased over the last 100 years, there are still about 2,000 ethnic Turks living on Kos today. Gazi Hassan Pasha Mosque, their main historic place of worship, is one of the island’s landmarks. Kos is known in Turkish as İstanköy.
Top sights and activities
- Nerantzia Fortress. First built in the 14th century by the Knights Hospitaller, the fortress is one of the most impressive buildings on the island. If you arrive to Kos by ship, the fortress will be the first thing you will see upon entering the island’s main harbor. Open to visitors, the architectural complex is as interesting from the inside as it is from outside.
- Tree of Hippocrates. “Only” 500 years old, the most famous tree on Kos is much too young to have seen Hippocrates. However, according to legend, it is a descendant of a similar tree under which the father of medicine indeed sat while teaching his students. According to another story, so did Apostle Paul at a slightly more recent date. Combine seeing the tree with visiting the nearby Hippocratic Museum where you can learn more about about Ancient Greek medicine and science.
- Ancient Agora. Built in the 4th century B.C., it replaced an even earlier building that was destroyed by an earthquake, the marketplace of ancient Kos was one of the largest and most famous in the ancient world. Although nowadays only ruins remain of its former glory, it is still a fascinating place to visit. Located near Kos’ harbor, it’s also very accessible.
Traffic and parking
- There are no highways on Kos (nor on any other Greek island).
- Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 90km/h (56 mph) on roads outside populated areas and 50km/h (31 mph) in populated and built-up areas.
- Many gas stations might be closed during the weekends and public holidays.
- It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving.
- The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.02% for novice drivers. Exceeding these limits can lead to steep fines and a license ban. Exceeding the limit of 0.08% is a criminal offense and can lead to up to two years of imprisonment.
- Proof of insurance and the car’s documentation need to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
- When driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
- The general emergency number, like elsewhere in the EU, is 112. The police number is 100, the ambulance number is 166, and the fire brigade number is 199.
Toll roads
There are no toll roads on Kos.
There are a number of toll roads, tunnels, and bridges on the mainland of Greece. Many travelers find them very hard to navigate and some choose to avoid using the toll roads altogether because of the very complex toll road system that is in place. Different toll roads are administered by different private companies and so there is not a single, nationwide (or even region-wide) toll road system in place.
For most toll roads, payment can be either made with cash at a toll gate, by credit card, or with coins at an automatic toll machine. For some roads, an electronic transponder might be used to pay for using the toll road. Some rental cars might be equipped with such an electronic transponder. However, because of the aforementioned different toll road systems that are in place, this payment method might work for some toll roads but not for others. Determine your route in advance and ask your car rental provider about the best way to pay for the toll roads that you plan to use.
Ideas for day trips
- Beaches. Kos is a great beach destination, its long and beautiful shoreline being the number one reason why tourists visit the island. Lakkos Beach is tranquil and relaxed, Agios Fokas Beach has impressive black sands, and Psilos Gremos Beach, only comfortably accessed by car, has a truly remote and private atmosphere.
- Asclepieion. In the 4th century B.C., Asklepieion was both a healing center where physicians practiced and a sanctuary where local people celebrated important festivals and worshipped Asclepius, an Ancient Greek hero and god of medicine. The ruins of the Asclepieion are in the inland part of the island, but at the same time are near enough to the coast to provide great views of the sea.
- Water Sports. If you’re looking for something more exciting than just lying on the beach and enjoying the sun, there are many water sports you can try. Kos is one of the Mediterranean hotspots for yachting, so it’s a perfect place to try your hand at sailing (or even just enjoy the view of spectacular yachts at Kos’ marina). There are also great surfing opportunities at Mastichari Beach while Marmari Beach is the island’s top kitesurfing spot.
Most popular cars
The most popular rental car in Kos is the Opel Corsa, although many travelers also go for the Fiat Panda and the Toyota Aygo. The most popular rental car types are economy, mini, and compact.
Further destinations
- Rhodes. Larger and busier than Kos, the famous Rhodes attracts visitors with its fortresses and castles, impressive historic sites and dramatic natural beauty. The town of Rhodes, the island’s largest settlement, will feel like a large city after coming from Kos but is just the tip of what this beautiful place has to offer.
- Patmos. The opposite of Rhodes, Patmos is the perfect place to go to if you’re looking for even more calm and quiet than Kos has. Made up of picturesque tiny villages where locals make and sell delicious food in small restaurants and tavernas, serene beaches, as well as old Christian sites like the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse, Patmos is best enjoyed at a slow pace.
- Kalymnos. The neighboring island of Kalymnos is smaller and also gets relatively fewer tourists - but its beaches are arguably just as attractive. On top of that, Kalymnos is also known for its coastal cliffs, which attract plenty of climbers, as well as the Monastery of Saint Sava near the island’s southeastern coast.
- Bodrum. Located just across the Gulf of Gökova from Kos, Bodrum is a name not only for the ancient port city, but for the larger Bodrum Peninsula that surrounds it. The beaches here are just as stunning as on the Greek Islands, but what sets Bodrum apart is its special atmosphere you can best enjoy at its old religious sites, hammams (or Turkish bathhouses), and the many fishing villages that dot the shoreline. Just make sure that you don’t need a visa to enter Turkey (unlike Greece, it is not a part of the Schengen Area).
Note: While it is possible to go from Kos to Rhodes, Patmos, and other places in Greece by ferry, most rental car providers will not permit bringing a car on one, even if you would later return the car in Kos. A better idea is to go as a passenger and to pick up a new rental car after arriving at your destination.
Most rental car providers won’t permit bringing a rental car on the ferry to Bodrum as it is in Turkey. You can pick up a new rental car after arriving in Bodrum or just go on a day-trip without a car and later return to Kos.
Car rental prices in Kos
- Convertibles - from $61 per day
- Station wagons - from $35 per day
- Large cars - from $33 per day
- Medium cars - from $14 per day
- Vans - from $52 per day
- Premium cars - from $116 per day
- Small cars - from $10 per day
- SUVs - from $18 per day
Money-saving and other tips
Follow this advice to get a great rental car in Kos:
- Compare the rates of different rental car providers
- Book your rental car well in advance
- Plan your route before you go
- Know your fuel and mileage requirements
- Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Kos is the cheapest in March when renting a car is about 73% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 82% than renting a car in July. Come visit the Dodecanese islands in early spring!
Fact checked by
Yulia Saf
This article was reviewed and updated by Yulia, the spirited explorer behind Misstourist who has spent eight years traveling to over 70 countries, inspiring others with her passion and experiences. She founded Misstourist to empower fellow adventurers with invaluable resources and authentic storytelling. From bustling markets to breathtaking fjords, Yulia's adventures have created a thriving community of travel enthusiasts, making Misstourist an essential resource for uncovering the world's hidden gems.
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261 km / 162.2 miles away
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305.8 km / 190 miles away
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307.4 km / 191 miles away
Top 20 locations near Kos
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20.8 km / 12.9 miles away
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Map of Car Rental Locations
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Kos?
Car rental prices in Kos vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.
Average rental costs per day in Kos
The cheapest month to rent a car in Kos is February (when prices average $10.49 per day). This is 53% cheaper than the yearly average and 75% cheaper than renting in August (when prices average $42.16).
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
What’s the usual rental length in Kos?
How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in February, the average renter keeps their car for 10 days, and in January, they keep their car for 3 days.
Average number of rental days in Kos
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Kos?
Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Kos is June, and the least popular is January.
Monthly searches in Kos by pick-up date relative to the average
Car rental information
| Car rental locations | 3 |
| Airport locations | 1 |
| Popular suppliers | Avance, Alma Car Hire, EXER, ABBYCAR, Autocandia |
| Popular car categories | Small cars, Medium cars, SUVs, Vans |
| Lowest price | $10 per day |
| Cheapest supplier | Enterprise |
Most popular car models of rental suppliers
| Rental Supplier | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avance | Skoda Citigo | 2 | 1 | Small cars |
| Avance | Fiat Panda | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Alma Car Hire | Suzuki Celerio | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| ABBYCAR | Toyota Aygo | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| Avance | Citroen C3 | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| EXER | Toyota Aygo | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| Alma Car Hire | Fiat Panda | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Alamo | Suzuki Celerio | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Alma Car Hire | Nissan Micra | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Autounion | Citroen C1 | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
Our customers' reviews
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
OO
Turkey
Suzuki Celerio
10/3/24
Agent of the office was very kind and friendly!
BG
Switzerland
Skoda Citigo
9/18/24
Kos is lovely 😍.
EF
Brazil
Toyota Auris
10/21/23
I had to go to another company to spend more money because the Store have no car to vive to me
VS
Belgium
Fiat Panda
4/25/23
Kos island has everything: culture, nature, shops, .... The best way to explore is to drive around. After almost 20 years we still discover hidden places 💙
TC
United Kingdom
Kia Picanto
10/12/18
Very hilly so car is good idea.
JR
Germany
Nissan Pixo
7/2/18
Renting a car lets you explore the island and visit many of the nice beaches. Some of the beaches are inaccessible without a car.
MB
United Kingdom
VW Polo
6/23/18
A beautiful island. Kefelos is so very peaceful. The beaches on the west of the island are quiet with lovely sand. Food is reasonably cheap. Petrol is very expensive. Will be going back there.
Car Rental Statistics
Highest-rated company
Autocandia
9.1 / 10
Lowest-rated company
GreenMotion
6.9 / 10
Total number of reviews
60
Total rental companies
25
Average daily price
$23.49
Lowest daily price
$9.97
Total cars available
547
Top 25 suppliers in Kos in 2024
Autocandia
1 location
$17 - $18
Keddy
1 location
$15 - $38
Avance
2 locations
$16 - $86
Alma Car Hire
2 locations
$14 - $71
Alamo
2 locations
$11 - $21
Autounion
3 locations
$16 - $76
Surprice
2 locations
$94 - $131
DRIVE S.A.
1 location
$94 - $131
SIXT
1 location
$10 - $22
EXER
1 location
$13 - $29
Budget
3 locations
$13 - $33
Thrifty
2 locations
$14 - $56
Enterprise
2 locations
$10 - $25
Europcar
1 location
$17 - $45
ABBYCAR
1 location
$31 - $211
National
2 locations
$13 - $26
Avis
3 locations
$17 - $56
Firefly
1 location
$17 - $56
Hertz
2 locations
$20 - $116
Drive Rent A Car
1 location
$20 - $116
RightCars
1 location
$20 - $116
Goldcar
1 location
$20 - $116
Centauro
1 location
$20 - $116
Finalrentals
1 location
$20 - $116
GreenMotion
1 location
$51 - $158
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