Fly2Greece.net - Greek Islands Guide by Hans Huisman

Car Rental in Kos

Hiring a car is worth considering on Kos. You can pick one up at Kos Hippocrates (KGS) airport and in the main town, and the same core rules apply as everywhere in Greece: a full licence held for a year, a credit card in the driver's name and a minimum age of 21. This guide covers whether you need a car, where to collect it and what driving on Kos is like.

A coastal road on the long island of Kos
A hire car opens up the corners of Kos the buses never reach.
Airport
Kos Hippocrates (KGS)
Need a car?
Recommended
Drive on the
Right
Min age
21

Do you need a car in Kos?

A car is recommended on Kos. Kos is a long island whose beaches and sights run all the way from Kos Town to the far west. Buses link the main towns, but they run to their own timetable and skip the quiet corners.

The island itself is worth reading up on before you drive it. Our Kos guide covers its beaches, villages and where to base yourself.

Where to pick up a car in Kos

You can collect a car at Kos Hippocrates (KGS) and at the Kos Town port, and many agencies also deliver to your hotel. Book ahead for July and August, when the island fleets sell out and the walk-up desks run short.

Whichever supplier you choose, check the excess and what the insurance covers before you pay, and photograph the car all round at pickup. Our car hire requirements guide sets out the documents, deposit and insurance in full.

Driving in Kos

Kos driving is on the right, like the rest of Greece, and the island roads are narrow and winding rather than fast. The coast road runs west to Kefalos and Paradise beach, while a mountain turn climbs to the village of Zia for sunset. A smaller car is the easier choice for tight village streets and steep gradients.

For the rules, road signs, fuel and parking that apply across the country, see our driving in Greece guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a car in Kos?
A car is recommended on Kos. Kos is a long island whose beaches and sights run all the way from Kos Town to the far west.
Where do you pick up a hire car in Kos?
At Kos Hippocrates (KGS) and the Kos Town port, and often by hotel delivery. Book ahead in July and August.
What do you need to hire a car in Kos?
A full driving licence held for at least a year, a credit card in the main driver's name and a passport or ID. The minimum age is 21, with a surcharge for younger drivers.
Which side of the road does Kos drive on?
Greece, and so Kos, drives on the right.

Latest from fly2greece

Car Hire in Samos
Car rental

Car Hire in Samos

Whether you need a car in Samos, where to pick one up, and what driving there is like.

Car Hire in Chios
Car rental

Car Hire in Chios

Whether you need a car in Chios, where to pick one up, and what driving there is like.

Car Hire in Lesbos
Car rental

Car Hire in Lesbos

Whether you need a car in Lesbos, where to pick one up, and what driving there is like.

Car Hire in Andros
Car rental

Car Hire in Andros

Whether you need a car in Andros, where to pick one up, and what driving there is like.

Car Hire in Tinos
Car rental

Car Hire in Tinos

Whether you need a car in Tinos, where to pick one up, and what driving there is like.

Car Hire in Milos
Car rental

Car Hire in Milos

Whether you need a car in Milos, where to pick one up, and what driving there is like.

Car Hire in Ios
Car rental

Car Hire in Ios

Whether you need a car in Ios, where to pick one up, and what driving there is like.

Car Hire in Sifnos
Car rental

Car Hire in Sifnos

Whether you need a car in Sifnos, where to pick one up, and what driving there is like.

Car Hire in Serifos
Car rental

Car Hire in Serifos

Whether you need a car in Serifos, where to pick one up, and what driving there is like.

Car Hire in Folegandros
Car rental

Car Hire in Folegandros

Whether you need a car in Folegandros, where to pick one up, and what driving there is like.

Car Hire in Amorgos
Car rental

Car Hire in Amorgos

Whether you need a car in Amorgos, where to pick one up, and what driving there is like.

Car Hire in Karpathos
Car rental

Car Hire in Karpathos

Whether you need a car in Karpathos, where to pick one up, and what driving there is like.