# Car Rental in Kos

> A practical guide to car hire in Kos: whether you need a car, where to pick one up at the airport and port, what it costs and how driving on the island works.

| | |
|---|---|
| Airport | Kos Hippocrates (KGS) |
| Need a car? | Recommended |
| Drive on the | Right |
| Min age | 21 |

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.

## 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](https://fly2greece.net/kos.html) 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](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/greece-requirements.html) 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](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/driving-in-greece.html).

Car hire on other islands

[Crete](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/crete.html) [Rhodes](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/rhodes.html) [Corfu](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/corfu.html) [Zakynthos](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/zakynthos.html) [Kefalonia](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/kefalonia.html) [Santorini](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/santorini.html) [Naxos](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/naxos.html) [Paros](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/paros.html) [Mykonos](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/mykonos.html)

## 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.

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Source: [Car Rental in Kos: Airport Pickup, Driving and Where to Rent](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/kos.html) — fly2greece.net, an independent guide to Greece written and photographed by Hans Huisman since 2000.

Reviewed July 2026.