If you’ve come to Bodrum, one of the places you’re most curious about will be the island of Kos. Kos (Istanköy) is one of Greece’s most popular islands in the Aegean Sea. Standing out as a versatile destination thanks to both its rich history and its beaches, it’s the second most sought-after vacation spot for visitors in Bodrum.
So, how do you get to Kos, the jewel of the Dodecanese archipelago? Where do day-trip ferries from Bodrum to Kos depart from, and how does the visa-on-arrival process work? We’ll walk you through all of this step by step.
With a population of approximately 35,000, Kos Island’s history dates back to ancient times. You can easily find day-trip ferry services from Bodrum to this island, which bears the traces of many civilizations.
Kos Island Ferry Trips
The best time to visit Kos is between May and October. If you find the intense heat too much to handle, September might be the ideal time for your trip. The weather is milder, and you can explore the island comfortably.
Don’t worry—you can still swim in the sea on Kos in September. The weather is quite warm.
For Kos Island ferry schedules, you can check prices and dates directly on the Bodrum-Kos ferry page at https://www.bilet.com/yunan-adalari/bodrum-kos Bilet.com.
How to Get to Kos Island?
Ferries to Kos Island generally depart from the port of Bodrum. After this 30- to 40-minute boat ride, you’ll arrive on Kos Island.
There are several daily departures, especially during the summer months. Even if you’re traveling in the winter, you can still find at least one daily departure.
What Are the Ticket Prices?
One-way ticket prices from Bodrum to Kos Island generally range from 50to 100€. However, these prices are the projected maximum rates for the summer of 2026.
If you’re looking for tickets during the winter, prices will still range from 30 to 50€ for a round-trip. You can also find different prices on GetYourGuide, a ticket booking site, for Bodrum-Kos trips.
What’s the Visa Process Like? Can I Get a Visa on Arrival?
If you’ve decided to visit the island of Kos, it’s best tomake your plans 3–5 days in advance. This is because, unless you hold a Green Passport, you’ll need a visa upon arrival.
You’re in luck here. For trips from Bodrum to Kos, the Greek government issues visas on arrival quite easily. We simply recommend applying early.
How Can I Apply for a Visa on Arrival?
You can apply for a visa on arrival online or through travel agencies. You can either handle it yourself or seek assistance from a consultant. We will not be recommending any specific consultants in this article.
The documents are submitted during the application process, and you’ll receive your visa at passport control upon entering the island. If you submit all your documents in full 3–5 days in advance and your application is approved, you can enter the island.
Important: This type of visa is validfor only 7 days. You cannot travel to regions of Greece such as Athens. You may only visit specific islands (including Kos).
“Visa on Arrival for 10 Islands”: Greece offers visa on arrival for Turkish citizens traveling to Chios, Kos, Lesvos, Rhodes, Samos, Kalimnos, Kastellorizo, Leros, Limnos, and Symi for tourist travel. This visa program has been extended for another year as of April 1, 2025, and in addition to the islands mentioned above, the islands of Semadirek (Samothraki) and Batnoz (Patmos) have also been included in the scope of the visa. Citizens wishing to take advantage of this program must apply to companies operating scheduled ferry services from our country to the aforementioned islands. Source: https://www.mfa.gov.tr/yunanistan.tr.mfa
Required Documents
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- 2 biometric photos
- Hotel reservation
- Round-trip ferry ticket
- Travel insurance
- Application form
The application fee is generally in the range of 70–80€ for 2026. There may be very minor additional stamp and processing fees.
Tip: During the summer months, it’s recommended to purchase your tickets at least one week in advance—both for price and to avoid crowds.
Beaches on Kos Island
The most well-known and popular beaches on Kos Island are Paradise Beach, Tigaki Beach, Marmari Beach, and Agios Stefanos Beach.
You can use the TripAdvisor Kos Beaches link to browse detailed reviews of all the other beaches on the island. We’ve also included a few photos of the beaches for you.
Therma Beach
This area, home to Therma Beach, combines both warm and cold waters. You can visit this spot for thermal relaxation and to enjoy the warm water.
Places to Visit on Kos Island
If you’re visiting for just the day, you shouldn’t try to spend all your time exploring every single spot. You can spend time in the center and visit one or two locations.
Starting your tour from the center, you can visit the Platanus of Hippocrates plane tree, where, according to legend, Hippocrates taught the art of medicine to his students.
Platanus of Hippocrates (Hippocrates Tree)
"It’s also said to be Europe’s largest plane tree, standing 12 meters tall."
Neratzia Castle
Next, Neratzia Castle—a medieval castle built by the Knights of St. John and located right next to the harbor—is another worthwhile option to visit.
For more information on places to visit, click here to access the article “26 Places to Visit” on Kos Island, listed on the bujuyollarda.com website—whose descriptions and presentation we particularly enjoyed.
The sources referenced above are completely independent and have been selected based on service quality; they are provided to assist visitors planning trips from Bodrum to Kos. There is no paid sponsorship involved.
We’ve tried to briefly explain how to take a ferry from Bodrum to Kos and how to obtain a visa. If you’re planning different activities in Bodrum after returning from Kos, the content below will be directly helpful to you.
- Bodrum Nightlife: The Most Popular Spots and Recommendations (2026)
- Bodrum Nightclubs: A Detailed List of the Best Clubs and Venues
- List of the Best Pubs and Bars in Bodrum & Live Music
- The Best Restaurants in Bodrum – International Cuisine and Luxury Restaurants
As BodrumTimesGirls, we’ve compiled a list of the best activities and events you can enjoy in Bodrum. You can find all of these and more on our blog page.
We wish you a wonderful vacation.
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