Ferries from Kos to Symi

Ferry travel is an undeniably picturesque way to travel between Kos and Symi. The ferry from Kos to Symi departs regularly according to the schedule. We recommend booking your ferry ticket in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the high season or long weekends and national holidays. Book online to avoid long waiting queues at the pier and ensure your trip goes as planned. While ferry travel may be a real trial for those prone to motion sickness, quite often, it is the only way to reach some of the best island destinations, so get prepared and embark on your adventure!

If you choose to travel from Kos to Symi by ferry, you will have to cover 192 km.

The duration of your ferry travel from Kos to Symi should be within 3h 50m – 3h 50m range. It may depend on the type of the ship – fast or slow, the route – direct or calling to other piers enroute, and the weather conditions – rains and winds are not the best friends for ferries. Do expect delays or trip cancellations if the weather is stormy or your travel falls on off-season or shoulder season. It is highly advisable not to plan tight onward connections after your ferry trips – even if the weather is good, delays are possible as the sea is always unpredictable.

The Kos – Symi route is served by the following operators: .
There are differently priced tickets, and the cheapest one is only . The most expensive one will set you back . Before you buy your ticket, make sure you understand what your fare includes as there may be different luggage allowances, seat classes, and extras – water, snacks, etc.

• We do recommend buying your ferry tickets in advance, especially if your route is served by smaller vessels that offer a limited number of daily departures. To book in advance is of primary importance not only during the high season but off-season, too. Sometimes it is ok to show up at the pier and hop on the next ferry but remember that this is not possible for any destination, and you may end up waiting for hours for the next departure and to have to change your travel plans.
• Shipping is highly dependent on weather conditions. It mostly refers to the open sea routes, e.g. between the destinations in the open sea and the coast as well as between the islands scattered in the sea. If the waves are high, even the islands which sit closest to the shore are often cut off from the continent – all vessels may be ordered to remain in the harbor. So do keep in mind that during stormy weather, delays and cancellations may occur. Strong winds and heavy rains may interfere with your sea journey, too. So take it into consideration while making your travel plans.
• Very often, a more expensive fare means less time spent on board, though the difference in price also may be due to the different cabin classes. Always check how long your trip lasts – it may be worth paying extra to cut your travel time to an hour instead of three, right? Travel time can be crucial if you are prone to seasickness, so choosing the cheapest ferry ticket is not always a good idea.
• Speedboats bring you to the destination in the shortest time possible, while fast catamarans are also a decent choice, often taking only slightly more time. On some routes, slower and sometimes overnight ships are available, proving a prudent option if you are ready to spend a night on board. It actually allows you to save some bucks in your pocket that you would have otherwise spent on a hotel room. Yet again – longer ferry trips are not for everyone.
• If you are prone to seasickness, take medicine half an hour before you board your ferry, not when you have already started feeling nausea – this way it will not help. Opt for staying on the open deck with a fresh breeze blowing into your face wherever possible. On vessels with several decks, the lower one normally feels more stable, while the upper one often is more of a rock-n-roll type.
• A rule of thumb, choose bigger and more stable car ferries or high-speed boats if you suffer from rough seas. The former feels very steady even when stormy, and the latter is fast. Avoid catamaran-like ferries as they ride the wave rather than cut through it – which means constant ups and downs, ups and downs, OMG. If you happen to choose a catamaran, do follow our recommendation above.
• Ferry is often not the only way to travel between certain destinations. It is obviously more scenic but usually pricier and may take much longer than if opting for a flight or a bus ride. Before you go, check if your island destination is connected to the mainland with a bridge – many islands which are located close to the shore, in fact, are.
• Always put on your life jacket. Regulations around the world differ greatly and, in some countries, are more relaxed than in others. Anyway, almost everywhere, passengers are supposed to wear their life vests. If you are not provided with one, do not hesitate to ask where they are located.
• Note that piers at some destinations collect a special ‘pier fee’ from all arriving passengers. As a rule, this fee is not included in your ticket price and should be paid on arrival.
• Reading other travellers’ reviews is the best way to get an idea of what to expect from your ferry trip. Do check their experience to get the most out of your sea journey.