Fast pickup at Kos International Airport (KGS). Drive freedom starts here.
Everything you need to know about renting a car at Kos International Airport
Car rental at Kos Airport offers the fastest way to start your Greek island adventure. Kos International Airport (KGS), also known as Hippocrates Airport, is located 24 km southwest of Kos Town and serves as the main gateway to this beautiful Dodecanese island. Through Speed Rent a Car, you can compare offers from trusted local car hire companies operating at the airport and find options with no deposit required.
Whether you're arriving for a beach holiday, historical exploration, or island-hopping adventure, renting a car at the airport saves time and provides immediate freedom to explore Kos at your own pace. Our platform connects you with vehicles available for pickup directly at the terminal or nearby locations.
Picking up your rental car at Kos Airport eliminates the need for taxis or shuttle buses to reach your accommodation. The airport's compact size means rental desks are easily accessible, and you can be on the road within 20-30 minutes of landing. This is particularly valuable if you're staying in quieter resorts like Kardamena, Tigaki, or Kefalos, which are 20-40 km from the airport.
Kos Island measures approximately 40 km in length and 8 km at its widest point, making a rental car the ideal way to discover hidden beaches, mountain villages, and ancient ruins scattered across the island. Public transport is limited outside Kos Town, and car hire at the airport provides flexibility from the moment you arrive.
Find car rental options at Kos Airport with no deposit required through Speed Rent a Car. We work with local companies that offer cash-friendly booking alternatives, eliminating the need for credit card holds.
The rental agreement is concluded directly with the car hire company, and all payment terms are clearly stated in your booking voucher. This approach is perfect for travelers who prefer not to have funds blocked on their cards during the holiday.
Kos Airport features a single terminal building that handles both international and domestic flights. After collecting your luggage, you'll enter the arrivals hall where rental company desks are located. Most major local car hire providers have counters directly in the terminal or meet-and-greet services in the arrivals area.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Airport Code | KGS (Kos International Airport / Hippocrates Airport) |
| Distance to Kos Town | 24 km (approximately 25 minutes drive) |
| Rental Desks Location | Arrivals hall, ground floor |
| Operating Hours | Aligned with flight schedules (seasonal peak: April–October) |
| Parking | Short-term and long-term parking available at terminal |
During peak summer months (June–September), Kos Airport experiences high passenger volumes from charter and scheduled flights across Europe. Booking your car hire in advance ensures vehicle availability and often secures better rates than walk-up rentals.
Complete your reservation through Speed Rent a Car, selecting Kos Airport as your pickup location. You'll receive a voucher with confirmation details.
After collecting luggage, proceed to the rental company desk in the arrivals area. Present your voucher, driver's license, and any required documents.
Walk to the car park with the rental agent. Inspect the vehicle, note existing damage, check fuel level, and confirm all documentation before driving away.
To collect your rental car at Kos Airport, you'll need:
The minimum driver age at most Greek car rental companies is 21 years, with some vehicles (luxury, large SUVs) requiring drivers to be 25 or older. Young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.
Exiting Kos Airport is straightforward. From the car park, follow signs for the main road (Epar.Od. Kos-Kefalou). Turn right to head toward Kos Town (northeast) or left for Kardamena and the southern resorts. The airport road connects to the island's main coastal highway within 2 km.
Key driving routes from Kos Airport:
Road signage in Greece is in both Greek and Latin alphabet. GPS navigation or offline maps are recommended, though the island's road network is simple to navigate.
While you can also arrange car hire in Kos Town or resort areas, airport pickup offers distinct advantages:
| Aspect | Airport Pickup | City/Resort Pickup |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Immediate access upon landing | Requires transfer from airport |
| Vehicle Availability | Larger fleet selection | May be limited in smaller locations |
| Time Efficiency | No waiting for shuttles | Additional 30-60 minutes travel time |
| Cost | Competitive rates, no transfer fees | Possible delivery charges to hotels |
For travelers arriving by ferry or already staying on Kos, city pickup may be more practical. However, for those flying into Kos International Airport, collecting your rental car at the terminal is the most efficient option.
Once you leave Kos Airport with your rental car, familiarize yourself with local driving conditions:
Kos features mostly well-maintained asphalt roads. Mountain villages like Zia or Pyli have narrower, winding roads that require careful navigation. Beach access roads may be unpaved — a standard car is sufficient for most destinations, but a 4x4 may be preferable for remote beaches or off-road exploration. Check with your rental company about 4x4 vehicle availability if you plan extensive off-paved driving.
When returning your rental car to Kos Airport, follow signs for "Car Rental Returns" or "Αυτοκίνητα Ενοικίασης" (Autokinita Enikíasis in Greek). The return area is typically within the main car park adjacent to the terminal. Ensure you return the vehicle with the agreed fuel level (usually full-to-full) to avoid refueling charges.
Allow 60-90 minutes before your departure flight for the return process, vehicle inspection, and check-in. This buffer accounts for potential queues during peak travel periods.
The nearest petrol stations to Kos Airport are located in Antimacheia village, approximately 3 km from the terminal. If you're returning the car with a full tank policy, plan to refuel before reaching the airport. Petrol (βενζίνη) and diesel (πετρέλαιο) are widely available, with unleaded 95 octane as the standard fuel grade.
For electric vehicle rentals, Kos has limited charging infrastructure. Most EV charging points are located in Kos Town. Confirm charging arrangements with your rental company if booking an electric car.
While car rental at the airport offers maximum flexibility, other options include:
For short stays focused on a single resort area, taxis or hotel transfers may suffice. However, if you plan to explore archaeological sites like Asklepion, mountain villages, or multiple beaches, a rental car from the airport is far more economical and convenient.
Basic insurance (Collision Damage Waiver / CDW and Theft Protection) is typically included in your rental rate booked through Speed Rent a Car. At the airport desk, rental companies may offer additional coverage options such as:
Review your booking voucher to understand what's already included. Additional coverage is optional and can often be purchased more affordably through third-party insurers before travel.
One-way rentals (picking up at Kos Airport and dropping off elsewhere) are possible with some car hire companies, particularly for returns within Kos island (e.g., to the port for ferry departures). Inter-island or mainland drop-offs usually incur significant one-way fees due to vehicle relocation costs.
If you plan to travel from Kos to other Dodecanese islands like Rhodes or Cyclades destinations, it's typically more cost-effective to arrange separate rentals at each location rather than one-way across islands.
Rental companies at Kos Airport offer a full range of vehicle categories:
Vehicle availability varies by season. Compact and economy categories are most plentiful, while luxury and large SUVs should be reserved well in advance.
Most rental companies at Kos Airport offer supplementary services for an extra charge:
Specify any extras when booking through Speed Rent a Car to confirm availability and avoid inflated desk prices. Child seats are mandatory in Greece for children under 12 years or 1.35m height.
Yes — Speed Rent a Car offers car hire options at Kos Airport with no deposit required, eliminating the need for credit card holds. The rental agreement is concluded directly with the local car hire company, and payment terms are detailed in your booking voucher. This is ideal for travelers who prefer cash-friendly alternatives.
Car rental desks are located in the arrivals hall of the terminal building. After collecting luggage, you'll proceed to your rental company's counter for paperwork, then walk to the adjacent car park to collect the vehicle. The entire terminal is compact, so the process is quick and straightforward.
Kos Airport is 24 km from Kos Town (25 minutes drive), 6 km from Kardamena (10 minutes), and 18 km from Kefalos (20 minutes). The airport is centrally positioned, making it convenient for reaching most resort areas. A rental car allows you to drive directly to your accommodation without waiting for transfers.
Most car rental companies at Kos Airport require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some vehicle categories, particularly larger SUVs and luxury cars, may require a minimum age of 25. Young driver surcharges often apply for renters under 25. Check specific age requirements during the booking process.
Booking in advance through Speed Rent a Car guarantees vehicle availability and typically offers better rates than walk-up rentals, especially during peak summer months (June–September). Advance booking also allows you to compare options with no deposit requirements and secure your preferred vehicle category.
Many car rental companies at Kos Airport offer out-of-hours return options using key drop boxes located in the car park. Confirm this service when booking and note the specific procedure in your rental agreement. Ensure the vehicle is locked, keys deposited correctly, and fuel level meets the agreed policy to avoid disputes.