โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Kos International Airport 'Ippokratis' (KGS) is a premier aviation gateway serving the Dodecanese islands of Greece. Following a major redevelopment project by Fraport Greece completed in 2021 and further modernized by 2026, the airport features a brand-new 24,000-square-meter passenger terminal. This state-of-the-art facility has replaced the outdated infrastructure of previous decades, significantly increasing the airport's capacity to over 2.6 million passengers annually. Situated approximately 24 kilometers southwest of Kos Town, the airport acts as a critical link between the Aegean region and major European and Middle Eastern hubs.
The terminal's layout is organized across two primary levels to ensure maximum efficiency during the high-traffic summer season. The ground floor is dedicated to check-in and arrivals, featuring 28 modern ticketing counters and a streamlined security screening zone with 9 dedicated lanes. The airside departure zone is divided into distinct Schengen and Non-Schengen sectors, ensuring a smooth flow for both domestic Greek flights and international charters. Arriving passengers benefit from an automated baggage reclaim area and immediate access to car rental desks and local transportation hubs stationed just outside the main exit.
Amenities within the new Kos terminal provide a high standard of service while showcasing the island's reputation for hospitality. Passengers can relax in the premium Filoxenia Lounge, located in the Schengen area, which offers business services and refreshments. For dining and retail, the terminal features a large Hellenic Duty-Free Shop and various cafes in the airside food court, offering both local Greek delicacies and international favorites. The facility provides free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the building, clean public restrooms, and specialized assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility.
Ground transportation at KGS is well-coordinated with the island's tourism infrastructure. Regular KTEL public buses provide a reliable and frequent link between the terminal and Kos Town, Mastichari, Kardamena, and Kefalos, with the bus stop located directly outside the arrivals hall. Taxis are available 24/7 at a dedicated rank just 50 meters from the exit, providing a quick 25-to-30 minute link to downtown hotels. For those preferring independent travel, several major car rental agencies, including Avis and Hertz, operate desks within the arrivals area. Travelers are generally advised to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures to account for peak summer queues.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Kos International Airport (KGS) is an increasingly efficient experience thanks to its newly modernized, integrated terminal complex. For most travelers, a 'connection' here involves transitioning between a domestic flight from Athens (ATH) or Thessaloniki (SKG) and an international charter flight to Western Europe. Since arrivals and departures are housed within a single complex, moving between sectors can be completed quickly. However, it is advisable to allow at least 90 minutes for any onward connection to account for manual baggage retrieval and potential passport control checks for Non-Schengen destinations.
Ground transportation is the most critical link for any traveler transiting through Kos who wishes to explore the island during a long layover. While KTEL buses are reliable, it is highly recommended to use a pre-arranged private transfer or a taxi if you are heading directly to the Mastichari ferry terminal for a boat connection to Kalymnos. If your onward journey involves a domestic flight to another Greek island, ensure your schedule allows for at least a two-hour buffer, as regional schedules can occasionally shift due to the specialized weather conditions of the Aegean Sea. Digital information displays throughout the terminal provide real-time updates on flight statuses and gate assignments in both Greek and English.
Practical preparation for a KGS connection includes utilizing the airport's modern digital infrastructure. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected and confirm onward hotel or ferry bookings. While there are multiple ATMs in the arrivals and commercial areas, most terminal shops and cafes accept contactless card payments. If you have a short wait between flights, the airside food court and the Filoxenia Lounge provide the most peaceful environment for a layover. Always double-check your departure gate on the digital boards, as gate assignments for major carriers like Aegean and Ryanair can occasionally shift due to the airport's high operational frequency during peak months.
During the peak summer season (June to September), the terminal can become very busy with tourists. If your connection is delayed, the terminal's cafes and duty-free retail zones offer a comfortable environment for a wait. Automated self-service kiosks are available for most major airlines to speed up any necessary re-ticketing. Always have your digital boarding passes and travel documents ready, as security protocols in Greek international airports are thorough and include secondary identity checks at the individual gates. For international travelers transiting to domestic flights, ensure you have cleared all customs and immigration checks at your initial point of entry into Greece.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Athens International Airport (ATH), officially known as Eleftherios Venizelos, is the premier aviation hub of Greece and one of the busiest airports in the Mediterranean. Commencing operations in 2001, the airport features a massive Main Terminal and a secondary Satellite Terminal, which are connected by an efficient underground walkway equipped with moving sidewalks. The facility is a primary hub for Aegean Airlines and Sky Express, managing a high volume of domestic, Schengen, and non-Schengen international flights across its modern, multi-level infrastructure.
Inside the Main Terminal, travelers can access a world-class selection of amenities designed for long-haul comfort. The departures level features an extensive duty-free zone, luxury retail boutiques, and numerous cafes and restaurants serving both traditional Greek delicacies and international fare. A unique highlight of the terminal is its dedicated archaeological exhibition, showcasing artifacts discovered during the airport's construction, alongside rotating contemporary art displays. For premium passengers, several loungesโincluding those operated by Aegean, Lufthansa, and Skyservโprovide quiet workspaces and refreshments.
The airport is highly accessible and user-friendly, offering free high-speed Wi-Fi, specialized children's play areas, and a 24-hour information desk located in the arrivals hall. Security procedures are thorough but efficient, with dedicated 'Fast Track' lanes available for eligible travelers. The terminal layout is logically organized, with Hall A serving non-Schengen international arrivals and Hall B managing domestic and Schengen Area traffic. Despite its significant size, the airport's streamlined passenger flow and clear multilingual signage make it one of the most highly-rated large airports in Europe for overall traveler experience.
๐ Connection Tips
Athens International Airport (ATH) is the essential gateway for exploring the Greek Islands. For travelers, 'connecting' at ATH is typically smooth thanks to the integrated Main Terminal layout. If transiting between domestic or Schengen flights on a single ticket, you can usually remain airside and move directly between Hall B gates without clearing immigration. However, if your connection involves a flight from outside the Schengen Area (such as the US or UK) to a domestic island destination, you must clear passport control and customs in Athens before proceeding to your onward gate.\n\nGround transportation to central Athens and Piraeus port is highly efficient. Metro Line 3 provides a direct 40-minute connection to Syntagma Square, with trains departing every 30 minutes. For ferries, the X96 Express bus operates 24/7 directly to Piraeus, while the X95 bus provides a reliable link to the city center. Taxis are available at Exit 3, with a fixed rate of โฌ40 during the day and โฌ55 at night for the central zone. Allow at least 2 hours for international-to-domestic connections to account for potential queues.\n\nTravelers should be aware that the Satellite Terminal is primarily used for Schengen flights during peak seasons; if your gate is located there (C-gates), allow an extra 15 minutes for the transfer. The airport provides digital flight displays and a mobile app for gate updates. Ensure you have Euros (EUR) in cash for small purchases, although major airport retailers and the metro accept credit cards. If you have an extended layover, the nearby town of Spata is just a short taxi ride away. For missed connections, the Aegean Airlines and ground handling desks are centrally located in departures to provide assistance.
โ Back to Kos Airport