Ferry from Katapola (Amorgos) to Kos

The ferry from Katapola on Amorgos to Kos is a long distance Aegean crossing that links the remote Cyclades with the lively Dodecanese island of Kos. This route is usually operated by Blue Star Ferries, often shown together with Anek Superfast in some booking systems, and is part of a longer line that connects Piraeus with several islands in the Cyclades and Dodecanese. The journey from Katapola to Kos (Main Port) typically takes around 5 hours 35 minutes, so you should treat it as a half day trip rather than a short island hop. Departures are most often scheduled early in the morning, with the first and sometimes only sailing leaving Katapola at around 06:00 and arriving in Kos shortly before midday. Ferries on this line usually run seasonally, mainly from June to September, with about 1 weekly direct crossing, although some years there can be up to 2 or 3 weekly itineraries depending on the wider Blue Star network. Ticket prices for foot passengers generally start from around €44.00 for a simple economy ticket, with higher prices if you book a cabin or a more comfortable seat. This route is especially popular with travellers who want to combine the wild landscapes of Amorgos with the beaches, nightlife and onward Dodecanese connections of Kos without having to go back to Athens.

Key information for the Katapola (Amorgos) to Kos ferry

1. Ferry duration

The ferry from Katapola on Amorgos to Kos (Main Port) usually takes about 5 hours 35 minutes. Booking platforms and route guides are consistent in listing 5 hours 35 minutes as both the average and the fastest journey time for this connection. You should still allow extra time at each end for boarding, disembarking and any minor delays, especially in busy summer periods or in windy conditions.

2. Ferry companies

This route is operated by Blue Star Ferries, sometimes grouped under the Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries name in timetables. Information from ferry booking sites shows Blue Star Ferries as the only company serving the Katapola to Kos line, with weekly crossings during the main season. These large conventional ferries are part of a longer route that typically starts in Piraeus and continues through several islands before reaching Kos and other Dodecanese ports.

3. Fast vs slow ferry

The Katapola to Kos route is served by big conventional ferries rather than dedicated high speed catamarans, so there is not usually a choice between a very fast and a slow option on the same day. Journey times remain very stable at around 5 hours 35 minutes, as the same type of ship and the same multi stop route are used through the season. Conventional ferries are generally more comfortable on longer open sea crossings, with indoor lounges, cabins, open decks and cafés that make the half day journey feel more relaxed.

4. Best time to travel

The best time to travel from Katapola to Kos is between June and September, when this route is scheduled regularly and sea conditions are usually more settled. Timetables indicate about 1 weekly sailing from June to September, with some years showing up to 2 or 3 weekly trips when the wider Blue Star network is busier. Outside the main season there may be very few or no direct Katapola to Kos sailings, so in spring or autumn you might need to route via another island or via Piraeus instead.

5. Sea conditions and wind

The Katapola to Kos ferry crosses a long stretch of the Aegean Sea, from the central Cyclades to the Dodecanese, so it can be affected by the strong Meltemi wind, especially in July and August. Large Blue Star ferries usually handle these conditions well, but you may still feel some movement on deck when the wind is strong. It is wise to check the weather forecast before you travel, carry seasickness tablets if you are sensitive and keep a little flexibility in your schedule in case of delays or rare cancellations on days of very high wind.

6. Port guide

The ferry departs from Katapola, the main port of Amorgos, which is a small and friendly bay with tavernas, cafés and basic shops along the waterfront. Many guesthouses are close enough to walk to the ferry, although there are taxis and local buses if you are staying in Chora or Aegiali. In Kos the ferry arrives at Kos (Main Port), close to Kos Town, where you will find a busy harbour area with hotels, car rentals, bus connections and a lively promenade, making it easy to continue your trip or start exploring immediately.

7. Car rental advice

Ships on the Katapola to Kos route generally accept both foot passengers and vehicles, so you can usually travel with a car or motorbike if you book early enough. Guides for this route mention that Blue Star Ferries allow vehicles on this crossing, which is helpful if you are on a longer road and ferry trip around the islands. However, spaces for cars and motorbikes can sell out on peak summer dates, so many travellers still choose to rent a car separately on each island, returning it in Amorgos and picking up a new one at Kos port.

8. Foot passenger tips

If you are travelling as a foot passenger on the Katapola to Kos ferry, you should plan to arrive at Katapola port at least 45 to 60 minutes before departure, especially because sailings often leave very early in the morning. Booking a reserved seat or even a cabin can make a big difference on this 5 hours 35 minutes crossing, particularly if you want to sleep for part of the journey after an early start. When you arrive in Kos (Main Port), most central accommodation in Kos Town is within walking distance, while buses and taxis from near the harbour can take you to beaches and resorts around the island.

9. Is this route worth it?

The Katapola to Kos ferry route is definitely worth it if you are combining the Cyclades and the Dodecanese in one longer island hopping trip and want to avoid returning to Piraeus. This direct connection saves you at least one extra ferry leg and gives you a memorable half day at sea, moving from the quiet, dramatic landscapes of Amorgos to the more developed and lively atmosphere of Kos. It is especially attractive for travellers who enjoy planning more complex itineraries and want to maximise their time on the islands instead of spending extra days travelling through Athens.

10. Alternative route if cancelled

If your Katapola to Kos ferry is cancelled, the usual alternatives involve travelling through another island hub or via Piraeus. One option is to sail from Katapola to an island like Naxos or Paros and then continue from there towards the Dodecanese, sometimes via another change in islands such as Rhodes or Kalymnos depending on the schedules. Another option, particularly outside peak summer, is to go from Katapola back to Piraeus and then take a separate Piraeus to Kos ferry, which often has more regular departures and can be easier to rebook at short notice.

11. Reverse route internal links

There is also a reverse ferry route from Kos to Katapola on Amorgos, again operated by Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries with a shorter scheduled journey time of around 3 hours 15 minutes on some timetables. Information from route guides shows about 1 weekly Kos to Katapola crossing in season, with departures often around midday and arrival in Amorgos in the afternoon. When planning your trip you should look at both Katapola to Kos and Kos to Katapola options together, so that you can decide which direction fits better with your wider island hopping route and flight connections.