Car Rental at Kos International Airport–KGS

Convenient Car Hire Pick-Up at Kos Airport – KGS

Arriving at Kos Island International Airport (IATA: KGS, ICAO: LGKO) places you just minutes from beginning your road adventure on Kos. The airport is located near Antimachia on Kos island, and car rental desks are positioned in the Arrivals Hall or just outside it, offering a smooth transition from landing to driving. With your online reserved rental car from Final Rentals, you’ll skip waiting for taxis or buses and gain the freedom to drive straight to beaches, villages, or hidden corners of the island.

Driving allows you to take full advantage of what Kos has to offer: coastlines, countryside, cultural sites, and more. A rental car gives flexibility, especially when local bus schedules are limited. According to recent data, daily rates can be as low as US$26/day (around €24) for economy vehicles when booked in advance.

Proximity to Key Destinations

• Kos Town (Chora): Located approximately 24 km from the airport via road, about 30 minutes by car.

• Kardamena Beach & Resort Area: Roughly 12 km away, ideal for your first beach stop.

• Antimachia Village & Castle: Just ~4 km from the terminal—explore local history quickly after pickup.

• Therma Hot Springs (Empros Thermes): Located ~13 km southeast of Kos Town; perfect for a relaxed drive.

• Lambi & Tigaki Beaches: Approximately 15–20 minutes’ drive north from the airport, offering watersports and sand.

About Kos Island International Airport (KGS)

Airport Code: IATA: KGS | ICAO: LGKO
Location: Situated near Antimachia on Kos island in the Dodecanese, Greece. The airport serves as a primary entry point for many visitors to Kos.
Passenger Volume & Role: Hosting over 2.6 million passengers annually, the airport functions as a busy hub, especially during the summer season.

Facilities & Services

• A single terminal building handling both arrivals and departures, designed for ease of navigation.

• Rental car desks are located in or immediately adjacent to the Arrivals Hall, enabling fast pickup.

• Free Wi-Fi, cafés and snack bars, currency exchange and ATMs within the terminal.

• Short- and long-stay parking options near the terminal for returns.

• Accessibility support, including ramps and clearly-marked signage—helpful for travellers with mobility needs.

These conveniences make the shift from plane to rental car smooth and time-efficient—a real advantage when your aim is to begin exploring instantly.

Car Hire at Kos Airport (KGS)

Car rental desks are located inside the arrivals area or directly outside the terminal; you’ll quickly find signage for “Car Rental” once you land. With Final Rentals, your booking is confirmed ahead of time, saving you wait time at the counter. After collecting keys, vehicles are parked in adjacent lots near the terminal exit—so you’re on the road shortly after arrival.

Return Process: At the end of your trip, follow “Car Rental Return” signage in the airport parking area. Park in the designated zone, hand over keys, and finalise your check-in. Many providers support after-hours drop-off—beneficial for late-night flights or early departures.

Fuel Policy Tip: Many rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel basis; nearest fuel stations are located just outside the airport via main roads—ensure refuelling before returning to avoid extra charges.

Transportation Between the Airport and Local Areas

• Driving: The quickest and most flexible way to explore Kos. Having a rental car means you set your own schedule.

• Bus: Public bus services exist but may operate on limited schedules and may not reach remote beaches or villages easily.

• Taxi: Available outside the terminal but can be more expensive, especially if travelling with luggage or early/late flights.

• Best Option: Rental car from Kos Airport is ideal for travellers keen to explore the island fully, without being bound by fixed transport times.

Other Features & Travel Tips

• Driving Side: Vehicles drive on the right-hand side, standard in Greece.

• Speed Limits: Urban areas ~50 km/h, main rural roads ~90 km/h; inland and mountain lanes can be narrow and winding—choose vehicle accordingly.

• Road Conditions: Coastal and main route roads are generally well-maintained; minor inland roads may be steep or winding—compact cars can be advantageous.

• Parking: In Kos Town or busy beaches, expect paid or limited parking—arriving early helps.

• Fuel Prices Estimate: Around US $1.80–$2.00 per litre of petrol in Greece, helpful for budgeting.

• Seasonal Advice: High season (July–August) means high demand for rentals at Kos Airport—book early to secure preferred vehicle and rate. Earlier data show low rates as low as US $26/day when booked well ahead.

Contact Information

Address: Kos Island International Airport (KGS) “Hippocrates”, Antimachia 853 02, Kos, Greece
Phone: +30 2242 056000 (Kos Airport general enquiries)
Website: https://www.kgs-airport.gr/en

How to Book Your Rental Car at Kos International Airport (KGS)

Step 1: Visit the Final Rentals website or mobile app. Choose “Kos Island International Airport (KGS)” as your pickup location and set your dates and times.

Step 2: Select your preferred vehicle type:

• Small/Economy Cars: from around US $26/day for basic travel.

• Medium Cars: from approx. US$35–40/day – more comfort and space.

• SUVs / 4×4s: from approx. US$45–50/day – ideal if you plan longer drives or more luggage.

• Vans / 7-Seaters: for families or groups wanting extra room.

• Premium / Luxury Vehicles: higher daily rates based on model and demand.

Step 3: Complete booking with payment — a valid credit card in the main driver’s name is generally required. Reservation is instant.

Step 4: Review rental terms carefully — confirm insurance coverage (CDW, theft protection), fuel policy (full-to-full), driver age requirements (usually 21+), any extra driver fees or mileage limits.

Step 5: On arrival at KGS, proceed to the rental car desks in the Arrivals Hall, present your booking confirmation, driver’s licence, and passport. Inspect the vehicle for existing damage, sign the agreement, and then head out on your drive. On return, follow rental parking signage, refuel if needed, hand over keys, and finalise the process.

Car Rental at Kos Airport – FAQs

Where are the car rental desks located at Kos Airport?

Car rental counters at Kos Airport (KGS) are located inside the arrivals terminal, right after customs. Signs direct passengers to the car hire area. This makes pickup quick and convenient so that you can get on the road within minutes. Some companies may also offer vehicles in the parking lot outside the terminal. Having on-site desks ensures travelers can start their Kos Island journey smoothly without needing to leave the airport premises.

How far is Kos Airport from Kos Town and popular resorts?

Kos Airport is located approximately 24 km (15 miles) southwest of Kos Town, with an average driving time of 30 minutes. From the airport, it’s easy to reach Kefalos (18 km, 20 minutes), Kardamena (7 km, 10 minutes), and Mastichari (8 km, 12 minutes). With a rental car, you can also explore further destinations like Tingaki Beach (20 km) or Zia Village in the mountains. Driving from KGS gives you direct access to both coastal resorts and inland attractions.

What is the average cost of a car rental at Kos Airport?

Car rental rates at KGS depend on vehicle type, rental duration, and season. Economy cars often start at $20–$30 per day in the low season. During peak summer months (July–August), prices can rise to $40–$60 per day. SUVs, 4x4s, or premium vehicles cost more, usually $55–$80 daily. Weekly rentals often bring lower daily rates, and booking in advance helps secure the best deals.

What are the age and license requirements for renting at Kos Airport?

To rent a car at Kos Airport, drivers must generally be at least 21 years old, although some providers set the minimum at 23. A valid driver’s license held for at least one year is required. For non-EU visitors, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary if your license isn’t in English or Greek. Drivers under 25 may need to pay a young driver surcharge.

What documents do I need to rent a car at Kos Airport?

When renting a car at KGS, you’ll need:

• A valid driver’s license (plus IDP if required).

• Passport or national ID for identification.

• Credit card in the renter’s name for deposit and insurance.

• Booking confirmation or rental voucher.
  
  

Additional drivers must be declared at the counter so they’re legally covered by insurance. Carrying the rental agreement in the vehicle is also recommended, as it may be needed at police checkpoints or ferry crossings within Greece.

Is insurance included in Kos Airport car rentals?

Most rentals at Kos Airport include basic third-party liability insurance, covering damage to other vehicles or property. However, this usually does not cover your own rental car fully. Travelers are encouraged to add Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or theft protection for extra security. Some companies also offer zero-excess insurance to eliminate out-of-pocket costs. Always review insurance terms carefully before driving.

Where can I refuel near Kos Airport, and what fuel policy applies?

Several fuel stations are located close to Kos Airport, especially along the main road toward Kardamena and Kos Town. Most rental agreements operate on a full-to-full policy, meaning you receive the car with a full tank and must return it the same way. This is the fairest and most cost-effective policy, as you only pay for the fuel you actually use. Refueling before drop-off avoids extra charges for missing fuel.

What destinations are best to explore with a rental car from Kos Airport?

With a rental car from KGS, you can explore a variety of Kos attractions. Drive to Kardamena for nightlife, Kefalos for quiet beaches, or Zia Village for sunset views over the Aegean. History lovers can visit the Asklepion archaeological site, while families may enjoy Lido Water Park in Mastichari.

Can I return the rental car at a different location in Kos?

Final Rentals offers one-way rentals in Kos. For example, you can pick up your car at Kos Airport and return it in Kos Town, Kefalos, or Mastichari. One-way rentals are convenient if you’re staying at different resorts during your trip. Confirm the one-way policy when booking to ensure flexibility in planning your Kos Island itinerary.

Is renting a car at Kos Airport worth it?

Renting a car at Kos Airport gives you total freedom to explore beyond the main resorts. You can visit archaeological sites, mountain villages, and secluded beaches at your own pace. Compared to relying on buses or taxis, car hire provides comfort, flexibility, and better value for money. Whether you’re traveling as a family, couple, or solo adventurer, a rental car from KGS makes your holiday in Kos more enjoyable and convenient.