Why rent a car in Kos?
Kos is one of the most popular islands in the Dodecanese, known for its long sandy beaches, ancient ruins and lively atmosphere. While cycling is popular in the flat coastal areas, a rental car opens up the rest of the island, including the traditional mountain villages of Zia and Pyli, the ancient Asklepion and the quieter beaches along the southern coast.
Pick up your car directly at Kos Airport and start exploring the island immediately after arrival. For more destinations across the islands, see car rental in the Dodecanese Islands.
Why all-inclusive car hire in Kos makes a difference
Many car hire desks in Kos, whether at the airport or in the resort towns, operate on a standard model that requires a credit card for the deposit and charges a significant excess in case of damage. The deposit can be €800 to €1,500 blocked on your card for the duration of your rental, and the excess (the amount you pay out of pocket if the car is damaged) is often €500 to €1,000 or more.
With MarSoleil, this model is different. Every booking includes:
- Full insurance with zero excess: no out-of-pocket costs if the car is damaged, no matter what happens
- No deposit: nothing blocked on your card at pick-up
- No credit card required: pay by debit card, the booking is complete
- No hidden costs at the desk: the price you book is the price you pay
This is particularly relevant in Kos, where the standard car hire market is busy in peak summer and rental desks are often under pressure to upsell additional insurance at pick-up. Booking all-inclusive through MarSoleil means you can walk past those offers and get on the road immediately. Bookings are powered by Sunnycars, rated 4.7 out of 5 on Trustpilot based on more than 10,000 verified reviews.
Exploring Kos by car
Routes and highlights across Kos
Kos is a long, narrow island and a rental car makes it easy to move between the busy northern resort strip and the quieter southern coast. The main road runs along the northern coast from Kos Town westward toward Kefalos, a distance of about 45 km. The mountain village of Zia, set in the Dikeos mountains above the coastal plain, is approximately 14 km from Kos Town and offers panoramic views across the island toward the Turkish coast. The ancient Asklepion, the renowned healing sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, is just 4 km from the town and is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Aegean. The beach at Agios Stefanos in the far southwest, with its views of the Kastri islet and its ruined basilica, is about 50 km from the town. The southern coast around Paradise Beach and Magic Beach is quieter than the northern resort strip and is best reached by car. For more destinations, see car rental in the Dodecanese Islands or car rental in Greece.
Driving conditions in Kos
Roads on Kos are generally in good condition along the main coastal route. The island is flat in the north and east, which makes driving straightforward near the main resorts. Roads into the Dikeos mountains toward Zia are narrower and steeper but perfectly manageable with a standard car. Kos Town itself can be busy in peak summer, particularly around the harbour area. Kos Airport is located about 25 km southwest of the town near the village of Antimacheia, making it practical to head directly to a resort on either coast after collecting the car.
Best time to rent a car in Kos
May, June and September are the best months for driving in Kos. The island is one of the busiest in the Dodecanese in July and August, with heavy traffic along the northern resort road and busy beaches throughout. The mountain villages and the western tip of the island near Kefalos are quieter throughout the season. Car rental availability is limited outside the April to October period.
Car rental price in Kos
The table below shows the lowest all-inclusive weekly rate for renting a car in Kos, with full insurance and zero excess included. What you actually pay depends on the supplier, availability and how far ahead you book. Check the current price in the search above.
| Car type | From, 7 days |
|---|---|
| Small car (economy) | from €242 |
| Mid-size car | from €303 |
| Large car / SUV | from €520 |
Measured at 23 airports in September 2026, for a 7-day rental starting 10–17 October 2026. All-inclusive, zero excess, no credit card required. Prices vary by supplier, availability and how far ahead you book.
These prices typically include full insurance and zero excess when booking an all-inclusive rental. Prices can vary significantly between providers. If you want to avoid hidden costs, it’s worth taking a moment to compare car rental companies and rental conditions before booking. At MarSoleil, you can also find options without a credit card and no deposit.
