Getting to Kalymnos
Fly to Kos, ferry from Mastihari. Airport to island in about an hour, if you go to the right port.
Travel times at a glance
| Leg | Time | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Kos airport → Mastihari port (taxi) | 10-15 min | short taxi fare |
| Mastihari → Pothia (ferry) | 30-40 min | €8-10 |
| Pothia → Masouri / Myrties (taxi) | ±20 min | €15-20 |
| Myrties → Telendos (taxi boat) | ±10 min | a few euros |
| Athens → Kalymnos (flight, JKL) | ±1 h | varies, small aircraft |
| Piraeus → Kalymnos (ferry) | 10-12 h | varies, takes vehicles |
Times are approximate. Check current ferry schedules before you travel.
Route 1: via Kos (most visitors)
Land at Kos (KGS), taxi to Mastihari, ferry to Pothia. In summer boats cross roughly every hour or two during the day. In winter the timetable is thin. ANEM Ferries and Lafasi run the route, and buying at the port kiosk is normal: not every boat is bookable online.
Route 2: fly via Athens
Kalymnos airport (JKL) has Athens connections on small aircraft. It is the fastest option if you get seats, so book early in season. Taxis and rental delivery cover the last kilometres from the airport above Pothia.
Route 3: by sea from Piraeus, Rhodes and the Dodecanese
- Piraeus (Athens): 10 to 12 hours, often overnight. Takes vehicles.
- Rhodes: seasonal ferries and catamarans, roughly 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the boat.
- Island hopping: connections with Kos, Leros, Patmos, Lipsi and Astypalaia.
Getting around once you land
- Taxi: rank at the Pothia quay. To Masouri about €15-20.
- Bus: Pothia to the west-coast villages on a limited timetable. Fine for the main hop, not for exploring.
- Scooter or car: from ±€10 per day, delivery at the port possible. See rentals.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to get to Kalymnos?
Fly to Kos, short taxi to Mastihari, local ferry to Pothia for about €8-10. Airport to island in roughly an hour.
Does Kalymnos have an airport?
Yes, a small national airport (JKL) with Athens flights on small aircraft. Seats sell out early in summer, which is why most visitors route via Kos.
How do I get around Kalymnos without a car?
A local bus links Pothia with the west-coast villages on a limited timetable, and taxis wait at the port. Most visitors rent a scooter or small car for part of the stay.
Are there ferries from Athens to Kalymnos?
Yes, from Piraeus: 10 to 12 hours, often overnight. This is also the way to bring a vehicle.