Collect your car at the harbour or your hotel and drive across this compact Dodecanese island
Kos is only 45 km long, running east-west between the harbour town and the empty beaches near Kefalos. A car lets you reach the Asclepeion temple ruins 4 km southwest of town, the mountain village of Zia 15 km inland, Tigaki Beach 12 km north, and Kefalos Bay with Agios Stefanos island chapel 40 km southwest. Coastal roads are flat. Inland routes climb gently to the central ridge, paved all the way. The island fits into a single day loop, but most visitors stay local and make short trips out from their hotel base.
We arrange delivery to hotels in Kos Town near the harbour and medieval castle. You can also collect from Kos Airport, which sits on the island's central plateau about 25 km southwest of town. The local rental company brings the car to your address or meets you at their desk. Contact details and the exact procedure appear in your voucher after booking. Delivery times are confirmed when you search.
Booking without a deposit means you pay nothing to the rental company as a hold or block. You settle the payment and advance with us online by card, then pay the balance when you collect the car. The method for the balance - debit card, cash or credit card - depends on the specific vehicle you choose and is shown clearly during search and in your voucher. Not all cars accept every payment type. The fleet in Kos is smaller than on Rhodes or Corfu, so advance booking during July and August is advisable.
Each rental includes liability cover and basic damage waiver with an excess. If damage occurs, you are responsible up to the excess amount stated in your rental agreement. That agreement is signed at handover, and any existing scratches or dents are noted in writing. The no-deposit feature is independent of the excess; you still have a financial responsibility threshold, you simply do not leave a hold on your card. Full terms arrive with your voucher.
The local company arranges collection at the airport, in town or at your accommodation. Choose the most practical point when you search.
The airport terminal stands 25 km southwest of Kos Town on the island's central plateau. Meet-and-greet desks operate inside arrivals; some companies use an off-site depot nearby and shuttle you over in two minutes. Confirm the procedure in your voucher.
Many hotels cluster along the waterfront between the harbour and the castle. The rental company drives the car to your lobby or meets you at a nearby landmark. Morning and afternoon delivery slots are available; book early in peak season because the supplier runs a limited number of vehicles and juggles multiple drop-offs.
The main rental desks sit on side streets one or two blocks back from the waterfront, within walking distance of the ferry terminal and the Knights' castle. Collect here if you arrive by ferry from Bodrum or another Dodecanese island. Parking along the harbour fills quickly in summer; use the municipal lot behind the market.
The island's narrow shape and gentle terrain make every corner accessible in an hour or less. Plan loops rather than straight returns to see more coastline.
The sanctuary sits on terraced hillside 4 km southwest of Kos Town. Three levels of columns and altar platforms overlook the coast. The access road climbs from the ring road; parking is gravel next to the ticket booth. A small hatchback handles the gradient easily. Combine the visit with Platani village one kilometre further west, known for Turkish coffee houses under plane trees. Round trip takes 30 minutes driving plus your time on site.
Zia clings to the northern slope of Mount Dikaios at 15 km from town. The road switchbacks through pine forest; surface is narrow blacktop with occasional potholes after winter rain. Village parking is tight; arrive before 17:00 or after 19:00 to avoid the tour-bus crowd. Tavernas line the main street, and the sunset terrace offers a view over the entire north coast. Any economy car manages the route; ground clearance is not critical. Allow 25 minutes each way.
Tigaki's white sand stretches along the north coast 12 km from Kos Town. The coastal road runs flat and straight; turn north at Marmari junction. Park behind the beach tavernas in packed sand or gravel. In spring the inland salt lake fills with water and attracts flamingos; a rough track circles the shore, suitable for a compact crossover or any car with modest clearance. Summer sees the lake dry to a crust. Budget 15 minutes driving; combine with Marmari port village another 8 km west.
The southwest peninsula holds the island's oldest settlement and its best beaches. Kefalos village sits on a ridge 40 km from town; below it the coast sweeps south past Kamari Beach and Paradise Beach. Agios Stefanos islet, crowned by a Byzantine chapel ruin, lies 100 metres offshore connected by seasonal sandbar. Park on the gravel shoulder and wade across at low tide. The main road is wide blacktop; side tracks to remote coves are dirt and stone. A small SUV offers flexibility; a city car suffices for the paved sections. Allow one hour each way.
Mastichari occupies the mid-north coast 30 km from Kos Town. The port handles daily ferries to Kalymnos and Pserimos islands; taking your rental car aboard requires written permission from the company, arranged before you travel. The village itself is a row of fish tavernas facing a shallow harbour. Park along the waterfront or in the dusty lot behind the church. Flat coastal road the entire way; 30 minutes driving. Combine with Antimachia village and its hilltop windmill 5 km south.
Also called Bubble Beach for the volcanic gas seeping through sand underwater, Paradise sits 10 km south of Kefalos village on the island's southwestern tail. The final 3 km are unpaved, narrow and rutted; a small crossover or hatchback with decent tyres will manage in dry weather. Wet conditions in spring or autumn demand higher clearance. The beach itself is gravel and rock; bring shoes for the walk into the sea. Parking is informal verge beside a taverna shack. Total drive from Kos Town: 50 km, about 75 minutes including the rough stretch.
The local fleet focuses on economy and compact models suited to the island's short distances and narrow village streets. Availability is limited in July and August.
| Model | Category | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Kia Picanto | Economy | Town parking, paved coastal drives, solo or couple |
| Toyota Aygo | Economy | Low fuel consumption, easy manoeuvring in Kos Town traffic |
| Hyundai i30 | Compact | Four adults, luggage space, highway comfort to Kefalos |
| Kia Stonic | Compact SUV | Higher seating, light dirt tracks to remote beaches, family |
Each listing in the search results shows the payment methods accepted for that specific car. One vehicle may allow debit card and cash for the balance; another from a different supplier may require a credit card. Check the icons and the full terms before you confirm. Optional extras - second driver, child seat, permission for ferry crossings to Kalymnos or Bodrum - carry additional fees and must be requested during booking.
The island's compact size and gentle roads make navigation simple. A few details will keep your trip smooth.
No deposit means the rental company does not place a hold or block on your card. You still carry an excess liability, but nothing is frozen as security.
Use the booking form at the top of this page to search cars in Kos. Each result carries a tag showing accepted payment methods: debit card, cash, credit card or a combination. Filter by "No Deposit" if you want only those offers. The terms box in every listing explains the excess amount, the balance payment method and the documents required. Every car has its own conditions; these are set by the individual supplier, not by vehicle category.
Bring your driving licence, passport and the voucher we email after booking. If the car you chose requires a debit card for the balance, make sure your card limit covers the remaining amount plus a margin; some issuers temporarily reserve funds even without a formal deposit. At handover you sign the rental agreement, the supplier notes existing damage, and you inspect the car together. The agreement lists the excess and your liability. Keep a copy and the supplier's contact number in the car.
Full payment details and step-by-step instructions are on our payment methods page. Questions about a specific booking can be sent to [email protected]; include your reservation reference.
Answers to the most common queries about renting a car on the island.
Yes. Many cars in our Kos fleet accept debit card or cash for the balance payment. The specific methods allowed for each vehicle are shown clearly during search and in your voucher. Not every car accepts every payment type, so check the listing before you book.
No. The cars we offer in Kos do not require a deposit hold or block on your card. You pay the booking advance online to us, then settle the balance when you collect. The rental still includes an excess - your liability threshold if damage occurs - but no funds are frozen as security.
Collection points include the airport terminal 25 km southwest of town, rental desks in Kos Town near the harbour and castle, and delivery to your hotel anywhere in the main resort areas. Choose your preferred location and time in the booking form; the voucher will confirm the exact address and contact details.
Only with written permission from the rental company, arranged before you travel. Not all suppliers allow it, and those that do charge an additional fee. Request ferry permission during booking and check your voucher to confirm. Attempting to board without permission will void your insurance and rental agreement.
Yes. The route is paved all the way, though narrow and winding with some steep sections. Any economy or compact car handles it; no special clearance needed. Drive carefully on the hairpins, honk before blind corners, and use passing bays to let others overtake.
A valid driving licence held for at least one year, your passport and the voucher we send after booking. EU licences are recognised directly; non-EU drivers should also carry an International Driving Permit. The rental company checks these at handover and will refuse the car if documents are missing or expired.
As early as possible if you travel in July or August. The fleet on Kos is smaller than on larger islands, and no-deposit cars in particular are limited. Booking two to three months ahead secures better choice and availability. Spring and autumn offer more flexibility, but one month advance is still advisable.
Search no-deposit cars now, compare payment methods and choose delivery to your hotel or the airport. Confirm online, receive your voucher and collect the keys when you land. The island's ancient temples, mountain villages and quiet bays wait 45 km away.