All-inclusive car rental in Kos
An all-inclusive rental on Kos includes full insurance with zero excess - the easiest way to reach the island’s scattered beaches and the ancient Asklepion.
Kos is a relatively flat, easy-going island, famous as the birthplace of Hippocrates. While the main town is bike-friendly, a car lets you reach the southern beaches, the hillside village of Zia for sunset and the ancient healing sanctuary of the Asklepion.
A Cardamar all-inclusive rental includes comprehensive zero-excess cover, unlimited mileage and free cancellation, with pick-up at Kos Airport.
Good to know before you drive in Kos
| Pick-up point | Kos Airport (KGS) |
|---|---|
| Highlights | Asklepion, Zia village, Paradise Beach |
| Terrain | Mostly flat and easy to drive |
| Best months | May–June, September |
Exploring Kos by car
The southern coast has the island’s best beaches - Paradise and Magic Beach among them - around 30–40 minutes from the airport. Inland, the village of Zia on the slopes of Mount Dikeos is the classic spot for sunset, and the Asklepion sits just outside Kos Town.
Roads are good and mostly flat, making Kos one of the easier Greek islands to drive; zero-excess cover still removes the worry of busy summer car parks.
Practical tips
Kos Town itself is compact and bike-friendly, so the car is most useful for the beaches and villages. Park on the edge of town and explore the centre on foot.
The all-inclusive price already includes full insurance, unlimited mileage and airport fees.
Picking up your car in Kos
Kos Airport (KGS) sits in the middle of the island, so the southern beaches and the main town are both within easy reach once you collect the car. The airport is small; completing the online check-in beforehand helps you skip most of the desk in high season.
Bring your driving licence, passport or ID and the lead driver’s card; an International Driving Permit is required alongside many non-EU licences in Greece, so check before you travel. There is no deposit to block at most pick-up points.
All-inclusive vs. a cheap basic rate plus counter insurance
Two cars on the same lot in Kos can advertise very different prices. The gap is almost always insurance: an all-inclusive rate settles it up front, while a "basic" rate leaves you to buy excess cover at the desk. Here is what each really means.
| All-inclusive (Cardamar) | Basic rate + counter insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Damage & theft excess | €0 – fully covered | High excess (often €800–2,000) blocked on your card |
| When you insure | Before you travel, at a fixed price | At the desk, under time pressure, price varies |
| Tyres, glass & undercarriage | Included | Usually excluded or charged extra |
| Deposit / card hold | None or low at most stations | Large hold blocked for the whole trip |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation | Often non-refundable |
| What you pay in total | Known the moment you book | Can climb sharply at the counter |
A basic rate can look cheaper online, but once you add proper excess cover at the desk it usually costs more than an all-inclusive booking - with none of the certainty.
Kos car rental - FAQ
Is a car necessary on Kos?
The main town is bike-friendly, but a car is the easiest way to reach the southern beaches, Zia village and the Asklepion.
Is Kos easy to drive?
Yes - it is mostly flat with good roads, making it one of the more relaxed Greek islands behind the wheel.
How far are the best beaches?
The southern beaches are about 30–40 minutes from the airport.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Kos?
Your driving licence, a passport or national ID, and where required a card in the lead driver’s name. In Greece an International Driving Permit is required alongside many non-EU licences, so check before you travel; online check-in beforehand speeds up collection.
Can I add a child seat or extra driver in Kos?
Yes - add child seats and additional drivers when you book so they are confirmed in advance and ready at the desk.