Flights to Kos from Israel: direct flights, connections and flight times (2026)
Who flies direct from Tel Aviv to Kos, flight times, and how to connect via Rhodes or Athens when there is no direct route.
- In summer 2026 Bluebird ran seasonal direct flights, about 1h20.
- No direct route in winter: fly via Athens or Rhodes.
- In summer there are fast boats from Rhodes to Kos.
If you are planning Kos for summer 2027, check in winter whether the direct route returns and book early. If not, fly to Rhodes and continue by boat.
Is there a direct flight from Israel to Kos?
In summer yes, in winter no. In summer 2026 Bluebird Airways ran seasonal direct flights from Tel Aviv to Kos, usually twice a week. Flight time is about 1 hour 20 minutes. Out of season, as of late October 2026, there is no direct route and you fly with a stop.
Seasonal routes are set again every year. Before planning summer 2027, check Bluebird's and other airlines' websites to see whether and when the route returns.
How to fly to Kos with a stop
| Route | How | Flight time (excluding layover) |
|---|---|---|
| Via Rhodes | Fly from Israel to Rhodes, then a short Sky Express flight to Kos | about 2 hours |
| Via Athens | Fly to Athens, then an Aegean or Sky Express domestic flight | about 3 hours |
| Via Heraklion | Summer only: fly to Crete, then an Aegean flight to Kos | about 2.5 hours |
With one ticket for the whole journey (for example on Aegean), the airline is responsible if the first flight is delayed. With two separate tickets, leave a generous connection time.
Getting to Kos by sea
- From Rhodes: in summer there are fast boats between Rhodes and Kos, a comfortable trip of a few hours. You can fly direct to Rhodes (which has more flights) and continue by sea.
- From Piraeus: there are ferries from Athens to Kos, but it is a very long crossing, usually overnight. Best for those island-hopping.
On Greek ferries, tickets and wind cancellations: our complete ferries guide. Before sailing, also check there is no strike today.
When are flights to Kos cheapest?
Early and late in the season (May, June, September and October) are cheapest; July–August and holidays are dearer. We update the lowest fare from Tel Aviv to each Greek destination every morning on Yavanet's flights page.
What to do in Kos
Kos is great for families: shallow beaches, two water parks and boat trips to nearby islands. See Kos with kids, the complete Kos guide and the Kos destination page. All destinations with direct flights from Israel are in Greek islands with direct flights from Israel.
FAQ
How long is the flight from Tel Aviv to Kos? About 1 hour 20 minutes direct. With a stop in Rhodes about 2 hours of flying, via Athens about 3 hours, excluding layovers.
Which airline flies direct to Kos? In summer 2026 Bluebird Airways ran seasonal direct flights. Check with the airline whether the route returns in summer 2027.
Can I fly to Rhodes and get to Kos from there? Yes. In summer there are fast boats from Rhodes to Kos, and a short Sky Express flight.
Are there flights to Kos in winter? There is no direct flight from Israel in winter. Fly to Athens and continue on a domestic flight.
