Ferry to Turkey

Ferries to Turkey at a glance

• Primary region: Greek Islands to Turkish Aegean & Mediterranean Coastline

• Popular routes: Kos ➔ Bodrum, Rhodes ➔ Marmaris, Chios ➔ Cesme, Samos ➔ Kusadasi, Rhodes ➔ Fethiye, Lesvos ➔ Ayvalik

• Main operators: Makri Travel, Turyol, Exas Shipping, Sea Dreams, Sky Marine, Meander Travel, Dentur Avrasya, LAFASI, IDO

• Average duration: 15 minutes to 1.5 hours (Fast catamarans & conventional passenger ferries)

• Frequency: Up to 30+ daily departures across all routes during summer peak season

• Starting ticket price: €25 – €40 one-way | €35 – €55 same-day return

Tip: Passports or valid national IDs are mandatory for border control. Arrive at the departure port at least 60 minutes prior to sailing for passport checks and immigration procedures.

An easy guide on how to get to Turkey by ferry, schedules and prices for the Ferry to Turkey and recommendations for public transportation services. Explore the website and find all necessary details for the ferries to Turkey; ports descriptions, destinations and routes with schedules and prices, accommodation options with real time availability and helpful tips for transfer opportunities in Turkey!

Ferry routes to Turkey

Ferries to Turkey connect the eastern Aegean Greek islands directly with major coastal cities along the Turkish Riviera. Frequent sea crossings operate between Kos and Bodrum (15–30 mins), Rhodes and Marmaris (1 hour), Chios and Cesme (20–30 mins), Samos and Kusadasi (45–90 mins), and Rhodes and Fethiye (1.5 hours).

Fast catamaran ferries depart from Rhodes, Kos, Samos, Chios and Kastelorizo to Marmaris, Bodrum, Fethiye, Cesme, Kusadasi and Kas.

The most frequent ferry routes to Turkey are Kos to Bodrum and Rhodes to Marmaris.

Note: There isn't any ferry connection between Italy and Turkey as well as from Athens to Turkey! Nevertheless, it is advisable that you book your ferry tickets to Turkey in advance in order to secure them and enjoy a careless holiday!

Frequencies of the ferries to Turkey

Ferries between Greece and Turkey run daily throughout the high summer season (May to October) with multiple sailings per day, followed by reduced schedules during winter. Morning sailings typically depart between 08:00 and 09:30, with evening return sailings between 17:00 and 18:00, enabling easy day-trip travel between two countries.

• Peak season (May – October): Daily multiple departures across all active routes

• Off-peak season (November – April): Reduced weekly departures primarily on main routes like Chios–Cesme and Kos–Bodrum

• Day-trip timings: Morning departures from Greek ports allow 7–9 hours of exploration in Turkey before evening returns

Ferry ticket prices to Turkey

Ferry ticket prices from Greece to Turkey start from €25 to €40 for single passenger one-way tickets and €35 to €55 for same-day return tickets. Fares vary depending on the chosen route, vessel type (high-speed catamaran vs. conventional ferry), and season.

• Standard one-way passenger Ticket: €25 – €45

• Same-day return ticket: €35 – €55 (Discounted round-trip rates)

• Vehicle transport (standard car): €60 – €110 (Available on select car ferry routes like Chios–Cesme and Lesvos–Ayvalik)

Note: Fares shown are indicative. For real-time prices, live availability, and exact booking costs, please check our live booking engine.

Passport, visa & border control rules for ferries to Turkey

Traveling by ferry between Greece and Turkey requires passing through international border control at both departure and arrival ports. Passengers must carry a valid passport (or an eligible EU national ID card depending on nationality) and check visa/e-visa requirements prior to boarding.

Border crossing checklist:

• Identification: Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity remaining) or approved EU national ID

• Visa requirements: Citizens needing a visa for Turkey must obtain an electronic e-Visa or visa upon arrival where applicable

• Port arrival time: Passengers must arrive at the port passport control terminal at least 60 minutes before departure

Greece to Turkey day trips & same-day return tickets

Day trips by ferry from Greek islands to the Turkish coastline are extremely popular, offering discounted same-day round-trip tickets. Routes such as Kos to Bodrum, Chios to Cesme, Rhodes to Marmaris and Samos to Kusadasi offer convenient morning departure and evening return schedules designed specifically for day visitors.

Popular day-trip destinations:

• Kos ➔ Bodrum: 20-minute crossing for shopping in Bodrum bazaars and visiting the Castle of St. Peter

• Chios ➔ Cesme: 30-minute crossing to explore Cesme Castle and Turkish markets

• Rhodes ➔ Marmaris: 1h crossing to explore an ancient Old Town and crystal-clear beaches

• Samos ➔ Kusadasi: 45 to 90-minute crossing providing direct access to the ancient city of Ephesus

Car & vehicle transport

Vehicle transportation between Greece and Turkey is available on select conventional car ferries, most notably on the Chios–Cesme and Lesvos–Ayvalik routes. Drivers crossing international borders with vehicles must carry original vehicle registration documents, a valid international driving license, and an active Green Card vehicle insurance policy covering both Greece and Turkey.

Vehicle crossing requirements:

• Green card insurance: International motor insurance covering both EU and Turkey

• Car ownership documentation: Original vehicle registration documents (written permission required if driving a rental or borrowed car)

• Advance booking: Vehicle slots are strictly limited on cross-border ferries and must be reserved well in advance

FAQs for your journey

Do I need a passport to take the ferry from Greece to Turkey?

Yes, you must carry a valid passport or an eligible EU national ID card to travel by ferry between Greece and Turkey. Because this is an international crossing between the Schengen Area and Turkey, all passengers must pass through passport control and customs checks at both departure and arrival port terminals.

Essential entry checklist:

• Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date

• EU national IDs: Accepted for select European nationalities (e.g., German, French, Italian, Greek)

• Visas & e-Visas: Check whether your nationality requires a Turkish e-Visa prior to boarding

Can I do a day trip from the Greek islands to Turkey by ferry?

Yes, day trips by ferry from Greek islands to the Turkish coastline are very popular, with ferries departing in the morning and returning in the evening. Short crossings like Kos to Bodrum (20 mins), Chios to Cesme (30 mins), and Samos to Kusadasi (45 mins) offer special discounted same-day return tickets.

Best day-trip routes:

• Kos ➔ Bodrum: Ideal for shopping at local bazaars and visiting Bodrum Castle

• Chios ➔ Cesme: Great for dining, windsurfing beaches, and coastal markets

• Samos ➔ Kusadasi: The primary gateway for visiting the ancient archaeological site of Ephesus

How early should I arrive at the port for a ferry to Turkey?

You should arrive at the departure port terminal at least 60 minutes before your scheduled ferry departure time. Arriving early is mandatory because international cross-border sailings require passport verification, visa control, and security checks at the port authority before foot or vehicle passengers can board the vessel.

Port check-in guidelines:

• Foot passengers: Arrive 60 minutes prior to departure

• Vehicle drivers: Arrive 75–90 minutes prior to departure for vehicle customs processing

• Boarding gate closing: Boarding gates typically close 15–20 minutes before departure

Can I take my car on the ferry to Turkey?

Yes, you can take a car on select conventional ferries operating between Greece and Turkey, such as the Chios to Cesme and Lesvos to Ayvalik routes. Drivers must bring original vehicle registration documents, an international driving permit, and a Green Card motor insurance policy covering both European and Turkish territories.

Vehicle crossing requirements:

• Green card insurance: Must explicitly state valid insurance coverage for Turkey

• Driver authorization: Written power of attorney required if the vehicle is rented or registered to someone else

• Advance booking: Car spaces on international ferries are limited and require early reservation