Looking to soak up the sun on the beautiful Greek islands this year? One of the best ways to reach the Greek islands from Turkey is by taking a scenic ferry ride across the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. Ferries provide a comfortable and affordable transportation option, allowing you to sit back, relax and take in gorgeous sea views along the way.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about catching a ferry from Turkey to the Greek islands, including
- Ferry routes from Turkey to the Greek islands
- Ferry schedules and ticket prices
- Ferry companies operating between Turkey and Greece
- Tips for booking your ferry ticket
Popular Ferry Routes from Turkey to the Greek Islands
There are numerous ferry routes that connect major ports in Turkey to various destinations in the Greek islands. Here are some of the most popular routes
Bodrum to Kos – This quick 30-40 minute crossing is one of the most popular and affordable ways to reach Kos from Turkey Ferries depart up to 6 times daily in peak season
Bodrum to Rhodes – Operated 2 times per week, this relaxing 2 hour ferry ride takes you from Turkey to Rhodes.
Çeşme to Chios – Up to 6 daily ferries in summer make this route very convenient. The journey takes just 1-1.5 hours.
Kuşadası to Samos – Only a 45 minute to 1.5 hour trip, so it’s easy to do a day trip or short getaway to Samos.
Ayvalık to Lesbos – Lesbos is just 50 minutes to 1.5 hours away by ferry from Ayvalık.
Marmaris to Rhodes – Travel from Marmaris to Rhodes in only 1 hour. Ferry departs once daily.
When to Book Greece – Turkey Ferry Tickets
If you’re planning to travel by ferry from Turkey to the Greek islands in the high season, it’s recommended to book your tickets 1-2 months in advance. This ensures you lock in your preferred departure time and date on your chosen route.
In low and shoulder seasons, you can usually purchase ferry tickets just a few days in advance, or even on the day of departure at the port. But booking in advance is still advised to guarantee a place, as some ferries operate less frequently outside of peak summer.
Booking your Greece to Turkey ferry early also lets you take advantage of the cheapest advance-purchase ticket prices and any special deals or discounts.
2023 Ferry Schedules from Turkey to Greece
Ferry companies begin releasing their up-to-date schedules and tickets for the 2023 summer season starting in January/February 2023.
Here are some key things to know about popular Turkey to Greece ferry routes for 2023:
- Bodrum to Kos ferries will run frequently, up to 6 times daily.
- Rhodes to Bodrum ferries operate 2 times per week.
- There are 6 weekly ferries between Çeşme and Chios.
- Samos to Kuşadası ferries will have multiple daily departures.
- Two companies run Lesbos to Ayvalık ferries 3 times daily.
As soon as the latest 2023 ferry timetables and prices are published, you can check schedules and book tickets on Ferryhopper.
Greece to Turkey Ferry Costs and Tickets
Ferry ticket prices from Turkey to the Greek islands vary by route and season. Here are sample starting prices for popular routes:
- Bodrum to Kos: from €20
- Rhodes to Bodrum: from €55
- Chios to Çeşme: from €26
- Samos to Kuşadası: from €30
- Lesbos to Ayvalık: from €20
It’s usually cheapest to book in advance or opt for deck passage tickets. Private cabins cost extra. Tickets can be purchased directly online through ferry company websites or booking sites like Ferryhopper. You can also buy ferry tickets at the port on the day of departure, availability permitting.
When comparing ferry ticket prices between companies, be sure to verify if your fare includes port taxes and other fees. Some discounted fares are “basic” ticket prices that exclude taxes/fees which are paid separately at check-in.
Greece and Turkey Ferry Operators
There are over a dozen ferry operators running routes between Turkey and the Greek islands. Some of the major companies include:
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Turyol – Connects Kuşadası with Samos and the Dodecanese islands.
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Meander Travel – Operates ferries from Çeşme to Chios and from Ayvalık to Lesbos.
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Erturk Lines – Provides ferry services from Bodrum to Kos, Rhodes and other Dodecanese islands.
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Sea Dreams – Runs ferries on routes like Patmos to Bodrum/Kuşadası.
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Makri Travel – Serves eastern Aegean routes,such as between Samos and Kuşadası/Smyrna.
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Yellow Lines – Rhodes to Marmaris ferry route.
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BodrumExpressLines– Fast catamaran from Bodrum to Kos.
Booking Your Greece to Turkey Ferry Ticket
The easiest way to book ferry tickets from Turkey to Greece is through an online booking site like Ferryhopper.com. You can:
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Easily compare all ferry companies, schedules and prices across multiple routes.
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Book tickets on any route with instant e-ticket confirmation.
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Access special internet-only fares and discounts.
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Purchase tickets safely with major credit/debit cards or PayPal.
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Get 24/7 customer support for any booking questions or issues.
Booking online in advance locks in your ferry seating and lets you travel on your preferred departure date and time. You can also book last minute online, up to just 30 minutes before a ferry departs.
Alternatively, you can purchase tickets in person at the ferry port on the day you want to travel, based on availability. During peak season, you risk ferries selling out, so online pre-booking is recommended.
Top Tips for Ferries from Turkey to Greece
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Arrive at the ferry port at least 45-60 minutes before departure time to check in and clear customs/immigration.
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Print out or have a digital copy of your ticket readily available when you get to the port.
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Travel light and only bring essentials in a small bag or backpack. Large suitcases are difficult to store on busy ferries.
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Sit on the outside decks to relax and enjoy the sea views. Inside seating is limited.
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Ferries have basic food/drink for purchase onboard but it’s pricier, so bring your own snacks.
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Seasickness medication is advised if you’re prone to motion sickness on boats.
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Top deck seats sell out fast in peak season. Book early or upgrade onboard for the best views.
With a little advance planning, taking the ferry from Turkey to the Greek islands is an easy and enjoyable way to start your Mediterranean vacation. Check out all the latest ferry routes, compare departure times and book your tickets online at Ferryhopper.
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Turkey – Greece Ferries
Find out everything you need to know about taking a ferry from Turkey to Greece and pick the option that works best for you. This page lists the ferry companies that run each route. You can then go to the booking platform to see the available sailings, how to book a room, and how much a ticket costs. No matter if you want to find the fastest route, the best ship, or the cheapest ferry ticket, our booking engine will give you all the information you need in 3 easy steps.
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YOUR PERSONAL FERRY BOOKING AGENT
Every customer has a personal Ferry Booking Agent who speaks their language and gets back to them within 3 business hours. Your agent is available to you before, during and after your trip.
Greekferries Club Bonus Per Mile
No matter which ferry company you take, you’ll earn miles. When you redeem your miles, you can get discounts and even free tickets.
Turkiye to Greece by Ferry: Your Ultimate Ferry Guide from Fethiye to Rhodes
FAQ
How long is a boat ride from Greece to Turkey?
Can you travel from Turkey to Greece by boat?
Is there any ferry from Greece to Turkey?
How far is Istanbul from Greece by ferry?
Can you get a ferry from Greece to Turkey?
While it’s not possible to get a ferry from the larger Greek cities it is possible from five major islands (Samos, Kos, Rhodes, Lesbos, and Chios). Ferry travel is an easy and scenic way to get to Turkey from Greece. Some ferries run only during the summer tourist season, while others have a drastically reduced schedule in the winter season.
Where is the most expensive ferry route in Turkey?
The most uncertain and expensive ferry connection (for what you get) is and always has been the one between Lesvos (Mytileni) and Ayvalık. Here are maps: İzmir region (showing Kuşadası and Çeşme) and Bodrum-Marmaris region (showing Bodrum, Marmaris, Kos, and Rhodes). Here’s a schematic map of all ferry routes.
Where do ferries go to Marmaris?
Ferries to Marmaris depart from the port of Rhodes (Rhodes Tourist Port) near the Old Town. The majority of ferries depart from the 3 docks of the main port of Rhodes. There, you can find plenty of restaurants, cafés, car rentals, hotels, and other traveler amenities.
Where to go in Turkey – Bodrum & Samos?
Rhodes: Offering rich history and lively nightlife, Rhodes can be accessed from Bodrum, Fethiye, and Marmaris. Samos: Famous for its wine production and historical sites, Samos can be reached from Kuşadası. Symi: popular for its neoclassical architecture, Symi is seasonally accessible from Bodrum.