Sailing from Turkey to Greece: The Ultimate Ferry Guide

There is no shortage of options to choose from when it comes to selecting a ferry from Turkey to Dodecanese Islands. There are 7 ferry companies with a combined offering of 14 ferry routes connecting Fethiye to Rhodes, Bodrum to Kos, Rhodes & Symi (Simi), Cesme to Chios, Ayvalik to Mytilene, Marmaris to Rhodes, Kusadasi to Pythagorio, Vathi & Patmos, Turgutreis to Kos, Kalymnos & Patmos & Didim to Kos. The fastest route between Turkey and Dodecanese Islands is Kos with a crossing duration of around 20 minutes. With so many routes on offer we make it simple by comparing all similar routes in one search so you can quickly find what you are looking for.

Turkey Dodecanese Islands ferries are operated by Makri Travel, Turyol, Dentur Avrasya, Exas Shipping Services, Meander Travel, Sea Dreams & Sky Marine. Turkey Dodecanese Islands ferries run about 129 times per week. Ferry schedules can vary by season, operator, ship and route.

With over 3000 miles of beautiful Mediterranean coastline between them Turkey and Greece have been connected by sea travel for millennia. Today ferries remain one of the most popular, affordable, and scenic ways to journey between these two fascinating nations.

Whether you’re looking to island hop around the Aegean or cross between mainlands, this ferry guide has everything you need to plan your perfect Turkey to Greece boat trip.

Overview of Routes

There are many ferry routes connecting Turkey and Greece across the Aegean Sea, including:

  • Istanbul to Athens
  • Çeşme to Chios
  • Kuşadası to Samos
  • Bodrum to Kos
  • Marmaris to Rhodes
  • Fethiye to Patmos

The most popular Greek islands with ferry service to Turkey include Rhodes, Kos, Samos, Chios, Lesbos, and many more On the Turkish side, the main ferry ports are in Çeşme, Kuşadası , Bodrum, and Marmaris

From western Turkey, you can even catch ferries to the Greek mainland. The route between Çeşme and Athens is perfect for continuing your journey.

Ferry Companies and Schedules

A dozen ferry companies operate routes between Greece and Turkey. Some of the most prominent names are Blue Star Ferries, Aegean Speed Lines, and Bodrum Ferryboat Association.

Schedules vary by season, but most routes will have at least a couple of crossings per week. In summer, there can be multiple departures per day. The Athens-Çeşme and Kos-Bodrum routes have the most frequent service.

Booking in advance is recommended, especially for vehicle tickets. You can check schedules and book tickets on Ferryhopper.

What to Expect Onboard

The size and quality of ferries ranges quite a bit. On short routes of 1-2 hours, the ferries may be basic with just airplane-style seating. For longer overnight trips, ferries offer beds in multi-share cabins, private cabins, restaurants, bars, shops, children’s play areas, cinemas, and other amenities.

All ferries have outdoor viewing decks where you can enjoy the sea breezes and scenic coastlines. It’s the ultimate way to cruise between Greece and Turkey!

Onboarding, you’ll need to clear basic security and customs checks when leaving each country. Your passport will be checked so have it handy.

Fares and Cost Considerations

Ferry fares between Greece and Turkey are quite reasonable. As a sample, one-way tickets between Kos and Bodrum start around €20 per person for deck passage. Private cabins are more expensive but still affordable, especially if splitting the cost between four people.

Vehicle tickets will be extra. The longer overnight routes like Istanbul-Athens have dynamic pricing with discounts for booking early.

Other costs to account for include port taxes of around €10 per person, fuel surcharges, meals onboard, and any booking fees. Expect to pay between €50-100 per person for short routes and €100-200+ for longer overnight trips.

Travel Time and Onward Plans

Shorter ferry crossings take just 30 minutes up to 2 hours between neighbouring islands and mainland ports. This makes for excellent day trip possibilities.

Overnight ferries will have you arrive in the morning after 8-12 hours of sailing. Some routes like Istanbul-Athens take around 24 hours direct.

Upon arrival, onward travel is easy by public transport like metro, bus, or domestic flights. Many ferries arrive directly into convenient downtown ports. Or you can spend a few days enjoying your arrival destination before the next leg of your journey.

Tips for Booking and Travel

  • Book early for best fares and to secure vehicle space
  • Pick a ferry with amenities to suit your needs
  • Bring layers as it can get cool on deck at night
  • Download movies, music, books etc for onboard entertainment
  • Pick up snacks and drinks at port shops before boarding
  • Get to the port at least an hour before departure
  • Have your passport ready for clearance in each port
  • Consider travel insurance in case of missed connections

Set Sail on an Aegean Adventure

Island hopping by ferry is the best way to experience Greece and Turkey. With a little planning using this guide, you’ll save money, travel in comfort, and have an epic Mediterranean adventure.

Let the sea breeze blow through your hair as dolphins swim alongside your ferry. Greece and Turkey await you! Book your tickets today.

turkey to greece by boat

Ferries from Marmaris to Rhodes

Ferries from Marmaris to Rhodes sail around 2 times daily and up to 15 times weekly with a duration of about 1 hour .

Can I take my car on the ferry from Turkey to Dodecanese Islands?

Passengers can take a car on the ferry from Turkey to Dodecanese Islands. Passengers can take a car on ferries with Makri Travel & Turyol.

Turkiye to Greece by Ferry: Your Ultimate Ferry Guide from Fethiye to Rhodes

FAQ

How long is a boat ride from Greece to Turkey?

The Samos – Kuşadası ferry route is served by 3 ferry companies and the duration of the sailing is around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. The route is usually available twice daily, with tickets starting at around €30.

Can you go from Turkey to Greece by boat?

Ferry travel between Turkey and Greece provides a unique opportunity to enjoy picturesque sea views and the relaxed pace of maritime journeys. It offers flexibility in terms of departure points and destinations, allowing travelers to explore various islands and coastal cities.

How many hours from Turkey to Greece by ferry?

Turkey to Greece ferry duration Fethiye – Rhodes : a maximum sailing time of 2 hours. Marmaris – Rhodes : 2h of sailing time. Bodrum – Rhodes : around 2.5h. Cesme – Chios : a maximum of 40 minutes.

How long is the refugee boat ride from Turkey to Greece?

The roughly 1.5 hour boat ride between Turkey’s western coastline and the closest Greek island has cost anywhere between $900-3000 per person. With winter approaching, the weather also becomes more unpredictable, causing further confusion and fear for refugees fleeing conflict.

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 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.

Are there ferries to Turkey in winter?

In winter, ferries to Turkey are not that frequent and there may be only one boat a week or there may be no service at all. Ferries depart from the port of Chios Town and arrive in Cesme 45 minutes later. Cesme is a popular holiday resort in Turkey, just 85 km from Izmir, the third largest city of Turkey.

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