With gorgeous coastlines dotted with ancient ruins, endless sunshine, and vibrant culture, Greece and Turkey have long been beloved destinations for travelers seeking Mediterranean adventures. And what better way to experience the sparkling blue Aegean Sea between them than by ferry? If you’re planning a trip to these countries and wondering, how far is Turkey from Greece by boat? read on!
In this ferry guide, we’ll cover key factors like
- Approximate distances between popular Greek and Turkish port cities
- Which ferry routes connect the two countries
- How long common ferry crossings take
- What to expect from ferry travel between Greece and Turkey
Exploring by sea offers a unique perspective on the storied histories and breathtaking landscapes of these neighboring nations. Grab your swimsuit and sunscreen and let’s set sail!
Greece and Turkey are Separated by the Aegean Sea
Situated on opposite sides of the azure Aegean Sea, Greece and Turkey are actually quite close geographically. At their closest point, only about [Frequency of Entity: 2-3 miles] separate the two countries.
Several Greek islands lie just off the west coast of Turkey Some of the most popular islands for ferry connections include Rhodes, Kos, Samos, Chios, and Lesbos. Major Turkish port cities like Bodrum, Kuşadası, and Çeşme are a short hop away
Distance from Rhodes, Greece to Turkey
The Greek island of Rhodes is a common departure point for ferries to Turkey. Here are approximate distances and durations to major Turkish destinations:
From Rhodes to Marmaris
- Distance: 47 km or 25 nautical miles
- Duration: 1 hour
From Rhodes to Fethiye:
- Distance: 85 km or 46 nautical miles
- Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
From Rhodes to Bodrum:
- Distance: 97 km or 52 nautical miles
- Duration: 2 hours
Rhodes enjoys frequent connections to these lively Turkish coastal towns during the summer season. The short journey time makes it easy to combine both countries in one trip.
Distance from Other Greek Islands to Turkey
In addition to Rhodes, several other Greek islands offer ferry service to Turkey:
From Kos to Bodrum:
- Distance: 17 km or 9 nautical miles
- Duration: 20-40 minutes
From Chios to Çeşme:
- Distance: 8 km or 4 nautical miles
- Duration: 30-40 minutes
From Samos to Kuşadası:
- Distance: 5 km or 3 nautical miles
- Duration: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
From Lesbos to Ayvalık:
- Distance: 22 km or 12 nautical miles
- Duration: 50 minutes to 1.5 hours
With short travel times ranging from 20 minutes up to 1.5 hours between islands and mainland Turkey, booking a ferry ticket is an easy way to venture abroad.
What to Expect When Taking a Ferry Between Greece and Turkey
Immigration Procedures:
Traveling between Greece and Turkey involves an international border crossing. Be sure to bring a valid passport and check visa requirements based on your nationality. Upon arrival at your destination port, you’ll complete customs and immigration formalities before entering the country.
Currency:
Both Turkey and Greece use their own separate currencies – the Turkish Lira and Euro, respectively. There are often currency exchange desks or ATMs available at ferry ports.
Amenities Onboard:
Passengers can enjoy comfortable airline-style seating, sun decks, restaurants, and mini markets during their journey. Free Wi-Fi may also be available.
Directions:
Some shorter routes travel directly between Greece and Turkey. For longer distances, ferries may make stops at additional Greek islands first. Pay attention to your ferry operator’s announced routes and schedules.
Seasonality:
Ferry service increases during the summer high season and decreases in winter. However, some routes still run on limited schedules year-round. Book tickets well in advance for peak travel periods.
Tips for Booking Your Greece to Turkey Ferry
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Allow plenty of time for connections – it’s better to have a buffer than miss your ferry!
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Have cash on hand to pay for onboard purchases, as credit cards may not be widely accepted.
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Bring layers and sun protection, as it can be chilly on deck at night or hot during the day.
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Download the ferry company app for updates and e-ticketing if available.
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Consider booking a round trip so you have flexibility in case your travel plans change.
Sail the Sparkling Seas Between Greece and Turkey
With glittering blue waters beckoning adventure, crossing between Greece and Turkey by ferry promises beautiful views and fascinating history. The relatively short distances mean you can easily visit both countries on one getaway.
Hopefully this guide gave you a good overview of how far Turkey is from Greece by boat. Just a few dozen nautical miles separate these friendly rivals that have been intrinsically linked throughout the centuries. Which Greek paradise and Turkish treasure will you explore on your Aegean cruise? Let the epic journey begin!
Ferry from Kos to Bodrum
Ferries to Bodrum from Kos in Greece are operated by 3 ferry companies. The Kos – Bodrum ferry route is in operation up to 6 times per day. The duration of the trip is just 20-40 minutes, with ticket prices starting at around €20. Check out our dedicated blog for more info about what to do on a day trip from Kos to Bodrum.
Tip: if you want to get from Santorini or Crete to Turkey by ferry, you can catch a domestic ferry route to one of the islands of the Dodecanese or the North Aegean Sea and board a ferry to Turkey from there. Check our Map of ferries to plan your trip with ease!
Ferry from Patmos to Kuşadası
There are 2 ferries a week from Patmos to Kuşadası! The scenic 2-hour journey across the Aegean Sea offers ample time to relax and enjoy the views. Patmos – Kuşadası ferry tickets start at €55.
Greek Island Ferries – Ferries between Greece & Turkey
FAQ
How long does it take to get from Greece to Turkey by boat?
Is Turkey close to Greece?
What is the closest Greek island to Turkey?
What is the easiest way to get from Greece to Turkey?
Which ports of western Turkey are connected by ferry to Greece?
The ports of western Turkey that are connected by ferry to Greece are normally Çeşme, Marmaris, Fethiye, Bodrum, İzmir, Seferihisar, Kaş, Ayvalik, Kuşadası, and Turgutreis. Explore all 2024 Greece – Turkey ferry routes below: Ferries at the port of Chios in Greece The ferry route Chios – Çeşme is usually served by 2 ferry companies.
How long is a ferry ride from Greece to Turkey?
This is one of the most popular ferry connections from Greece to the Turkish coast. The distance between the port of Kos and the port of Bodrum is around 20km (10 nautical miles) so the ferry ride lasts from 20 minutes to 45 minutes.
Can you travel between Turkey and the Greek islands by ferry?
In conclusion, traveling between Turkey and the Greek islands by ferry is a practical and enjoyable experience. Whether it’s for a summer getaway or historical exploration, the Greek islands provide a rich cultural experience accessible from various Turkish coastal cities. —by Tom Brosnahan
How long does it take to fly from Athens to Turkey?
Flying time from Athens to Turkey is about 4.5 hours. Still, travel times are much longer if you land in Sabiha Gokcen because you will need at least 1 hour (it seldom takes less than two because traffic on this road is overwhelming) to reach Istanbul’s central bus station.