Do I need a passport to take a ferry from Bodrum?

Yes — ferries from Bodrum to Kos, Rhodes and other Greek islands cross an international border. You need a valid passport. Many nationalities also require a Greek/Schengen visa for EU entry or a Turkish e-visa depending on direction of travel. Check requirements before you travel.

Where does the Bodrum ferry depart from?

Bodrum's passenger ferry terminal (iskele) is in the town centre, a short walk from the main marina and bazaar. Turyol and Bodrum Ferry Boat Association services depart from here.

Can I take a car on the Bodrum ferry to Kos or Rhodes?

No — the Bodrum–Kos and Bodrum–Rhodes crossings are operated by fast passenger-only catamarans and hydrofoils. Vehicles are not carried on these international routes.

How seasonal are the Bodrum ferry services?

Services are predominantly seasonal. Most routes to the Greek islands run from April or May through October, with peak frequency in July and August. Winter sailings are very limited or suspended — always check current schedules.

Bodrum Ferries

Bodrum is the main Turkish Aegean gateway to the Greek Dodecanese, with fast catamaran crossings to Kos (around 20–30 minutes) and Rhodes, plus domestic services to Datça and the Gulf of Gökova.

The port: Bodrum

The ferry terminal at Bodrum sits at the water's edge in the heart of the town, within sight of the landmark medieval Castle of St Peter — now home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology — and surrounded by the whitewashed houses and bougainvillea that define the Aegean coast of Turkey. The terminal is compact and walkable from every part of the town centre.

Bodrum handles two distinct categories of ferry: short international passenger crossings to the nearby Greek Dodecanese islands of Kos and Rhodes, and domestic Turkish services across the Gulf of Gökova to Datça on the Datça Peninsula.

International crossings — passport required

Ferries from Bodrum to Kos (about 20–30 minutes) and Rhodes (about 2 hours 15 minutes) are international border crossings between Turkey and Greece. All passengers must carry a valid passport. Greek islands are part of the EU Schengen Area; depending on your nationality, you may need a Schengen visa for Greece or a Turkish e-visa for Turkey. Check requirements for your specific passport well before travel.

These services are operated by Turyol and Bodrum Ferry Boat Association using fast passenger catamarans and hydrofoils. No vehicles are carried on the international routes.

Domestic services

Bodrum Ferry Boat Association also runs car-carrying ferries within Turkey to Datça across the Gulf of Gökova — a roughly 2-hour crossing through spectacular sea scenery. This domestic route does not require a passport beyond standard Turkish identity documentation for Turkish citizens; international visitors need their passport as a matter of course.

Seasonal patterns

International ferry services from Bodrum are heavily seasonal. Most routes operate from April through October, with the highest frequency in July and August. Winter schedules are sparse and some routes are suspended entirely. Book ahead in the peak summer months and always verify the current timetable with the operator before travelling.

Ports & terminals

Bodrum FerriesView on map →

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a passport to take a ferry from Bodrum?: Yes — ferries from Bodrum to Kos, Rhodes and other Greek islands cross an international border. You need a valid passport. Many nationalities also require a Greek/Schengen visa for EU entry or a Turkish e-visa depending on direction of travel. Check requirements before you travel.
Where does the Bodrum ferry depart from?: Bodrum's passenger ferry terminal (iskele) is in the town centre, a short walk from the main marina and bazaar. Turyol and Bodrum Ferry Boat Association services depart from here.
Can I take a car on the Bodrum ferry to Kos or Rhodes?: No — the Bodrum–Kos and Bodrum–Rhodes crossings are operated by fast passenger-only catamarans and hydrofoils. Vehicles are not carried on these international routes.
How seasonal are the Bodrum ferry services?: Services are predominantly seasonal. Most routes to the Greek islands run from April or May through October, with peak frequency in July and August. Winter sailings are very limited or suspended — always check current schedules.