Bodrum Ferry (Bodrum Ferryboat Association)

Who they are

The Bodrum Ferryboat Association — known locally as Bodrum Ferry Boat — is the long-established cooperative of ferry operators based in Bodrum, the resort city on Turkey's south-west Aegean coast. The association is one of the oldest ferry organisations on the Turkish Aegean, having operated the short international crossing to the Greek island of Kos for decades, alongside domestic routes serving the deeply indented coastline of the Gulf of Gökova.

Unlike the larger national operators, Bodrum Ferry has a distinctly local character: it grew out of the community of Bodrum boat operators and retains close ties to the town. The international Kos route is its flagship service, running across the narrow Kos Strait that separates the Turkish and Greek sides of the southern Aegean.

Network and routes

The centrepiece of the operation is the Bodrum–Kos crossing, one of the shortest international sea routes in the Aegean at just 20–30 minutes. Running from Bodrum's main marina terminal to Kos Town harbour, this is a passenger-only fast-boat service that operates multiple times daily in the height of summer. The crossing is shared with Turyol on some schedules, giving travellers more departure options during the peak season.

On the domestic side, the Bodrum–Datça service runs across and around the Gulf of Gökova to the slender Datça Peninsula — one of Turkey's most scenic and least developed stretches of coast. This is a car-carrying ro-ro service taking around two hours, and it forms part of the practical transport network for the peninsula, which is otherwise reached by a long mountain road. The route also connects to the wider network of domestic Gulf of Gökova services that link the small fishing harbours and resort coves scattered along the northern and southern shores of the gulf.

Fleet and on board

Bodrum Ferry operates a mixed fleet suited to its two distinct service types. The international Kos route uses fast passenger launches and catamarans — light, quick vessels designed for the 20–30 minute crossing with seating for foot passengers and limited luggage space. Air conditioning is standard on the enclosed cabins; the short crossing makes extended facilities unnecessary.

The Bodrum–Datça car ferry is a conventional ro-ro vessel with drive-on vehicle decks and a passenger saloon above. The two-hour Gulf of Gökova crossing is long enough to warrant a proper café service, and the open deck offers outstanding views of the rocky, pine-covered peninsulas that define this coastline. The gulf is one of Turkey's most protected marine areas, and the scenery en route to Datça is a highlight in its own right.

Booking and tips

Bodrum–Kos tickets can be purchased at the Bodrum harbour ticket offices, from agents in Kos Town, and through the Bodrum Ferryboat Association website. During July and August, same-day tickets are often available but seats on the most popular morning departures sell out — book the day before if your schedule is fixed.

Passengers on the international Kos service must clear Turkish passport control before boarding and Greek border formalities on arrival. Allow 45–60 minutes before the stated departure time, particularly in high season. Both sides of the crossing can have queues.

The Bodrum–Datça ferry is a useful alternative to driving the long mountain road and is popular with cyclists, motorcyclists and travellers exploring the Datça Peninsula at a relaxed pace. No advance booking is generally required for vehicles outside peak periods, but arriving early during August weekends is advisable.

Day-trippers making the quick crossing to Kos should confirm visa requirements in advance — the crossing is international, and both a valid passport and any required visas must be in order for both directions of travel.