Çeşme to Chios Ferry

Where it leaves from

The Çeşme–Chios ferry departs from Çeşme's passenger ferry terminal, which sits in the town centre beside the medieval Çeşme Castle and the main square. The strait between the two ports is barely 8 kilometres at its narrowest, making this one of the shortest international sea crossings in the Mediterranean. The ferry arrives at Chios Town (Hora), where the port is directly on the waterfront in the island's capital.

An international border crossing

Although the crossing takes only around 30 minutes, it is a full international border between Turkey and Greece. Çeşme is on the Turkish mainland; Chios is a Greek island and part of the EU Schengen Area. Every passenger must carry a valid passport. Identity cards are not sufficient for crossing this border. Depending on your nationality, a Schengen visa may be required to enter Greece, or a Turkish e-visa to enter Turkey on the way back. Confirm your specific requirements before booking and ensure your documents are valid for the entire trip.

Operator and vessel

Turyol operates the Çeşme–Chios route using fast passenger catamarans. The crossing takes approximately 30 minutes. This is a passenger-only service — no vehicles, motorcycles or bicycles are carried. Luggage limits apply; check with Turyol when booking.

Seasonal schedule and booking

The Çeşme–Chios ferry runs on a seasonal timetable, broadly from May through October. Sailings are most frequent in July and August, when daily crossings are typical; in shoulder season the schedule may be reduced to a few per week. Winter services are very limited or suspended entirely. Always verify the current timetable directly with Turyol, particularly outside the main summer season. Booking ahead in peak season is recommended, as popular departures can sell out.

Çeşme, Chios and the northern Aegean

The proximity of Çeşme and Chios — and the brevity of the crossing — makes this a natural link in a Turkey–Greece touring route. From Chios you can continue by overnight ferry to Piraeus (Athens); from Çeşme you have excellent road access to İzmir and onward to İstanbul. The two destinations complement each other well: Çeşme and nearby Alaçatı offer beaches, windsurfing and stone-village character; Chios is known for its medieval Genoese castles, mastic villages and extraordinary Byzantine monastery at Nea Moni.