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 can take as little as 20 minutes, it is a full international border between Turkey and Greece, with passport control on both sides. Çeşme is on the Turkish mainland; Chios is a Greek island and part of the EU Schengen Area, where non-EU travellers are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System on arrival. Carry a valid passport. Depending on your nationality, a Schengen visa may be required to enter Greece, or a Turkish visa or e-Visa to enter Turkey on the way back. Confirm your specific requirements before booking.

Operator and vessels

Turyol runs the Çeşme–Chios route, and other companies also sail it. The crossing takes about 20 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes depending on the operator and vessel. Some sailings carry cars: Turyol's small open-deck ferries Fokaia and Chios take around 30 vehicles each, while its other boats are passenger-only. If you are driving, check that your sailing is on a car ferry and book early.

Seasonal schedule and booking

The busiest season runs from May to October, with morning and evening sailings in both directions and the most departures in July and August. The route also runs in winter on a reduced schedule. Always verify the current timetable, particularly outside the main summer season, and book ahead in peak season, as popular departures and car spaces can sell out.

Çeşme, Chios and the northern Aegean

The proximity of Çeşme and Chios and the brevity of the crossing make 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.