Turyol

Who they are

Turyol is the dominant ferry company on the short international crossings between the Turkish Aegean coast and the nearest Greek islands. With departure points spread across southern Turkey — Bodrum, Marmaris, Çeşme, Kuşadası and Fethiye — the company connects the most visited Turkish resort towns directly to the Greek islands that lie just a few nautical miles offshore.

The operation is built around speed and convenience. Crossings range from around 20 minutes (Bodrum to Kos) to roughly two hours (Bodrum to Rhodes), making it practical to combine a stay on the Turkish coast with a day trip or overnight to Greece, or to island-hop between the two countries entirely by sea.

Because every Turyol route is an international border crossing, a valid passport is mandatory for all passengers regardless of nationality. This is an important distinction from domestic Turkish ferry services — there are no exceptions.

Network and routes

Turyol's busiest corridor is the Bodrum–Kos crossing, a short hop across the Kos Strait that takes 20–30 minutes and runs multiple times daily in high season. From Bodrum the company also sails south to Rhodes, a longer two-hour run that suits travellers combining the Turkish and Dodecanese parts of an Aegean trip.

On the northern Aegean coast, Çeşme–Chios takes around 30 minutes and is a popular gateway for those visiting Çeşme or heading onward into the northern Greek islands. Kuşadası–Samos (approximately 75 minutes) provides a natural link between Turkey's most-visited cruise port and the lush western Aegean island of Samos.

Further south, Marmaris–Rhodes is the Turquoise Coast crossing, a 50-minute to 1.5-hour run depending on vessel and conditions. The Fethiye–Rhodes route extends Turyol's reach to the yacht-charter hub of Fethiye, with a crossing of roughly 1.5 hours.

All routes are seasonal; frequency is highest in July and August and drops sharply outside the main tourist season.

Fleet and on board

Turyol operates a mixed fleet of fast catamarans and conventional passenger vessels. High-season services on the busiest routes use wave-piercing catamarans capable of 30–35 knots, keeping journey times short even when headwinds reduce speed slightly. Seating is aircraft-style with assigned or open seating depending on the vessel, and air conditioning is standard throughout.

None of the international crossings carry private cars or motorcycles — these are strictly foot-passenger services. Hand luggage allowances are reasonable for day-trippers; passengers carrying large bags or bicycle cases should check current policies at the port on the day.

A small café or snack service is typically available on board. Given the short crossing times, facilities are functional rather than extensive — the focus is on a fast, comfortable transit rather than an on-board experience.

Booking and tips

Book Turyol tickets as early as possible for July and August, when crossings fill quickly, particularly on the Bodrum–Kos and Marmaris–Rhodes routes. Tickets are sold at the port ticket offices in Turkey and at agents in the Greek island ports, as well as through Turyol's own website.

Arrive at the Turkish departure port with time to clear Turkish passport control and customs before boarding. The Greek side also has border formalities on arrival. Allow at least 45–60 minutes before the stated departure time, especially in high season when queues can be long.

Check weather conditions before travelling. The Aegean can be choppy, particularly when the Meltemi wind builds in July and August. Cancellations are more common on smaller or older vessels; the fast catamarans generally operate in moderate conditions but may be delayed in strong winds.

Day-trippers visiting a Greek island from Turkey (or vice versa) should confirm visa requirements in advance — citizens of many countries need a Schengen visa for Greece and a separate e-Visa for Turkey, and both must be arranged before departure.