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Guide to Taking the Bodrum–Kos Ferry: Our Smooth Sailing Between Turkey and Greece
- Jenn & Leon
- 6 hours ago
- 9 min read
Crossing from Turkey to Greece by ferry is not only practical but a delightful bucket-list experience.
We recently made this short yet scenic trip from Bodrum, Türkiye, to Kos Island, Greece—perfectly timed for Leon’s birthday celebration.
In this guide, we'll share instructions on booking tickets, navigating immigration and customs, onboard comfort tips, and our personal experiences (good and not-so-good!) to help you make the most of your ferry crossing.
Travel Resources
How to Get to Bodrum for Your Ferry Journey
Getting to Bodrum, a popular Turkish holiday destination, is straightforward, with convenient international and domestic flight connections.
We flew directly from London Stansted to Bodrum Airport (Milas-Bodrum Airport), which offers numerous flights from across Europe, particularly during peak season.
From the airport, licensed taxis are readily available.
The journey from the airport to Bodrum city center takes around 35–40 minutes and typically costs about 1650 Turkish lira (~€50).
Please note that taxi drivers often prefer cash, as payment by card incurs an additional 11% processing fee.
However, they will gladly stop at an ATM if necessary.
Alternatively, private transfers, shuttles, and rental cars can also be pre-booked online, providing additional comfort and reliability.
Where to Stay in Bodrum
Bodrum offers plenty of accommodation options suitable for all budgets.
However, for easy ferry access, we highly recommend staying near the Bodrum marina or city center.
We stayed at Boti Butik Hotel, conveniently located just five minutes from the ferry terminal. It provided the perfect overnight stay, offering both comfort and practicality.
Browse hotels in Bodrum using our interactive map below:
We flew into Bodrum from Stansted Airport and spent the night before our ferry journey at the charming Boti Butik Hotel, conveniently located just five minutes from the Bodrum ferry terminal.
The hotel offered a relaxing stay, ideal for an overnight stop, ensuring we were refreshed for the next day's travel.
Read our detailed review:
💡 Tip: A taxi from Bodrum Airport to the hotel cost us 1650 Turkish Lira (~€50). Taxis accept cards but charge an 11% processing fee, so withdrawing cash at an ATM may save money.
How to Book Ferry Tickets from Bodrum to Kos
Booking ferry tickets online is straightforward, but picking the right platform can save you both time and unexpected fees.
We initially used Makri Travel via Direct Ferries but found our booking site, 12Go, to be clearer and easier to use.
Whichever you choose, ensure you have the digital QR code tickets ready before departure day.
● Cost: Approximately €25–€40 per person (one-way).
● Booking: You’ll receive a QR code ticket via email.
Ferry Schedule & Duration
The Bodrum–Kos ferry, Sea Star Kos, operates multiple times daily during peak travel months, making it convenient to plan your journey.
Although schedules may vary slightly, the quick crossing ensures you can maximize your time exploring both destinations.
● Check-in time: Arrive at least 1 hour before departure.
● Journey duration: Approx. 40 minutes.
Note that there are several other ferry operators, aside from the one we traveled on (Sea Star Kos).
Step-by-Step Ferry Boarding & Immigration Procedure
Arriving prepared at Bodrum’s well-organized ferry terminal ensures a smooth and efficient boarding experience.
Understanding the steps—from ticket verification through immigration—helps reduce stress, leaving you free to enjoy the journey.
● Arrive at Bodrum Port: Our taxi dropped us off directly outside the ferry office.
● Check-in: Present your QR code tickets and passports at the ticket office to receive boarding passes.
● Security & Immigration: Quick passport checks, baggage scans, and exiting through duty-free.
● Boarding: Staff will direct you to the correct ferry; note that stairs are involved when boarding.
● Total process: Approximately 15 minutes.
Comfort & Onboard Experience
Although the ferry journey from Bodrum to Kos is relatively short, knowing what to expect on board helps set realistic expectations and improves comfort.
Below are our personal observations and recommendations for making your crossing pleasant.
● Seating: Seats were comfortable enough but notably worn. Seatbelts are available but not enforced.
● Snack bar: Available but overpriced (40%+ markup). Consider bringing your own snacks and water.
● Luggage: Easy-to-access storage area is available onboard near the exit.
Arrival in Kos: Immigration & Transportation
The ferry arrival into Kos is straightforward, with Greek immigration officers processing travelers efficiently.
However, knowing exactly what awaits you outside the terminal can greatly impact your arrival experience, especially in peak season.
Upon arrival, Greek immigration checks were straightforward and speedy.
⪢ Transportation Options in Kos:
● Taxis: The Taxi rank is a 5–10-minute walk from the ferry terminal. Sidewalks are narrow and crowded with bikes—awkward with luggage.
Expect significant waits during peak season.
● Transfers/Car Hire: Strongly recommend pre-arranging a hotel transfer or rental vehicle to avoid taxi queues and hassle.
💡 Tip: Only 72 taxis operate across Kos, making pre-booking essential, especially for return trips.
Where to Stay in Kos
Kos Island is a popular tourist destination with a wide range of accommodations, from luxurious resorts to charming guesthouses.
Choosing a hotel near Kos Town (the main port area) can significantly simplify transport logistics, especially when arriving by ferry.
We strongly recommend pre-booking accommodation close to the harbor, allowing easier transfers and quick access to the island’s attractions and amenities.
Explore accommodation options in Kos on our interactive map below:
Returning from Kos to Bodrum: A Few Cautions
While the outbound journey was seamless, our return trip had unexpected issues, highlighting the importance of being prepared for unforeseen events.
Here’s what you need to know to avoid similar frustrations.
Returning presented a few hiccups:
● Unexpected Port Tax: We had to pay a surprise €5 per person port tax (cash only, no receipt), not disclosed during ticket booking.
Have cash prepared, or you'll face a high ATM fee (€5, minimum withdrawal €20).
● Delayed Ferry: Our return ferry departed from Kos 30 minutes late without clear communication.
Plan extra buffer time for onward travel connections.
Despite these inconveniences, arrival and immigration at Bodrum port upon return were smooth, quick, and straightforward.
Watch Our Ferry Journey from Bodrum to Kos (Video)
We captured our entire ferry crossing from Türkiye to Greece and back—see our experience, the port setup, and more tips in our YouTube video:
If you enjoy our video and want to follow more of our adventures, please like and subscribe!
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Additional Tips for a Smooth Ferry Journey
Based on our experience, we’ve gathered a few additional practical tips to ensure you have the smoothest ferry experience possible.
● Cash matters: Always carry euros and Turkish lira to avoid unexpected fees.
● Sun protection: Both ports lack adequate shade; a hat and sunscreen are essential.
● Toilets: Ferry bathrooms were disappointing—bring hand sanitizer and tissues.
Frequently Asked Questions: Taking the Ferry from Bodrum to Kos
Here are quick answers to 10 common questions travelers have about taking the ferry between Bodrum and Kos:
Do I need a visa for Greece/Turkey when taking the ferry?
Most EU, UK, and US passport holders can visit Greece visa-free.
Turkey has an e-visa system or visa-free entry for many nationalities, but always confirm before traveling.
How long before departure should I arrive at the ferry port?
Arrive at least 1 hour before departure for immigration and check-in procedures.
Can I buy ferry tickets at the port?
Yes, tickets can usually be purchased at the port, but pre-booking online is recommended for certainty, especially during peak season.
Are luggage restrictions strict on the ferry?
Restrictions are generally lenient; however, be prepared to carry your luggage onboard and store it yourself.
Is there Wi-Fi onboard the ferry?
Typically, no Wi-Fi is available onboard due to the short duration of the crossing.
Can I take a rental car from Turkey to Greece by ferry?
No, rental cars typically cannot cross international borders. Arrange separate rentals in Bodrum and Kos.
Is the ferry crossing rough? Should I be worried about seasickness?
Usually, the crossing is calm and brief, with minimal seasickness risk. If sensitive, take precautions.
Are pets allowed onboard the ferry?
Policies vary by operator. Check directly with the ferry company beforehand.
What currency should I have ready when arriving in Kos?
Euros are essential in Greece; have cash ready, especially for unexpected costs like taxis or port fees.
Can I pay by card at ferry terminals and onboard the ferry?
Terminals typically accept cards, though cash is often more reliable.
Onboard ferry purchases are usually cash-based, so bring Euros or Turkish lira accordingly.
Our Experience Rating:
Bodrum to Kos Ferry Crossing
While not perfect, the Bodrum–Kos ferry crossing offers an efficient and mostly enjoyable way to travel between Türkiye and Greece.
It is a tad pricey for what it is, but there is not a great deal you can do about that.
For a short journey, the few minor inconveniences are manageable and outweighed by the convenience and beautiful Mediterranean views.
Useful Links for Your Journey
To further simplify your planning, here are essential resources for your ferry journey and stay in Bodrum and Kos.
📖 Free Türkiye Travel Guide – Essential tips for your trip
📖 Free Greece Travel Guide – Everything you need to know for Kos and beyond
🏨 Boti Butik Hotel Bodrum – Our recommended stay in Bodrum
What's Next?
This ferry adventure was just part of a larger journey—we spent two days in Kos before returning to Bodrum, traveling to Trabzon by a 25-hour bus, then another 4-hour bus to Sarp, ultimately reaching Batumi by car after crossing the Turkiye/Georgia land border.
Stay tuned for our upcoming blog posts sharing even more insights from this epic journey!
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There are not all to many options if you want to visit Kos from Bodrum; either fly or take the ferry. You might be at the mercy of ferry prices, which are a tad expensive, but overall, offers a smooth and comfortable experience. We would recommend this route, expecially if you are staying in Bodrum and traveling light.