Connections between Kos and Bodrum and vice versa by ferry and catamaran

Ferry or fast catamaran between Kos island In Greece and Bodrum in Turkiye are an excellent opportunity both for a day trip and for a holiday  discovering both countries. In fact, many of our guests arrive with direct flights to Kos, and then embark on a gulet in Bodrum, adding a few days of vacation in Greece at the end of the cruise.

Although Kos and Bodrum are two tourist locations in different continents, they are still deeply linked. Whether it is for ancient or more recent history, similarities in food and customs as well as for practicality.

For this reason, the connections between Kos and Bodrum with ferries and fast catamarans are operational all year round. Obviously there are more connections in the summer from April to November, while in the winter there is only one ferry or catamaran per day.

Important FAQs for Kos — Bodrum ferries

• Navigation time 30 min for catamarans – 1 hour for slow ferries
• Departures are in the morning from 9 am until 12 pm and in the afternoon from 4 pm to 6 pm both from Kos and Bodrum
• Kos has only one port for international arrivals, while Bodrum has 2 ports (old port in the city center and new port or cruise port located 1 km outside the center)
• The busiest days are Tuesday and Friday for the market and holidays in Turkey or Greece (es. Turkish Bayram)
• Tickets can be bought either online or directly on destination
• Prices vary by a few euros based on comfort and travel time
• Some online sites  prices does not include port taxes and are paid at the port (5€)
• Before entering the line for passport control you must check in at the kiosk of your boat which is located in front of the customs
• The line for passengers control is the same for all passengers

List of ferries and catamarans between Kos and Bodrum – old port:

*The old port is the center of Bodrum located in front of the Castle at the entrance of the bazaar

• Sea Star – Tilos travel is the Turkish catamaran that operates 4 daily trips between Kos and Bodrum daily. Fast and comfortable, it makes the crossing in less than 30 minutes. Ideal for day trips. Online booking here
• Fahri Captain5 offers morning trips from Bodrum, while from Kos it embarks in the morning for Turgutreis (20 min) or for Bodrum (30 min) in the afternoon at 6 pm (convenient for those arriving on Kos and need to reach Bodum on the same day. Online bookings here.
• Apollon2 fast ferry (30 min) with 4 daily connections between Kos and Bodrum in summer. The local Greek company does not publish the timetables online in advance. It is possible to book only via local agencies or directly to the boat that is moored at the port of Kos town in the evening. Excellent for day trips or late morning departures avoiding the queue. This fast ferry has some weekly departures at 11 in the morning with return at 18, thus avoiding the other boats that leave earlier.
• Malena is the slow ferry (1 hour) offering daily connection between Kos and Bodrum. Tickets can be booked on the boat in the port or via their website. Great for day trips from Kos at a slightly lower price than the fast catamarans.
• Dentur Avrasya is the slow ferry from Bodrum (1 hour) and runs a daily connection. Great for day trips from Bodrum at a slightly lower price than the fast catamarans.

Arrive at the new port of Bodrum – Cruise port

• catamaran Yesil Marmaris runs 4 daily connections in 30 minutes. The new port called cruise port is not in the center, so the shipping company provides a free shuttle bus on arrival and return. You can also take a walk along the pleasant seaside or take a taxi to return. The price for this catamaran is usually lower than the others precisely because of the distance from the city centre bazaar. Book online here
• Askim Captain is the slow ferry from Bodrum (1 hour) and runs a daily connection. In addition to passengers it can also carry some cars or moto. Certainly convenient for a road trip, but rental vehicles cannot be boarded. Therefore it is not possible to rent a scooter or car in Kos and leave for Bodrum or vice versa.

Can I enter Turkey with an identity card?

For many EU citizens it is possible to travel to Turkey by presenting only an identity card. To enter Turkey for one or more days you do not need a visa. However, the payment of port taxes is required, which is paid to us at the port of departure in cash.

Useful Tips for Spending a Day in Bodrum

• When you arrive at the old port, start your day by visiting Bodrum Castle. Spend about an hour exploring the castle and take some time to relax in its large garden while enjoying a traditional Turkish tea.
• If you’re interested in experiencing a Turkish hammam, the municipal one located in front of the central station is only a 10-minute walk from the port. The hammam costs €20 and lasts for 45 minutes.
• Take a moment to admire the view of one of the mosques in the port area, which is open to the public outside of prayer hours.
• Stroll along Neyzen Caddesi, where you can enjoy the sight of beautiful Turkish gulets, and continue to the Galeria della Marina, which features exclusive shops.
• For lunch, stop by one of Bodrum’s famous kebab places, such as Nokta Döner Restaurant. Afterward, you can explore the Bazaar inside the castle for some shopping.

If you’re considering a day trip from Kos to Bodrum, it might be worthwhile to spend the night. A day sailing on a gulet among Turkey’s stunning bays, followed by an evening of shopping and nightlife in Bodrum or the trendy Yalıkavak, can be a fantastic experience.

While exploring the alleys of the bazaar is enjoyable, it’s best to plan your visits outside of the summer heat whenever possible!