Looking for a Greek island escape less than an hour from Türkiye? Or wondering how to travel between Bodrum and Kos?
The Bodrum to Kos ferry is a convenient, popular option. In a short ride you can swap Turkish döner for Greek gyros, stroll bougainvillea-lined streets, and relax on sunlit beaches and historic sites.
Whether you plan a day trip from Bodrum to Kos or want to use Kos as the starting point for island hopping, this guide covers how to get there by ferry and back again.
This article provides practical details about schedules, fares, what to expect onboard, passport control, and tips from multiple trips we’ve taken between Bodrum and Kos. Information was last updated in May 2024.
Quick Bodrum to Kos Travel Tips
Is a day trip to Kos from Bodrum worth it? Yes. The ferry to Kos is one of the most popular excursions from Bodrum and makes an excellent half-day or full-day outing.
This route runs both ways — Bodrum to Kos and Kos to Bodrum. Ferries depart from several locations in Bodrum (Bodrum Castle area, Turgutreis, and Bodrum Cruise Port); the Bodrum Castle pier is the most central and popular departure point.
Bring your passport. You are crossing an international border and passport control is required in both directions.
Check visa requirements before you travel. Greece is in the Schengen zone, so some nationalities can travel visa-free while others will need a Schengen visa.
During summer months, buy tickets in advance if possible. The Bodrum–Kos crossing is busy and seats can sell out.
If you want to avoid long lines after arrival, try to be among the first passengers to disembark; passport control on the Greek side can take time, especially during peak season.
There is a time difference in winter: Turkey does not observe daylight savings, so check local times to avoid missing your return ferry.
Turkish SIM cards generally won’t work in Kos. Consider a short-term eSIM or local data package for navigation, booking, and menu scanning.
Location & Tickets
Bodrum Ferry Terminal Location
Ferries to Kos leave from three main points in Bodrum: the center near Bodrum Castle, Bodrum Cruise Port, and Turgutreis. If you’re staying in central Bodrum, the Bodrum Castle pier is usually the most convenient.
Near Bodrum Castle you’ll find several small ticket offices that sell ferry tickets and related services. Any office will typically handle passport details and print a temporary ticket that you must exchange at the pier before boarding.
Arrive at the pier well before departure to collect your ticket, pass security and passport checks, and board in good time.
Kos Ferry Terminal Location
The ferry pier in Kos sits on the waterfront near the main harbor. Small kiosks at the pier sell return tickets if you decide to travel back to Bodrum from Kos.
Passport control and customs checks are performed at the Kos pier on arrival and departure.
Buying tickets for the Bodrum to Kos ferry
You can buy tickets in person at the Bodrum ticket offices or Kos kiosks, or purchase online through ferry booking platforms. In-person purchases require showing passports and receiving a temporary ticket that must be exchanged at the dock.
Buying the day-trip or excursion ticket (departing and returning the same day) is often cheaper than booking a return that covers different days. There are faster catamaran services and slower conventional ferries—slower options are usually less expensive.
If you plan to bring a vehicle—motorcycle, car, camper, etc.—you must purchase a vehicle ticket. Prices vary by operator and season.
Bodrum – Kos Ferry Price
Ticket prices change with season and operator. Budget-conscious travelers can save by choosing the slower ferry or a same-day excursion ticket. Check current fares before booking and compare options for the best value.
Passport Control
Because this is an international crossing, passport control and luggage X-ray screening are mandatory. At the Bodrum pier you’ll be stamped out of Türkiye after security screening. On landing in Kos you’ll queue to be stamped into Greece.
Greek passport control can be slow during busy times. From our experience, queues can take up to an hour when only a few booths are open. To minimize waiting, disembark quickly and head straight to passport control.
On return trips, you’ll undergo the reverse process: passport control in Kos, waiting area or duty-free, then Turkish passport control and security after disembarking in Bodrum.
Bodrum Kos Ferry Timetable
Schedules vary by season. Winter service is limited with one or two daily sailings; summer can offer multiple departures. Departure times and frequency depend on the operator, so check schedules before you travel and confirm whether listed times reflect local time differences.
The Ferry Trip From Bodrum to Kos
Here’s an overview of the typical experience: arrival procedures, boarding, seating options, and on-board facilities.
Departure from Bodrum
Ticket offices commonly advise arriving about an hour before departure. At check-in you exchange your temporary ticket for the official boarding pass, pass security screening, and queue for passport control before boarding.
Ferries generally depart on schedule. Crossing time depends on whether you’re on a fast catamaran (shorter) or a conventional ferry (longer, often about an hour).
Arrival at Kos
After docking in Kos, passengers disembark and proceed to passport control and customs. Expect queues during peak periods; being among the first off the ferry helps reduce waiting time.
Lines for EU passport holders exist but can still be disorganized. Plan for some waiting time, especially during high season or midday arrivals.
Aboard The Ferry: Seating & Amenities
Ferries vary by operator and vessel. Standard seating is arranged in rows on the main deck, with overhead storage and pockets behind seats for small items. Most vessels have a snack and drink kiosk offering coffee, soft drinks, bottled water and light snacks.
Some ferries offer an upper level with more comfortable, lounge-style seating and tables. Toilets are available onboard. Pet carriage may be allowed with valid vaccination and health documentation, but check operator rules in advance as restrictions can apply.
Bodrum, Kos, and Beyond
If you’re planning a trip to Bodrum, Kos, or nearby destinations, there are many local guides and itineraries that can help you make the most of your visit, including day trip itineraries, regional travel guides, and tips for sightseeing and dining.
BLOG POSTS ABOUT KOS
Bodrum to Kos Day Trip: A Step-by-Step Itinerary
BLOG POSTS ABOUT BODRUM
Bodrum City Guide
Best Areas to Stay in Bodrum
10+ Amazing Bodrum Day Trips
Bodrum Castle Guide
OTHER INTERESTING PLACES
Datça is a nearby peninsula reachable by ferry from Bodrum and makes a lovely day trip or next stop on an Aegean itinerary. Consider local guides for Datça and nearby towns when planning your route.