Kos is visible from Bodrum on a clear day - the Greek island sits barely 5 kilometres across the Aegean at its closest point. The ferry crossing takes around an hour, making the Bodrum–Kos route one of Turkey’s most popular day trips. For travellers already spending time in Bodrum, a morning on Kos is an easy addition to any itinerary.
The Route
Departure port: Bodrum Marina (central Bodrum town, harbour promenade) Arrival port: Kos Town harbour (central Kos) Crossing time: approximately 50–65 minutes Season: May to October, with daily sailings in peak summer Operators: Bodrum Ferryboat Association (BFA), Pamfilya Lines
Bodrum and Kos face each other across the narrowest stretch of the Aegean between Turkey and the Dodecanese. The crossing is short enough that even in light chop the journey is comfortable on the catamaran services.
Schedules and Timetable
Sailings typically depart Bodrum between 08:00 and 09:30 and return from Kos in the late afternoon (16:00–18:00 window). Exact times vary by operator and change between shoulder and peak season.
Peak summer (July–August): Two or more daily sailings in each direction - the most flexibility for day-trippers. Shoulder season (May–June, September–October): Usually one daily sailing each way; confirm the return time before buying a one-way outbound ticket. Off-season (November–April): No regular service. Some charter arrangements exist but not scheduled public ferries.
For current times, check the Bodrum Ferryboat Association website directly or visit the harbour office at the marina.
Ticket Prices
Approximate prices as of 2026:
| Ticket type | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| Return (adult) | ₺800–1,400 |
| One-way (adult) | ₺500–900 |
| Port taxes (if charged separately) | ₺50–150 per person (Turkish side); €5–10 (Greek side) |
Prices fluctuate significantly between shoulder and peak season. July and August are the most expensive months. Book in advance for peak travel - same-day tickets are sometimes available but cannot be guaranteed.
Where to Buy Tickets
- Online: Bodrum Ferryboat Association website (fastest for peak season)
- Harbour office: Walk up to the BFA or Pamfilya booth on the marina promenade
- Travel agents: Many hotels and tour agencies in Bodrum sell tickets, sometimes at a small markup
- GetYourGuide: Kos day trip packages including ferry and optional guided tour - browse Bodrum to Kos ferry options on GetYourGuide
Book 2–3 days ahead in July and August. In May, June, and September, walk-up availability is usually fine.
What to Bring
- Passport (not ID card - Kos is a separate country)
- Euros - Greece uses the euro; ATMs are available in Kos town but bring some cash
- Turkish exit stamp: Turkish border control processes your passport at the Bodrum terminal; allow 30–45 minutes before departure
- Sunscreen and water if planning beach time
At the Port - Departure
Arrive at Bodrum Marina at least 30–45 minutes before the scheduled departure. The ferry terminal is the white building at the eastern end of the harbour, next to the castle.
Process:
- Check in at the ferry company counter with your ticket and passport
- Turkish passport control - exit stamp applied
- Board the ferry
If you have a day-trip return ticket, the return time will be confirmed at the Greek port on arrival.
Kos: What to Do with a Day
Kos Town (the main settlement around the harbour) is compact and walkable. The key sites:
Kos Town:
- Castle of the Knights (Nerantzia Castle): A 14th-century Crusader fortress at the harbour entrance, built by the Knights of St. John. Entry approximately €4. Views over the strait back to Bodrum.
- Ancient Agora: Open-air ruins of the ancient marketplace, visible for free adjacent to the harbour.
- Hippocrates Plane Tree: A 2,500-year-old plane tree in the main square, traditionally associated with Hippocrates, the founder of medicine. Free.
- Kos Town waterfront: Lined with cafés and tavernas - a coffee and a bougatsa (cream pastry) after the crossing is a local tradition.
Outside Kos Town:
- Asklepion: An ancient sanctuary and medical school, 4km from the ferry port. Taxi approximately €6–8 one way; bicycle hire available in town for approximately €5–8/day. Entry approximately €8. One of the best-preserved ancient healing centres in the Mediterranean.
- Zia village: A hilltop village in the Dikeos mountains, 14km from Kos Town. Best reached by rental car or taxi.
- Beaches: Tigaki (12km west), Mastichari (28km west), and Paradise Beach (46km southwest) are all popular. Beach access requires transport.
For a focused day trip: Castle → Ancient Agora → Hippocrates Plane Tree → lunch on the waterfront → Asklepion (if time permits) → return ferry.
For more on what to see and where to stay on Kos, see The Greece Guides.
Practical Tips
- Currency: Bring or withdraw euros in Kos. The exchange rate at harbour kiosks is poor.
- Language: Greek is the official language; English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Return timing: Confirm your return ferry time before straying too far from Kos Town. The harbour is compact but traffic around departure time can cause delays.
- Bicycles: Kos Town is famously flat and bicycle-friendly. Hire one and you can cover the main sites and a beach in a single day without taxis.
Combining with Other Routes
The Bodrum–Kos crossing connects to the Dodecanese island ferry network. From Kos, hydrofoils and ferries reach Rhodes, Leros, Kalymnos, and other Dodecanese islands. If you plan more than a day, the Kos–Rhodes leg (approximately 2.5 hours) extends into a full island-hopping itinerary.
See our full Turkey to Greek islands ferry hub for other crossings from the Turkish coast, including Marmaris–Rhodes and Çeşme–Chios.
For tours and activities in Bodrum itself - gulet trips, day trips, and water sports - browse Bodrum tours on GetYourGuide.
Plan Your Trip
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