Bodrum-Kos Ferry Guide 2026 — Schedules, Prices & Kos Island

Connecting the two shores of the Aegean Sea, ferry services between Bodrum—one of Turkey's most popular holiday resorts—and Kos, a Greek island renowned for its historical and natural beauty, offer hundreds of thousands of tourists a fast, safe, and comfortable journey every year. As the editor-in-chief of feribotseferleri.com.tr, I have compiled all the details you will need when planning your trip in this comprehensive Bodrum-Kos Ferry Guide 2026.

From ticket prices and departure times to gate visa applications and places to visit on Kos Island, this guide will be your most reliable resource for this delightful 30-45 minute journey across the blue waters of the Aegean.

1. Bodrum (Cruise Port)-Kos Ferry: Overview

Maritime transport between Bodrum and Kos Island is one of the most popular crossings from Turkey to the Greek islands, thanks to both geographical proximity and operational excellence. The Turkish leg of the journey departs from Bodrum Cruise Port, which prioritizes modern infrastructure and passenger comfort. On the Greek side, your destination is the Kos Mandraki port, located in the heart of the island.

The distance between the two ports as the crow flies is approximately 25 km. This short distance takes only 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the type of vessel you choose (catamaran or car ferry). Especially on summer mornings, it is incredibly easy to depart from Bodrum, sip your coffee in the historic streets of Kos, and return to Turkey in the late afternoon. A perfect route for day trips, the Bodrum-Kos line is also a fantastic starting point for those wishing to explore the Dodecanese islands.

2. Operators and Vessels

On the Bodrum-Kos route, there are two main operators providing safe and comfortable services in compliance with international maritime standards: Bodrum Ferryboat (BFA) and Bodrum Maritime.

Bodrum Ferryboat (BFA): As one of the most established maritime companies in the region, BFA operates both fast catamarans and conventional ferries with vehicle-carrying capacity. While the fast catamarans only accept foot passengers and complete the journey in about 30 minutes, the car ferries are ideal for those wishing to travel with vehicles such as motorcycles, cars, and caravans.

Bodrum Maritime: Standing out with its modern fleet and customer-oriented service approach, Bodrum Maritime organizes frequent sailings, especially to meet the increased passenger demand during the summer season. The vessels feature spacious seating areas, air-conditioned indoor lounges, and open decks where you can enjoy the Aegean view.

3. Schedules and Seasonality

Bodrum-Kos ferry schedules operate on two different timetables—summer and winter—depending on the dynamics of the tourism season. During the summer season, which spans from April to October, crossings are scheduled daily, with multiple departures per day during peak hours. In the winter months, sailings generally take place every other day.

You can review the sample departure times planned for 2026 in the table below:

Note: Departure times may vary depending on weather conditions and port traffic. Do not forget to check the current schedules before your trip.

4. Ticket Prices 2026

As of 2026, Bodrum-Kos ferry ticket prices are categorized based on passenger type (adult, child, infant) and ticket direction (one-way or round-trip). Pricing is in Euros (EUR), and Turkish Lira (TRY) equivalents are determined according to the current exchange rate.

The one-way ticket price for an adult passenger averages between 25-35 EUR. Expressed in Turkish Lira, an adult one-way ticket costs 1.320 TL under the fixed exchange rate policies set for the 2026 season. Same-day round-trip tickets are generally more advantageous compared to tickets with different return dates.

*TRY prices may vary depending on the exchange rate. For other routes and general pricing policies, you can visit our Ferry Prices page.

5. How to Buy a Ticket?

Purchasing your Bodrum-Kos ferry ticket is an incredibly practical process with today's technology. You can obtain your ticket using three different methods:

• Online Booking: This is the fastest and most secure method. By selecting your travel dates on our website, you can instantly generate your ticket using your credit card under 3D Secure protection. Online tickets save you time during check-in.
• Port Ticket Offices: You can purchase physical tickets on the day of departure or in advance from the agency counters located at Bodrum Cruise Port. However, due to high demand during the summer months, it is highly recommended not to leave this to the last minute to avoid the risk of tickets selling out.
• Call Center: You can make a reservation through our representatives by calling our customer service and complete your ticketing process over the phone.

6. Passport, Visa, and Gate Visa Process

There are strict international rules to follow when crossing from Turkey to Greece by sea. First and foremost, the passport you are traveling with must be valid for at least 6 months from your planned return date and must contain a biometric photo.

Visa Status for Turkish Citizens:
There are two options for Turkish citizens holding a Burgundy (Ordinary) passport to enter Kos Island. If you are planning a stay longer than 15 days or if you will transit to other European countries via Greece, a valid, pre-obtained multiple-entry Schengen visa is mandatory.

However, for short-term holiday visits only, Turkish citizens can benefit from the gate visa application upon entering Greece for up to 15 days. The gate visa is a fast and practical system that relaxes the Schengen visa requirement specifically for the islands. To apply, the required documents (passport photocopy, biometric photo, hotel/ticket reservations, bank statement, and application form) must be submitted to the relevant agency at least 4-5 business days before the trip. For more details, you can review our Passport and Visa Guide.

EU Citizens and Other Passports:
European Union citizens can enter without even needing a passport, using only their chipped national ID cards or passports. Turkish citizens holding Green (Special) and Grey (Service) passports are exempt from visas and can travel directly.

Traveling with Children:
If a child under the age of 18 is traveling with only one parent (or a third party), a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent is mandatory. Otherwise, the child will not be allowed to exit Turkey.

For official and up-to-date diplomatic procedures, you can visit www.mfa.gov.tr (Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and mfa.gr/ankara (Embassy of Greece in Turkey).

7. The Journey Process

Since this involves crossing an international maritime border, the processes at the port are carried out with a meticulousness similar to that at airports. Therefore, passengers must be present at the pier (Bodrum Cruise Port) at least 1.5 hours before the vessel's departure time.

Upon entering the port building, you first complete your ticket check-in procedures. Then, you pass through X-ray machines for security purposes. The final stage is the international departure control conducted by the passport police. Having your international departure tax stamp ready at this stage will speed up the process. After passport control, you proceed to the customs area (Duty-Free), and boarding begins with announcements. For potential port changes or operational warnings, you can follow our Current Announcements page.

8. Luggage, Pet, and Vehicle Policy

Luggage Allowance: Ferry journeys offer a much more flexible luggage policy compared to airlines. Each passenger is entitled to 1 suitcase + 1 additional bag (hand luggage) free of charge. Oversized or numerous additional bags exceeding these limits may be subject to a fee. You can leave your luggage on the designated luggage racks shown upon boarding the vessel.

Customs Rules: Duty-Free shopping limits are determined by international regulations. For an adult passenger entering the country, the limits are restricted to 2 liters of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and 50 ml of perfume. If these limits are exceeded, you may be required to pay customs duties.

Pets: It is possible to travel with your cat or dog. However, your pet must have an internationally valid health booklet (pet passport), an up-to-date rabies vaccination, and a microchip. Pets must generally travel on the open decks of the vessel, in carrier bags, or in cages.

Vehicle Crossing: You can cross to Kos with your own vehicle using the car ferries of Bodrum Maritime and BFA. To do this, you must have internationally valid insurance for your vehicle (Green Card) and an international driver's license.

9. Cancellations, Refunds, and Adverse Weather

In accordance with international maritime rules, ferry tickets are personal and non-transferable. Name changes cannot be made once the ticket is purchased.

Cancellation and Modification: There is no cancellation right for standard tickets due to regulations; meaning, no refunds are issued for arbitrary cancellations. However, to provide flexibility, you have the right to convert your ticket into an open ticket. Open tickets can be used provided that the date change is made at least 2 days before the departure time.

Adverse Weather: Strong winds and storms can occasionally occur in the Aegean Sea. In the event that a sailing is officially canceled by the port authorities due to adverse weather conditions, passengers are given a full refund, or if they wish, their tickets are transferred to the next available sailing free of charge.

10. Places to Visit in Kos

When you step foot in the Kos Mandraki port after an approximately 45-minute journey, a vibrant and modern island intertwined with historical ruins welcomes you. Standing out with its historical richness among the Greek Islands, here are the must-see places in Kos:

• Tree of Hippocrates: Believed to be the spot where Hippocrates, considered the father of medicine, taught his students, this massive and historic plane tree is located in the Kos city center, just a few minutes' walk from the port. The tree's trunk is supported by special iron scaffolding as if defying the years.
• Castle of the Knights (Neratzia Castle): Greeting you right at the entrance of the port, this magnificent structure was built in the 14th century by the Knights of St. John. The castle, which also bears traces of the island's Ottoman and Italian periods, offers a spectacular view of the Aegean and Bodrum.
• Asklepion: Located about 4 km from the city center, Asklepion is one of the most important health and healing centers of antiquity. Situated on a pine-covered hill, this massive archaeological site is dedicated to Asklepios, the god of medicine and son of Apollo.
• Tigaki Beach: Kos is famous not only for its history but also for its beaches. Located 11 km from the center, Tigaki beach is one of the most attractive spots on the island, especially for families with children, thanks to its miles of fine white sand and shallow, crystal-clear waters.

11. Kos Accommodation, Dining, and Transportation

Accommodation: Kos offers accommodation options to suit every budget. If you want to be close to a lively nightlife and restaurants, you can choose boutique hotels around Kos Town (the center). For a quieter, sea-focused holiday, resort hotels in the Tigaki, Marmari, or Kefalos areas are ideal.

Dining: The island is full of traditional Greek tavernas. You can taste fresh seafood, fava, moussaka, tzatziki, and the famous Greek salad (Choriatiki) accompanied by ouzo. Eleftherias Square and its surroundings in the port area host fantastic venues for both drinking coffee and having dinner.

Transportation: Kos is also known as the "Bicycle Island." The completely flat city center features miles of dedicated bicycle paths. Renting a bicycle for a few Euros a day is the most enjoyable way to explore the island. Additionally, there are regular KTEL buses traveling to all corners of the island, as well as car rental companies. If you wish to continue your Aegean islands tour, you can cross from Kos to other islands, or to consider different routes on your return to Turkey, you can check out our Kuşadası–Samos Guide.

12. Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many minutes does the Bodrum-Kos ferry journey take?
Depending on weather conditions and the preferred vessel type (catamaran or conventional), the journey takes an average of 30-45 minutes.

2. Do I need a visa to go to Kos Island?
A valid Schengen visa or a Greek gate visa is mandatory for Turkish citizens holding a Burgundy passport. Green and Grey passport holders are exempt from visas.

3. How many days can I stay in Kos with a gate visa?
With the gate visa application, you can stay on the island for a maximum of 15 days per entry.

4. What happens if the ferry sailing is canceled due to adverse weather?
If the sailing is officially canceled by the authorities due to adverse weather, you can receive a full refund for your ticket or transfer your ticket to another date free of charge.

5. What is the luggage limit on the ferry?
Each passenger is entitled to carry 1 standard-size suitcase and 1 additional hand bag (backpack, etc.) free of charge.

6. Can I travel alone with my child?
If you are traveling as a single parent with your child under 18, you must obtain a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent to avoid issues at the border crossing.

7. What are the Duty-Free shopping limits?
For adult passengers entering the country, the limits are set at 2 liters of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and 50 ml of perfume.

8. Can I cancel my ticket?
Tickets are personal and non-transferable. Cancellations and refunds cannot be made for arbitrary reasons. However, provided you notify us at least 2 days before the departure, you can convert your ticket to an open ticket and change the date.

9. How long before the ferry departure should I be at the port?
You must be present at Bodrum Cruise Port at least 1.5 hours before the vessel's departure time to allow enough time for passport control, customs, and check-in procedures.

10. What currency is used in Kos?
Since Greece is a European Union country, the official currency on Kos Island is the Euro (EUR).

After Kos: Continuing to the Cyclades

Kos is one of the gateways to the Greek domestic network. If you wish to extend your trip to the Cyclades from here, check out our Bodrum to Santorini via Kos route guide. However, please note: you cannot cross to another island from Kos with a gate visa — details are in the gate visa 2026 guide.