Direct travel from Turkey to Tilos, Greece's hidden paradise, is now possible! As Turkey's most comprehensive ferry portal, feribotseferleri.com.tr, we are proud to announce the most exciting route of the 2026 summer season: the Bodrum - Tilos line. This marks the first and only direct ferry service from Turkey to this unique natural wonder. Putting an end to the ordeal of hours-long layovers via Rhodes, this new service offers a brand-new, comfortable, and fast exploration route in the Aegean Sea.
Why Isn't Tilos Famous — And Why Is That an Opportunity?
Tilos is a small, charming island in Greece's Dodecanese group, tucked between Kos and Rhodes with a population of around 500. Covering an area of 63 square kilometers, this island has managed to stay completely away from mass tourism, lacking the massive resorts or noisy nightclubs of its neighbors. The entire island is a protected nature reserve and serves as a natural habitat for sea turtles. The fact that Tilos remains off the popular tourist trail is actually its greatest advantage; it is an unmissable opportunity for those seeking unspoiled, un-concreted beaches, authentic Greek culture, quiet coves, and a peaceful holiday away from the crowds.
A 2.5-Hour Direct Journey with Sea Star
This delightful 157-kilometer journey from Bodrum to Tilos is operated by a modern, high-speed catamaran named Sea Star. Gliding through the deep blue waters of the Aegean on this 35-meter-long open-deck catamaran with a capacity of 275 passengers, you reach the island in approximately 150 minutes (2.5 hours). Throughout the summer season, running from May to October, our vessel departs Bodrum every morning at 08:30 and docks at Livadia, the main port of Tilos, around 11:00. Sea Star is a passenger-only (no vehicles allowed) and pet-friendly vessel. Although there is no Wi-Fi service on board, you can take advantage of the snack bar selling refreshments and drinks throughout your journey, and enjoy the unique taste of the sea breeze on the open deck.
Advantages Over the Connecting Alternative
The greatest appeal of this new route, which stands out among Bodrum ferry schedules, is the unparalleled convenience it offers. Previously, a traveler wishing to visit Tilos had to make a connection via Rhodes. The advantages of our new direct service include:
- Total travel time: The exhausting journey of 7 to 9 hours, including waiting for connecting ferries, is reduced to just 2.5 hours with our direct service.
- Single ticket and single baggage check: You won't have to drag your luggage from island to island, buy separate tickets from different ferry companies, or wait in customs lines multiple times.
- Cost advantage: While connecting round trips via Rhodes reach much higher figures with tickets and port taxes, an adult round-trip ticket on the direct route is set at just 80 Euro, and a one-way ticket is 50 Euro.
A Day in Tilos: What to Do in 6 Hours?
Tilos is an ideal size for day-trippers. After setting foot on the island at 11:00 in the morning, you have plenty of wonderful holiday time to spend until the return ferry to Bodrum at 17:30.
- 11:00-12:00: You can enjoy a traditional Greek breakfast facing the port in the village of Livadia, taking your first step into the island's tranquil atmosphere.
- 12:00-14:00: Head to Eristos Beach, one of the island's most famous beaches, to sunbathe on golden sands and cool off in crystal-clear waters.
- 14:00-16:00: Take a short trip to the island's capital, Megalo Chorio, explore its narrow streets, and climb up to the Ancient Acropolis ruins on the hill to capture photos of the magnificent view.
- 16:00-17:00: Before returning, head back to Livadia port to buy local souvenirs for your loved ones and sip a final relaxing coffee while waiting for your ferry.
Visa and Passport: A Critical Detail
One of the most important issues for Turkish citizens planning to travel to the Greek islands is the visa process. The island of Tilos is included in Greece's Schengen area, but the "gate visa" system applied in islands like Kos or Rhodes is absolutely NOT available in Tilos. Therefore, it is MANDATORY for all Turkish passport holders joining the Bodrum - Tilos ferry service to have a valid Schengen visa prior to their travel. For more information about visa processes, you can review our detailed visa guide page. Since border gate practices and visa rules can be updated from time to time, be sure to confirm the current situation with Tilos Travel before your trip.
Practical Information
- Money: The official currency on the island is the Euro. Although credit cards are accepted in larger establishments, it is highly recommended to carry cash for small tavernas and local transport.
- Connectivity: There is no Wi-Fi service on the Sea Star catamaran. On Tilos island, internet connection may be limited in some untouched areas; this is a perfect opportunity for those wanting a digital detox.
- Health: There is a small clinic offering basic healthcare services in Livadia, the island's main settlement. However, if you have regular medications, do not forget to bring them with you for the duration of your trip.
Reservation and Contact
We recommend getting your tickets before they sell out for this unique and only direct ferry service from Turkey to Tilos. Making an early reservation is of great importance, especially due to the increased demand during the summer season. To purchase tickets, check schedules, or get detailed information, you can contact the official agency Tilos Travel at +90 252 614 34 34 or visit tilostravel.com directly. If you wish to discover other beauties of the Aegean, you can explore all our alternative routes on our Greek islands ferry tickets page.
