Marmaris-Rhodes Ferry Guide 2026 — Schedules, Prices, and UNESCO Old Town

As the editor-in-chief of Feribotseferleri.com.tr, welcome to our comprehensive 2026 guide for the Marmaris-Rhodes route, one of the Aegean's most popular and preferred maritime journeys. Whether you are planning a day trip for a cultural tour or a long-term Greek island vacation, we have gathered every detail you need to know about this short and pleasant journey between the two shores. From ticket prices and gate visa applications to port procedures and the unique UNESCO heritage of Rhodes, we will examine all the latest information step by step.

1. Marmaris (Cruise Port) to Rhodes Ferry: Overview

The maritime transport between Marmaris, Turkey's favorite tourism center, and Rhodes, the capital of the Dodecanese, serves as a vital bridge connecting hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. The distance between the two ports is only 24 kilometers (approximately 13 nautical miles), and thanks to modern high-speed ferries and catamarans, this journey takes an average of 50 minutes. This short duration makes Rhodes a perfect destination for day trips from Marmaris.

Departures from Turkey are operated via Marmaris Cruise Port. The port is very close to the center of Marmaris and can be reached on foot or by a short taxi ride. On the Greek side, the arrival point is Rhodes Mandraki Port, which immediately draws you in with its historical atmosphere. Since Mandraki Port is within walking distance of the Rhodes Old Town, you can start your vacation and exploration as soon as you step foot on the island. If you want to explore other popular Aegean routes, you can also check out our Greek Islands page.

2. Operators and Vessels (Yeşil Marmaris, Tilos Travel (Sea Star Rhodes))

As of 2026, there are two main authorized operators providing passenger transport on the Marmaris-Rhodes route. These companies serve with high-speed, comfortable fleets that comply with international maritime standards.

• Yeşil Marmaris Lines: One of the region's most established maritime companies, Yeşil Marmaris generally operates with high-speed catamarans. The catamarans offer a stable journey even in rough seas, minimizing the risk of seasickness. With spacious seating areas, air-conditioned indoor lounges, and snack buffets, they make the 50-minute journey highly comfortable.
• Tilos Travel (Sea Star Rhodes): Operating with Sea Star Rhodes vessels, Tilos Travel is another fast and reliable option. Their modernly designed high-speed ferries offer both indoor comfort and outdoor deck options where you can watch the blue of the Aegean during the journey. The vessels of both companies are equipped with the highest level of passenger safety features.

3. Schedules and Season (Summer/Winter Timetable)

Marmaris-Rhodes ferry services are generally actively operated between March and November. During the winter months (December, January, February), due to sea conditions and low demand, services are either completely suspended or reduced to 1-2 days a week. However, in the 2026 summer season, especially between May and September, it is possible to find multiple daily reciprocal sailings.

Note: Departure times may vary depending on adverse weather conditions or port traffic. We recommend checking our Current Announcements page before your trip.

4. Ticket Prices 2026

The Marmaris-Rhodes ferry ticket prices set for 2026 are shaped according to the exchange rate and the selected ticket type (one-way, same-day return, different-day return). One-way ticket prices for adults average between €45 and €55, which is approximately 1.880 TL. Discounted fares apply for child and infant passengers.

*TRY prices may vary according to exchange rate fluctuations. For all current pricing and campaigns, you can visit our Ferry Prices page.

5. How to Buy a Ticket?

Buying your Marmaris-Rhodes ferry ticket is a very easy and fast process today. In accordance with international maritime rules, tickets are personalized and strictly non-transferable. The ticket purchasing methods are as follows:

• Online Reservation: This is the safest and most practical method. By selecting your travel dates on Feribotseferleri.com.tr, you can compare the schedules and prices of all operators (Yeşil Marmaris, Tilos Travel) and generate your ticket in minutes with our 3D secure infrastructure. Your ticket will be instantly sent to your email address with a PNR code.
• Port Ticket Offices: It is possible to buy tickets on the day of departure from the agency booths located at the entrance of Marmaris Cruise Port. However, during the high season (especially public holidays and July-August), the likelihood of finding a ticket at the port is very low as the ferries operate at full capacity.
• Phone Support: You can complete your ticketing process through our customer representatives by calling our call center and get instant answers to any questions you may have.

6. Passport, Visa, and Gate Visa Process

Greece is a European Union and Schengen area country. Therefore, strict rules apply at border crossings. First of all, all passengers must have a passport with at least 6 months of validity as of the travel date. If your passport contains a TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) entry stamp, Greek authorities will not allow you to enter the country.

Visa Status:

• Schengen Visa: Turkish citizens holding a Maroon (Ordinary) passport must have a valid Schengen visa for stays longer than 15 days or if they are transiting through Greece to another Schengen country. Green (Special), Grey (Service), and Black (Diplomatic) passport holders are exempt from the visa requirement.
• Gate Visa: The gate visa program specifically applied to the Greek islands for Turkish citizens continues in 2026. With this visa, you can stay in Rhodes for up to 15 days. However, this is not a Schengen visa; it is only valid on the island you enter. For a gate visa application, you must submit your documents (biometric photo, bank statement, hotel/ferry reservation, etc.) to the agency at least 4-5 business days before your trip.
• EU Citizens: European Union citizens can travel visa-free using only their national ID cards or passports.

To learn more about visa processes, you can read our Passport and Visa Guide article; for official procedures, you can visit the official websites of the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Greece in Turkey.

7. The Journey Process (Check-in, X-ray, Boarding)

Since you will be making an international trip, port procedures are quite similar to air travel. It is of great importance that you are present at Marmaris Cruise Port at least 1.5 hours before the vessel's departure time. During the high season, passport control queues can get long.

Upon entering the port building, your luggage and handbags are first passed through an X-ray machine for security purposes. Then, you go to the check-in counter of the respective ferry company, present the PNR code of your online ticket and your passport, and receive your boarding pass. At this stage, you must have paid your international departure fee (fee stamps can be obtained from vending machines or teller desks at the port). The final step is the passport police control. After your passport is stamped for exit, you proceed to the Duty Free area and wait for the boarding announcement.

8. Luggage, Pet, and Vehicle Policy

To ensure passenger comfort on the Marmaris-Rhodes route, certain luggage and transport rules apply:

• Luggage Allowance: Every passenger is entitled to carry 1 standard-sized suitcase and 1 handbag (backpack, etc.) free of charge. Additional fees may be requested at the port for extra luggage exceeding the limits or oversized items (e.g., surfboards).
• Customs Limits: You should pay attention to customs exemption limits when returning from Greece to Turkey. You have the right to bring 2 liters of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and 50 ml of perfume per person. Items considered commercial quantities may be confiscated at customs.
• Traveling with Children: If a child under 18 is traveling with only one parent or a third party, a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) must be presented. Otherwise, passage through the border police will not be allowed.
• Pets: You can travel with your pets, such as cats and dogs. However, your pet must have an internationally valid pet passport, a rabies titration test, and a microchip. Pets generally travel in specially designated cage areas inside the vessel.
• Vehicle Transport: The catamarans and high-speed ferries operating on the Marmaris-Rhodes route generally only carry passengers. If you want to cross with your car, you need to specifically look for rarely scheduled car ferry (Ro-Ro) services.

9. Cancellations, Refunds, and Adverse Weather

Due to international maritime rules and company regulations, arbitrary cancellations and refunds cannot be made for ferry tickets. However, there are some rules that provide flexibility if your plans change. You can convert your ticket to an "open ticket" status or change the date, provided you notify us at least 2 days (48 hours) before the departure time. Open tickets are generally valid until the end of the year they were issued.

If the sailing is canceled by the operator due to severe storms or adverse weather conditions, passengers are offered two options: either your ticket is transferred to the next available sailing free of charge, or the full amount you paid is refunded without any deductions. Similar cancellation and refund procedures apply to other routes in the Aegean; for details, you can review our Kuşadası–Samos Guide page.

10. Places to Visit in Rhodes

Rhodes is not just about sea and sun; it is like a massive open-air museum. When you disembark at Mandraki Port after a 50-minute ferry ride, thousands of years of history welcome you. Here are the masterpieces you must see in Rhodes:

• UNESCO Old Town: Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988, the Rhodes Old Town is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities that is still inhabited today. When you step inside the massive 4-kilometer-long walls, you will see the magnificent harmony of Gothic architecture, Ottoman mosques, and Byzantine churches. Getting lost in its narrow stone streets is an experience in itself.
• Avenue of the Knights: Located in the heart of the Old Town, this street is where the original 14th-century inns (Auberges) inhabited by the Knights of St. John (Hospitaller) are found. The street's architecture is so well preserved that you feel like you are on the set of a period film.
• Palace of the Grand Master: Situated at the highest point of the Avenue of the Knights, this massive castle/palace is the most magnificent structure in Rhodes. Built in the 14th century and used as a prison and armory during the Ottoman period, the palace was restored by the Italians in the 1930s. The mosaics and historical artifacts inside are dazzling.
• Acropolis of Lindos: Located about 50 km from the center of Rhodes, the village of Lindos is famous for its whitewashed houses and the ancient Acropolis rising above it. The Acropolis, which houses the ruins of the Temple of Athena Lindia dating back to the 4th century BC, is reached by walking up narrow streets, and from the summit, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of St. Paul's Bay.

11. Accommodation, Dining, and Transportation in Rhodes

Accommodation: Rhodes offers accommodation options to suit every budget. If you are looking for a historical atmosphere, the restored boutique hotels within the Old Town are perfect. If you are focused on a beach holiday, you can choose luxury resorts and coastal hotels in areas like Faliraki, Lindos, or Ixia. Hotels in the city center (New Town) are ideal for those who want to be close to both the beach and the nightlife.

Dining: You can find the finest examples of Greek cuisine in Rhodes. You should taste fresh grilled octopus, calamari, and shrimp at seafood restaurants (Tavernas). Traditional delicacies such as Moussaka, Souvlaki (meat skewers), Greek Salad (Horiatiki), and Tzatziki are a must-try. Alongside your meals, you can sip local Ouzo or the island's famous wines.

Transportation: Public transportation (KTEL buses) on the island is quite developed. There are regular bus services from the center to points like Lindos, Faliraki, and the airport. However, if you want to explore the island's hidden coves and remote villages, renting a car or motorcycle is recommended. Taxis are also common, but they can sometimes be hard to find during the high season.

12. Frequently Asked Questions

How many minutes does the Marmaris-Rhodes ferry take?
The journey takes an average of 50 minutes with high-speed catamarans and ferries.

How many kilometers is it between Marmaris and Rhodes?
The distance between the two ports is approximately 24 kilometers (13 nautical miles) as the crow flies.

How much are the ferry ticket prices?
For 2026, adult one-way ticket prices average between 45-55 EUR (approximately 1.880 TL).

Do I need a visa for Rhodes?
Yes, Turkish citizens with a Maroon passport require a valid Schengen visa or a Gate Visa valid for up to 15 days.

Can the gate visa be obtained immediately at the port?
No, gate visa documents must be submitted to authorized agencies at least 4-5 days before the trip, and the approval process must be awaited.

How early should I be at the port?
You must be at the port at least 1.5 hours before the ferry departure time for passport control, X-ray, and check-in procedures.

What is the alcohol and cigarette limit at customs?
When returning from Greece to Turkey, you have the right to bring 2 liters of alcohol and 200 cigarettes (1 carton) per person.

Can I cancel my ticket?
No, cancellations and refunds are not available for ferry tickets. However, you can suspend your ticket as an open ticket or change its date up to 2 days before the sailing.

What currency is used in Rhodes?
Since Greece is a European Union country, the Euro (€) is used as the currency in Rhodes.

Beyond Rhodes: Santorini and Crete

Among the Turkish gateway islands, Rhodes is the only one with regular direct ferries to Santorini. For a detailed plan, check out our route guide from Turkey to Santorini via Rhodes. If you plan to hop between islands, don't forget the inter-island travel rules for the gate visa.