Chios Port → Çeşme PortFerry Schedule 2026 — Current Departure Times and Prices

Chios - Çeşme Ferry Guide 2026

The maritime route between Chios, one of Greece's North Aegean islands, and Çeşme, a major tourism hub in Turkey, is one of the busiest border crossings between the two countries. For the 2026 season, three operators jointly serve the return route: Ertürk Lines, which operates year-round; Sun Lines, offering catamaran crossings from May to September; and İDO Sun Express, which launched its services on this route as of May 15, 2026. This route's strategic importance increases significantly during the summer months due to mutual tourist visits by Turkish and Greek citizens, expatriates entering Turkey by road from Europe seeking alternative routes, and tourists visiting the island from Europe planning a holiday extension in Turkey.

The Three Operators at a Glance

• Ertürk Lines — 60 years of experience, classic car ferry, year-round service, accepts both passengers and vehicles. Arrival: Çeşme Pier (center). Duration: 45 minutes. One-way 28 € (~1,240 TL), round-trip 47 € (~1,960 TL).
• Sun Lines — Modern fast catamaran, summer-focused from May to September, passengers only. Arrival: Çeşme Pier (center). Duration: 30 minutes. One-way 32 € (~1,380 TL), round-trip 50 € (~2,080 TL).
• İDO Sun Express — New route opened in the 2026 season, modern sea bus, passengers only. Arrival: Çeşme Ulusoy Port (approx. 3 km north of the central pier). Duration: 60 minutes. Round-trip package only 50 € (~2,080 TL).

Journey Time and Distance

The Chios Strait, located between Chios Island and the Çeşme Peninsula, is one of the narrowest passages in the Aegean Sea. The distance as the crow flies between the two ports is approximately 6 nautical miles, or 12 kilometers. The return journey on standard vessels (Ertürk Lines) takes an average of 45 minutes. Sun Lines' fast catamarans reduce this time to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, İDO Sun Express offers an approximately 60-minute journey between Chios Port and Çeşme Ulusoy Port; this duration is due to Ulusoy Port's more northern location compared to the central pier. Since there is no road connection between the two points, the sea route is the fastest and most practical transportation alternative.

Schedules and Timetables

Ferry schedules on the Chios - Çeşme return route vary significantly between the summer and winter seasons. During the summer season (April 1 – October 31), with all three operators in service, there are a total of 4 daily return trips from Chios Town to Çeşme:

• 11:30 — Sun Lines Sun Trip (Chios Port → Çeşme Pier, fast catamaran)
• 17:30 — Ertürk Lines Çeşme Express (Chios Port → Çeşme Pier)
• 18:30 — İDO Sun Express (Chios Port → Çeşme Ulusoy Port, passengers only, May 15 – October 31)
• 19:00 — Sun Lines Sun Star (Chios Port → Çeşme Pier, fast catamaran)

During the winter season (November 1 – March 31), as tourist activity decreases, only Ertürk Lines provides service; a single daily return trip is usually operated around 15:30. Sun Lines and İDO services are suspended during the winter months. Additional trips may be scheduled on weekends and Greek/Turkish public holidays.

Tickets and Fares

As it is an international route, Chios - Çeşme ticket prices are set in Euros (€) and include port taxes. On the return route, Ertürk Lines charges 28 € (~1,240 TL) for an adult one-way ticket and 47 € (~1,960 TL) for a round-trip; the discounted fare for children aged 5–12 is 880 TL one-way. Sun Lines is 32 € (~1,380 TL) one-way and 50 € (~2,080 TL) round-trip; the discounted child fare is around 980 TL one-way. The 2026 season tariff for İDO Sun Express is offered exclusively as a round-trip package for 50 € (~2,080 TL).

For infants (0–2 years), usually only the port tax is charged. For vehicle crossings, the ticket price is tiered based on the vehicle type (car, SUV, motorcycle, caravan) and length, and vehicles are only accepted by Ertürk Lines; the driver is not included in the vehicle ticket, so a separate passenger ticket must be issued for the driver. Due to potential crowds at the ticket offices and exchange rate fluctuations, it is highly recommended to purchase your tickets in advance through online platforms. To review the pricing logic on other domestic maritime routes in Turkey, you can check our Ferry Prices page.

About Chios Port

Chios Port is located on the east coast of the island, in the main center (Chora) directly facing Çeşme. The international passenger terminal and customs area where the ferries dock are situated at the southern end of the port. Access to the pier is very straightforward; the island's central bus terminal is just a 5-minute walk from the port. For passengers arriving at the port with their vehicles, there are paid and free municipal parking areas outside the customs zone; however, finding a spot during the summer months is a serious challenge. Inside the terminal building, there are passport control points, X-ray machines, a small waiting lounge, and a Duty Free shop. Along the promenade (Leoforos Aigaiou) right across from the port, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, and bakeries; you can spend time at these venues before proceeding to passport control. All three operators depart from Chios Port; only their arrival points (Çeşme Pier or Çeşme Ulusoy Port) differ.

Arrival in Çeşme: Two Different Ports

As of the 2026 season, ferries arriving from Chios dock at two different ports in Çeşme. It is important for passengers to know in advance which port they will arrive at in order to plan their transfers and road connections.

Çeşme Pier (Center) — Ertürk Lines and Sun Lines

Çeşme Port is integrated into the district center, just north of Çeşme Castle. Passengers disembarking from the ferry are taken directly to the passport and customs control hall to enter Turkey. Passengers with vehicles are subject to customs inspection at a separate platform. The moment you exit the port, you step right into the Çeşme bazaar and Çeşme Marina. For public transportation, taxi stands are available at the port exit; for those heading to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, HAVAŞ buses depart from a stop within walking distance of the port. Passengers traveling towards the Izmir Intercity Bus Terminal or Üçkuyular can use the buses departing from the Çeşme Bus Station.

Çeşme Ulusoy Port — İDO Sun Express

Passengers returning from Chios Port with İDO Sun Express arrive at Çeşme Ulusoy Port, located approximately 3 km north of the district, rather than the central Çeşme pier. This port features a spacious international passenger terminal, modern customs and passport control halls, large parking areas, and an air-conditioned waiting zone. From Ulusoy Port, the Çeşme center and bazaar can be reached in 5–7 minutes by taxi or 8–10 minutes by private vehicle via the coastal road. For airport transfers, İDO passengers can use the taxis waiting at the Ulusoy Port exit or pre-arranged transfer services; the HAVAŞ bus does not stop at the Ulusoy route.

What to Do in Izmir?

For passengers wishing to spend time in and around Izmir after entering Çeşme from Chios, the region offers rich historical and tourist alternatives. Right at the port exit, you can visit the 16th-century Çeşme Castle and its archaeological museum. Alaçatı, a 15-minute drive away, stands out with its windsurfing centers, cobblestone streets, and restored stone houses. For sea and sun tourism, Ilıca Beach is an ideal destination with its shallow waters fed by thermal springs. As you head towards the Izmir city center, the Urla district, famous for its gastronomy and vineyards, can be added to your itinerary. Once you reach the city center, you can shop at the historical Kemeraltı Bazaar, take a walk along the Kordon promenade, or, if you want to travel across the Gulf, take a short sea tour between Karşıyaka and Alsancak with İZDENİZ ferries.

Vehicle vs. Passenger Travel

There are significant logistical and cost differences between traveling as a foot passenger and crossing with a vehicle on the Chios - Çeşme route. If you are returning to Turkey with your vehicle, your only option is Ertürk Lines; Sun Lines' fast catamarans and İDO Sun Express services only accept passengers. If you are returning with your personal vehicle, the registered owner must be present in the vehicle, or a notarized power of attorney is required. Additionally, since your insurance valid in Greece will not be valid in Turkey, you are required to obtain Green Card insurance covering Turkey at the border or beforehand. Despite the short 45-minute duration, passengers with vehicles are asked to arrive at the port at least 1.5–2 hours in advance due to customs procedures.

If you are only going to spend time in the Çeşme center or Alaçatı, crossing on foot and renting a car in Çeşme or using public transportation is a more financially sound strategy than bearing the costs of bringing a vehicle. Those who prioritize speed can consider the Sun Lines catamaran, while those looking for a package price advantage can evaluate İDO Sun Express's 50 € round-trip tariff.

Cancellations, Refunds, and Weather Conditions

Since the distance between Chios and Çeşme is very short (12 km) and the strait is geographically sheltered, the risk of trip cancellations due to adverse weather on this route is quite low compared to other open-sea routes in the Aegean. The short-distance advantage ensures that sailings proceed without disruption even in standard winds. However, severe Lodos or Poyraz storms during the winter months can bring maritime traffic to a standstill. Fast catamarans (Sun Lines) and sea buses (İDO) are more sensitive to wave height than classic ferries (Ertürk Lines). If sailings are suspended by the port authorities due to storms or dense fog, passengers are offered the right to an open ticket or a full, unpenalized refund. Refund rules for İDO's round-trip package tickets may vary. Before your trip, it is recommended to check the maritime forecasts page of the General Directorate of Meteorology for sea condition predictions and follow our Current Announcements section for company notices.

Travel Tips

• Know You Are Arriving at the Right Port: Find out in advance which port you will arrive at in Çeşme based on the operator you have a ticket for. Ertürk and Sun Lines tickets arrive at Çeşme Pier (center), while İDO Sun Express tickets arrive at Çeşme Ulusoy Port.
• Early Port Arrival: Since it is an international sailing, passport and customs controls take time. Foot passengers must be present at the port at least 1 hour before departure, and passengers with vehicles at least 2 hours before.
• Visa Check: For citizens of the Republic of Turkey, checks are made upon exiting Greece to ensure no visa violations have occurred. If you entered with a gate visa, make sure you have not exceeded the specified day limit.
• Duty Free Shopping: The per-person exemption limits set by Turkish customs legislation must be strictly adhered to for alcohol, tobacco, and electronics purchased from the Duty Free shop at Chios Port or from within the island. Products exceeding the limit will be confiscated at Çeşme customs.
• Seasickness: Although the distance is short and the strait is generally calm, sensitive passengers who prefer the smaller catamaran or sea bus over Ro-Ro vessels in windy weather may find it helpful to take precautions before traveling.
• Communication and Roaming: Approximately 10–15 minutes after the ferry leaves Chios port, signals from Turkish GSM operators begin to be received. To avoid international roaming charges, set your phone's network selection manually.
• Traveling with Pets: If you are returning to Turkey with your pet, it is mandatory that the animal is microchipped, its rabies vaccination is up to date, and you have an international health certificate (Pet Passport) obtained from an authorized veterinarian in Greece.

For ferry options from Turkey to other Greek islands, you can review our Turkey-Greek Islands Ferry Guide 2026. The Çanakkale-Lemnos, Datça-Symi, Bodrum-Kos/Patmos, Marmaris-Rhodes/Symi, Kuşadası-Samos, Çeşme-Chios, Ayvalık/Aliağa-Lesvos, and Turgutreis-Kos/Patmos routes are listed comparatively on a single page.