Symi Port → Marmaris PierFerry Schedule 2026 — Current Departure Times and Prices

Symi - Marmaris Ferry Guide 2026

Establishing a strategic maritime bridge between Turkey's southwestern coast and Greece's Dodecanese islands, the Symi - Marmaris ferry route is one of the Aegean Sea's busiest international crossings. Operated by Yeşil Marmaris, this route serves as a main transport artery for both day-trippers and long-term holidaymakers, especially during the summer months. Departing from Gialos port, famous for Symi Island's neo-classical architecture, and arriving directly at Marmaris Cruise Port, this route crosses international waters to connect two distinct cultures. Operated exclusively by passenger-only high-speed catamarans, the service offers travelers a fast and safe journey across the blue waters of the Aegean following passport and customs procedures.

Journey Time and Distance

The maritime distance between Symi Port and Marmaris Pier is exactly 30.0 kilometers (approximately 16.2 nautical miles). The high-speed catamarans and passenger ferries in the Yeşil Marmaris fleet cover this distance in an average of 85 minutes. This duration may vary by 5-10 minutes depending on maritime traffic, port docking maneuvers, and instantaneous wind speeds in the Aegean Sea. As this is an international maritime border crossing, there is no direct overland alternative for this route. The only alternative transport method between the two shores is chartering a private gulet or sailboat; however, commercial passenger ferries offer the most rational and economical transport model with their 85-minute block times.

Schedules and Timetables

Ferry frequencies on the Symi - Marmaris route vary significantly throughout the year depending on tourism season dynamics. During the high summer season from May to the end of October, Yeşil Marmaris generally operates at least two reciprocal sailings a day, typically in the morning and evening. For tourists making a day trip, optimized schedules are applied, usually departing from Symi to Marmaris around 09:00 and returning from Marmaris to Symi around 17:00. In the winter season between November and April, sailings are reduced to specific days of the week (usually Wednesday and Saturday) or may be suspended entirely due to adverse weather conditions and low demand. Additional sailings (extra catamaran allocations) are introduced during public holidays, festive periods, and local festivals in Greece. Before planning your trip, you can get the current ferry schedules here.

Tickets and Fares

The ticket pricing policy applied on this route is divided into three main categories: one-way, same-day return (day-trip), and different-day return (open return). Since only passenger transport is provided, there is no vehicle ticket category. Same-day return tickets are proportionally more advantageous compared to one-way tickets to encourage tourism. For infants and children aged 0-6, generally only port taxes are collected, while a 50% child discount is applied for children aged 7-12. Student or over-65 discounts depend on the company's seasonal campaigns, as this is an international route. Ticket prices include port taxes for both countries. Turkish citizens traveling must have a Schengen visa or an approved Greece Gate Visa. While you can physically purchase your ticket from the port ticket offices, it is recommended to obtain it in advance from digital platforms to avoid capacity issues. For the general pricing logic and comparisons with other routes, you can review our Ferry Prices page.

About Symi Port Pier

Symi Port is located in the Gialos area, the center of the island, right in front of the colorful neo-classical houses arranged like an amphitheater. The main pier where the ferries dock is situated on the right wing of the port. As it is a small, boutique island, access to the port is generally on foot; for passengers coming from other parts of the island such as Pedi or Panormitis, there are regularly operating local buses (KTEL) and a taxi rank in the port square. The port area houses a passport control point, a waiting lounge, and a small duty-free shop. Just outside the customs building, traditional Greek tavernas, coffeehouses, car/scooter rental agencies, and boutique hotels are lined up side by side. Since the passport control queue can spill outside the building during the summer months, it is possible to spend time in the cafes around the port while waiting.

About Marmaris Cruise Port

Marmaris Pier, officially named Marmaris Cruise Port, is located on the road to Günnücek National Park, right next to Marmaris Marina. Featuring a large customs area, the port has the infrastructure to serve multiple international catamarans and giant cruise ships simultaneously. The Marmaris city center (Grand Bazaar, Bar Street, and the Atatürk Statue area) can be reached on foot from the port in about 15-20 minutes. For passengers with luggage, there is a 24/7 taxi rank and local minibus (dolmuş) stops at the port exit. Additionally, passengers wishing to go to Dalaman Airport can head to the nearby Marmaris Bus Terminal and use the MUTTAŞ or HAVAŞ buses. Inside the port, there are modern passport control counters, spacious and air-conditioned waiting lounges, a currency exchange office, ATMs, and food and beverage areas.

What to Do in Muğla?

Passengers crossing from Symi to Marmaris step into Muğla, one of Turkey's richest tourism regions. Here are the main routes you can explore in the area after leaving the port:

Marmaris Castle and Archaeology Museum: Just a 10-minute walk from the port, this historical castle was built during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent before the Rhodes campaign. Offering a spectacular marina view, the castle is now open to visitors as a museum.
Marmaris Grand Bazaar: In this historically rich bazaar, you can find local Marmaris pine honey, leather goods, spices, Turkish delight, and handicrafts.
İçmeler and Turunç Beaches: Easily accessible by minibuses or taxi boats departing from the center of Marmaris, these bays are known for their crystal-clear waters and nature surrounded by pine forests.
Akyaka and Azmak River: About a 30-minute drive from Marmaris, Akyaka is the pearl of the Gulf of Gökova. Boat tours on the Azmak River and kite surf activities in the region are prominent.
Dalyan and İztuzu Beach: Reached by a one-hour road trip, Dalyan offers the chance to see the rock tombs of the Ancient City of Kaunos and swim at İztuzu Beach, a breeding ground for Caretta Caretta sea turtles.

Vehicle vs. Passenger Travel

The most critical operational feature of the Symi - Marmaris route is that sailings are open only to passenger (foot) transport. The catamarans used by Yeşil Marmaris on this route do not have a vehicle deck. Therefore, the dilemma of "should I travel with a vehicle or as a foot passenger?" does not apply to this route. Passengers arriving in Marmaris with their private vehicles and wishing to cross to Symi must leave their cars in the paid parking lot of Marmaris Cruise Port or private parking lots in the center of Marmaris. The physical structure of the island (very narrow streets, steep hills, and limited parking space) already makes using a vehicle extremely difficult. If you absolutely want to cross to the Dodecanese region with a vehicle, you should look into alternative international routes operating car ferries (Ro-Ro) such as Bodrum - Kos or Fethiye - Rhodes instead of Marmaris.

Cancellations, Refunds, and Weather Conditions

This 85-minute journey in the open waters of the Aegean Sea is directly subject to sea and weather conditions. Especially in July and August, the "Meltemi" winds unique to the Aegean, and harsh Lodos storms in the winter months, can affect maritime traffic. If the wave height exceeds safe navigation limits, sailings are canceled by order of the Port Authorities. In case of weather-related cancellations, passengers are granted a seamless 100% ticket refund or the right to change their tickets to a future sailing free of charge (open ticket). For passenger-initiated cancellations, deduction rates determined by the company according to the ticket class (graduated penalties such as 24 hours, 12 hours, or 2 hours before the sailing) apply. Before your travel plans, checking the sea water and wind forecasts via the General Directorate of Meteorology and following our Current Announcements page against possible cancellations will prevent grievances.

Travel Tips

• Early Arrival at the Port: As this is an international sailing, passport, customs, and security checks take time. You are required to be present at the port at least 60 to 90 minutes before the departure time.
• International Departure Fee: For passengers departing with a Republic of Turkey passport, paying the international departure fee stamps in advance via the digital tax office or banks provides great convenience to avoid waiting in line at the port desk.
• Preventing Seasickness: Catamaran journeys can be bumpy on days when Meltemi winds are active. If you are prone to seasickness, it is recommended to take anti-nausea medication, which you can get from a pharmacy, half an hour before the trip.
• Luggage Rules: Although passenger-only catamarans do not have weight limits as strict as airlines, easily transportable, wheeled cabin-size suitcases should be preferred due to boarded stairs and narrow corridors.
• Duty-Free Limits: Upon arrival at Marmaris Port, tobacco and alcohol limits are strictly inspected by customs enforcement officers. Remember that products exceeding the legal customs exemption limits will be confiscated and penal action will be taken.
• Gate Visa Process: If you are going to Symi with a gate visa, you must have submitted your documents to the relevant agency at least 4-5 business days before the travel date and take into account that you will wait in line for visa issuance at the port.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many minutes does the Symi - Marmaris ferry take?

The Symi - Marmaris journey, carried out by high-speed catamarans belonging to the Yeşil Marmaris company, takes an average of 85 minutes depending on sea and weather conditions. The total distance covered is 30 kilometers.

Is there a car ferry on the Symi - Marmaris route?

No, only passenger-carrying catamaran-type high-speed ferries operate on this route. Vehicles are not accepted, and you must leave your private vehicle in the Marmaris Cruise Port parking lot.

Do I need a visa to go to Symi Island?

Yes, since Symi Island is Greek territory, Republic of Turkey citizens must have a valid Schengen visa, a green passport, or an approved Greece Gate Visa applied for in advance through agencies.

Are Symi - Marmaris sailings canceled in stormy weather?

On days when severe Meltemi or Lodos winds in the Aegean Sea raise the wave height to dangerous levels, sailings may be canceled by the decision of the Port Authority. In this case, passengers are given the right to a full refund or a date change.

How can I reach Marmaris Cruise Port?

Marmaris Port is approximately 1.5 kilometers from the district center. You can easily reach the port by local minibuses departing from the center, by taxi, or with a 15-20 minute walk following the coastline.

For ferry options to other Greek islands from Turkey, you can review the Turkey-Greek Islands Ferry Guide 2026. The Çanakkale-Limnos, 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.