Bodrum Ferries

The port of Bodrum plays a key role in the ferry network of Turkey, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 1 ferry routes operated by - ferry companies, Bodrum serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Bodrum, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Kos - Bodrum connecting Bodrum with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as - run regular services from Bodrum, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Bodrum offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Bodrum is easily accessible via Milas-Bodrum Airport, located approximately 36 kilometers northeast of the city center, with regular shuttle services connecting arrivals to the ferry terminal. Travelers can also reach Bodrum by road from major Turkish cities, about 4 hours from Izmir or 6 hours from Antalya on well-maintained highways. Regular intercity buses connect Bodrum to Istanbul (approximately 12 hours) and other major centers throughout Turkey. If arriving by car, several parking options are available near the ferry terminal, though in peak summer months it's advisable to arrive early or use the paid parking facilities slightly farther from the port.

Nestled on the stunning Aegean coastline, Bodrum seamlessly blends ancient history with Mediterranean glamour. This sun-drenched peninsula offers a mesmerizing contrast of whitewashed buildings cascading down to turquoise waters, with the imposing medieval Castle of St. Peter standing guard over the twin harbors. As a major ferry hub connecting Turkey to numerous Greek islands, Bodrum serves as the perfect gateway for travelers seeking to experience both Turkish hospitality and island-hopping adventures.

Bodrum enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, occasionally rainy winters. The prime season runs from May to October, with July and August bringing perfect beach weather but also larger crowds and higher prices. Late May to early June and September to early October offer the ideal balance of pleasant temperatures (around 25-30°C) and fewer tourists, making these months perfect for exploring the city and enjoying ferry travel. Winter visitors will find a more authentic, local atmosphere with many establishments closed, though ferry services operate year-round with reduced frequency. The annual Bodrum Festival in July brings vibrant cultural performances, while September's International Bodrum Sailing Cup transforms the harbor into a spectacular display of sailing vessels.

Bodrum serves as a prime departure point for several enchanting Aegean destinations. The Greek island of Kos is just a 45-minute ferry ride away, offering ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and authentic Greek tavernas. Rhodes, with its spectacular medieval Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage site), can be reached in about 2 hours by high-speed ferry. The smaller Greek islands of Kalymnos and Leros provide more off-the-beaten-path experiences and can be visited on day trips or as part of island-hopping itineraries. For those preferring to stay in Turkish waters, regular ferries connect Bodrum to picturesque coastal towns like Datça and Marmaris, each offering their own unique charm and crystal-clear bays perfect for swimming.

Exploring the magnificent Castle of St. Peter should top every visitor's list, housing the fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaeology with treasures recovered from ancient shipwrecks. The ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, offer a glimpse into Bodrum's historical significance. For food enthusiasts, the local cuisine showcases the best of Aegean flavors: fresh seafood, olive oil-based meze, and herb-infused dishes best enjoyed at waterfront restaurants in the Marina area. The charming district of Gümüşlük, with its sunken ancient city visible beneath the clear waters, provides a perfect sunset spot away from the main tourist centers. Don't miss the vibrant Bodrum Market (Tuesdays) where local crafts, textiles, and fresh produce create a feast for the senses.

Few visitors realize that Bodrum was the ancient city of Halicarnassus, birthplace of Herodotus, often called the 'Father of History', whose chronicles remain fundamental historical texts today. The iconic blue evil eye (nazar boncuğu) protectors seen throughout town originated from ancient maritime traditions, with Bodrum's sailors historically being among the most superstitious in the Mediterranean. In the 1920s, Bodrum was a simple fishing village before writer Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı (known as 'The Fisherman of Halicarnassus') was exiled here and subsequently wrote so lovingly about the area that it gradually transformed into a cultural haven. The town's signature architecture, white cubic houses with flat roofs, was actually mandated by law in the 1970s to preserve the area's traditional aesthetic.