Ferry connections to Turkey – book quickly, conveniently, and affordably
Turkey is one of the most fascinating travel destinations in the eastern Mediterranean. With its impressive coastline, historic cities, and picturesque islands, it offers ideal conditions for relaxed, flexible, and affordable ferry travel. Whether you are traveling by car, motorcycle, camper van, bicycle, or even with your pet, modern ferry connections make your trip to Turkey particularly enjoyable and ensure maximum freedom.
On this page, you will find all the major ferry operators, the fastest routes, the best prices, practical booking information and numerous tips to make your crossing to Turkey comfortable and stress-free. Use our search to find the right connection instantly, compare and book directly online.
Turkey – All ferry connections according to your wishes
1. Why take a ferry trip to Turkey?
1.1 Travel comfortably, flexibly, and relaxed
A ferry trip to Turkey combines comfort, adventure, and independence. Instead of hours of flying and strict baggage rules, you can enjoy a relaxed journey across the sea – perfect for vacationers who want to remain flexible.
The advantages are obvious:
- ✅ Travel with your own vehicle – ideal for individual round trips
- ✅ Conveniently take your pets with you – air-conditioned pet cabins or pet decks
- ✅ Generous luggage allowances without additional fees
- ✅ Comfortable cabins and modern ships
- ✅ Direct and fast connections between Turkey, Greece, and Italy
- ✅ Culinary offerings and leisure activities on board
Ferries give you time to get in the mood for your vacation—without stress, without hassle, without airport chaos.
1.2 Perfect for round trips and longer vacations
Those who want to travel around Turkey by car or motorhome will particularly benefit from a ferry crossing. Whether you’re heading to the Aegean, Lycian, or Black Sea coast, transporting your own vehicle makes your entire trip much more flexible and cheaper than booking a rental car locally.
1.3 Ideal for pets
Many ferry operators traveling to Turkey expressly welcome pets.
The conditions vary depending on the shipping company, but often include:
- ✅ Pet cabins
- ✅ Balcony cabins where animals are allowed
- ✅ Outdoor areas / pet decks
- ✅ Air-conditioned lounge / kennel areas
For pet owners, the ferry is the most comfortable way to make the journey stress-free.
2. Ferry connections to and within Turkey
Turkey offers both international connections from Greece and Italy and domestic ferry routes to well-known Turkish islands or between major port cities.
2.1 International ferry connections
The most important international routes:
Greece → Turkey
- ✅ Chios – Çeşme (daily, very short crossing, ideal for day trips)
- ✅ Lesbos (Mytilini) – Ayvalık (daily, especially popular in summer)
- ✅ Rhodes – Fethiye / Marmaris (fast connection to southwestern Turkey)
- ✅ Kos – Bodrum (short distance, ideal for island hoppers)
- ✅ Samos – Kuşadası (one of the most popular routes for vacationers)
Italy → Turkey
Currently, seasonal or charter-based routes are offered at times, e.g., from:
- ✅ Bari – Çeşme
- ✅ Brindisi – Çeşme
These connections are ideal for motorhome trips from Europe.
2.2 National ferry connections within Turkey
Ferries are also an important part of public transport within Turkey.
Particularly popular:
- ✅ Istanbul – Bursa – Yalova (commuter ferries and fast catamarans)
- ✅ Izmir – Karaburun – Foça
- ✅ Bodrum – Datça
- ✅ Marmaris – Datça
- ✅ Canakkale – Gallipoli (Dardanelles crossing)
- ✅ Fast Ferries along the Aegean Sea
The domestic routes connect the coastal regions flexibly and are ideal for round trips.
3. All major ferry operators for Turkey (with advantages)
Here you will find a complete overview of the most important ferry companies operating on international and domestic routes to and from Turkey.
3.1 Turyol
One of the best-known shipping companies between Turkey and Greece.
Advantages:
- ✅ Very high departure frequencies
- ✅ Attractive ticket prices
- ✅ Pets allowed
- ✅ Modern speedboats
- ✅ Ideal for day trips
3.2 Jalem Tur
Specialist for the Ayvalık – Lesbos route.
Advantages:
- ✅ Daily departures
- ✅ Fast entry procedures
- ✅ Vehicle transport possible
- ✅ Comfortable ships
3.3 Dodekanisos Seaways
Greek shipping company with connections between the Dodecanese islands and Turkey.
Advantages:
- ✅ Modern high-speed ferries
- ✅ Very short crossings
- ✅ Ideal for trips to Bodrum, Marmaris, or Fethiye
3.4 Makri Travel
Operates the well-known Fethiye–Rhodes route.
Advantages:
- ✅ Fast departures
- ✅ Good assistance upon arrival
- ✅ Comfortable ferries
3.5 Yesil Marmaris Lines
Connections between Marmaris and Rhodes.
Advantages:
- ✅ Very short crossings
- ✅ High reliability
- ✅ Affordable tickets
3.6 Bodrum Express Lines
Operates the Kos – Bodrum connection.
Advantages:
- Extremely short travel time
- Pet-friendly
- ✅ Vehicle transport available
3.7 GESTAŞ Deniz Ulaşım
Major provider for Turkish domestic routes.
Advantages:
- ✅ Very reliable local connections
- ✅ Wide selection of domestic routes
- ✅ Ideal for round trips through western Turkey
3.8 IDO – Istanbul Deniz Otobüsleri
One of the largest providers of high-speed ferries around Istanbul.
Advantages:
- ✅ High-speed catamarans
- ✅ Comfortable cabins
- ✅ Frequent shuttle ferries
- ✅ Ideal for travel between Istanbul and Bursa/Yalova
4. Traveling with vehicles and pets – What you need to know
4.1 Vehicles
All major providers offer space for:
- ✅ Cars
- ✅ Motorcycles
- ✅ Motorhomes
- ✅ Minibuses
- ✅ Bicycles
Booking in advance is particularly important during the high season.
4.2 Pets
Entry requirements for pets vary, but you will normally need:
- ✅ EU pet passport
- ✅ Valid rabies vaccination
- ✅ Microchip
- ✅ Additional veterinary certificates, if necessary
Most shipping companies offer:
- ✅ Pet cabins
- ✅ Pet decks
- ✅ Climate-controlled animal areas
- ✅ Transportation in transport boxes
5. How to find the best prices for Turkey ferries
To travel really cheaply, please note the following tips:
- 5.1 Book early – The cheapest fares are available early and increase as the date approaches.
- 5.2 Be flexible with departure times – Tickets are often cheaper during the week than at the weekend.
- 5.3 Take advantage of the off-season – Turkey is attractive almost all year round – there are great deals to be had in the off-season.
- 5.4 Compare online – Our booking platform gives you direct access to:
- ✅ Daily updated prices
- ✅ Comparison of all providers
- ✅ Available cabins
- ✅ Vehicle spaces
- ✅ Special discounts
6. The booking process – it’s that easy
- 1. Select your route
- 2. Set your travel date
- 3. Select your vehicle and passengers
- 4. Compare ticket options
- 5. Book directly online
- 6. Receive your ticket digitally
- 7. Simply check in at the port
Fast – transparent – flexible.
7. Destinations and highlights in Turkey
7.1 Aegean region
- ✅ Izmir
- ✅ Çeşme
- ✅ Kuşadası
- ✅ Bodrum
- ✅ Marmaris
- ✅ Fethiye
7.2 Mediterranean coast
- ✅ Antalya
- ✅ Alanya
- ✅ Kemer
7.3 Marmara Region
- ✅ Istanbul
- ✅ Bursa
- ✅ Yalova
- ✅ Tekirdağ
Thanks to countless ferry connections, you are always flexible and can combine different regions with each other.