A day in Bodrum is easy to do from Kos, but you start in Kos town, not in Kardamaina. The ferry crossing is short, typically 30 to 60 minutes depending on the boat, and many travelers do the round trip in a day.
Our top pick: From Kos: Independent Day Trip to Bodrum
Before you go
Passport required. The crossing between Greece and Turkey is an international border. Check entry rules for your nationality, including any visa or e-visa, before booking. Rules change.
- Allow time for checks. Arrive at the Kos port at least an hour before departure, as passport control is done before boarding.
- Choose the return carefully. Same-day return boats leave in the afternoon or early evening in season. Make sure you keep your return ticket.
- Currency. Turkey uses the Turkish lira; cards and euros are widely taken in tourist areas, but ask the price first.
What to do in Bodrum
- Bodrum Castle (Castle of St Peter). A 15th-century fortress built by the Knights of St John on the same peninsula as the town, now home to an underwater archaeology museum.
- Marina and old town. White houses, a harbour full of sailing boats and the covered bazaar for shopping.
- Mausoleum of Halicarnassus site. The remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a modest ruin today.
Ways to book
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Ferry ticket only | Cheapest; you organise your day |
| Guided day trip with transfer | Transport from your hotel plus a guide |
From Kos: Independent Day Trip to Bodrum
Ferry and time to explore on your own. 4.1/5 from 1,428 reviews.
From Kos: Bodrum Day Trip by Ferry with Transfer
Includes a transfer in Bodrum. 4.3/5 from 229 reviews.
Why book online
- Free cancellation on most tickets, usually up to 24 hours before
- Reserved time slot: no queue at the ticket desk
- Mobile ticket on your phone
- Reviews from verified travelers
For a land-based day closer to home, see Kos town or the Nisyros volcano trip.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a passport to go from Kos to Bodrum?
Yes. This is an international crossing between Greece and Turkey, and you pass border control on both sides. Bring a valid passport (or the identity document your nationality is allowed to use).
Do I need a visa for Turkey?
It depends on your nationality. Rules change, so check the official government advice for your passport before you book.
How long is the ferry from Kos to Bodrum?
Most sources give 30 to 40 minutes on the fast boats and up to an hour or more on slower services or in bad weather.
Where do ferries to Bodrum leave from?
From the main port in Kos town, not from Kardamaina. Allow about 35 to 45 minutes to drive there, and arrive at the port at least an hour before departure.
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