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A Ferry From Kos To Bodrum Day Trip – Everything You Need To Know
If you’re spending time on the Greek Island of Kos, you’re lucky. This beautiful island is packed with beautiful beaches, superb gastronomy, fantastic nightlife, and sights to see. In fact, it’s a wonder you even consider going anywhere else. But itchy feet need to travel!
If you peer over the Aegean Sea, you’ll see land in the distance. That’s Turkey. In fact, it’s Bodrum, to be more specific.
One of the best things to do during your time in Kos is to visit Bodrum for the day, and it’s entirely possible thanks to a half an hour ferry ride!
How To Get To Bodrum From Kos (& Bodrum To Kos)
Kos Port is a short walk from the center of town, but if the heat is a little too much or you’re in a hurry, jump in a taxi. The ferry between Kos and Bodrum is just 30 minutes, and there is an early morning crossing and a late afternoon one, at 9.30 am and 6 pm daily during the summer months.
Prices vary according to the time of year, but prices usually fall somewhere between 17-25 euros one way. As the crossing is only half an hour, you’ll have plenty of time to see Bodrum’s main sights before returning to the port for your return crossing.
From Bodrum city center to the port, it is only a 10-minute walk, but again, you can jump in a taxi to save your legs.
Click the date to open the calendar to find your travel date
Click the date to open the calendar to find your travel date
Paperwork You’ll Need To Cross From Kos To Bodrum
It’s easy to forget that you’re crossing into another country, which means passport and visa issues. The good news is that it’s relatively easy, although you will need to plan your day trip because you’ll need to apply for an online e-visa to enter Turkey. This can be done 72 hours before you plan to travel, and it’s all done online. Anyone over six years of age will need to do this. It’s easy to check your eligibility for this according to your country of origin by heading online.
You’ll also need to have 60 days of validity on your passport after the final day of your e-visa.
Remember, you’ll have to go through passport control and customs on both sides, so leave a little time to ensure you don’t miss your ferry. Otherwise, you’ll stay the night in Bodrum – but that’s not such a bad thing; there’s some great nightlife to enjoy!
Things To Do On A Day Trip To Bodrum From Kos
As you only have a day to see the city, sticking to the major sights is important. The good news is there are plenty of them.
Wander Bodrum Bazaar
As before, it’s just 10 minutes from the port into the center of the city, and that’s where you’ll find the famous market. If you love cooking, be sure to head to the spice market part of the bazaar and pick up some spices to take back home and use in the kitchen. You can also find clothing, bags, textiles, trinkets, and of course, Turkish Delight or lokum – a must-try!
Check Out Bodrum Castle
Bodrum Castle is another must-visit. Built in the 15th century, the castle has changed hands a few times over the years and is amazingly well-preserved. You’ll be able to check out some fantastic views, including all the way back over to Kos! You’ll also find a famous museum in the castle – the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Here you’ll be able to check out artifacts from shipwrecks in Aegean waters. There are also actual shipwrecks to check out, dating back to the 11th century.
Visit One Of The Bodrum Beaches
If you want to go to the beach, you’ll need to take a taxi drive around 20 minutes from the city. That may or may not be something you have time for, but if you’re desperate to dip your toes in Turkish waters, you could easily take a taxi for an hour or so before heading back to the city for your return ferry.
Dine On Turkish Cuisine
Bodrum is quite a cosmopolitan city, and there is some fantastic gastronomy to be tried. Make sure you have a hearty lunch in the city, and try some authentic Turkish food. Pide is a good option, lahmacun, or you could opt for one of the many different types of kebabs. Be sure to wash it all down with a glass of traditional cay or tea.
Is It Worth Taking A Day Trip From Kos To Bodrum
Absolutely.
The chance to see a little of two different countries during one trip is a great opportunity and something you shouldn’t miss. It’s very easy to obtain an e-visa to enter Turkey, and the ferry crossing is extremely short.
You’ll have plenty of time to walk around the city center during the day, and while you’ll probably be exhausted when you arrive at the ferry port to head back to Kos, you’ll have some fantastic memories, a camera full of photographs, and probably bags of shopping.
All in all, a great day out!