Marmaris to Rhodes by Ferry: FAQ, Travel Tips and Day Trip Guide

Rhodes is the closest Greek island to Marmaris, so a trip across the sea is one of the easiest ways to add a second country to a holiday in Turkey. A fast catamaran covers the crossing in about an hour, which leaves you most of the day to explore the medieval Old Town of Rhodes and be back in Marmaris for dinner.

Because you leave Turkey and enter Greece and the European Union, the trip needs a little more planning than an ordinary boat tour. This guide answers the questions travellers ask most often: how long the ferry takes, which documents you need, how early to be at the port and how to make the most of a day on the island.

Marmaris to Rhodes at a Glance

The Crossing: Ferry Times, Ports and Tickets

How long is the ferry from Marmaris to Rhodes?

Rhodes Town lies roughly 45 km south of Marmaris across open sea. On a high-speed catamaran the crossing usually takes around one hour. Larger conventional ferries are slower and can take close to two hours. Journey times depend on the vessel and on sea conditions, so always check the time printed on your ticket.

Where does the ferry leave from and where does it arrive?

Boats to Rhodes leave from Marmaris Port, where Turkish passport control takes place before boarding. In Rhodes, ferries from Turkey dock in the harbour of Rhodes Town, just outside the medieval walls. From the quay you can walk into the Old Town in a few minutes, so there is no need for a taxi or bus if you plan to stay in town.

Do ferries to Rhodes run every day?

From late spring to early autumn there are normally daily departures, and the busiest summer weeks may have more than one sailing a day. Outside the main season, sailings are less frequent and some days may have no service at all. All crossings depend on the weather: in strong winds the captain or port authority can delay or cancel a trip, so keep your plans flexible and have a way to be contacted.

Should I book a ferry ticket or an organised day trip?

There are two ways to do the trip:

• An independent ferry ticket suits you if you want to stay overnight in Rhodes, travel on to other Greek islands or choose your own return date.

• An organised day trip suits you if you want a fixed round trip on the same day with the ticket arranged before you travel. You still spend your time on the island independently.

Maxtoria's Marmaris to Rhodes day trip by high-speed catamaran is a same-day return. The catamaran leaves Marmaris Port at 09:15, the round-trip crossing is included, and your time in Rhodes is free, without a guide. At the time of writing, the international port tax (€15 per person aged 3 and over, €5 for ages 0–2) and hotel transfers are not included, so check the listing for the current details before you book.

How early should I arrive at Marmaris Port?

Plan to be at the port at least 60 to 90 minutes before departure. You will need time for check-in, security and passport control, and queues can be long on summer mornings. The same applies to the return journey from Rhodes: go back to the harbour well before the boat leaves, because the passport check happens before boarding.

Passports, Visas and Border Control

Do I need a visa to visit Rhodes from Turkey?

Rhodes is part of Greece, which is in the European Union and the Schengen Area. The Schengen rules for your nationality therefore apply, not the Turkish ones. A Turkish visa or e-Visa is not valid for Greece.

• EU and EEA citizens can travel with a valid passport or national ID card.

• Citizens of visa-exempt countries, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Australia, can usually visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.

• Other nationalities generally need a Schengen visa before travelling. Apply well in advance, because it cannot be issued at the port.

For Turkish citizens, Greece has in recent seasons offered a short-stay visa issued at some island ports, including Rhodes. The scheme has its own rules and dates, so check whether it is running when you plan to travel.

Rules change, so confirm the latest entry requirements with the Greek consulate or your government's travel advice before you book.

What are the passport rules for entering Greece?

If you are not an EU citizen, your passport must usually meet two conditions on the day you enter the Schengen Area:

• it was issued within the last 10 years, and

• it is valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave.

A passport that is fine for Turkey can still fail these checks, so look at both dates before you travel.

What is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The EU's Entry/Exit System replaces passport stamps for non-EU visitors with a digital record. The first time you enter the Schengen Area under EES, border staff may take your fingerprints and a photo. This can add a few minutes at passport control in Rhodes, so leave extra time in your plans. The EU also plans to introduce ETIAS, an online travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, so check whether it is required on the date of your trip.

Can I return to Turkey on the same visa?

If your nationality does not need a visa for Turkey, you simply show your passport again when you come back. If you entered Turkey on a visa or e-Visa, check that it allows multiple entries and that it is still valid on the day you return. With a single-entry visa you would need a new one to re-enter Turkey.

Do children need their own passport?

Yes. Every traveller, including babies, needs their own valid passport. If a child is travelling with only one parent, or with another adult, carry a signed consent letter from the absent parent. Border officers do not always ask for it, but they can.

Money, Time Zone and Mobile Phones

Which currency is used in Rhodes?

Rhodes uses the euro. Turkish lira are not accepted in Rhodes, and exchange rates at the port are rarely good. Cards are accepted in most shops, cafés and restaurants in Rhodes Town, but it is useful to carry some euros in cash for small purchases, toilets and taxis.

Is there a time difference between Marmaris and Rhodes?

Turkey stays on the same time all year, while Greece changes its clocks. From the end of March to the end of October, Marmaris and Rhodes are on the same time. In winter, Rhodes is one hour behind Marmaris. Ferry timetables use local time at each port, so check your phone has switched to the correct time zone before you head back to the harbour.

Will my phone work in Rhodes?

With a Turkish SIM card you will be roaming internationally in Greece, which can be expensive, so check your tariff or turn off data roaming. SIM cards from EU countries normally work at no extra cost under EU roaming rules. For visitors from other countries, it depends on the mobile plan.

How to Spend a Day in Rhodes

Can you explore Rhodes on foot?

Yes. On a day trip you only need your feet. The Old Town is compact and mostly closed to traffic, and the harbour, Mandraki and the nearest beach are all within walking distance. The streets are paved with uneven cobblestones, so wear comfortable shoes rather than sandals.

Rhodes Old Town

The walled Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Start with the Street of the Knights, a straight stone street lined with the inns of the medieval knights, which leads up to the Palace of the Grand Master. After that, walk down to Socratous Street, the busiest shopping street, and get lost in the small side lanes, where you will find quieter squares and cafés. Opening hours of museums and monuments vary by season, and some close earlier outside summer.

Mandraki Harbour

Just north of the walls is Mandraki, the old harbour. Two bronze deer statues stand at its entrance, where legend places the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Along the harbour wall you will also see a row of old windmills. It is a pleasant walk and a good place for photos.

Where can I swim near the port?

Elli Beach, at the northern tip of Rhodes Town, is about 20 minutes on foot from the Old Town and has sunbeds, cafés and clear water. It is the easiest choice if you want a swim before the boat home.

Can I visit Lindos on a day trip from Marmaris?

Lindos, with its whitewashed village and hilltop acropolis, is about 50 km from Rhodes Town, roughly an hour each way by taxi or rental car and longer by bus. Add the steep walk up to the acropolis and it takes up most of a day trip. It is only realistic if your schedule gives you a long time on the island. Otherwise, save Lindos for an overnight stay and spend your day in Rhodes Town.

A simple one-day plan

1. Morning: walk from the harbour into the Old Town, visit the Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master before the midday heat.

2. Lunch: sit down at a taverna in the Old Town. Greek salad, souvlaki and fresh fish are reliable choices.

3. Early afternoon: browse the shops around Socratous Street, then walk to Mandraki Harbour.

4. Late afternoon: have a swim at Elli Beach or a coffee by the harbour, and head back to the port at least an hour before your return sailing.

What to Buy in Rhodes

Popular souvenirs from Rhodes include:

• olive oil and olive-oil soaps or cosmetics

• thyme honey and other local honeys

• hand-painted ceramics, often in the traditional Lindos style

• natural sea sponges, sold in many shops in the Old Town

• local wine from the island's vineyards

Turkish customs limits on alcohol and tobacco are low, so check the allowances before you buy large quantities to bring back. If you enjoy shopping, compare Rhodes with the covered bazaar back in Marmaris in our Marmaris bazaar guide.

When Is the Best Time to Go?

The best months for a Marmaris to Rhodes trip are May, June, September and early October. The weather is warm, the sea is calm on most days and the Old Town is less crowded than in peak summer. July and August are the busiest and hottest months, with temperatures often above 30°C. The summer wind can also make afternoon crossings rougher. In winter there are fewer sailings, and some sites and restaurants have shorter hours, but you will have the town almost to yourself.

Practical Tips Before You Go

• Take your passport, not a copy, and check both dates on it.

• Carry some euros in cash as well as a card.

• Wear comfortable shoes for the cobbled Old Town streets.

• Bring sun protection and water; there is little shade in the middle of the day.

• If you get seasick, take medication before boarding and sit in the middle of the boat.

• Write down your return sailing time in local time and set an alarm on your phone.

• Keep your ticket and any boarding pass with you until you are back in Marmaris.

More Questions About the Marmaris to Rhodes Trip

Can I stay overnight in Rhodes?

Yes, with an independent ferry ticket that allows a later return, or a one-way ticket. A same-day day trip ticket usually cannot be changed to another date, so decide before you book.

Can I take a rental car from Marmaris to Rhodes?

Usually not. Most Turkish rental companies do not allow their cars to leave the country. If you want to drive in Rhodes, hire a car on the island.

Is the crossing rough?

On most summer days the sea is calm, and the crossing is short. Afternoons in July and August can be windier, and some passengers feel uncomfortable on fast boats in choppy water. If you are unsure, sit near the middle of the boat and avoid a heavy meal just before sailing.

What happens if the ferry is cancelled because of the weather?

If a sailing is cancelled for safety reasons, the operator will usually offer another date or a refund. The exact terms depend on who sold the ticket, so read the cancellation policy before you book.

Is Rhodes more expensive than Marmaris?

Generally, yes. Prices in Rhodes are in euros and are usually higher than in Marmaris, especially for food and drinks in the Old Town. Budget a little more than you would spend on a day out in Marmaris.

More to Do in Marmaris

Rhodes is a highlight, but Marmaris has plenty more to offer for the rest of your holiday:

• Our guide to things to do in Marmaris covers the best activities in and around town.

• Compare the different Marmaris boat trips, from relaxed bay cruises to the pirate boat, or browse all boat tours in Marmaris.

• Find a quiet swimming spot in our list of the best beaches and bays in Marmaris.

• Still planning your arrival? Read how to get from Dalaman Airport to Marmaris.

You can see all tours, activities and transfers on our Marmaris page.