

CESME CHIOS FERRY DEPARTURES
ISLAND of MASTIHA
The Cesme Chios ferry route operates year-round with three major ferry companies providing up to 24 crossings per week during peak summer season (June-September), connecting Turkey and Greece across a distance of 9 nautical miles (16 km). Journey times range from 17 minutes to 40 minutes, with ticket prices starting from €40.
This highly efficient international route offers the shortest crossing between Turkey and the Greek islands, with the fastest vessels completing the journey in just 17 minutes. Operated by Erturk Lines, Turyol and Sunrise Lines using modern high-speed catamarans and conventional ferries, the service accommodates both passengers and vehicles.
Both Cesme and Chios ports are located within walking distance of their respective town centers, making this route exceptionally convenient for day trips to explore Chios's unique attractions including UNESCO World Heritage sites and the world's only natural mastic gum production. Valid passports are required for all travelers, with Turkish citizens eligible for a simplified 7-day visa express program.
Cesme Chios Ferries
Primary Operators: The route is served by three main ferry companies: Turyol, Erturk Lines, and Sunrise Lines, each operating both high-speed catamarans and conventional ferries.
Company Profiles
Turyol:
Established in 1995, operates modern ferries with comfortable seating, onboard cafes, and panoramic decks. Known for reliable service and modern vessels with competitive pricing.Erturk Lines:
Founded in 1960 in Izmir, operates both the catamaran (passenger only) and the conventional ferry (passengers and vehicles).Sunrise Lines:
Established in 1987, operates passenger and car ferry.
Detailed Schedule Information
Seasonal Operations
From June to September, there are about 24-39 weekly crossings, while from October to May, the route operates with around 3-4 sailings per week.
Regular Departure Times
- Departure from Cesme: 08:45
- Departure from Chios: 18:00
Peak Season (June-September)
- Up to 24-39 weekly crossings
Off Season (October-May)
- Sailings on 3 days a week
Special Schedule Notes
- Summer adjustments: From June, additional summer services begin with modified departure times
Journey Details & Performance
Distance and Duration
- Distance: 9 nautical miles (16 km)
- Fastest crossing: 20 minutes (catamaran)
- Average duration: 35 minutes
- Slowest crossing: 40 minutes (conventional ferry)
Vessel Types
Services operate using both catamarans and conventional ferries with open decks, with catamarans offering faster journey times.
Pet Policies
Pet Transportation
- Pets travel for free on ferries from Cesme to Chios
- Required documentation: All required documents, tickets, and pet essentials for international journey
Booking & Ticketing Systems
Digital Ticketing
Turyol:
Full digital experience - online booking, mobile tickets, direct boarding with e-tickets.Erturk Lines:
Traditional and online booking options available.Sunrise Lines:
Online booking available, but paper tickets must be collected at port collection points before departure.Booking Recommendations
- Book in advance if travelling will be in high season
Travel Requirements & Documents
International Border Crossing
- Valid passport required for Turkey-Greece crossing
- Passport control procedures apply at both ports
- Visa requirements: Check with respective consulates for current requirements
- Turkish tourists: Gate Visa program is available for fast-track visa processing to Greek islands
- Important restriction: TRNC entry stamp in passport can cause visa denial
Departure Recommendations
- Advised to arrive at least 1 hour before departure, especially during summer months and weekends
- Allow extra time for customs and immigration clearance on either side, especially in busy months
Day Trip Opportunities
Feasibility
- Day trips highly feasible with fastest ferries taking only 20 minutes
- Popular day trip schedule: Morning departure at 08:45, return at 18:00
- Total stay time: Approximately 7-8 hours for exploration
Chios Attractions
Nea Moni Monastery, Nea Moni Monastery (11th century UNESCO World Heritage Site), Pyrgi Village with Byzantine walls, Medieval Castle of Chios, Nea Moni monastery with fine mosaics, Chios Byzantine Museum.
Important Operational Considerations
Seasonal Reliability
- Peak season frequency: About 24-39 weekly crossings June-September
- Off-season frequency: Around 3-4 sailings per week October-May
- Winter schedules may exclude certain days (Tuesdays, Thursdays) with some operators
Weather Dependencies
Ferry services may be suspended during adverse weather conditions in the Aegean Sea, particularly during winter months, making schedule flexibility important for travelers.
CATAMARAN TICKET RATES
| One Way | Daily Return | Round Trip | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 40€ | 50€ | 50€ |
| Child | 30€ | 35€ | 35€ |
| Infant | 25€ | 25€ | 25€ |
Note: Infant age: 0-5, Child age: 6-12
FERRYBOAT TICKET RATES
| One Way | Daily Return | Round Trip | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 40€ | 50€ | 50€ |
| Child | 30€ | 35€ | 35€ |
| Infant | 25€ | 25€ | 25€ |
Note: Infant age: 0-5, Child age: 6-12
FERRYBOAT TICKET RATES
| One Way | Daily Return | Round Trip | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 30€ | 40€ | 50€ |
| Child | 25€ | 30€ | 35€ |
| Infant | 20€ | 20€ | 25€ |
Note: Infant age: 0-5, Child age: 6-12
FERRYBOAT TICKET RATES
| One Way | Daily Return | Round Trip | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 40€ | 50€ | 50€ |
| Child | 30€ | 35€ | 35€ |
| Infant | 20€ | 20€ | 25€ |
Note: Infant age: 0-5, Child age: 6-12
Port Information & Facilities
Cesme Port
- Location: Musalla Mahallesi, Atadag Caddesi, 35930 Cesme/Izmir
- Distance from town center: 5-minute walk
- Distance from city center: 1.5 km, 80 km from Izmir Airport
- Port facilities: Essential services including shops and restaurants
Chios Port (Chora Port)
- Location: Chios 821 00, Greece (far northeast corner of the quay)
- Distance from town center: Near the town center, close to attractions
- Terminal facilities: Passport control, customs, security, ticket control, and duty-free
- Operational note: Long queues can occur during peak seasons with no shade from sun
- Port facilities: Plenty of cafes, taverns, restaurants, and shops at the port
Ferry Connections to Other Greek islands
Based on current ferry schedules, Chios has extensive ferry connections to numerous Greek islands. The island has two ports: the main port at Chios Town (on the eastern side) and the smaller Mesta port (on the western side).
Eastern Aegean Islands
- Lesvos (Mytilene)
- Lesvos (Sigri)
- Samos
- Ikaria
- Fourni
- Lemnos (Myrina)
- Psara
- Oinousses
- Agios Efstratios
Cyclades Islands
- Mykonos
- Syros
- Tinos
Dodecanese Islands
- Patmos
- Leros
Mainland Greece
- Piraeus
- Kavala
- Lavrio
- Thessaloniki
Chios serves as an excellent hub for island hopping in the Eastern Aegean, with particularly good connections to nearby islands and less touristy destinations like Psara and Oinousses.
FAQs About Cesme Chios Ferry Departures
Ferries between Cesme and Chios run frequently throughout the year, with seasonal variations. During summer months (June-September), there are about 24 weekly crossings, while from October to May, the route operates with around 3 sailings per week.
The journey takes between 20 and 40 min, with high-speed options available. The fastest crossing is remarkably quick - The fastest ferry takes 17min, while on average, ferry trips last around 33min.
Cesme Chios ferry sailings typycally depart from Cesme at around 08:45. The last ferry leaves at 18:00. During summer season, there are typically daily departures at 08:30, 10:00, and 18:00 from 1 June 2025.
| One Way | Daily Return | Round Trip | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 40€ | 50€ | 50€ |
| Child | 30€ | 35€ | 35€ |
| Infant | 20€ | 20€ | 25€ |
Note: Infant age: 0-5, Child age: 6-12
Cesme Chios ferry tickets >
The ferry companies serving the route are Erturk Lines, Turyol and Sunrise Lines.
Cesme Chios ferry companies >
In order to travel from Cesme to Chios, you are advised to carry with you an ID or a valid passport. EU citizens can typically travel with just an ID card.
For Turkish citizens; Turkish citizens need Shengen visa to visit Chios, but they can now obtain a simplified, short-term visa specifically for visiting certain Greek islands, including Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Kos and Rhodes. This "visa express" program is available as a fast-track visa service, allows stays of up to 7 days.
Citizens from other countries should check specific visa requirements for Greece/Schengen area.
You are advised to arrive at least 1 hour before departure, which should be sufficient for passport control and boarding.
FERRY TO GREEK ISLANDS
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Samos
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Samos Island
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