

KAS KASTELLORIZO FERRY DEPARTURES
ISLAND of BLUE GROTTO
The Kas Kastellorizo ferry route operates seasonally from April to November, providing one of the world's shortest international ferry crossings at just 3.5 nautical mile (6.5 km) between Turkey and Greece. Journey times range from 7 to 20 minutes depending on the vessel, with up to 3 daily crossings during peak summer season.
Despite being the shortest international ferry route in the Mediterranean, it offers a complete cultural transition from Turkey to Greece, making it one of the most unique and accessible international border crossings available. The route serves as both a convenient day trip option and a gateway to the Greek Dodecanese islands, combining practical transportation with genuine cultural discovery in this remarkable corner where two continents meet.
Kas Kastellorizo Ferries
Primary Operators: The route is served by two main ferry companies: Meis Ferry Lines and Meis Express, each operating both conventional open-deck ferries.
Company Profiles
Meis Ferry Lines:
The company organizes reliable and economical ferry services with its own fast ferries.Meis Express:
They operate modern vessels designed for the short but internationally significant crossing between Turkey and Greece.
Detailed Schedule Information
Seasonal Operations
The ferry route from Kastellorizo to Kas operates from April until November, and the highest demand for tickets is during the summer months (June-September), when the weather is warm and the seas are calm.
Regular Departure Times
- Departure from Kas: 09:20
- Departure from Kastellorizo: 18:00
Peak Season (June-September)
- Up to 9-10 crossings per week
Off Season (November-April)
- No sailings in winter
Special Schedule Notes
- Summer adjustments: From June, additional summer services begin with modified departure times
Journey Details & Performance
Distance and Duration
- Distance: 3.5 nautical miles (6.5 km)
- Fastest crossing: 7 minutes
- Average duration: 10 minutes
- Slowest crossing: 20 minutes
Vessel Types
Services operate using conventional ferries with open decks.
Pet Policies
Pet Transportation
- Pets travel for free on ferries from Ayvalik to Lesvos
- Required documentation: All required documents, tickets, and pet essentials for international journey
Booking & Ticketing Systems
Digital Ticketing
Meis Ferry Lines:
Full digital experience - online booking, mobile tickets, direct boarding with e-tickets.Meis Express:
Full digital experience - online booking, mobile tickets, direct boarding with e-tickets.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 10 minutes
- Popular day trip schedule: Morning departure at 09:20, return at 18:00
- Total stay time: Approximately 8-9 hours for exploration
Lesvos Attractions
Blue Cave, The Harbour & Waterfront, Castle of the Knights (Kastello Rosso), Paleokastro Fortress, Lycian Tomb, Archaeological Museum of Megisti, Folk Art Museum, Monastery of Saint George of the Mountain, St. George Island (Agios Georgios) and Ro (Rho) Island.
Important Operational Considerations
Seasonal Reliability
- Winter operations: There are no crossings during winter
Weather Dependencies
Ferry services may be suspended during adverse weather conditions in the Aegean Sea, particularly during spring and autumn months, making schedule flexibility important for travelers.
Port Information & Facilities
Kas Port
- Location: The Port of Kas is just a short walk from the town center, providing easy access to restaurants, shops, and hotels, as well as local attractions such as the Kas Amphitheater
- The port is easily accessible on foot from Kas town center
- Port facilities: Free Wi-Fi, ATM, taxis, restrooms (including disabled access), ticket office, waiting lounge, car rentals, restaurant, café, and parking
Kastellorizo Port
- Location: Located in Megisti Bay on the island's northeastern coast. This area is the island's central settlement
- Around the port you will find many cafés, restaurants and hotels, as well as shops, ATMs and the local medical center
- Port facilities: There are supermarkets and grocery stores, a gas station, an ATM, and vacation rentals
Ferry Connections to Other Greek islands
Based on current ferry schedules, Lesvos has good connections to several Greek islands, primarily from its main port at Mytilene (the capital) and occasionally from Sigri on the western coast.
Dodecanese Islands
- Rhodes
- Kos
- Kalymnos
- Patmos
- Leros (Lakki)
- Symi
- Tilos
- Nisyros
- Lipsi
- Astypalea
- Chalki
Cyclades Islands
- Naxos
- Paros (Parikia)
- Santorini (Thira)
- Tinos
- Anafi
Eastern Aegean Islands
- Ikaria (both Agios Kirikos and Evdilos)
- Fourni
Mainland Greece
- Piraeus
Kastellorizo's limited ferry connections reflect its geographic isolation as Greece's easternmost outpost, but it remains accessible via regular services to major Dodecanese islands and Athens, with the Turkish connection providing an additional convenient access point.
FAQs About Kas Kastellorizo Ferry Departures
The ferry service operates seasonally from April to November, with up to 3 daily crossings during peak season. During the busy summer months, ferry services operate more than once a day.
Travel times range from 10 to 15 minutes.
Ferries from Kas to Kastellorizo depart at 09:20 in the morning and return ferries from Kastellorizo to Kas are at 18:00. Additional trips are available during peak periods.
| One Way | Daily Return | Round Trip | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 25€ | 25€ | 33€ |
| Child | 15€ | 20€ | 25€ |
| Infant | 5€ | 10€ | 15€ |
Note: Infant age: 0-5, Child age: 6-12
Kas Kastellorizo ferry tickets >
The route is served by Meis Ferry Lines and Meis Express.
Kas Kastellorizo 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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Lesvos
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Lesvos Island
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Chios
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Samos Island
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