From Çeşme Ulusoy Port, several ferry operators provide regular daily crossings to the Greek island of Chios, making it one of the easiest and most popular international day trips from Türkiye. During the summer season, services are operated by Ertürk Lines, Makri (Tilos Travel), Turyol, and Sunrise Lines, with crossings taking as little as 17 minutes. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, booking tickets in advance is recommended, particularly during weekends and the peak summer months. Tickets can be purchased online or from the ferry companies’ ticket offices located immediately south of Çeşme Castle.
This guide brings together everything you need to know about travelling between Çeşme and Chios, including the latest ferry operators, summer schedules, ticket information, passport and visa requirements, ferry terminals, onward ferry connections, and answers to frequently asked questions. For a complete and comprehensive guide on What to Do in Chios, Getting Around, Travel Tips, Hotels, and more, see LikeCesme.com – The Island of Chios.
Çeşme-Chios Ferry – Quick Facts
| Route | Çeşme Ulusoy Port ↔ Chios Port |
| Crossing time | Approximately 17–35 minutes, depending on the ferry |
| Operators | Ertürk Lines, Makri (Tilos Travel), Turyol & Sunrise Lines |
| Summer frequency | Multiple daily departures (typically from early morning until early evening) |
| Passenger vehicles | Available on selected Turyol and Ertürk sailings |
| Typical adult fares | From approximately €40 one-way / €50 return (operator and season dependent) |
| Passport required | Yes |
| Visa | Schengen visa or eligible Greek Island Visa programme (where applicable) |
| Best for | Day trips, weekends and short island breaks |
| Advance booking | Strongly recommended during weekends and the summer season |
Çeşme-Chios Ferry – Table of Contents
Çeşme Ulusoy Port (Çeşme International Ferry Terminal)
Çeşme Ulusoy Port – Musalla Mahallesi, Atadağ Caddesi, 35930 Çeşme/İzmir. Tel.: (0232) 712 8749.
Located just a short walk from Çeşme town centre, Çeşme Marina and Çeşme Castle, Çeşme Ulusoy Port is the international passenger terminal serving ferry services between Türkiye and the Greek island of Chios. With several ferry operators now serving the route during the summer season, the terminal has become one of the busiest international passenger ports on Türkiye’s Aegean coast.
Çeşme Port & Town Map key: (1) Port entrance/exit, (2) Çeşme marina, (3) Çeşme castle & museum, (4) Republic square, (5) Çeşme sun terrace & memory museum, (6) Çeşme retail street, (7) Teke central beach, (8) Çeşme bus station.
Although relatively compact, the terminal is well equipped for international departures. Facilities include airline-style check-in desks, passport control, customs and security screening, waiting areas, public toilets, a small café serving drinks and snacks, and a duty-free shop offering perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco and other travel essentials. Immediately outside the terminal are taxi ranks, public parking and the ticket offices of the principal ferry operators.
Passengers should note that the terminal does not operate 24 hours a day. Instead, it opens in accordance with the ferry timetable, with passport control and customs facilities staffed before scheduled departures and arrivals. During the busy summer months, several ferries may depart within a relatively short period, and queues can build up quickly outside the terminal, where there is only limited shade. Travellers are therefore advised to arrive 60–90 minutes before departure, particularly at weekends, during public holidays, and throughout July and August.
Getting to Çeşme Ulusoy Port
The terminal is approximately a 10-minute walk from Çeşme town centre, Çeşme Marina, and Çeşme Castle, making it easily accessible to visitors staying in central Çeşme. Local taxis are usually readily available throughout the town and are the most convenient option for those travelling with luggage or arriving from elsewhere on the peninsula. Parking close to the terminal is extremely limited, particularly during the summer season, with roadside spaces in the surrounding streets often occupied for several hundred metres. Walking or taking a taxi is generally recommended over driving to the port.
Chios Port (Chios International Ferry Terminal)
Chios (to Çeşme) Ferry Terminal – Chios 821 00, Greece (on the far northeast corner of the quay).
Ferries from Çeşme arrive at the international passenger terminal on the north-east side of Chios Harbour, just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Chios Town (Chora). The terminal serves both international ferry services to Türkiye and domestic ferries to Athens and many of the Aegean islands, making it the island’s principal transport hub.
The terminal provides passport control for entry into the Schengen Area, customs facilities, waiting areas and passenger information. Within a short walk are cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, banks, ATMs, pharmacies, car hire offices, taxi ranks and a wide choice of hotels, making it easy for both day-trippers and longer-stay visitors to continue their journey immediately after arrival.
Chios Port & Town Map key: (1) Port entrance/exit, (2) car hire offices, (3) Ottoman Hammam in Chios Castle, (4) Chios harbour waterfront restaurants, (5) Chios Castle Gate & Palazzo Giustiniani museum, (6) Vounaki Square, (7) Aplotarias retail street of Chios, (8) Chios maritime museum.
Like Çeşme Ulusoy Port, the terminal operates according to the ferry timetable rather than remaining open throughout the day. Passport control and customs facilities are only staffed before scheduled arrivals and departures. During the summer season, when several ferries may arrive within a relatively short period, queues for passport control can occasionally develop, although processing is generally efficient.
As international border procedures continue to evolve, including the phased introduction of the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES), passengers should ensure they carry all required travel documents and allow additional time if travelling during peak periods or immediately after changes to border procedures.
For visitors travelling on foot, the location is particularly convenient, as Chios Castle, the waterfront promenade, museums, shops and many of the town’s principal attractions can all be reached within a 5–20 minute walk of the ferry terminal. Those wishing to explore the rest of the island will find taxis, local buses and several car hire companies located close to the port.
Çeşme – Chios Ferry Schedules
With several ferries departing in close succession, long queues outside the terminal (with no shade from the sun) can occur, especially in peak holiday seasons. Schedules can be irregular and complex, and seasonal changes and delays may occur; the following is for general guidance only; please check with the respective ferry services:
Çeşme to Chios (approx. winter schedule)
| Line & Ferry | Depart | Arrive | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tilos Travel (Sea Star Samos) | 08:45*1 | 08:05 | Fr Sa Su |
| Erturk Lines (FlyingCAT)*TBC | 09:20 | 08:40 | Mo We Fr Sa Su |
| Sunrise Lines (Apostolos S)*TBC | 09:20 | 08:55 | Tu Fr Sa Su |
| Turyol (K Sevket Iyidere) | 09:20*2 | 08:50 | Mo Tu Th Fr Sa Su |
| Erturk Lines (Erturk-1)*TBC | 15:00 | 14:55 | Tu |
- *1 – Daily departures at 08:45 and 17:00 from 1 May 2026.
- *2 – Two daily departures at 09:20 from 1 June 2026.
Chios to Çeşme (approx. winter schedule)
| Line & Ferry | Depart | Arrive | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erturk Lines (Erturk-1)*TBC | 15:00 | 14:35 | *TBC |
| Sunrise Lines (Apostolos S) *TBC | 16:30 | 18:05 | Tu Fr Sa Su |
| Turyol (K Sevket Iyidere) | 16:30*3 | 18:00 | Mo Tu Th Fr Sa Su |
| Tilos Travel (Sea Star Samos) | 16:45*4 | 18:05 | Fr Sa Su |
| Erturk Lines (Erturk-1)*TBC | 17:30*5 | 18:50 | We Fr Sa Su |
- *3 – Daily departures at 17:00 and 18:00 from 1 June 2026.
- *4 – Daily departures at 09:30 and 18:15 from 1 May 2026.
- *5 – Departs at 18:00 from 1 June 2024.
Çeşme – Chios Ferry Lines & Agents
Ertürk Lines – Erturk Lines Çeşme-Chios Tickets
Çeşme office: Musalla, 1016. Sk. No:6-7, 35930 Çeşme/İzmir – 20 metres south of the castle. info@erturk.com.tr Tel.: +90 232 712 6768. Offices also in Izmir and Chios.
*TBC As of January 2026, under its winter timetable, Erturk is operating the “Erturk-1” passenger (no cars) ferry from Çeşme Ulusoy Port to Chios Port, departing four days per week from Çeşme at 15:00, returning from Chios Port at 16:30.
As of January 2026, the single adult ticket price is €40.00, and a round-trip (same day or future date) is €50.00. Journey time, excluding passport control & customs, for the “Erturk-1” is 35 minutes.
*TBC From June 2026, Erturk will also operate for the summer season, with the Ferry Boat Erturk-1 departing Chios Port at 08:00 and Çeşme Ulusoy Port at 19:00. During the summer (from 1 June), the Erturk FlyingCAT also departs 30 minutes later from Chios Port at 18:00.
Ertürk Line Ships on the Çeşme-Chios Ferry Route
Vesselfinder Erturk-1 Status: The vessel Erturk-1 (IMO 7364194, MMSI 271015023) is a Passenger/Rollon-Rolloff cargo ship built in 1974 and currently sailing under the flag of Türkiye. Its length is 42 metres, beam 8 metres and gross tonnage 292.
Vesselfinder Erturk Status: The vessel Erturk aka flyingCAT (IMO 9153185, MMSI 271002327) is a High Speed Passenger ship built in 1997 and currently sailing under the flag of Türkiye. Its length is 35 metres, beam 10 metres.
Tilos Travel – Çeşme-Chios Ticket Website
Address: Kesikkapı Mahallesi, Ali Gaffar Okkan Caddesi, No:3B 48300 Fethiye/Muğla. Tel: +90 252 614 3434
Tilos Travel is a ferry ticketing and travel service provider focused on connections between Türkiye and nearby Greek islands — including routes such as Çeşme ↔ Chios, Kuşadası ↔ Samos, Bodrum ↔ Kos, and Fethiye ↔ Rhodes. They offer online ticket sales, customer support, and occasionally package tours that include accommodation and ferry tickets.
As of January 2026, under its winter timetable, Tilos promotes the “Sea Star Samos” (or the “Sea Star Makri”) passenger (no cars) ferries from Çeşme Ulusoy Port to Chios Port, departing Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from Çeşme at 08:45, which returns from Chios Port at 16:45. The single adult ticket price is €40.00, and roundtrip (same day or future date) €50.00. Journey time, excluding passport control & customs, for the “Sea Star Samos” is 20 minutes.
The summer schedule (from 1 May 2026) Tilos lists two daily sailings (Monday-Sunday), each way, on “Sea Star Samos”: departing Çeşme at 08:45 and 17:00, and departing Chios at 09:30 and 18:15.
Makri Line Ships on the Çeşme-Chios Ferry Route
Vesselfinder Sea Star Samos Status: The vessel Sea Star Samos (IMO 9101742, MMSI 511100721) is a Passenger Ship built in 1994 (30 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of Palau. Its length is 40 metres, beam 11 metres and gross tonnage 477.
Turyol – Turyol Ticketing Website
Çeşme office: Atadağ cd. 1107, sok No:45/B, 35930 Çeşme/İzmir -opposite the port entrance. Tel.: +90 232 712 1808.
Turyol operates the Çeşme–Chios ferry route with a mix of dedicated passenger and car-carrying vessels, which forms part of its wider Western Türkiye ferry network. On this route, one of the principal ferries is the Chios, which carries foot passengers and offers vehicle transport (cars, motorcycles, campers, etc.) on selected summer sailings. Vehicle pricing is available upon booking and varies by type and season.
Seasonally, Turyol adjusts the vessels used on the Çeşme–Chios route. During the summer period, services typically include the İhsan Alyanak, a fast passenger catamaran with a published crossing time of approximately 17 minutes, serving foot passengers and day-trippers. In parallel, Turyol also operates the Chios ferry during the high season, which is equipped to carry vehicles as well as passengers, making it suitable for travellers wishing to take a car or motorcycle across. In winter, when demand is lower, Turyol generally consolidates operations on the K Şevket Iyadere, a conventional passenger ferry that provides a more limited but reliable year-round connection between Çeşme and Chios.
Turyol Ships on the Çeşme-Chios Ferry Route
Vesselfinder K Şevket Iyadere Status: The vessel Kaptan Şevket Iyadere (IMO 9089176, MMSI 271010100) is a passenger ship built in 2004 and currently sailing under the flag of Türkiye. Its length is 42 metres, beam 9 metres.
Vesselfinder İhsan Alyanak Status: The vessel İhsan Alyanak (IMO 9799587, MMSI 271044637) is a passenger ship built in 2017 and currently sailing under the flag of Türkiye. Its length is 39 metres, beam 12 metres.
Vesselfinder Chios Status: The vessel Chios (IMO 7364924, MMSI 271001073) is a passenger/RO-RO ship built in 1974 and currently sailing under the flag of Türkiye.
Sunrise Lines / Tours – Sunrise Tours Website
Chios office: Leof. Egeou 10, Chios 821 00, Greece – on the harbour front. info@sunrisetours.gr Tel: +30 22710 41390
Sunrise Lines / Sunrise Tours is a long-established Greek ferry and travel agency group based in Chios, with a history of passenger ferry services between Chios and Çeşme, and serving as a local port and ticketing agent for other Aegean ferry operators. Historically, Sunrise has operated and represented vessels on this route and has played an important role in facilitating cross-Aegean travel between Greece and Türkiye. At present, detailed schedules and ticketing information for the Çeşme–Chios route are not clearly published on their official website, and services may vary by season or be offered through partner platforms rather than direct sales. The passenger ship Apostolos S, operating on the Çeşme-Chios route, is listed and ticketed through the Ertürk Lines website.
Sunrise Line Ships on the Çeşme-Chios Ferry Route
Vesselfinder Apostolos S Status: The vessel Apostolos S (IMO 8675849, MMSI 237029200) is a passenger ship built in 1997 and currently sailing under the flag of Greece. Its length is 29 metres, beam 7 metres.
Entry Requirements for Chios
Citizens of countries within the Schengen Area and certain other countries with visa-waiver agreements with the European Union can enter Greece for short stays without a visa. Otherwise, upon entry to Chios, a valid passport (not older than ten years and three months remaining) with a Schengen or gate visa validity must be available.
Under the new visa rules, Turkish citizens can now obtain a simplified, short-term visa specifically for visiting certain Greek islands, including Chios, Lesbos and Samos. This “visa express” program allows stays of up to 7 days, streamlining the process compared to a standard Schengen visa. Key requirements include advance submission of an application (often through authorised travel agencies or online platforms), providing necessary documents like a valid passport and proof of accommodation, and paying a visa fee. It’s important to note that this visa is valid only for the designated Greek islands and cannot be used for travel to other Schengen countries and that having a TRNC entry stamp in a passport can cause denial of the visa.
Other Greek Island Ferries
Alternate routes to the Greek Islands in the summer are to Lesbos via İzmir or to Samos via Seferihisar.
Chios Onward Ferries
Direct Ferries provides an online booking service for 38 ports on the Aegean Islands with approximately 150 routes, including Çeşme – Chios with Turyol and Makri Travel. On their site, you can also book from Chios to Athens (Piraeus ) and Chios to Lebos (Mytilene) on Blue Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways. Other bookable routes have ferries to the Cyclades Islands and Dodecanese Islands, and ports include Agios Kirikos, Evdilos, Fournoi, Karlovassi, Kavala, Leros, Limnos (Myrina), Mykonos, Mytilene, Oinousses, Patmos, Piraeus, Psara, Syros, Thessaloniki, Vathi. In Chios, there is an average of 50 ferries per week.
Typical weekly sailing from Chios (bookable on Direct Ferries as of February 2025):
- Agios Kirikos (1)
- Athens-Piraeus (8)
- Çeşme (14)
- Evdilos (1)
- Fournoi (1)
- Karlovassi (1)
- Kavala (3)
- Leros (2)
- Limnos-Myrina (4)
- Mykonos (2)
- Mytilene (11)
- Oinousses (2)
- Patmos (2)
- Psara (2)
- Syros (2)
- Thessaloniki (1)
- Vathi (3)
Getting Around Chios
Once you’ve arrived on Chios, the best way to explore this large and diverse island is to rent a car. From medieval villages and pristine beaches to mastic groves and historic monasteries, Chios is vast, and its highlights are spread far beyond the port and main towns, making a car essential even for a day trip. Public transport is limited, and taxis are impractical for longer routes.
Car hire is frequently sold out on the day, especially on weekends and public holidays, so booking in advance is strongly recommended. Below, you’ll find a quick link to DiscoverCar, where you can secure a rental early and often at very competitive rates. Note, unless arriving or departing by flight, choose cars only from Chios Port or Chios Downtown, not Chios Airport (JKH):
Çesme-Chios Ferry FAQ
Can I do a day trip to Chios from Çeşme?
Yes. Several ferry services allow same-day return trips, making Chios a popular day-trip destination from Çeşme.
What can I do in Chios Town if I’m visiting for the day?
Chios Town is compact and easy to explore on foot from the ferry terminal. Highlights include the medieval Chios Castle, the Archaeological Museum, a relaxed walk along the waterfront promenade, and time to enjoy Greek food and cafés by the harbour. Visitors often combine this with shopping in the town centre’s back streets, where local products, mastic-based items, and small boutiques are concentrated.
Is Chios worth staying for two days or longer?
Yes. With more time, visitors can explore well beyond Chios Town, including the medieval villages of Pyrgi and Mesta, the Nea Moni Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site), mastic villages in southern Chios, and a variety of beaches and mountain settlements. For this, hiring a car is strongly recommended, as public transport is limited and many of the island’s highlights are spread out.
Is there duty-free shopping at the ferry terminals?
Yes. The Çeşme Ulusoy Passenger Terminal has a well-stocked duty-free shop, offering a wide range of perfumes, alcohol, tobacco, and selected local products, making it convenient to shop before departure. When returning from Chios, there is also duty-free shopping on the Greek side, though it is more limited. It typically includes spirits such as ouzo and other traditional Greek drinks, along with a smaller selection of goods.
Where is the Çeşme ferry port located?
The Çeşme Ulusoy Port is located close to the town centre, Çeşme Marina, and Çeşme Castle. If you are staying in or near central Çeşme and travelling with light luggage, the terminal is within a comfortable walk, so most visitors do not need to use taxis or private transfers.
Where can I find more information about the island of Chios?
For a comprehensive guide covering what to do in Chios, accommodation, transport, travel tips, and island highlights, see the dedicated Chios content on LikeCesme.com, which provides practical, independent information for both short visits and longer stays.