Erturk Lines: Connecting Turkey and Greece via Cesme and Chios Ferry
Erturk Lines has provided reliable ferry services between the Turkish mainland and the Greek islands since 1965, primarily connecting Cesme and Chios.
Ferry guide
Discover Erturk Lines: Your Gateway Between Turkey and Greece
Erturk Lines stands as a cornerstone of maritime travel in the Aegean, offering reliable ferry services for over half a century. Since its establishment in 1965, this well-established Turkish operator has been instrumental in connecting the Turkish mainland with the picturesque Greek islands. With decades of continuous service, Erturk Lines has built a strong reputation for reliability and a customer-centric approach, making it a vital link for those exploring ferries in Turkey and the wider Aegean region. As a preferred choice for tens of thousands of domestic and international tourists annually, Erturk Lines ensures a smooth and pleasant journey across the sea. For the most current sailing times and to plan your journey, you can check Erturk Lines schedules directly through their official channels.
Connecting Cesme and Chios: A Bridge Across the Aegean
The primary focus of Erturk Lines' operations is the crucial sea bridge between Turkey and Greece. Their core routes seamlessly connect the bustling Cesme port on Turkey's western coast with the charming Chios port, one of Greece's beautiful North Aegean islands. Specifically, passengers can easily book the Cesme to Chios ferry for an outbound journey, or opt for the Chios to Cesme ferry for their return. These routes form the main backbone of sea transportation, facilitating not only leisure travel but also significantly contributing to tourist and cultural interaction between Turkey and Greece. This continuous service enhances the travel experience, allowing for convenient exploration of both vibrant destinations.
Fleet, Safety, and Onboard Standards
Erturk Lines operates a modern and well-maintained fleet designed to ensure a comfortable and safe journey across the Aegean Sea. Key vessels in their service include the "Erturk Lines" vessel itself and the "Cesme Express," which are sometimes complemented by high-standard vessels from trusted partner companies to meet demand. A paramount aspect of Erturk Lines' operation is its unwavering commitment to safety. All ferries adhere strictly to international maritime safety procedures and undergo regular, thorough maintenance. This dedication to modern maritime standards ensures that passengers can travel with confidence, knowing their journey is in capable hands.
Seasonal Schedules and Essential Travel Information
Understanding the varying demands of maritime travel, Erturk Lines adjusts its sailing frequencies throughout the year. During the peak summer season, travellers benefit from increased flexibility with 2 to 3 daily sailings on routes like the Cesme to Chios ferry, accommodating a wider range of travel plans. In contrast, the winter schedule maintains continuous service with a single daily sailing, ensuring year-round connectivity. To guarantee a smooth boarding process, passengers are required to be at the port at least 1.5 hours before their scheduled departure time. This ensures ample time for necessary check-in procedures and security clearances at either Cesme port or Chios port.
Regarding luggage, Erturk Lines allows each passenger one standard suitcase and one additional carry-on bag. Should passengers require additional luggage beyond this allowance, a small fee will be incurred. It's important for travellers to note that all tickets issued by Erturk Lines are non-transferable. However, the operator offers flexibility for date changes, which are permitted up to 48 hours before the scheduled departure time. In the unfortunate event of cancellations due to adverse weather conditions, full refunds are issued, providing reassurance and protecting your travel investment. We recommend using our comprehensive ferry trip planner to compare available options and plan your journey efficiently.
Erturk Lines: A Legacy of Reliability and Connection
With over half a century of experience, Erturk Lines has established itself as a beacon of reliability in the Aegean maritime sector. Their continuous service since 1965 underscores a deep commitment to connecting communities and facilitating travel between Turkey and the Greek islands. Beyond mere transportation, Erturk Lines plays a significant role in fostering cultural exchange and tourism, operating with a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and modern maritime standards. For those seeking a dependable and established ferry service between Cesme and Chios, Erturk Lines offers a trusted solution. Before finalising your travel plans, you might want to compare ferry operators to ensure you have selected the best option for your specific travel needs and preferences.
Frequently asked questions
How can I easily travel to Mykonos?
If you are in the Aegean region, the most economical route involves taking a ferry from Seferihisar to Samos Karlovasi Port. From there, you can connect to Mykonos via a Hellenic Sea Ways ferry. You can explore options with our <a href="/planner">ferry trip planner</a>.
What are the ferry schedules and fares for Mykonos?
Ferries depart from Izmir Seferihisar Port at 08:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, heading to Karlovasi. From Karlovasi, a Hellenic Sea Ways ferry departs at 16:00, arriving in Mykonos at 19:30. Tickets can be purchased directly through the operator, <a href="/operators/erturk-lines">Erturk Lines</a>.
What are the rules for transporting pets to Chios Island?
Passengers traveling to <a href="/routes/cesme-to-chios">Chios Island</a> with pets must inform Erturk Tourism at least three business days before their trip. An internationally recognized and completed veterinary form is mandatory. Pets arriving without prior notification will not be accepted, and no refunds or changes will be processed.
What is a "Door Visa," and can I use it to stay on or travel between islands?
A "Door Visa" is a simplified, single-entry visa valid for a maximum stay of seven days. It requires a hotel voucher and a round-trip ticket. This visa permits travel between various Greek islands.
Is it possible to travel by ferry from Greece to Italy?
Yes, direct ferry services operate from Greek ports like Patras and Igoumenitsa to Italy. From Patras, you can reach ports such as Ancona, Bari, Brindisi, Venice, or Trieste. Tickets are available for purchase via <a href="/operators/erturk-lines">Erturk Lines</a>.
What is the required validity period for my passport?
Turkish citizens planning to enter Chios Island must possess a passport that remains valid for at least 90 days from their intended return date.
My passport has a TRNC entry stamp; can I still travel to Chios Island?
Passengers whose passports contain an entry stamp from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) are unfortunately not permitted entry to Chios Island.
How can I travel to Chios Island with my vehicle?
For international vehicle travel to <a href="/ports/cesme">Cesme port</a>, Green Card insurance is compulsory. If the vehicle is not registered in the driver's name, a notarized power of attorney is required. Specific documentation is also needed for company or rental vehicles. Vehicle passengers must complete check-in 1 hour and 30 minutes before departure.
How long does the ferry journey to Chios Island take?
Chios Island is located 7.5 nautical miles away. The journey typically takes about 40 minutes by standard ferry and approximately 15 minutes by Erturk Catamaran.
Is a passport required to enter Chios Island?
Yes, a valid passport and a Schengen visa are both necessary for entry into Chios Island.