Turkey
Ayvalik to Lesvos Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Ayvalik
Balikesir
Arrives
Lesvos
North Aegean
Jalem TurAt a glance
The Ayvalik to Lesvos ferry takes about 1h 30m, with 2 sailings a day between 08:45 and 18:00. It is operated by Jalem Tur. Fares start from €30.
- First sailing
- 08:45
- Last sailing
- 18:00
- Sailings / day
- 2
- Crossing
- 1h 30m
Ayvalik to Lesvos ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:45 | 09:45 | — | Jalem TurCatamaran Samos (Turyol) | Daily |
| 18:00 | 19:00 | — | Jalem TurCatamaran Samos (Turyol) | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Ayvalik – Lesvos crossing
Two boats cross from Ayvalık to Lesvos, and the faster one costs more: the sea bus takes 45 minutes at €35 one way, the vehicle ferry 90 minutes at €30. If you are not in a hurry, the slower boat is both cheaper and the only one that takes a car.
Budget for what the fare excludes
On top of the ticket, every passenger leaving Ayvalık pays 300 TL port tax and a 1,250 TL Turkish exit levy. Bringing a vehicle adds more in lira: 500 TL for a motorcycle, 750 TL for a car, 1,150 TL for a jeep, minibus or pickup, 2,250 TL for a camper or coach. The euro fares — €75 single for a car, €110 return — are only part of the cost.
Fares
Sea bus: adult €35 single, €45 return; children 6–12 €22.50 / €27.50; infants €10. Vehicle ferry: adult €30 / €40; children €20 / €25. Motorcycle €40 / €60, car, jeep or SUV €75 / €110, minibus €90 / €140, camper €120 / €180, coach €300 / €500.
Two hours at the port
Foot passengers and drivers alike are asked to be at the harbour two hours before departure — longer than most Aegean crossings require, and worth respecting given passport control on both sides. Tickets are personal and non-transferable, and passenger name lists are recorded under EU directive 98/41, so the booking name must match the passport.
Who runs it
Jalem Tur is a fourth-generation Ayvalık family business whose founder came across from Crete; the company has been in shipping here since 1923 and brought the crossing time down to 45 minutes itself.
Your destination
About Lesvos
Lesvos covers 1,632 square kilometres — bigger than several countries with seats at the United Nations — and it is twelve hours from Athens by sea. It is also ninety minutes from Turkey. Those two numbers together explain almost everything about how the island works, including why most visitors arrive with a plan for a week and discover they have booked one for a weekend.
Full Lesvos travel guideVehicles, pets & onboard
- Sea bus (45 min) and vehicle ferry (90 min) to Lesvos
- Vehicle deck for 16 cars on Seda Jale
- Excursion boats Jale 6 and Kontes
- Aliağa–Lesvos service alongside Ayvalık
Vehicle space is available on this route — book early, especially in peak season. Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Ships on the Ayvalik – Lesvos route
2 ships work this crossing across 3 listed sailings, most often Catamaran Samos (Turyol).
Catamaran Samos (Turyol)
Jalem Tur
2 sailings on this route
Jalem Tur / Fokaia (Turyol)
Jalem Tur
1 sailing on this route
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
Who runs this ferry crossing?
Jalem Tur.
How often does the ferry run?
3 sailings a day on this route.
When's the last ferry of the day?
The last sailing leaves at 18:00.
What's the duration of this crossing?
Roughly 1h 30m.
Will I go through border control?
Yes — this crossing runs between Turkey and Greece, so standard border checks apply.
Is there a ferry back from Lesvos?
Yes — see the Lesvos to Ayvalik ferry for the return schedule.
How much does a ticket cost?
Fares start from around €30. Prices vary by operator, season, cabin and whether you take a vehicle.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A day trip is often possible: with a crossing of about 1h 30m and several sailings a day (first 08:45, last 18:00), you can return the same day. Always check the return timetable before you go.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings run daily, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
Yes — Jalem Tur carries vehicles on this route. Book your car space in advance, especially in peak season, and check the specific sailing for size limits.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with Jalem Tur, so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Continue your journey
Onward sailings from Lesvos
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Lesvos.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Ayvalik or Lesvos
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid May 1, 2026 – Oct 31, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated July 24, 2026.
Operated by
Fares from
€30
Lowest published one-way fare. Final price varies by operator, date and vehicle.
Ports on this route
Ayvalik on the map
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