NEW Fethiye to Marmaris Sea Bus Services 2024: Everything To Know

In July 2024, a new seabus between Fethiye and Marmaris was established, and it’s become very popular – unsurprisingly. 

This new ferry service is expected to be only a seasonal deal, so it will probably end in mid- to end-October, but it’s a great way to explore two main resorts in one visit.

For a long time, it was only possible to travel between Marmaris and Fethiye (or vice versa), two of Turkey’s most popular summer resorts, via road. And that road is long and not that interesting. It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic, and buses can often get very busy indeed.

Put simply, it’s not the most appealing way to travel in the height of summer.

But there is something new!

Let’s dig deeper and find out the details.

Marmaris To Fethiye & Fethiye To Marmaris Seabus Details

The new services are run by IDO, a company that frequently provides ferry and sea bus services in the north of the country, especially around Istanbul. The service began on 2 July 2024, and there is one ferry per day in each direction: one from Marmaris, one to Fethiye, one back from Fethiye, and one back from Marmaris. However, some days, there are fewer, so it’s a good idea to check.

You must book your ticket on the IDO website; you can’t just turn up. It’s best to book as far ahead as you can, so you can get a window seat and check out the amazing views.

Seabuses are large, seating up to 400 people over two floors. The ferries are very spacious and air-conditioned, with toilets and a small snack bar on the lower floor. As it’s a high-speed service, you can’t go outside, and obviously, it’s all non-smoking.

Depending on the weather, the journey takes around 2 hours 40 minutes. When you consider that it can take longer than that in a bus or car due to traffic and less comfortable conditions, it’s no surprise this service is now becoming so popular.

Marmaris-Fethiye Boat Costs

A one-way ticket costs 300TL per person regardless of which direction you travel in. You can book your tickets on the IDO website, and you can also book a return ticket. However, if you book a return ticket, you need to return on the same day.

It’s a good idea to book ahead of time as some services sell out pretty quickly, especially during the peak summer months.

Where To Catch The Marmaris-Fethiye Seabus

If you’re catching the ferry from Marmaris, you’ll need to go to the marina first. You can take a bus or a taxi, and then you’ll need to walk around 2 minutes to the port area. It’s well sign-posted, so you can’t go wrong. Just pass the ‘O-Yes’ restaurant and keep going just around the corner. It’s directly across from the castle.

If you’re leaving from Fethiye, you catch the ferry from Karagözler marina at the end of the jetty. This is the main marina in Fethiye, so you can’t go wrong.

Both services arrive and depart from these points only.

Marmaris-Fethiye/Fethiye-Marmaris Seabus Times

It’s possible to do a day trip between both of these resorts. At first, it was only possible to visit Marmaris for the day from Fethiye because the times didn’t allow passengers from Marmaris to visit Fethiye and then return on the same day. However, the timetable was tweaked to make this possible.

Basically, you can do a same-day return trip from Fethiye to Marmaris every day except Wednesdays. However, the timetable does change occasionally, so always check. At the moment, it’s possible to make a same-day return trip from Marmaris to Fethiye and return daily except for Mondays and Fridays.

Marmaris To Fethiye

• Departs 11 am, arrives 1.40 pm
• Departs 5 pm, arrives 7.40 pm

** On certain days, there is only one service, so always double-check. **

Fethiye To Marmaris

• Departs 8am, arrives 10.40am
• Departs 5 pm, arrives 7.40 pm

Things To See & Do For The Day In Fethiye

If you’ve only got a few hours to explore Fethiye town itself, what should you do?

1. Explore The Old Town (Paspatur)

Start your visit in the vibrant Old Town known as Paspatur. Wander through the narrow streets lined with quaint shops, artisan boutiques, and lively cafes. This area is perfect for picking up unique souvenirs, from handmade jewelry to local handicrafts.

Don’t forget to bargain at the bazaars for some fun!

2. Visit The Fethiye Museum

Immerse yourself in the region’s rich history at the Fethiye Museum. It features an intriguing collection of artifacts from ancient Lycian civilization, Roman ruins, and Byzantine remains. It’s a great way to gain insight into the area’s cultural heritage in just a short visit.

3. Climb To The Lycian Rock Tombs

For a touch of adventure and stunning views, take a short hike up to the Lycian Rock Tombs that overlook the town. These ancient burial sites carved into the cliffs are not only fascinating to explore but also offer fantastic photo opportunities. The panoramic views of Fethiye and the sea are truly breathtaking.

4. Relax At The Marina

Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, watch the boats bobbing in the harbor, and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can grab a light bite or sip on a refreshing drink while enjoying the scenic views. This is also a top spot for sea turtles, so keep your eyes peeled!

5. Lunch At A Local Restaurant

Treat yourself to a delectable lunch at a local restaurant. Fethiye is known for its fresh seafood and traditional Turkish cuisine. Opt for a delicious meze platter, grilled fish, or döners paired with a glass of Yeni Rakı or some refreshing ayran to enjoy the local flavors fully.

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Things To See & Do For The Day In Marmaris

There’s a lot to see and do in Marmaris, but if you’ve only got a few hours, add these sights to your list.

1. Stroll On Marmaris Marina

Start your visit with a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Marmaris Marina. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze and take in the sight of luxury yachts bobbing in the water. The marina is lined with charming cafés and restaurants where you can sip on a refreshing Turkish tea or coffee while soaking up the views.

2. Visit The Marmaris Museum

Head to the Marmaris Museum housed in an 18th-century caravanserai. The museum showcases the region’s rich history, with exhibits ranging from ancient artifacts to traditional costumes. It’s a small but informative stop that gives insight into the local culture.

3. Explore The Old Town

Make your way to the Old Town (Eski Marmaris). Wander through the narrow, cobbled streets and soak in the quaint atmosphere. Here, you can discover local shops selling handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Be sure to visit the iconic Marmaris Castle, where you’ll find the ancient stone walls and breathtaking views of the harbor.

4. Last-Minute Shopping

Before heading back, make sure to squeeze in a bit of shopping. Visit the local bazaars where you can find everything from spices and textiles to unique souvenirs. The vibrant colors and aromas are a feast for the senses!

5. Indulge In Local Delicacies

With your appetite growing, treat yourself to a delicious lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants. Don’t miss trying local specialties such as fresh seafood, gozleme (Turkish pancake), or a traditional meze platter.

Perhaps An Overnight Stay?

If you choose to stay overnight (or perhaps even longer), remember not to book a return ticket. You’ll need to book two separate tickets; otherwise, your return will be void.

However, there is plenty to see and do in both of these areas and if you have extra time, you can relax a little more. Beautiful Oludeniz and Calis Beach are a short taxi drive away from Fethiye. The Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz is otherworldly, and you can also take a boat to Butterfly Valley.

In Marmaris, you can visit Icmeler Beach, which is around 10-15 minutes away by taxi. Turunc is another small resort just around the mountains from Icmeler, and you can enjoy the vibrant Marmaris nightlife with more comfort.

In either place, you won’t struggle to find somewhere to stay. There is plentiful accommodation during the summer months, and even in the winter months, many hotels and apartments remain open in both of these locations.

bus between Fethiye and Marmaris was established, and it’s become very popular – unsurprisingly.

It’s expected that this new ferry service will only be a seasonal deal, so it will probably end in the middle to end of October. However, it’s a great way to explore two main resorts in one visit.

For a long time, it was only possible to travel between Marmaris and Fethiye (or vice versa), two of Turkey’s most popular summer resorts, via road. And that road is long and not that interesting. It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic, and buses can often get very busy indeed.

Put simply, it’s not the most appealing way to travel in the height of summer.

But there is something new!

Let’s dig deeper and find out the details.

Marmaris To Fethiye & Fethiye To Marmaris Seabus Details

The new services are run by IDO, a company that frequently provides ferry and sea bus services in the north of the country, especially around Istanbul. The service began on 2 July 2024, and there is one ferry per day in each direction: one from Marmaris, one to Fethiye, one back from Fethiye, and one back from Marmaris. However, some days, there are fewer, so it’s a good idea to check.

You must book your ticket on the IDO website; you can’t just turn up. It’s best to book as far ahead as you can, that way you can get a window seat and check out the amazing views.

Seabuses are large, seating up to 400 people over two floors. The ferries are very spacious and air-conditioned, with toilets and a small snack bar on the lower floor. As it’s a high-speed service, you can’t go outside, and obviously, it’s all non-smoking.

Depending on the weather, the journey takes around 2 hours 40 minutes. When you consider that it can take longer than that in a bus or car due to traffic and less comfortable conditions, it’s no surprise this service is now becoming so popular.

Marmaris-Fethiye Ferry Costs

A one-way ticket costs 300TL per person regardless of which direction you travel in. You can book your tickets on the IDO website, and you can also book a return ticket. However, if you book a return ticket, you need to return on the same day.

It’s a good idea to book ahead of time as some services sell out pretty quickly, especially during the peak summer months.

Where To Catch The Marmaris-Fethiye Seabus

If you’re catching the ferry from Marmaris, you’ll need to go to the marina first. You can take a bus or a taxi, and then you’ll need to walk around 2 minutes to the port area. It’s well sign-posted, so you can’t go wrong. Just pass the ‘O-Yes’ restaurant and keep going just around the corner. It’s directly across from the castle.

If you’re leaving from Fethiye, you catch the ferry from Karagözler marina at the end of the jetty. This is the main marina in Fethiye, so you can’t go wrong.

Both services arrive and depart from these points only.

Marmaris-Fethiye/Fethiye-Marmaris Seabus Times

It’s possible to do a day trip between both of these resorts. At first, it was only possible to visit Marmaris for the day from Fethiye because the times didn’t allow passengers from Marmaris to visit Fethiye and then return on the same day. However, the timetable was tweaked to make this possible.

Basically, you can do a same-day return trip from Fethiye to Marmaris every day except Wednesdays. However, the timetable does change occasionally, so always check. At the moment, it’s possible to make a same-day return trip from Marmaris to Fethiye and return daily except for Mondays and Fridays.

Marmaris To Fethiye:

• Departs 11 am, arrives 1.40 pm
• Departs 5 pm, arrives 7.40 pm

** On certain days, there is only one service, so always double-check. **

Fethiye To Marmaris:

• Departs 8am, arrives 10.40am
• Departs 5 pm, arrives 7.40 pm

Things To See & Do For The Day In Fethiye

If you’ve only got a few hours to explore Fethiye town itself, what should you do?

1. Explore The Old Town (Paspatur)

Start your visit in the vibrant Old Town known as Paspatur. Wander through the narrow streets lined with quaint shops, artisan boutiques, and lively cafes. This area is perfect for picking up unique souvenirs, from handmade jewelry to local handicrafts.

Don’t forget to bargain at the bazaars for some fun!

2. Visit The Fethiye Museum

Immerse yourself in the region’s rich history at the Fethiye Museum. It features an intriguing collection of artifacts from ancient Lycian civilization, Roman ruins, and Byzantine remains. It’s a great way to gain insight into the area’s cultural heritage in just a short visit.

3. Climb To The Lycian Rock Tombs

For a touch of adventure and stunning views, take a short hike up to the Lycian Rock Tombs that overlook the town. These ancient burial sites carved into the cliffs are not only fascinating to explore but also offer fantastic photo opportunities. The panoramic views of Fethiye and the sea are truly breathtaking.

4. Relax At The Marina

Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, watch the boats bobbing in the harbor, and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can grab a light bite or sip on a refreshing drink while enjoying the scenic views. This is also a top spot for sea turtles, so keep your eyes peeled!

5. Lunch At A Local Restaurant

Treat yourself to a delectable lunch at a local restaurant. Fethiye is known for its fresh seafood and traditional Turkish cuisine. Opt for a delicious meze platter, grilled fish, or döners paired with a glass of Yeni Rakı or some refreshing ayran to fully enjoy the local flavors.

Things To See & Do For The Day In Marmaris

There’s a lot to see and do in Marmaris, but if you’ve only got a few hours, add these sights to your list.

1. Stroll On Marmaris Marina

Start your visit with a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Marmaris Marina. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze and take in the sight of luxury yachts bobbing in the water. The marina is lined with charming cafés and restaurants where you can sip on a refreshing Turkish tea or coffee while soaking up the views.

2. Visit The Marmaris Museum

Head to the Marmaris Museum housed in an 18th-century caravanserai. The museum showcases the region’s rich history, with exhibits ranging from ancient artifacts to traditional costumes. It’s a small but informative stop that gives insight into the local culture.

3. Explore The Old Town

Make your way to the Old Town (Eski Marmaris). Wander through the narrow, cobbled streets and soak in the quaint atmosphere. Here, you can discover local shops selling handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Be sure to visit the iconic Marmaris Castle, where you’ll find the ancient stone walls and breathtaking views of the harbor.

4. Last-Minute Shopping

Before heading back, make sure to squeeze in a bit of shopping. Visit the local bazaars where you can find everything from spices and textiles to unique souvenirs. The vibrant colors and aromas are a feast for the senses!

5. Indulge In Local Delicacies

With your appetite growing, treat yourself to a delicious lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants. Don’t miss trying local specialties such as fresh seafood, gozleme (Turkish pancake), or a traditional meze platter.

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Perhaps An Overnight Stay?

If you choose to stay overnight (or perhaps even longer), remember not to book a return ticket. You’ll need to book two separate tickets; otherwise, your return will be void.

However, there is plenty to see and do in both of these areas and if you have extra time, you can relax a little more. Beautiful Oludeniz and Calis Beach are a short taxi drive away from Fethiye. The Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz is otherworldly, and you can also take a boat to Butterfly Valley.

In Marmaris, you can visit Icmeler Beach, which is around 10-15 minutes away by taxi. Turunc is another small resort just around the mountains from Icmeler, and you can enjoy the vibrant Marmaris nightlife with more comfort.

In either place, you won’t struggle to find somewhere to stay. There is plentiful accommodation during the summer months, and even in the winter months, many hotels and apartments remain open in both of these locations.