GETTING HERE
FREE Pick-up !!!
Whether you're arriving by Samos ferry, bus or train, phone ahead and we'll
pick you up for FREE!!!
PLEASE NOTE:
Jimmy's Place provides this
information as a general guide & starting point only.
While all effort re accuracy is made, transport schedules, fares & practises may
change without warning.
We strongly emphasises the need for RE-CHECKING all information directly with
the service-providers.
• Arriving by Bus
• Arriving from Izmir Airport
• Arriving by Car
• Arriving by Train
• Arriving by Ferry
• New Arrivals to Turkey: Costs & Visas
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ARRIVING BY BUS
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Also see this site which lists several bus companies timetables Turkey Travel Guide
The Bus Station "otogar" is in the centre of town and is 5 minutes' walk from
Jimmy's Place.
It is located on the Izmir-Aydýn HIGHWAY at the intersection surrounded by the : |
• Bus Station
• Park |
• Old tombs
• Hospital |
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Some buses pull into the Bus Station but most stop next to or diagonally opposite it.
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1. Jimmy's Place
2. Hakiki Koç & Metro Bus Company Offices
3. Tourism Information Office
4. Post Office
5. Small Plaza
6. Atatürk Statue (with hat)
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ON ARRIVAL:
• If you phone ahead with your bus details we can
meet your bus.
Otherwise...
• ~ 8 am to ~ 11 pm. Simply go to the "Metro" or "Hakiki Koc"
office in the bus station for a free phone call, brochure|map and assistance.
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DON'T BELIEVE ANYONE saying we are:
• Full • Closed • Burnt down • Dead • On
honeymoon • Or "They've never heard of us".
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| - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS re BUSES |
The bus system is EXCELLENT: you may be surprised how good!
Most Turks rely on them for transport, so buses are clean, cheap & frequent.
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• Buses are late-model Mercedes coaches. Major bus stations resemble airports!
• Buses are usually very punctual and reliable.
• For safety, check overnight buses / long trips have TWO drivers.
• Air-conditioning may be periodically turned off because of the (significant) expense.
• Non-Smoking, but the driver is allowed to smoke "out the window". If that is too much for you, avoid the front seats!
• There is a steward who serves cake, hot & cold drinks and perfumes your hands with lemon cologne.
• They stop every 2-4 hours at roadhouses with toilets and restaurants.
• Stops vary and are either ~ 10 or ~ 30 minutes. Announcements of impending departure are made in Turkish. On leaving the bus, show the steward your watch and ask them to point to when they are leaving. Use bathroom facilities first and watch Turkish travellers from your bus: if they move to reboard, do the same ! you may wish to carry this note in a handy place for bus trips "Saat kacta gidiyoruz ?" ("At what time are we leaving ?" & proffer your watch)
• It is important not to disturb others. You should speak quietly and avoid smelly snacks. Shoes are not to be removed on buses (odour).
• Women travelling alone should always book "women's seats". You will be seated alone or with another woman. This is local custom & one you should observe. Couples: the man always sits on the aisle and the woman near the window.
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• METRO, Hakkiki Koc, Aydin, CanakkaleTruva, Isparta, Pamukkale & Karadeveci all stop in Selcuk, all can be recommended and are good starting points for enquiry.
• There are other good companies too. The main things to ask are:-
o Whether they stop in Selcuk.
o How many drivers on a very long / overnight trip (there should be 2)
o Whether receipts / plastic numbered coupons for your luggage are available.
o In summer, ask how much they use the air-conditioning.
• Ulusoy, Varan & particularly Boss are excellent, deluxe buses; often with toilets (and much higher fares).
But they do not stop at Izmir's Main Bus Terminal (if you are planning to transfer) nor in Selcuk. CHECK!!!
Airfares may be little more than these fares.
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There are dozens of companies and each has its own schedules, which change in
response to seasonal demand without notice. However, you can be assured that...
• Buses depart for all major cities many times per day.
• Even the most remote village usually has at least a daily service. "Off
season", however, remote ruins etc may not.
• For up-to-the-minute info, ask your accommodation, a travel agent OR go the
bus station offices yourself.
• PUBLIC HOLIDAYS create very heavy demand. Buses are particularly busy
during "Bayram" (holidays). On Friday & Sunday nights, Turks travel for the
weekend. Don't be fooled by "its off season and there aren't many tourists
around - we will easily get seats at the last minute". The buses exist
primarily for Turks. Travellers alos catch them. Companies schedule so buses are
as full as possible. Particuarly at such times, it's crucial to enquire and book
well ahead of when you want to travel.
• Low Season Travellers: the common assumption "it is quiet, so there will be
plenty of seats" is not true: "demand dictates" & companies schedule so
that the buses fill .
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• Ask your accommodation: they may be able to book or sell you a ticket.
• Go to the bus station and enquire at the Company Counters.
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From Your Istanbul Accommodation:
• Ask your accommodation to book a bus ticket and a shuttle to the bus station
for you. You can catch the train but the shuttle bus is so much easier and not
expensive. If they can't, ask any travel agent.
• You may be told there are only overnight buses direct to Selcuk - this is
often true. But no problem - for day travel, simply get a ticket to Izmir
instead and change to another bus for the final hour to Selcuk. This can often
be organised with the same company: one ticket (if possible, ask for destination
Selcuk, changing at Izmir), one fare (including the transfer to a new bus in
Izmir), all pre-paid in Istanbul.
From Istanbul Airport:
The airport is very close to the bus station. You catch a taxi there or the
train from the terminal. If you come to Turkey on a long flight, be aware that
Selcuk is ~10 hours drive from Ýstanbul - you MAY wish to rest first overnight
OR to fly down to Izmir (1 hour).
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There is one options:
Small local minibus (~1 hr 20 mins through the country side): Go to
the "Selcuk Efes" counter in the UPSTAIRS terminal. Frequent departures
to Selcuk between 0630 - 2000 hours.
IMPORTANT!!!
• There may be NO buses from Izmir to Selcuk overnight until ~ 0630 AM.
• The quieter the season (eg mid-winter), the earlier the last bus will be.
• There is a freeway between Izmir and Aydin that bypasses Selcuk. The bus
company may require a minimum number of customers to drop off in Selcuk in order
to take the longer, slower journey through Selcuk.
• So if arriving in Izmir after dark, to avoid being stranded overnight: before
buying the ticket there, find out if your bus will be dropping off in Selcuk. If
not, learn what your connection options are first.
• Beware of TOUTS at Izmir bus station. Despite what you may be told, it is not
difficult on arrival in Selcuk - and we will meet your bus if you tell which
one. Otherwise, simply follow these instructions.
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These times are average. Add 20% in winter / if it rains.
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SELCUK TO...
Approximate Hours by BUS (Add 20% in wet weather)
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10 |
ANKARA |
7 |
ANTALYA |
4 |
AYVALIK |
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3.5 |
BERGAMA |
3 |
BODRUM |
7 |
BURSA |
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7 |
CANAKKALE |
12+ |
CAPPADOCIA (Nevsehir) |
4 |
DALYAN (Ortaca) |
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3 |
DENIZLI (Pamukkale) |
8 |
ECEABAT (Gallipoli) |
6 |
FETHIYE |
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10 |
ISTANBUL |
1+ |
Izmir |
8 |
KAS (via Fethiye) |
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10 |
KONYA |
4 |
KOYGEGIZ |
½ |
KUSADASI |
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4 |
MARMARIS |
10+ |
OLYMPOS (via Kas) |
7 |
OLUDENIZ (via Fethiye) |
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ARRIVING BY AIR (Izmir AIRPORT)
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Also see this site which lists several air companies timetables. Turkey Travel Guide
The OPTIONS for GETTING HERE from the AIRPORT ARE:
• Train
• Bus
• Private Transfer
• Taxi
• Hire Car
1. TRAINS: Izmir Airport to Selcuk [~ 1.5 hours] leave from the
Airport. See Arriving by Train
2. BUSES: Izmir Airport to Selcuk [~1 hour]
• You will need Turkish Lira to do this. Prices may change at any time,
espeically in response to fuel prices.
• Taxi drivers - in order to secure your business - may try to tell you that you
have to wait "for hours" or that there are "no buses" - which, depending on the
hour, may or may not be true. Buses leave Izmir Bus Station for Selcuk -passing
the airport - half hourly between ~ 0630 AM and ~9.30 PM.
• Catch a "TAKSI" to "TANSAS, Gaziemir". Write this on a paper to show
the driver. It is a supermarket about 10 minutes away. There is a major minibus
rank next to it. The fare will be ~ 10 Turkish Lira.
• There, you want to catch a "DOLMUS" (Pron "Dol Moosh") to SELCUK (pron. "Sel
chook").
• If the destination is Kusadasi: Selcuk is half an hour before Kusadasi - they
SHOULD be able to drop you off on the way as they pass through. "Kusadasi
Elbirlik" bus will, as will the "Selcuk - Efes" minibus.
• The fare is ~ 6 Turkish Lira and the journey is ~ 1 hour. You will pass the
airport again.
• Large & multiple pieces of luggage will be a problem.
• Many people travelling together should expect to have to split up over several
minibuses.
3. PRIVATE TRANSFER:
Izmir Airport to Selcuk [~ 45 minutes] For a sedan vehicle which can seat 1
passenger in the front and 2-3 in the back,depending on their size: 40 euros per
car.
Please conside the size of your luggage.
Larger vehicles: Prices on
application.
Must be pre-booked - 24 hours in advance. See "Travel Desk" on this
website.
4. TAXIS: Izmir Airport to Selcuk [~ 45 minutes] 50 Euros / after
hours 70 Euros.
5. HIRE CAR:
There are several car hire companies at the airport
which are very pricey.
Please email us for directions to Jimmy's Place.
FAQ: WHERE CAN I GET INFO re DOMESTIC FLIGHTS TO Izmir ?
• Turkish Airlines (THY) click here
• Onur Air click here
• Atlas Jet click here
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ARRIVING BY CAR
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• The minimum price to expect for a simple vehicle without air conditioning is about 60 TL per day.
With air conditioning , it would be around 80 TL per day.
• For fuel, expect to pay ~ 3 Turkish Lira per litre: approximately 1,9 euros per litre / US$9,20 per gallon!
• There are NO automatic vehicles in Turkey - only manually geared.
• Driving is RIGHT side of the road with a LEFT hand steering wheel.
• The roads are generally of excellent quality. Be very clear about distances - Turkey is bigger than it looks!
• You can hire a driver along with the vehicle. You are normally responsible for all meal & accommodation expenses in addition to the car rental, his driver's fee and the fuel. If you want a NON-SMOKING driver, be clear about this from the very start of the ordering process. Drivers usually carry cell phones.
• Bringing a non-Turkish car into Turkey is a complex bureacratic matter with many implications: you should contact the Turkish Embassy in your country for details.
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• These times are minimum for people who don't know the roads. Add 20% in wet weather / winter.
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ARRIVING BY TRAIN
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Also see this site which lists several train timetables. Turkey Travel Guide
Trains are more basic, infrequent & take longer than buses. But they are very
cheap and, from Izmir airport, bring you here "door to door". They may be
crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Suitability depends whether it
connects conveniently, how much luggage you have and whether the possibility of
no seat is an issue to you.
Schedules should also be checked at
the Stations (open every day, often 24 hours) and the possibility of
delay or cancellation taken into consideration.
USEFUL PHRASE:
TR - "Lutfen, bana tren istasyonunu tarif edermisiniz ?"
EN -
"Can you please direct me to the train station ?"
Izmir AIRPORT to SELCUK - 08:31 - 10:46 - 15:59
- 17:59 - 19:31
SELCUK to Izmir
AIRPORT - 06:55 - 07: 25 - 11:34 - 15:10 - 19:21
- This schedule was
provided by Selcuk Train Station Staff.
- Schedules may (& do) change at anytime
without warning.
- Any train may be cancelled or delayed.
- Thus these times are
provided as a rough guide for planning purposes.
ON ARRIVAL IN SELCUK
We are only 5 minute's easy walk from Selcuk Station.
Walk to the exit at the bottom of the footbridge-overpass.
Turn LEFT immediately and walk along the path next to the train line.
Pass the BLACK ANTIQUE STEAM TRAIN. Pass the T-junction at your right.
Turn RIGHT at the NEXT (SECOND) street - AFTER the furniture shops. There is a small florist on the corner.
Walk downhill for a minute or two - we are at the bottom, on the left. Look for our yellow facade.
THE OFFICAL WEBSITE OF TURKISH STATE RAILWAYS (TCDD)
Click here
ANOTHET
TRANSPORT SITE with
TRAIN TIME TABLES Turkey Travel Guide
TREATS for TRAIN BUFFS!
Check out our section on
Camlik Steam Train Museum
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ARRIVING BY FERRY | HYDROFOIL
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Ferry schedules are effected by many factors: keep in mind that
• Schedules routinely vary throughout the year according to seasonal demand.
- Schedules may also change without notice due to unexpected changes
in passenger numbers.
- Bad weather cannot be predicted long term and ferries can
"turn back", even after departure. [esp. Greek ones.]
- Thus beware of informal advice & information. Off season, we
have seen many horrified travelers stranded through taking insufficient
care. From 1 October to 30 April, expect ferry schedules to be reduced. What
another traveler tells you about their experiences may be completely
irrelevent for your time frame. Be very careful to enquire directly
with ferry companies or their ticketing (travel) agents.
- Greek Ferries are also occasionally cancelled due to industrial
action.
- Off season, private charters might accept other travellers:
it is always worth enquiring !
Also see this site which lists several ferry companies timetables. Turkey Travel Guide
ROUTES:
• Samos - Kusadasi
• Lesvos - Ayvalik
• Chios - Cesme
• Kos - Bodrum
• Rhodes - Marmaris
• Istanbul - Izmir
• Italy - Turkey
ALSO:
• FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
• New Arrivals to Turkey: Costs & Visas
SAMOS - KUSADASI [Closest Port to Selcuk]:
• Free Transfer: To be met from
the Samos ferry, please
phone ahead from Samos.
• This also enables you to
either confirm your reservation
OR to check if we have a
vacancy.
• Please phone
when your ferry is
- booked
- IMMEDIATELY if the ferry is cancelled or leaves
late.
• Our Telephone number from Samos is (+90) (232) - 892 1982 or 6294
• Our Telephone number from Kusadasi is (232) - 892 1982 or 6294
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For ABSOLUTELY ACCURATE, UP-TO-THE-MINUTE INFORMATION,
ALWAYS ENQUIRE DIRECTLY with the SERVICE PROVIDER!
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- SAMOS - KUSADASI FERRY -
SAMOS, GREECE CONTACT:
Directly opposite the port exit. [Country Code: 30]
ITSA TRAVEL: (*2730) 23605 / 6 [*Add a "zero" if phoning within Greece]
E-Mail: itsa@otenet.com.gr
KUSADASI, TURKEY CONTACT:
50 metres from the port exit. [Country Code: 90]
MEANDER | DIANA TRAVEL: (+90)(*256) 612 8888 / 2646 [*Add a "zero" if phoning
within Turkey]
E-Mail:
dianashipping@superonline.com
NB: NEVER book off-season flights
from Samos without first CHECKING
directly with
Meander | Diana Travel about how to get to Samos! There ARE
ferries between Chios & Samos but NOT daily.
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- LESVOS - AYVALIK FERRY -
AYVALIK CONTACT NUMBER:
JALE TUR: Tel: (+90)(*266) 312 2740 [*Add a zero if phoning within Turkey]
LESVOS CONTACT NUMBER:
DIMAKIS TOUR: Tel: 30 (*251) 27 865 [*Add a zero if phoning within Greece]
On arrival ask where to catch the bus to Izmir BUS STATION. You want the
"SEBAT" Bus Company. The bus to Izmir takes ~3 hours. On arrival, change
for Selcuk [~1 hour]. Go into the upstairs terminal to the midi-bus company
offices. If no service, go downstairs to the big coach company desks.
More Bus Information
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- CHIOS - CESME FERRY -
CESME CONTACT NUMBERS:
[NB: rival companies who send ferries on different days: so check both,
off-season, if necessary]
ERTURK: Tel: (+90)(*232) 712 6768 [*Add a zero if phoning within Turkey]
MASCOT: Tel: (+90)(*232) 712 7654 [*Add a zero if phoning within Turkey]
NB: THIS IS A CONVENIENT OFF-SEASON SEA ROUTE to ATHENS.
THESE FERRIES CONNECT WITH THE OVERNIGHT CHIOS - ATHENS FERRY. [departs
~2200 hrs]
There ARE ferries between Chios & Samos but NOT daily.
When you leave the port building, cross the road to these Ferry Agents' offices
to change money and ask where to catch the DIRECT bus to Izmir BUS STATION. For
evening arrivals, the final bus may be ~1830, so hurry.
IMPORTANT: Check that
late buses go all the way to "SENTRAL GARAJ" [Izmir Main Bus Station] and
don't just terminate at ÜÇ KUYULAR Bus Station.
The journey is ~ 1.5 hours. On arrival, you change for Selcuk [~1 hour].
More Bus Information
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- KOS - BODRUM FERRY / HYDROFOIL -
BODRUM CONTACT NUMBERS:
BODRUM EXPRESS LINES:
Tel: (+90)(*252) 316 4067 / 1087 [*Add a zero if phoning within Turkey]
The bus
trip to Selcuk is ~3 hours and you usually change at AYDIN for the final hour.
The final hour may be in a minibus. Check that you will travel DIRECTLY to
Selcuk, not via Kusadasi.
More Bus Information
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- RHODES - MARMARIS FERRY / HYDROFOIL -
MARMARIS CONTACT NUMBERS:
[NB: these are rival companies who send ferries on different days:
off-season, check both, if necessary]
YESIL MARMARIS: (+90)(*252) 412 2290 [*Add a zero if phoning within
Turkey]
ENGIN: (+90)(*252) 412 6944 [*Add a zero if phoning within Turkey]
Also Inter Youth Hostel: (+90)0252) 412 7277 [*Add a zero if phoning
within Turkey]
The bus trip to Selcuk is ~4 hours and you usually change at AYDIN: the final
hour may be in a minibus.Check that you will travel DIRECTLY to Selcuk, not via
Kusadasi.
More Bus Information
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- ISTANBUL - Izmir FERRY -
Back in business in 2006 after several year's absence.
Turkish Website:
www.denizline.com
Reservations:
ISTANBUL: (+90) (*212 or *216) 444 3369
KUSADASI: (+90)(256) 612 45 98 or (+90)(256) 618 3030
It has been described by one of our
guests as "like a cruise, but at a fraction of the cost".
The ferry leaves
Istanbul on Fridays at 3pm and takes 16-19 hours, overnight. It returns to
Istanbul each Sunday at 2pm.
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ON ARRIVAL, THE USUAL WAYS TO GET HERE FROM Izmir HARBOUR are:
TRAINS: Izmir to Selcuk
Suitability depends whether your arrival connects conveniently. FARE: ~ US$1
More Train Information
BUSES: Izmir to Selcuk
When you get off the ferry ask to be directed to the BUS COMPANY offices nearby.
Shuttle buses run to the huge Izmir BUS STATION out of town where you connect
with another bus to Selcuk [1 hour].
More Bus Information
PRIVATE TRANSFER: Izmir Ferry to Selcuk
We can arrange this for you - just let us know via the travel desk section of this web site.
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- ITALY TO TURKEY FERRIES -
There are 2 Routes:
1. BRINDISI [The "Heel" of Italy] to CESME: - 33 hours trip
Turkish contact details:
Tel: (+90)(*232) 712 1091 [*Add a zero if phoning within Turkey]
Fax: (+90)(*232) 712 0482 [*Add a zero if phoning within Turkey]
Cesme arrival information..
2. VENICE to Izmir: - 3 days / 60 hours
Turkish contact details:
Tel: (+90)(*232) 464 8889 [*Add a zero if phoning within Turkey]
Fax: (+90)(*232) 464 7834 [*Add a zero if phoning within Turkey]
Izmir arrival information..
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- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS re FERRIES
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NO. Bookings are normally only accepted along with payment. However, very large groups should phone ahead.
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NO, only private boats and "Gulet" cruises May to early October.
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For ACCURATE information, ALWAYS contact the companies DIRECTLY.
Make first enquiries about 1 week before you want to go AND check again 24-48 hours before you were told the ferry is sailing.
CANCELLATIONS can occur at the last minute due to sea conditions / low numbers / industrial action.
From November - to March inclusive:
POSSIBLE:
Çesme - Chios
Bodrum - Kos
Marmaris - Rhodes
NO SERVICE (Possibility of very occasional private charters; ask the ferry company a few days beforehand)
Lesvos - Ayvalik
Samos - Kusadasi
Greek Islands Ferry Schedules
For loads of information, timetables and on-line bookings for travelling within the Greek Islands, visit these sites on Greek Ferries.
1. All Greek Ferries
2. Greek Ferries to Greece
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NEW ARRIVALS TO TURKEY: COSTS & VISAS
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VISAS:
• Most nationalities require visas to visit Turkey.
• They vary in cost
and length of permit.
• Most can be purchased over the counter on arrival.
Occasionally, for some nationalities, they are free.
• Travel Agents & websites
are typically not up-to-date. For accurate information, contact your closest
Turkish Embassy, preferably in your home country.
• For greatest ease, have all
fees ready in Euros, Pounds sterling or US dollars [see current exchange rates
for the cheapest]. The bills should be perfect and unmarked.
ARRIVAL COSTS:
• Leaving Greece by Ferry: ~ departure tax: payable in Euros only. Enquire on
arrival in Greece, so you leave enough euros aside.
• Arriving in Turkey:
Arrival / port tax will be charged, plus your
• Visa: variable between
countries. Rates can change at any time. The Turkish embassy in your country is
the best source of information about how much you should expect to pay.
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