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How to get from Antalya to Symi
There is no direct link from Antalya to Symi. The usual way is overland along the coast to Fethiye or Marmaris (about 3 h 30 to 6 h), a ferry to Rhodes, and then a ferry from Rhodes to Symi, so plan on a full day or an overnight stop in Rhodes.
Best option: Bus. A coach to Marmaris or Fethiye plus the ferries via Rhodes is the simplest route and avoids flying through Istanbul and Athens.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus Coach from Antalya bus station (otogar) to Fethiye or Marmaris, then a ferry to Rhodes, then a ferry from Rhodes to Symi (Gialos) | a full day: about 3 h 30–4 h (Fethiye) or 6 h (Marmaris) by coach, 1–2 h to Rhodes, about 1 h–1 h 30 to Symi | coaches several times a day; Marmaris–Rhodes daily in season; Fethiye–Rhodes mainly in summer; Rhodes–Symi daily | about TRY 600–900 for the coach, about €40–70 for the Turkey–Rhodes ferry, about €10–25 for Rhodes–Symi | The Turkish ferries to Rhodes are seasonal and reduce sharply in winter; check current timetables before travelling. |
| car Drive along the coast road (D400) to Fethiye or Marmaris, leave the car and continue on foot by ferry via Rhodes | about 3 h 30 to Fethiye, about 5 h 30–6 h to Marmaris, plus the ferries | fuel plus parking at the port | Turkish rental cars generally cannot be taken to Greece, so plan to travel on as a foot passenger. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Symi's main port is Gialos (Symi town); Panormitis monastery on the south of the island is also a stop for some Rhodes boats.
- Rhodes to Symi is served by several companies, including Dodekanisos Seaways; buy that leg once you know your Turkey–Rhodes arrival time.
- Carry your passport: you leave Turkey and enter the Schengen area at Rhodes, and a visa may be needed depending on nationality.
- Small boats from Datça to Symi have run in some summers; ask locally, as this link is not regular.
Common questions
Is there a ferry from Antalya to Symi?
No. There is no ferry from Antalya to any Greek island near Symi. Ferries to Rhodes leave from Marmaris and, mainly in summer, from Fethiye. From Rhodes there are daily boats to Symi taking about 1 h to 1 h 30. Check current timetables for the Turkish ferries, which are reduced or suspended outside summer.
Can I fly from Antalya to Symi?
Symi has no airport. Flying would mean going from Antalya to Rhodes via a connecting airport such as Istanbul or Athens, which takes longer and costs more than the coach and ferry route along the coast. Once in Rhodes, the ferry to Symi is the only way to reach the island.
Which is better, Fethiye or Marmaris?
Fethiye is closer to Antalya, about 3 h 30 to 4 h by coach, but its Rhodes ferries run mainly in summer and less often. Marmaris is about 6 h from Antalya but has the most regular Rhodes service in season. Compare that day's sailings before choosing, and allow time between the coach and the boat.
Do I need a visa to go from Turkey to Symi?
Symi is in Greece, part of the Schengen area, so you need whatever documents Schengen requires for your nationality. Passport control happens when you arrive in Rhodes. Some nationalities need a Schengen visa in advance. Make sure your passport has enough validity and blank pages, and check rules with official sources before you travel.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.