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How to get from Bodrum to Kalymnos
Most travellers go from Bodrum to Kos by ferry (about 45 min to 1 h) and then on to Kalymnos (about 30 min to 1 h), around 3–4 h in total with connections. A direct Bodrum–Kalymnos boat runs on some days in summer only.
Best option: Ferry. The Bodrum–Kos ferry runs every day in season and Kos has frequent boats to Kalymnos.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ferry Ferry from Bodrum to Kos town, then a ferry from Kos town or Mastichari to Pothia (Kalymnos); seasonal direct Bodrum–Kalymnos boats on some days | about 3–4 h including the change; about 1 h–1 h 30 on a direct boat | Bodrum–Kos several a day in summer, fewer in winter; Kos–Kalymnos several a day | about €20–35 for Bodrum–Kos, about €8–20 for Kos–Kalymnos | Mastichari is about 25 km from Kos town; a bus or taxi is needed between the two ports. Check current timetables, which are seasonal. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Carry your passport: you leave Turkey and enter the Schengen area at Kos (or at Kalymnos on a direct boat).
- From Kos town, some boats go straight to Pothia; otherwise the small boats from Mastichari are the shortest crossing.
- Arrive at Bodrum port at least an hour early for passport control.
- Kalymnos is known for rock climbing; climbing season (spring and autumn) fills accommodation in Masouri.
Common questions
Is there a direct ferry from Bodrum to Kalymnos?
On some days in summer, yes, but not all year. The dependable route is Bodrum to Kos, about 45 min to 1 h, then a boat to Pothia on Kalymnos from Kos town or from Mastichari. Check current timetables for the direct boat before planning around it, as sailings change each season.
How do I get from Kos to Kalymnos?
Boats leave Kos town for Pothia, the main port of Kalymnos, and small ferries run from Mastichari on the north coast, which is the shortest crossing at about 30–40 minutes. Mastichari is about 25 km from Kos town, so take a bus or taxi. Several companies run the crossing throughout the day.
Do I need a visa to go from Bodrum to Kalymnos?
Kalymnos is in Greece, part of the Schengen area. You need the documents Schengen requires for your nationality, and some nationalities need a visa in advance. Passport control takes place at the Greek port where you arrive. Check rules with official sources before travelling.
Can I do Kalymnos as a day trip from Bodrum?
It is possible in summer, but the change in Kos and passport checks on both sides take time, leaving perhaps four to six hours on the island. A direct boat, when running, makes it easier. Many visitors prefer to stay at least one night, especially to explore beyond Pothia.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.