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How to get from Istanbul to Lesbos
The usual route is a coach from Istanbul to Ayvalık (about 8–9 h) or a flight to Edremit (Balıkesir Koca Seyit) followed by a short transfer, then a ferry from Ayvalık to Mytilene on Lesbos, about 1 h 30. Plan on a full day.
Best option: Bus. Overnight or daytime coaches to Ayvalık connect simply with the ferry, at low cost.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus Coach from Istanbul (Esenler or Alibeyköy bus stations) to Ayvalık, then a ferry from Ayvalık to Mytilene | about 8–9 h by coach plus about 1 h 30 by ferry | coaches several times a day and overnight; ferries daily in summer, fewer in winter | about TRY 800–1,200 for the coach plus about €30–50 for the ferry | Check current ferry timetables; winter sailings are reduced. |
| flight Flight from Istanbul to Edremit (Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport), taxi or shuttle to Ayvalık (about 45 min), then the ferry to Mytilene | about 1 h in the air; about 5–6 h door to door | a few flights a week to daily, depending on the season | about TRY 1,500–4,000 for the flight plus the ferry | Flight frequency varies; check current schedules. |
| car Drive from Istanbul via the Osmangazi Bridge and the motorway south, or via Çanakkale, to Ayvalık (about 550 km), then the ferry | about 6–7 h plus the ferry | fuel plus motorway and bridge tolls | Turkish rental cars generally cannot be taken to Greece; 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
- Carry your passport: Lesbos is in Greece and the Schengen area.
- Dikili also has ferries to Lesbos at times; check which port suits your timetable.
- Mytilene's ferry port is close to the town centre.
- Book the ferry ahead on summer weekends and holidays.
Common questions
Is there a direct ferry from Istanbul to Lesbos?
No. Ferries to Lesbos leave from Ayvalık and, at times, Dikili on the Aegean coast. From Istanbul, take a coach or a flight to the coast first. The Ayvalık–Mytilene crossing takes about 1 h 30. Check current timetables, as sailings are reduced outside summer.
Are there flights from Istanbul to Lesbos?
Not direct. You could fly Istanbul–Athens–Mytilene, but it usually takes longer and costs more than flying to Edremit and taking the ferry from Ayvalık. Edremit (Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport) is about 45 minutes from Ayvalık by taxi or shuttle. Check current flight schedules, which vary by season.
Do I need a visa for Lesbos?
Lesbos is in Greece, so Schengen rules apply. Some nationalities need a Schengen visa in advance. Turkish citizens have had access to a short-stay visa scheme for some Greek islands in some years. Check current rules with official sources before travelling.
How long does it take from Istanbul to Lesbos?
About 10–11 h by coach and ferry, including waiting time at Ayvalık, or about 5–6 h if you fly to Edremit. The ferry crossing is about 1 h 30 plus passport checks on both sides. Plan to arrive at Ayvalık port at least an hour before departure.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.