worldinabag

Hi

I'm looking to travel from Istanbul to Rhodes in Aug/Sept 2006. Ideally I would like to fly to Rhodes from Istanbul return. It doesn't look like this is possible. I did a search of previous posts which indicated I could fly to Marmaris then ferry to Rhodes. This strikes me as the best option. However I went onto the Turkish Air site and that informs me that the closest port they fly to is Bodrum and not Marmaris. So can Fodorites clarify:

1. Can you fly to from Istanbul to Rhodes?
2. If not what is the best option in terms of time and cost to get to Rhodes using a fly/ferry combination?
3. Is Turkish Air the only carrier for this route?
4. Next preferred options are ferry, train and buses? Is this possible? What is the itinerary and how long would it take?
4. Any websites that can assist me with this issue?

Thanks heaps for any help.

molker

1.There is no direct flight Istanbul - Rhodes. You must fly Istanbul - Athens - Rhodes

2.3. Dalaman Airport , I believe is closer to marmaris than Bodrum.
Lomited connections to Istanbul. I think Turkish Air and perhpas Onur Air fly there.
Then bus or taxi to Marmaris- ferry to Rhodes.

4.Option is to take a bus Istanbul- Marmaris.
This is not bad as bus service is deluxe, cheap and frequent .
Then ferry to Marmaris.

5. websites none that I know of.

worldinabag

Hi

That's great. Thanks Molker for the info. Makes things alot clearer. Any idea how far it is from Dalaman Airport to Marmaris?

Cheers

GeoffHamer

There are hydrofoils from Bodrum to Rodos most days in summer (www.bodrumexpresslines.com). The main Greek destination from Bodrum is Kos.
From Marmaris to Rodos, Turkish boats leave Marmaris every morning in summer; Greek boats offer an afternoon sailing from Marmaris. You will be able to book in Marmaris, but at least one Turkish operator has a web site (www.yesilmarmaris.com).
Fares on all these services are very high, partly because of port dues and other taxes.

worldinabag

Hi

Thanks Geoff. The Bodrum Express website is exactly what I was looking for - a timetable so that I can co-ordinate the ferry with an air flight to Bodrum. Really appreciate yours and Molkers help.

Take care.

GeoffHamer

I'd be wary about relying on Bodrum-Rodos as it's a long trip and is more likely to be cancelled in bad weather than the shorter crossings from Bodrum to Kos, or Marmaris to Rodos. It's one of those cases where you need to have alternative plans ready in case of problems.

worldinabag

Yes that's a good point Geoff. OK thanks for the heads up.