Big news for anyone planning to reach the Greek islands by sea: İDO has significantly expanded its network for the 2026 season! Istanbul Sea Buses (İDO) is running services from Türkiye's Aegean coast to 6 different Greek islands on 10 separate routes. 🎉
From Lesbos to Rhodes and from Chios to Patmos, here's everything you need to know: the routes, when each line operates and the extra services that make your trip easier. 👇
İDO launched its Aegean Islands services in 2024 with three vessels, carrying around 155,000 passengers in its first season. In 2025, it expanded its fleet to six vessels and reached 220,000 passengers. For the 2026 season, it has grown its Aegean network even further, increasing the number of routes to 10.
Due to high demand, 2026 tickets went on sale in January so travelers could plan their holidays well in advance.
Five new routes have been added to İDO's network this season:
📍 Çeşme – Chios
📍 Ayvalık – Lesbos
📍 Akçay – Lesbos
📍 Kuşadası – Patmos
📍 Kuşadası – Samos (Pythagorion)
These routes proved very popular last season and are returning with more sailings this year:
📍 Dikili – Lesbos
📍 Seferihisar – Samos (Vathy)
📍 Bodrum Turgutreis – Leros
📍 Fethiye – Rhodes
| Route | Starts | Ends |
|---|---|---|
| Ayvalık – Lesbos | March 19 | End of September |
| Dikili – Lesbos | April 22 | End of September |
| Akçay – Lesbos | April 22 | End of September |
| Kuşadası – Samos (Vathy) | April 22 | Mid-October |
| Kuşadası – Samos (Pythagorion) | April 22 | Mid-October |
| Seferihisar – Samos (Vathy) | May 1 | End of September |
| Çeşme – Chios | May 15 | October 31 |
| Bodrum Turgutreis – Leros | Mid-May | End of September |
| Fethiye – Rhodes | Mid-May | End of September |
| Kuşadası – Patmos | May 26 | End of September |
The first sailing of the season took place on March 19, the eve of the Ramadan Feast, on the Ayvalık – Lesbos route.
Most routes wrapped up their season at the end of September, but there are still options for an autumn island getaway:
⛴️ Çeşme – Chios: Running until October 31
⛴️ Kuşadası – Samos (Vathy and Pythagorion): Running until mid-October
If you're dreaming of a quiet island escape in cooler weather, don't wait too long! 🍁
Just a 25-minute crossing from Çeşme, Chios is one of the most distinctive islands in the Aegean, known for its mastic trees, stone villages and unique architecture. From June to August, the Çeşme – Chios ferry runs every day.
Famous for its olive groves and rich cuisine, Lesbos is a favorite for travelers seeking food and culture. You can reach it from three different ports: Ayvalık, Dikili and Akçay.
With its vineyards, local flavors and crystal-clear waters, Samos offers a lively island experience thanks to its two ports. Ferries run from Kuşadası to both Vathy and Pythagorion, and from Seferihisar to Vathy.
With its historic character and peaceful atmosphere, Patmos is a great choice for a trip focused on culture and discovery. The Kuşadası – Patmos route launched for the first time this season.
Known for its natural bays, Leros is ideal for a quiet island holiday. You can reach it from Bodrum Turgutreis.
Rich in historic heritage, Rhodes is one of the Aegean's most beloved destinations. With İDO, you can sail there from Fethiye.
Beyond tickets, İDO offers several additional services to make your journey more comfortable:
🛡️ Travel health insurance
🛂 Visa-on-arrival service
📱 eSIM internet
🚗 Car rental
You can find sailing details, buy tickets and check the visa-on-arrival requirements for each island on İDO's website.
Since sailing days and times can vary throughout the season, always check the latest schedule before booking. Also keep in mind that visa-on-arrival requirements may differ from island to island. 🛂
Wishing you a wonderful journey across the deep blue Aegean! ⛴️🇹🇷🇬🇷
