HOW TO GET TO SAMOS FROM TURKEY

Although Samos is a relatively small island, it has three important passenger ports: Vathy (also called Samos town) in the northeast, Pythagorion in the south and Karlovasi in the northwest. Routes and arrival ports vary by operator and season.

From Kuşadası, seasonal ferries normally serve Vathy and/or Pythagorion. Meander Travel is one of the operators associated with this route, but other companies may also sail, so compare the date, port and vessel before buying.
Samos ferry schedules The timetable printed in the original article was for summer 2016 and is no longer valid.
For the 2026 season, Kuşadası–Samos services are generally more frequent in summer, with routes to Vathy and Pythagorion on selected days. Departure times, operating days and even arrival ports can change with the season, weather and border procedures. Check the ferry operator's live timetable for your exact date and arrive early for passport control.
The additional evening sailings listed in the 2016 article are also obsolete; use only the timetable displayed for your actual travel date.
Kuşadası–Samos ferry prices
Same-day returns are often sold as a separate fare type.
Open-return tickets usually cost more and are subject to availability.
One-way fares, port charges and vehicle prices are quoted separately by the operator.
For currentSamos ferry fares, check the operator or booking page here.

The view from Pythagorion Port.

Some seasons also bring services from Teos Marina in Sığacık, Seferihisar, to Samos. Operators and routes can change, so do not rely on the name or schedule printed in an old article. When operating, the Sığacık route may take around one hour and forty minutes and may arrive at Karlovasi. Return times vary by season and operator. Always verify the live programme here before arranging accommodation or onward travel.

GREEK ISLANDS EXPRESS VISA: WHAT TO KNOW

Greece's express visa scheme for Turkish citizens was renewed and expanded for 2026. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that it covers twelve islands, including Samos, and can allow a stay of up to seven days at designated legal entry points. It is not a general Schengen visa and does not permit travel elsewhere in the Schengen Area.
Exact documents, fees, lead times and eligible ports are determined by the Greek authorities and participating operators. Typically, applicants are asked for:
— A passport meeting the validity and blank-page rules stated for the application
— A copy of the passport identity page
— A recent biometric photograph
— A completed and signed application form
— Confirmed accommodation or other proof requested for the stay
— Return ferry tickets and any required travel information
— The current visa fee set by the authority
— Any handling charge disclosed by the authorised operator

Do not mail documents or travel based on the old €35 process described in the 2016 version of this article. Apply only through an authorised channel for your departure port, allow the stated processing time and obtain written confirmation before travelling. If you expect to visit mainland Greece or another Schengen country, apply for the appropriate Schengen visa instead.
Older travellers sometimes described receiving a visa with little advance processing. That should not be treated as a current option. Turning up without an approved application may result in denied boarding or entry. Follow the current official process rather than anecdotal shortcuts. Official details should be checked before every trip.

The deck of a Chios–Samos ferry.

Do not be fooled by the word 'ferry': the smaller vessel we used could carry only a handful of cars.

HOW TO TAKE A CAR TO SAMOS

Taking a car from Turkey to Samos depends entirely on whether a vehicle-carrying ferry operates on your date. The passenger ferries mentioned above may not accept vehicles. An older alternative was to travel from Çeşme to Chios and continue from Chios to Samos with Hellenic Seaways or another domestic Greek operator. Do not assume that this connection still runs on a convenient day: search the current schedules for both legs and confirm that the selected vessel accepts your vehicle. Large domestic ferries sell different passenger classes; on our journey we chose the least expensive deck ticket. Our historical two-leg route cost almost €200 for the vehicle alone, excluding passenger tickets and Green Card insurance. Current fares can be very different, and an overnight stop on Chios may be necessary. Compare the total with renting a car on Samos, including insurance and fuel. Our updated guide to the documents required for driving a Turkish-registered car abroad is at this link.