Day trips from Bodrum to Datça are totally doable. Skip the long drive. The ferry gets you there in a fraction of the time. Today we’re breaking down exactly how to get from Bodrum to Datça, what to do once you land, where to grab tickets, and everything else you need to know.
Boats leave from Bodrum Center, Kale Port. Reaching Datça Kairos Marina takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.
Ferry Schedules
Schedules shift with the seasons. Winter might only see a couple of trips a week. Summer ramps up to 3 or 4 departures daily.
Winter runs usually stick to two trips (09:00 and 17:00).
Summer Ferry Schedules
Bodrum → Datça (09:00, 10:30, 12:00, 18:00)
Datça → Bodrum (10:30, 12:00, 13:30, 19:30)
"Aim for the summer months (June to September) if you want more frequent departures for this quick getaway."
How Do I Buy Tickets?
You’ll need a ferry ticket for the Bodrum-Datça route. We’ve got a few solid options lined up for you.
Ferry Tickets
1) The top pick is grabbing your pass online at ticket.bodrumferibot.com. They also sell tickets to Kos Island. Curious about Kos? Check out our Kos Island Day Trip Guide.
2) Another route is using comparison sites. They pull all operators into one place so you can grab the best deal. Head straight to Omio.com/bodrum-datca to see live departures.
Important: Some days only run one-way trips out, with the return sailing the next day. That might wreck a same-day plan and force an overnight stay. This mostly happens in winter.
Bus Tickets
The sites above cover ferries. If you prefer the bus, check platforms like enuygun.com. Keep in mind winter schedules usually only cover Bodrum to Muğla. From Muğla, you’ll need to catch a separate minibus to Datça.
Tickets at the Port
Worried about booking online? You can always buy at the counter. We don’t really recommend it though. Summer tickets often sell out a week in advance. If you must buy at the port, show up early and secure your seat.
The Day Trip Plan
Planning a same-day run to Datça means you’re looking at a 6 to 7 hour window. Let’s map out how to squeeze the most out of it;
Kumluk Beach
It’s a 2-minute walk from the ferry dock. Water stays super clean. Jump in for a quick dip or just grab a coffee and soak up the sea breeze.
Lunch by the Water
Pick any spot along the coast and you’ll be fine. Choose whatever fits your mood. Keep it light since we’re still moving.
What to order?
Fish, meze, or octopus and calamari. Pair it with a light rakı or white wine. Seafood right on the coastline just hits different.
Old Datça Tour (Highly Recommended)
Old Datça sits about 10 minutes away by taxi from the center. Local minibuses run that route too, but a taxi saves precious time on a tight day schedule.
Wander the alleys and snap photos. Stone houses, narrow lanes, and tucked-away cafes give this place a completely different energy.
Hayıtbükü
It’s a 25 to 30 minute taxi ride from Old Datça. Might stretch your day trip a bit, so you’ll probably have to pick between Old Datça and Hayıtbükü.
This bay stayed untouched. Quiet. Pure nature. Perfect for clearing your head. The bottom gets slightly rocky, but the water is insanely clear.
You’ll find small eateries along the shore. Cozy spots. Nothing fancy.
Back to the Port
Heading back to the port lines up perfectly with sunset. Grab a 19:00 return ticket if you can. Gives you way more time to chill at the marina.
We built this itinerary strictly for day-trippers. Datça obviously has way more to offer.
For the full scoop, we highly recommend checking out the Datça Travel Guide on Yoldabiblog.com. It’s a solid independent blog we actually trust.
Back in Bodrum
Once the ferry drops you back, you might want to keep the night going. Grab a seat at a waterfront bar when the sun goes down. Order a drink. Unwind.
Need more ideas for Bodrum? Hit up our Bodrum Guide section. You’ll find deep dives on the best bars in Bodrum, top restaurants, and plenty more.
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