Despite the peripheral location of the Peninsula of Marmaris, it is typical for Turkey that there are many ways to reach your destination(s). Whether by air, sea or land there are a variety of options for getting to from and around Marmaris and the smaller town of Datca.
With flight connections from all over the country and abroad, reaching the peninsula will be a breeze!
Use this Marmaris-Datca transportation guide for information on getting to and from Marmaris-Datca, as well as for getting around Marmaris-Datca. You can also get further travel information in our Turkey transportation guide. For some great things to see and do, we have many Marmaris-Datca tours to help you see this beautiful coastal town(s).
Marmaris - Datca Transportation Guide
Given the 'off the beaten' track location of Marmaris and especially Datca and Loryma, you would be forgiven for thinking that getting to the peninsula could be a challenge; but as an up and coming favoured national and international travel destination, transport in Marmaris has been made convenient and easy to access.
Getting to Marmaris-Datca
Marmaris Flights & Marmaris Airport
The Marmaris Airport that is nearest to Marmaris is Dalaman's ATM Dalaman Airport. Marmaris is also accessible from the airports at Bodrum, Antalya and Izmir. Izmir is at a distance of about five to six hours from Marmaris.
Chartered flights operate from almost all important European cities to Dalaman, Istanbul, Izmir and Antalya between April and October. In winter, however, tourists have to fly into Istanbul and then take a flight to Dalaman.
Note: The national carrier of Turkey is Turkish Airlines (THY). During the winter months only this company carries out flights. During the summer season there are also other companies, like Atlasjet (http://www.atlasjet.com/)and Pegasus (http://www.pegasus.com/)
For transport from the airport to the city (or from the city to the airport), we recommend Green Path Transfers, who offer eco-friendly airport transfers in hundreds of destinations around the world.
Visit our partner Air Valid for Airline Reviews and Information about Turkey.
Flights to Marmaris
By Sea
Marmaris lies at the intersection of the Aegean and the Mediterranean Sea. It has a magnificent coastline which is its major attraction. It has also made Marmaris a preferred yachting destination. Its fine and pleasant climate makes it an ideal cruising destination as well.
Car ferries and catamarans operate daily between Rhodes and Marmaris during summer. Rhodes is accessible from Turkey with a reservation made just 24 hours in advance by presenting your passport.
The most popular, conventional and effective way of soaking in the sea and the scenic beauty is to take a ‘Blue Cruise' in a traditional gullet. A gullet is a handcrafted wooden boat that has been used for hundreds of years, for both fishing and trading. This boat built of pinewood with a round aft and a pointed fore does indeed offer a slice of Turkish history and heritage.
Hire a gullet for a day or for a few days from the harbour at Marmaris or Datca and sail around the Aegean and the Mediterranean Seas, stopping here and there to explore the many coves and bays. This Blue Cruise offers a complete experience of Turkish ambience and hospitality. Lean back on the inviting cushions and drink in the serenity of the sea, savour a delectable lunch with fish, and share a drink and dance with your affable captain. When you need some exercise, dock into a safe area and take a swim in the sea!
By Road
Regular buses ply from Istanbul to Datca. Datca is also accessible by bus from areas other than Istanbul. Buses ply between Marmaris and Datca with a frequency of one in every two hours. The bus drive is an experience in itself, as it winds through narrow roads lined on both sides by the sea. You can gaze at the beauty and gasp at the danger!
At the tip of the peninsula is Knidos. The drive from Marmaris and Datca to Knidos offers an excellent opportunity to savour the beauty of this region and test your nerves at the same time! The road winds its way between eucalyptus and pine forests and turquoise sea bays up the mountains, to a height of almost 1400 ft. Do not miss out on this experience.
Getting around Marmaris-Datca
To get around Marmaris, you can use a taxi or the bus. Datca itself is a small town and is easily explored by foot.
By Taxi
Taxis are called ‘taksi', are readily available in Marmaris. All of them charge according to the metre, but do remember to tip the driver 15 % of the fare. Also do negotiate the price beforehand, if you intend to travel longer distances.
By Bus
Marmaris has a well connected bus network that covers many areas. These buses, known as ‘dolmush' which literally means 'stuffed', are actually minibuses that start from the bus station or from the city centre outside Tansas (pronounced as Tansash) supermarket. Using the dolmush is the best way to explore Marmaris. You can get in and get off anywhere, the buses are always on time, they run as per the time table and the fares are very reasonable. So pick up a time table and set off!
By Car or scooter
You can also hire a car or a scooter from one of the many rental companies. Remember, do drive on the right hand side of the road. While roads within Marmaris are good, those on the outskirts are bumpy and you must exercise caution.
Distances by road:
1) Ankara - Marmaris 840 km / 525 m
2) Istanbul - Marmaris 760 km / 475 m
3) Izmir - Marmaris 290 km / 180 m
4) Marmaris - Datca 70 km / 44 m
