🇬🇷➡️🇹🇷 Travelling From the Greek Island of Lesbos (Mytilini) to Ezine, Turkey
A Complete Guide for 2025
Travelling from the Greek island of Lesbos (Mytilini) to Ezine in Turkey is straightforward and can be completed in a single day. The journey involves taking a ferry from Lesbos to the Turkish coastal town of Ayvalık, followed by a road trip by coach or private car to Ezine.
🛳 Ferry From Lesbos (Mytilini) to Ayvalık
Ferries operate daily in peak season, with reduced schedules during winter. Crossings take approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on sea conditions and ferry type.
Here are the main ferry companies operating the Mytilini–Ayvalık route:
1. Turyol S.S.
One of the most established maritime transport cooperatives in the region. Turyol operates regular, reliable services with modern, comfortable vessels.
➡️ Website: https://www.turyol.com
2. Uğur Jale Lines
A long-running company providing passenger services across the Aegean. They operate ferries between Lesbos and Ayvalık during most of the year with consistent timetables.
➡️ Website: https://ugurjale.com.tr/
3. Jalem Tur
Known for fast, efficient services with a focus on smooth processing at both ports. They often provide extra seasonal crossings during high-demand periods.
➡️ Website: https://www.jalemtur.com
Arrival in Turkey: Ayvalık Port
The port in Ayvalık is centrally located, close to cafés, banks, taxis, and the main roads leading out of town. Passport control is usually quick — Ayvalık is accustomed to frequent international arrivals.
🚌 From Ayvalık to Ezine by Road
After disembarking in Ayvalık, you will need to travel onward to Ezine, located approximately 130 km north, with a travel time of around 2 hours.
1. From Ayvalık Port to Ayvalık Coach Station (Otogar)
You can reach the Ayvalık Otogar using:
- Taxi: The fastest option; typically 5–10 minutes.
- Local Minibuses (Dolmuş): These run frequent routes through Ayvalık and stop near the otogar.
- Walking: Possible in about 20–25 minutes depending on luggage.
🚍 Coach Services From Ayvalık to Ezine
Several major Turkish bus operators run routes north toward Çanakkale, stopping at or connecting through Ayvalık. Some services travel directly to Ezine, while others may require a change at either Ayvacık or Çanakkale.
The reliable companies serving the region include:
- Pamukkale Turizm
- Kamil Koç
- Metro Turizm
- Truva Turizm
- Çanakkale Koop (regional services)
Approximate travel time Ayvalık → Ezine: 2 hours – 2 hours 30 minutes depending on stops and traffic.
🎟️ Booking Bus Tickets
You can buy your ticket directly at the Ayvalık Otogar, but many travellers prefer booking online in advance.
Reliable Online Booking
👉 Obilet: https://www.obilet.com/en
Obilet allows you to compare companies, schedules, and prices and secure a seat ahead of your arrival.
🚗 Alternative: Car Rental in Ayvalık or Balıkesir
If you prefer driving, car rental offices are available in nearby towns — though they are more widely found in larger cities such as Balıkesir or Çanakkale.
Driving time Ayvalık → Ezine: about 2 hours
The route follows the scenic coastal road north through Ayvacık.
🧭 Summary of the Journey
| Stage | Method | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Lesbos (Mytilini) → Ayvalık | Ferry | 1h 15m – 1h 30m |
| Ayvalık Port → Ayvalık Otogar | Taxi/minibus | 5–10 min |
| Ayvalık → Ezine | Coach or car | 2h – 2h 30m |
| Total travel time: | ≈ 4 hours (depending on transfers) |
✔️ Travel Tips
- Book ferry tickets early in high season.
- Keep passport and required travel documents handy for both Greek and Turkish border control.
- If continuing by bus, arrive at the Ayvalık Otogar at least 15–20 minutes before your coach departure.
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