Marmaris, one of the most popular coastal towns in Muğla, attracts thousands of local and international visitors each year with its natural beauty, stunning bays, and lively nightlife. So, how do you get to Marmaris? Knowing your travel options in advance can make your journey smoother and more affordable.
Whether you’re traveling from Istanbul, Ankara, or any city in the Aegean region, there are several ways to reach Marmaris—by air, road, or even sea. In this guide, you’ll find all the details about the cheapest travel options, airport transfers, bus companies, driving routes, and local transportation in Marmaris.
Where is Marmaris?
Marmaris is a port city in the province of Muğla, located where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet on Turkey’s southwest coast. As one of the country’s leading tourism hubs, Marmaris is also the largest holiday destination along the Aegean coast, offering a perfect blend of the Aegean and Mediterranean vibes.
Getting to Marmaris by Air
How to get to Marmaris by plane? The fastest option is by air. Although Marmaris doesn’t have its own airport, the closest option is Dalaman Airport. The drive from Dalaman Airport to Marmaris takes approximately 90 minutes.
Dalaman Airport (DLM)
Dalaman International Airport is located about 90 km from Marmaris. It is one of Turkey’s busiest airports, especially during the summer season, offering numerous domestic and international flights. It takes about 1,5 hours to get to Marmaris from Dalaman Airport and vice versa.
Main flight routes:
Istanbul – Dalaman: ~1 hour 10 minutes
Ankara – Dalaman: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Izmir – Dalaman: ~1 hour
In the summer months, there are also direct flights from the UK, Germany, Russia, and several other European countries.
How to Get from the Dalaman Airport to Your Hotel?
There are several options to get from Dalaman Airport (DLM) to your hotel in central Marmaris including Siteler and Armutalan, Icmeler, Turunc or any other holiday resort on the Dalaman region, such as Sarigerme, Oludeniz, Fethiye, Gocek, etc.
Below put together all the transportation options to help you make your decision regarding on your needs and budget.
Havas & Muttas Airport Shuttles
There are two official airport shuttle services named Havas (Tel: +90 444 0 487) and Muttas (Tel: +90 252 212 48 50), operating from Dalaman Airport (DLM) to Fethiye and Marmaris (2-ways).
Public Bus (MUTTAS)
The public bus service named “MUTTAS” operates between Dalaman Airport and Marmaris, including Intercity Bus Terminal.
Marmaris Intercity Bus Terminal to Dalaman Airport
The public buses depart from daily 04:00. See the bus schedule from muttas.com.tr
Dalaman Airport to Marmaris Intercity Bus Terminal
The public buses depart upon the arrivals. You can find them in front of the Domestic Arrivals.
Pricing
You need to pay in cash. Credit card is not available.
Duration
It takes about 110 minutes to get to Marmaris
Note: If you wanna continue to Icmeler, you’ll need to take a taxi or midibus from Marmaris city center.
Airport Shuttle (HAVAS)
The HAVAS Airport Shuttle operate on a regular fixed route to Marmaris city center and Intercity Bus Terminal. The shuttles are scheduled according to the domestic flights. You can find them in front of the Domestic Arrivals.
Route
Dalaman Airport, Dalaman centre, Ortaca, Koycegiz, Gokova, Marmaris
Duration
It takes about 90 minutes to get to Marmaris
Pricing
Please double check above info from havas.net
Note: If you wanna continue to Icmeler, you’ll need to take a taxi or midibus from Marmaris city center.
Taxis
Taxi ranks are situated outside the airport terminal so you’ll need to walk some. Keep in mind that Dalaman Airport (DLM) is very far away from the majority of the holiday resorts in the Dalaman region (Marmaris is 96 km. away). And taxis can cost you much.
We also recommend you to ask and pay in Turkish Liras, the taxi fares sometimes have big differences with the foreign currencies.
If you decide to take a taxi anyways, than we recommend you to take them from the official taxi ranks and stay away from the hustlers inside the airport terminal. You can find the annual taxi fare list at the official taxi ranks. We recommend you to ask and pay in Turkish Liras, the taxi fares sometimes have big differences with the foreign currencies.
There is also Dalaman Airport Taxi that you can use. We recommend you to ask and pay in Turkish Liras as it will cost less than the other currencies.
If you are a group or a family with kids or having lots of luggage with you, than we recommend you the below options.
Private Shuttles
This is by far the best option. If you are a group or a family with kids or having lots of luggage with you, than we highly recommend you to take private transfers, as they offer a fixed rate, comfortable and safe transfer to your hotel in Marmaris or in the Dalaman region.
The Havas or Muttas airport shuttles will bring you to at the Intercity Bus Terminal of Marmaris or Fethiye and you’ll need to take a taxi from there again which will harder for you with your kids and luggage. But private transfers drives you just to the entrance of your hotel.
When you take private transfers, the driver also meets you inside the airport terminal with your name written on a plate. And he accompanies you for the transfer and also he helps you with your luggage like where to take them and even carry them to the shuttle. And as there is a fixed price, you will not have to worry or deal with price calculations.
Private Shuttles to/from Dalaman Airport
Faster and more comfortable than shuttles, buses and taxis. Free cancellation. All prices include fees & tip.
Check out and book your transfer from the below best and cheapest options
Getting to Marmaris by Road
For those traveling to Marmaris, both bus and private car options are very convenient. Regular services operate from many cities in Turkey, with more buses added during the summer season.
Marmaris Bus Station (Tel: +90 252 412 30 37) is located just at the entrance of the town.
How to Get to Marmaris by Bus
Marmaris Bus Station is located very close to the city center. Major bus companies such as Metro Turizm, Pamukkale Turizm, Kamil Koç, and Balıkesir Uludağ operate services to Marmaris year-round.
Typical travel times by bus from major cities:
Istanbul–Marmaris: 12–13 hours
Ankara–Marmaris: 10–11 hours
Izmir–Marmaris: 5 hours
Antalya–Marmaris: 6 hours
Bursa–Marmaris: 9–10 hours
Bus prices can increase during the summer season, but you can find better rates with early booking. Tickets can be purchased via official websites of bus companies or online platforms.
How to Get to Marmaris by Private Car
Driving to Marmaris is an excellent choice, especially for those who enjoy stopping along the way to take in the scenery. Most roads are recently upgraded and safe to drive.
Distances to Marmaris:
Istanbul–Marmaris: approx. 720 km
Ankara–Marmaris: approx. 645 km
Izmir–Marmaris: approx. 270 km
Antalya–Marmaris: approx. 320 km
Recommended routes:
From Istanbul: Bursa – Balıkesir – Manisa – Muğla – Marmaris
From Ankara: Afyon – Uşak – Denizli – Muğla – Marmaris
From Izmir: Aydın – Muğla – Marmaris
Popular rest stops along the route include Susurluk, Akhisar, Aydın, and Muğla. The section between Muğla and Marmaris is winding but scenic—drive with care.
Getting to Marmaris by Sea
Getting to Marmaris by sea is both enjoyable and convenient, especially during the summer months. Thanks to its natural harbor, the town is accessible via ferry services and private yachts. There are also direct connections to Greek islands.
Ferry Services
Marmaris Ferry Port is located in the city center. During the summer season, ferry services to Rhodes are particularly popular.
Popular routes:
Marmaris–Rhodes Ferry: Approx. 50 minutes by high-speed ferry.
Daily round trips are available.
Ferry services typically operate from late April to early October.
A passport and valid Schengen visa are required.
Tickets can be purchased at the port or via online agencies. Advance booking is recommended as ferries can be very busy in summer.
Arriving by Private Boat or Yacht
Visitors arriving on their own boats can dock at Netsel Marina, Albatros Marina, or the Marmaris Municipality Yacht Marina, all of which are fully equipped. International entry and exit formalities can be completed here—especially convenient for arrivals from Rhodes.
There are also many blue cruise routes available for those wanting to sail from destinations such as Fethiye, Göcek, or Bodrum to Marmaris.
Getting Around Marmaris
Getting around Marmaris is easy and convenient. The town center is compact, so you can reach many places on foot. In addition, there are options such as minibuses, shared taxis (dolmuş), regular taxis, and car rentals.
Minibuses and Dolmuş Lines
Minibuses are the backbone of local transportation in Marmaris. During the summer, service frequency increases, running from early morning until late at night.
Most popular dolmuş routes:
Marmaris Center – İçmeler
Marmaris – Armutalan
Marmaris – Beldibi – Siteler
Marmaris – Turunç (limited daily services)
Municipal Buses
Municipal buses operated by Muğla Metropolitan Municipality (MUTTAŞ) run on a limited number of routes in Marmaris. You will need a Muğla Kart, which can be topped up at various locations around town.
Since municipal buses run less frequently, most locals and tourists prefer using dolmuşes.
Taxis and Transfers
Using a taxi in Marmaris is convenient for short distances but can be costly. Fares are especially higher during summer nights. Taxi stands are easy to find in central areas.
Private transfer services can also be arranged through hotels and tour agencies. This option is popular for comfortable transportation from Dalaman Airport to your hotel.
Car Rental
Renting a car in Marmaris is ideal for those staying outside the city center or planning to explore nearby coves and villages. Renting a car is highly recommended for trips to İçmeler, Turunç, Söğüt, or Bozburun.
Major companies such as Avis, Europcar, and Garenta have offices in the town center.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get to Marmaris?
The most economical option is usually traveling by bus. Companies operating from Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir offer affordable fares, especially outside peak season. You can also find discounted flight tickets with early booking promotions. Groups can save money by choosing HAVAŞ or dolmuş instead of private transfers.
Which airport is closest to Marmaris?
Dalaman Airport is the closest airport to Marmaris, about 90 km away. You can get to Marmaris by shuttle bus, taxi, private transfer, or car rental. The journey takes approximately 80–90 minutes.
How long does it take to drive from Istanbul to Marmaris?
Driving from Istanbul to Marmaris takes about 10–11 hours (approx. 720 km). The most popular route is via Bursa, Balıkesir, Manisa, and Muğla. Thanks to highway connections, most of the drive is very comfortable.
How long is the bus ride to Marmaris?
The duration depends on the departure city:
Istanbul: 12–13 hours
Ankara: 10–11 hours
Izmir: about 5 hours
During the summer, journey times can be slightly longer due to traffic. Bus tickets can be booked online.
Is public transportation sufficient in Marmaris?
Yes. Minibuses are very common and frequent, connecting the town center with nearby districts like İçmeler, Armutalan, and Beldibi. Service to more distant places like Turunç is more limited.
How to get to Marmaris by ferry?
There are no regular domestic ferry services. However, in summer, Rhodes–Marmaris ferries operate regularly, taking about 50 minutes. A Schengen visa is required to enter Turkey this way.
Is it necessary to rent a car in Marmaris?
If you’re staying in central Marmaris, you don’t need a car. But if you plan to visit İçmeler, Turunç, Bozburun, or Selimiye, renting a car will make your trip much easier—especially for exploring nature and hidden coves.
Can you explore Marmaris on foot?
Yes. The city center is very walkable. There are long seafront promenades, restaurants, and cafes along the coast. There are also walking and cycling paths extending all the way to İçmeler.
What is the most comfortable way to get from Dalaman Airport to Marmaris?
The most comfortable option is a private transfer, especially if you’re traveling with lots of luggage or with family. The vehicles are usually air-conditioned and take you directly to your hotel. HAVAŞ or MUTTAŞ shuttles are a more economical alternative.
When is the best time to visit Marmaris?
May, June, and September are the best times for ideal weather and fewer crowds. July and August are peak season—prices are higher, and the town is busier. Spring and autumn offer a more relaxed experience.