Bodrum Car Rental

What Is Bodrum Like?

According to English Wikipedia, Bodrum is a port town at the entrance to the Gulf of Gökova; in antiquity it was known as Halicarnassus and was home to the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Knights Hospitaller used the remains of the Mausoleum as a quarry to build Bodrum Castle. In the 20th century the economy was mainly based on fishing and sponge diving, but tourism has been the main industry since the late 20th century.

Go Türkiye lists the towns and coves of the peninsula: Gümbet with its long beach, Gümüşlük with its swimming area next to the ruins of ancient Myndos, Turgutreis with its marina, Yalıkavak with its relaxed atmosphere, Göltürkbükü with its stylish hotels and seafront restaurants, and Bitez for windsurfing and sailing. Aegean cuisine means fresh fish and seafood in waterside restaurants.

How to Get to Bodrum from the Airport and Marmaris

• From Milas-Bodrum Airport: maps show about 37–48 km and 40–62 minutes to Bodrum (DHMİ gives 37 km to the centre). For details see our Bodrum Airport to Marmaris guide; car delivery information is on our airport page.
• From Marmaris: about 164 km by road from the centre; two map sources give 134–148 minutes of driving. Because the round trip is about 330 km, a day trip makes a long day; you can find the daily kilometre limit in the rental terms.
• Public transport and by sea: English Wikipedia writes that public transport in the town is mostly local dolmuş and buses, and that ferries leave the port for nearby Turkish and Greek ports and islands, with Kos the most important. Ask on the spot for services.

Things to See and Do in Bodrum

• Bodrum Castle: according to Go Türkiye the Castle of St. Peter was built by the Knights Hospitaller and overlooks the harbour and marina; its towers house the exhibition halls of the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Ask about visiting hours and fees before you go.
• Mausoleum at Halicarnassus: according to Go Türkiye most of its marble blocks were used to build the castle; the original site can still be seen today.
• Harbour and marinas: the harbour behind the castle has hosted vessels for at least 3000 years; traditional gulets and restaurants are around it. Go Türkiye gives Yalıkavak marina at about 18 km from Bodrum and Turgutreis marina at about 20 km.
• Peninsula coves: a car is a great help for Gümüşlük, Gümbet, Bitez and the other beaches; local dolmuş minibuses also run in season.

Around Bodrum by Car: Distances

We measured the distances with two route planners (17 October 2026); traffic and the season change them.

• Bodrum – Bodrum-Milas Airport: about 37–48 km, 40–62 minutes.
• Bodrum – Akyaka: about 135 km, 108–117 minutes.
• Bodrum – Marmaris centre: about 164 km, 134–148 minutes.
• Bodrum – Efes / Selçuk: about 174–177 km, 150–154 minutes.
• Bodrum – Dalaman Airport: about 205 km, 181–189 minutes.
• Bodrum – İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport: about 222–226 km, 173–180 minutes.