Stretching from the Aegean Sea to the Caucasus Mountains, Turkey covers an area larger than Texas. Fortunately, it is well-connected by domestic flights and buses, although less so by rail.
With generally good highways and varied landscapes ranging from sea shores to summits, Turkey is prime road-trip territory. Larger cities have metro and tram systems, while even the smallest villages are generally served by at least one daily dolmuş (shared taxi) or minibus.
Air Travel in Turkey
Nearly 50 cities in Turkey have active domestic or international airports, with the smallest typically offering at least one daily flight, usually connecting with Istanbul’s two airports or the capital city of Ankara. Domestic tickets tend to be affordable, unless you are traveling during major Turkish holidays, allowing you to fly from one end of the country to the other in under two hours.
Domestic flights are operated by national carrier Turkish Airlines, along with its subsidiaries AnadoluJet and Sun Express, and by low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines.
Comfortable bus transfers into nearby cities and towns are provided by Havaş from 19 airports. Other locations are served by local buses, minibuses, and taxis. Notably, cities such as Antalya and Izmir have rail systems connecting to their airports.
Bus and Dolmuş Services
At any time of day or night, buses of all sizes and standards are crisscrossing Turkey, supported by a vast network of 24-hour rest stops. These rest areas cater to passengers, allowing for smoke breaks, meals, prayer, shopping for local food products, and souvenirs.
Larger bus companies like Kamil Koç, Pamukkale, and Varan operate coaches between major cities. These services typically offer reclining seats, snack service, and sometimes seat-back entertainment systems. While journey times can be lengthy, these options provide a unique and local way to travel.
To access smaller towns and villages, you will likely need to transfer to a dolmuş or minibus at the nearest otogar (bus station). A dolmuş is often a minibus that departs only when full, which can result in longer wait times in less-traveled areas. The vehicles display destination signage, and in busy areas, a tout may call out routes for departing dolmuşes.
Tip for taking long-distance buses in Turkey: Bus stations located on the outskirts of cities often have large companies that offer a minibus or van servis (service) from the center, included in the ticket price.
Car Rentals in Turkey
Turkey’s extensive and mostly well-maintained highway system, paired with scenic small villages and interesting sights, makes road-tripping a rewarding adventure. Car rental with insurance from major international companies like Avis, Budget, or Enterprise typically costs between $50 to $70 per day, with both manual and automatic transmission cars available. For exploration in more remote regions, such as the mountainous Black Sea area, renting a 4WD vehicle is advisable.
Keep in mind that drivers in Turkey can be aggressive, and rules of the road may not always be adhered to, so stay alert. Parking and traffic in Istanbul can be particularly challenging, hence it might be practical to rent a vehicle at the airport instead of the city center.
Tip for renting a car in Turkey: Rental cars should come equipped with an electronic device for recording highway and bridge tolls, with associated costs billed after the vehicle is returned.
Train Travel in Turkey
Train travel in Turkey, though generally limited and slow, is improving. The high-speed line connecting Istanbul, Eskişehir, and Ankara is an exception. Advance ticket purchase is recommended for this route, as well as for the popular overnight trip on the Doğu Ekspresi (Eastern Express), which offers a leisurely journey between Ankara and the border city of Kars. All train services are operated by Turkish State Railways, including local services around Izmir as well as routes to Konya and Adana.
Boat Services
Despite being bordered by four seas, Turkey features limited options for sea travel. Ferries from Istanbul navigate across the Marmara Sea to Yalova (home to the hot springs of Termal) and Mudanya (near Bursa). Additionally, a ferry connects Bodrum and Datça, two popular holiday spots on Turkey’s southwest coast.
Taxi Services
Taxis are readily available throughout Turkey, including both major cities and smaller towns. In Istanbul, they often face criticism for unprofessional behavior and potential scams against tourists. Utilizing the local ride-hailing app BiTaksi (also available in Ankara) or Uber can enhance accountability, as can requesting a taxi through your hotel rather than flagging one down on the street. This issue is reportedly less widespread in other areas.
Public Transportation in Turkish Cities
Turkey’s largest cities—such as Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, and Bursa—feature some form of metro or light rail system, along with additional cities like Antalya, Konya, and Gaziantep. Smaller cities are well-served by bus and dolmuş or minibus services, though the absence of route maps and signage can complicate navigation for visitors. The smallest towns and villages may only offer infrequent minibus services.
Bicycle Touring in Turkey
Although Turkey is not particularly bike-friendly due to limited infrastructure and low driver awareness, bike touring in the countryside can be rewarding for experienced cyclists. Several marked trekking routes, including the Evliya Çelebi Way in western Turkey and the Hittite Trail east of Ankara, are accessible for cyclists and long-distance walkers alike.
Accessible Transportation in Turkey
Newer airports, trains, metros, trams, buses, and ferries in Turkey may feature some accessibility features for travelers with disabilities; however, these amenities can vary widely. In busy urban areas, unexpected obstacles can complicate transit even for those without mobility challenges.
