Transport in Turkey

Transport in Turkey can be as simple and straightforward as it can be mad and exhilarating. A guide to the different methods of transport in Turkey are detailed here.

Bus
The bus network is much more comprehensive than the rail network; however, buses in Turkey tend to generally not be as comfortable as trains. Individual companies usually provide their own bus timetables, so shopping around for bus times and prices is essential. Ask at the bus terminal; ‘otogars’, (beware of the touts) for details regarding the length of journey and so on.

It is important to note that unacquainted men and women are not allowed to sit next to each other on a bus, so bear in mind that you may be asked to move seats to accommodate this tradition.

The ‘Fez Bus’, operated by travel agent ‘Fez Travel’, is aimed at backpackers and those on a budget who want to see a lot of Turkey. The buses operate on the basis of a continuous route around Turkey; operating clockwise. Buses depart regularly from each destination and there’s the option of taking a few short cuts should you wish to.

Bicycle
Touring Turkey by bicycle is not a bad idea as long you avoid the scorching summer months. Push-bikes aren't overly common in Turkey, so you may find that you’re something of a novelty! Take as many spare parts with you as possible, as the rarity of push bikes won’t work in your favour should you need a replacement part.

Car
Although hiring a car for transport in Turkey is by no means necessary because of the extensive bus network throughout the country, it does add an element of flexibility to your travels. You’ll need some serious courage, however! The Turks drive, like most other countries, on the right, and with a certain amount of haphazardness. Tackling the highways is no mean feat, but is a doddle in comparison to the country roads, which sometimes encompass huge potholes and bumps, impatient drivers and the added obstacle of the odd sheep or goat wishing to join in.

Advice from frommers.com says ‘drive defensively, expect the unexpected, leave your road rage at home, get used to blowing your car horn to announce your presence, never get overconfident, and remember that all accidents must be reported to the police. (Dial 155 and sit tight).’

Car rental prices are comparable to those of car rental elsewhere in Europe. You'll have to be 21 or older to rent a car, and to have held a full driving licence for one year or more. A credit card or an extensive wad of cash to leave as a deposit is advisable.

Dolmus
Literally meaning "stuffed", a dolmus is a minibus of a sort, which runs along set routes picking people up and dropping them off as they wish. They are great for convenience, and for your wallet too, as they cost very little.

To stop a dolmus, just signal as you would a taxi, and jump on. When at your destination, you can literally just yell stop, or 'inecek var' (meaning 'someone’s getting off here') and stop the dolmus will. If in doubt just do as the locals do and you’ll be laughing.

To pay, just tell the driver your destination and pass forward a few low denomination bills and your change will be passed back to you. If you sit near the front of the dolmus you’ll be responsible for relaying money and destinations from more rear passengers to the dolmus driver, and returning their change. Not the easiest task in the world so those after an easy life look for a seat near to the back of the dolmus.

Flying
Transport around Turkey by flying is a regular, swift and sometimes cost effective option to domestic travel. The recent addition of Onur Air to the domestic flights services has incited healthy competition concerning regularity of flights, flight timings and of course, the price of flying. Airports receiving domestic flights are situated at Adana, Ankara, Antalaya, Bodrum, Dalaman, Istanbul, Izmir and Trazban.

Scooter
Scooters are widely available for rental for transport in Turkey, and cost a fraction of the price of renting a car. Although they can be immense fun, it must be kept in mind that they can be incredibly dangerous, so you must know exactly what you’re doing before venturing out onto busy roads.

Taxi
Turkish taxis are yellow, and therefore instantly recognisable. The standard fee for a taxi starts really quite low, but that's not to say the occasional taxi driver won’t try his luck with foreigners, clues include driving round and round in a circle and the meter saying ‘night’ when’s it’s actually 3 o’clock in the afternoon! And it goes without saying be sure that it is a real, genuine taxi; that there is an ID number and so on, just as you would at home.

Train
The rail network is quite minimal for transport in Turkey, so when travelling around Turkey by train it's best to do some forward planning, and look for alternative transport where taking a train isn't an option. For long journeys, the train is generally more preferable, as carriages are non-smoking, the seats are more comfortable and you can get up and move around as you wish. The most popular train route is the Istanbul to Ankara route. The bus, admittedly, is quicker, but not as comfortable, and prices for the train are far more favourable.

See our 'Know the Lingo, Transport in Turkey' for a handy guide to phrases for transport in Turkey.