Knowing how to get around Turkey is essential. Whether you’re planning on moving to this beautiful country or simply visiting, understanding Turkey transportation is important.
From the gorgeous Aegean Coast to the rich culture of Istanbul, Turkey is a large country with so much to offer, and you don’t want to be held back by something as simple as transportation.
In this guide you will learn about:
- Getting around in Turkey
- Public transport in major cities
- The cost of public transport in Turkey
- Benefits of Turkish transport
How To Get Around Turkey
Turkey provides a range of transportation options, including buses, trains, domestic flights, ferries, taxis, and rental cars. Public transport—especially buses and trains—is efficient and cost-effective for both regional and intercity travel.
Buses in Turkey
Taking a bus in Turkey is simple, affordable, and a common way to travel long distances. Intercity buses connect most major Turkish cities, towns, and even smaller villages. You can usually buy tickets at local bus terminals (called “otogar”) or online through bus company websites and apps.
There are many bus companies, such as Kamil Koç, Metro Turizm, and Pamukkale Turizm, offering different levels of comfort:
- Standard buses: Comfortable and clean, with assigned seating.
- Luxury services: Often include reclining seats, onboard Wi-Fi, entertainment screens, and refreshments served by attendants.
Most tourists and those living in Turkey find Turkish buses reliable and modern, with frequent departures and generally good customer service.
Dolmuş in Turkey
Dolmuş are Turkish minibus services that run in every town and city in Turkey. The hop on/hop off system is super convenient, allowing visitors to travel quickly and cheaply through the cities.
Additionally, Dolmuş run from all the major bus stations, so you can hop into one after long distance travel to get to your destination.
Train in Turkey
Turkey has a great railway network offering comfort and convenience. There are two main types of train services in Turkey:
- Long distance and regional: These train services cover more rural areas and like the bus services vary by comfort and services available.
- High speed trains: If you’re looking to travel between major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Konya, and Eskişehir, these trains are modern, fast, clean, and offer various class seating to meet a range of budgets.
If you want to travel by train, head to the nearest train station and enquire. Operators are extremely helpful, even for those who don’t speak Turkish. There are also signs in English to help you find your way.
Hire a car in Turkey
If you’re planning to visit more remote areas in Turkey or coastal areas like the Black Sea and Aegean coast, then hiring a car is a must. You can find a range of car hire companies in all major cities and airports.
Luckily, Turkish roads are well maintained, particularly in high tourist areas. Road signs are generally easy to follow with English available.
When selecting a hire car, it’s important to get a car that works with the activities planned. If you’re doing long-distance travel, then something bigger with more comfort is essential. While driving in the city you may want something a little smaller to help navigate the smaller roads and heavier traffic.
Domestic flights in Turkey
If travelling on land is not your cup of tea, Turkey offers a range of domestic flight options throughout the whole country. Domestic flights are generally inexpensive, with a variety of air carriers available.
Turkish Airlines is the national carrier, considered to have the best flight services in Turkey. However, this may add additional costs, so you can also look into local domestic flights with companies like Sun Express and Ajet.
You can find airports in all major cities including Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Izmir, Bodrum, Antalya, and more.
Ships and ferries
Many top tourist destinations in Turkey are surrounded by water, making water travel a must. Luckily, Turkey offers a range of ways to explore its coastal beauty.
Whether you want to hop on a ferry or take a stunning sunset cruise in style, there are options for everyone.
For example, Istanbul has an extensive and iconic public ferry system, connecting the European and Asian sides of the city across the Bosphorus Strait.
Public Transport Language in Turkish
Here are some helpful phrases and words to help you get around Turkey:
| English | Turkish |
|---|---|
| Public transport | Toplu taşıma |
| Bus | Otobüs |
| Tram | Tramvay |
| Train | Tren |
| Minibus | Minibüs / Dolmuş |
| Station | İstasyon |
| Stop | Durak |
| Ticket | Bilet |
| Card (transport card) | Kart (ulaşım kartı) |
| Entrance | Giriş |
| Exit | Çıkış |
| Schedule | Sefer saatleri / Takvim |
| Delay | Gecikme |
| Where is the nearest bus stop? | En yakın otobüs durağı nerede? |
| How much is a ticket? | Bir bilet ne kadar? |
| Where can I top up my transport card? | Ulaşım kartımı nerede doldurabilirim? |
| Which line goes to the airport? | Havaalanına hangi hat gidiyor? |
| When is the next train? | Bir sonraki tren ne zaman? |
| Is this seat free? | Bu koltuk boş mu? |
Public Transport in Major Turkish Cities
Each city in Turkey has a variety of transport options available, here is a breakdown of some of the most popular cities and how to get around:
- Istanbul: Istanbul’s public transport includes metros, trams, buses, ferries, and a funicular. When taking transport in Istanbul getting a Istanbulkart is a must. This is a rechargeable Turkey public transport card allowing you to pay for most public transport throughout the city.
- Izmir: Izmir’s transport network is well-connected, especially for tourists staying along the waterfront. The system includes the İzmir Metro, İZBAN commuter trains, trams, ferries, and Eshot buses.The İzmirim Kart is the city’s smart card for public transport and can be used across all services, including scenic ferry rides between coastal neighborhoods.
- Ankara, Turkey’s capital, offers a modern and clean public transportation network. It includes metro lines, light rail, and city buses operated by EGO, the city’s transport authority. Travelers should get an ANKARAKART, a smart card used for all EGO-operated services. It’s available at kiosks and vending machines in metro stations.
Transportation in Turkey Cost
Thanks to Turkey’s fantastic public transport systems in major cities, travelling is convenient and cost effective. For example, travelling in Istanbul on public transport with the Istanbulkart will only cost $0.50 per fare. If you choose to continue your journey on another mode of transport the first transfer is $0.35
Cost of transportation for one day in Istanbul
Here is an example of what a day exploring Istanbul would look like using the public transportation system:
- Start in Taksim Square.
- Take the funicular (F1 line) to Kabataş. Cost: $0.50
- Transfer to the T1 tram at Kabataş and ride to Sultanahmet to visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Transfer fare (within transfer time window): $0.35
- Walk around the Old City, then head to Eminönü (short walk or use T1 tram again if needed).
- Catch a ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy on the Asian side. New fare (non-transfer): $0.50
- Explore Kadıköy, have lunch at the Grand Bazaar, then take a bus from Kadıköy to Üsküdar. Cost: $0.50
- Transfer from the bus to the Marmaray line (underwater metro back to the European side). Transfer fare: $0.35
- Arrive at Sirkeci, then transfer to the tram or walk to Galata Bridge and Galata Tower. If tram is used again: $0.50
All in all, a day of exploring Istanbul will cost no more than $4 for all your transport needs. But it’s not only transport that is affordable, the cost of living in Turkey is significantly cheaper than other western countries, including the US and UK.
Benefits of Turkey Transportation System
Turkey’s efficient and affordable transportation system is one of the many factors that make the country attractive not just to tourists, but also to foreign investors and future citizens. For those considering the Turkey Citizenship by Investment program, the country’s nationwide connectivity makes daily life even more appealing.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of Turkey’s transportation system:
- Well connected: Turkey offers a nationwide network of buses, trains, and flights connecting cities, towns, and remote areas.
- Multiple options: Cities offer a wide variety of transport, including metro, tram, ferry, bus, funicular, and dolmuş.
- Convenient payment: All major cities have their own travel cards, making paying for getting around very convenient.
- Affordable: Public transport is extremely cost-effective, especially with city smart cards like the Istanbulkart or Ankarakart. Additionally, those with Turkish citizenship and a residence permit may be afforded further discounts.
- Tourist friendly: Major transport hubs have English signage, bilingual staff, and easy-to-use apps for route planning and ticketing.
Is transportation in Turkey safe?
For those thinking of moving to Turkey, you might be wondering about safety. Luckily, public transportation in Turkey is widely regarded as safe for tourists, particularly in major cities where reliable services like buses, metros, and trams are readily available.
Questioning is Turkey safe is one of the most asked questions for visitors and investors alike. So, while Turkey is considered safe, it’s always a good idea to stay alert and mindful of your belongings, especially in busy or crowded areas where pickpocketing can occur.
