Getting Around Turkey
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient metros and trams for Istanbul and coastal cities. Rural: Rent a car for Cappadocia exploration. Coast: Buses and dolmuş minibuses. For convenience, book airport transfers from Istanbul to your destination.
Train Travel
TCDD National Rail
Efficient train network connecting major cities with frequent services on key routes.
Cost: Istanbul to Ankara €10-20, journeys under 4 hours on high-speed lines.
Tickets: Buy via TCDD app, website, or station machines. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM for better prices and seats.
Rail Passes
Regional passes offer unlimited travel on select routes for €50-100 depending on duration and age.
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, TCDD website, or official app with instant activation.
High-Speed Options
YHT high-speed trains connect Istanbul, Ankara, Eskisehir, and Konya with speeds up to 250 km/h.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 50%.
Istanbul Stations: Main station is Sabiha Gokcen or Halkali, with connections to city center.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Cappadocia and rural areas. Compare rental prices from €30-50/day at Istanbul Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (international recommended), credit card, minimum age 21-23.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 120 km/h highways.
Tolls: Major highways like O-4 require HGS electronic toll system (€5-20 for passes).
Priority: Give way to right unless signposted otherwise, roundabouts common.
Parking: Free in rural areas, metered €1-3/hour in cities like Istanbul.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at €1.20-1.40/liter for petrol, €1.10-1.30 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Yandex for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Istanbul during rush hours and around Ankara.
Urban Transport
Istanbul Metro & Trams
Extensive network covering the city, single ticket €0.50, day pass €3, Istanbulkart for multiple rides.
Validation: Tap Istanbulkart on readers before boarding, inspections are frequent.
Apps: Istanbul Ulasim app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile top-ups.
Bike Rentals
Bisiklet bike-sharing in Istanbul and Izmir, €5-10/day with stations throughout urban areas.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths in coastal cities and parks.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major cities, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Local Services
IETT (Istanbul), ESHOT (Izmir), and local operators run comprehensive bus and dolmuş networks.
Tickets: €0.50-1 per ride, buy from kiosks or use contactless payment.
Ferries: Bosphorus ferries connect Asian and European sides, €1-5 depending on distance.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near metro stations in cities for easy access, central Istanbul or Cappadocia for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like Istanbul Tulip Festival.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 4G/5G coverage in cities, 3G/4G in most rural areas including coastal regions.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey, and Turk Telekom offer prepaid SIMs from €10-20 with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for €15, 10GB for €25, unlimited for €30/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major airports and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Turkey Time (TRT), UTC+3, no daylight saving time observed.
- Airport Transfers: Istanbul Airport 35km from city center, metro to center €1 (45 min), taxi €30, or book private transfer for €25-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airports and bus terminals (€5-8/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern metros and buses accessible, many historic sites have limited access due to ancient architecture.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains (small free, large €5), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains off-peak for €5, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Turkey
Istanbul Airport (IST) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Istanbul Airport (IST): Primary international gateway, 35km northwest of city center with metro connections.
Sabiha Gokcen (SAW): Budget airline hub 35km southeast, bus to city €3 (1 hour).
Ankara Esenboğa (ESB): Regional airport with domestic and European flights, convenient for central Turkey.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Athens or Sofia and taking bus to Turkey for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Pegasus, SunExpress, and Turkish Airlines low-cost options serve Sabiha Gokcen with European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee €2-5, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep €50-100 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Service charge included in restaurants, round up or add 5-10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.