Turkiye (Turkey) is a captivating destination that bridges two continents, offering diverse landscapes, rich history, and a unique cultural blend.

Whether you’re arriving from abroad or exploring within the country, there are several ways to travel to and around Turkey. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get to Turkiye and navigate the country by air, sea, car, and public transportation.

By Air: Turkiye (Turkey) is well-connected to major cities around the world through its international airports. The main international airports in Turkiye are:

Istanbul Airport (IST): Located on the European side of Istanbul, Istanbul Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Turkey, offering numerous direct flights to various destinations globally.

Image: Istanbul Airport

Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW): Situated on the Asian side of Istanbul, Sabiha Gokcen Airport serves as another major international gateway to Turkiye (Turkey).

Fraport TAV Antalya Airport (AYT): Located in the popular resort city of Antalya, this airport is well-connected to many European destinations, especially during the summer months.

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB): Serving the coastal city of Izmir, this airport offers international connections, particularly to European destinations.

Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB): Turkiye’s (Turkey) capital city, Ankara, is served by Esenboga Airport, which offers both domestic and international flights.

Other airports: Additionally, there are several other airports in popular tourist regions such as Bodrum, Dalaman, and Cappadocia.

By Sea: Turkiye (Turkey) has an extensive coastline, making sea travel an attractive option, especially for travellers arriving from neighbouring countries and nearby islands. The main ferry ports in Turkiye include:

Istanbul Ports: Istanbul’s strategic location allows for ferry connections to nearby islands like Princes’ Islands and to cities across the Sea of Marmara.

Image: Galataport

Cesme Port: Located in Izmir, Cesme Port offers ferry services to Chios, a Greek island.

Bodrum Port: Bodrum connects to Greek islands like Kos and Rhodes, making it a popular route for island hopping.

Image: Bodrum Cruise Port

Alanya Port: Situated in the southern region, Alanya Port offers ferry services to the northern Cyprus port of Girne.

By Car: Travelling by car in Turkiye (Turkey) allows you to explore its diverse landscapes and charming villages at your own pace. Major highways connect cities and regions, making road trips a popular choice for tourists. Some essential tips for driving in Turkiye:

1. Valid driver’s licence: Ensure you have an international driver’s licence or a valid licence from your home country.
2. Road conditions: Roads in major cities and tourist regions are generally well-maintained, but rural areas may have narrower roads and rough terrain.
3. Traffic rules: Familiarise yourself with Turkish traffic rules and regulations, such as driving on the right side of the road and using seat belts.
4. Toll roads: Turkiye (Turkey) has some toll roads, so be prepared to pay toll fees on certain routes.

Public Transportation: Turkey’s public transportation system is extensive, efficient, and cost-effective, making it an excellent option for travellers within cities and between regions.

1. Buses: Turkiye (Turkey) has an extensive network of intercity buses that connect major cities and towns. Comfortable and affordable, buses offer a convenient way to travel between regions.
2. Trains: The Turkish State Railways (TCDD) operate trains connecting cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Konya. Additionally, there are private train companies offering scenic routes like the Eastern Express and the Southern Express.

3. Metro and Trams: Major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir have modern metro and tram systems, making it easy to get around within urban areas.

4. Dolmuş: In coastal and tourist areas, you’ll find dolmuses (shared minibusses) that offer a flexible and inexpensive mode of transportation.

Image Credit: Wikipedia

Riding a dolmuş in Turkiye (Turkey) is a convenient and popular way to travel short distances between cities, towns, and neighbourhoods. Dolmuş (pronounced “dohl-moosh”) is a shared minibus or van service that follows specific routes and picks up passengers along the way. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to ride a dolmuş in Turkey:

1. Find a Dolmuş Stop: Dolmuş stops are usually marked with signs that say “Dolmuş Durak” (Dolmuş Stop). In larger cities, you might find designated stations for dolmuşes. Ask locals for directions or use a map app on your phone to locate the nearest stop.
2. Check the Destination: Dolmuşes have specific routes, and they operate between fixed starting and ending points. Make sure you know the name of the place you want to go or the final destination of the dolmuş you need to board.
3. Flag Down the Dolmuş: When you reach the dolmuş stop, you can either wait for a dolmuş to arrive or flag one down as it approaches. If you’re not sure if the dolmuş is heading in your direction, you can ask the driver by saying the name of your destination followed by a questioning tone (e.g., “Bodrum, dolmuş?”).
4. Boarding the Dolmuş: Once the dolmuş stops, hop in and take a seat if there’s one available. Dolmuşes can get crowded during peak hours, so you might have to stand if there are no seats left. You can also sit in the front passenger seat next to the driver if it’s available.
5. Paying the Fare: The fare for the dolmuş ride is usually paid directly to the driver. Some dolmuşes have a set fare, while others may vary depending on the distance. You can either pay with cash (Turkish Lira) or use a contactless payment card if the dolmuş accepts them.
6. Communicate Your Stop: When you’re approaching your destination, signal the driver that you want to get off by saying “inecek var” (ee-neh-jehk vahr), which means “someone is getting off.” The driver will stop at the next safe spot to let you disembark.
7. Exit the Dolmuş: Once the dolmuş comes to a stop, pay your fare (if you haven’t already) and exit through the back door if available. If you’re sitting in the front passenger seat, you might have to exit from the front door.

Remember that dolmuşes run on set schedules and can be a bit irregular during off-peak hours. It’s also advisable to carry small denominations of cash with you, as drivers might not always have change for larger bills.

Overall, riding a dolmuş is a fantastic way to experience local transportation and interact with the people of Turkey during your travels. Enjoy your journey!