Travelling in Turkey

By Air : Turkish Airlines (THY) provides an important network of domestic flights from the intemational airports of Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Adana, Trabzon, Dalaman and Antalya to all of the major Turkish cities. For the timetables , prices and reductions, enquiries can be made at THY agencies. There are bus connections to and from airports and city terminals.

By Sea : Turkish Maritime Lines has several coastal services providing excellent opportunities for sightseeing. They leave from Galata Bridge (Karakoy side), Sirkeci and Eminonu. It is advisable to make early reservations for tourist cruises. There are also organized tours on both sides of the Bosphorus. For further information, see Useful Addresses.
Ferry Services :
a) Istanbul - Mudanya
b) Istanbul - Bandirma
c) Eskihisar- Topcular
d) Canakkale- Eceabat
e) Gelibolu - Lapseki
f) Yukyeri - Bozcaada
g) Gokceada - Kabatepe
h) Istanbul - Izmir
i) Bodrum - Kormen (Datca)
j) Istanbul - Sinop - Samsun - Ordu - Giresun - Trabzon - Rize Seabus Service :
a) Bostanci - Kabatas
b) Bostanci - Kartal
c) Bostanci - Karakoy
d) Bostanci - Buyukada Island
e) Bostanci - Yenikapi
f) Bostanci - Bakirkoy
g) Kadikoy - Bakirkoy
h) Kadikoy - Karakoy
i) Kartal - Yalova
j) Yalova - Kabatas
k) Buyukada Island - Kabatas
l) Bostanci - Yenikapi-Marmara - Avsa Passenger Services :
a) Bogazici
b) Karakoy (European side) - Haydarpasa (Asian side)
c) Karakoy (European side) - Kadikoy (Asian side)
d) Sirkeci - Kabatas - Istanbul Islands - Yalova - Cinarcik

Marmara Passenger Services :
a) Istanbul - Marmara and Avsa Islands
b) Avsa Marmara and Erdek Lake Van Transport :
The Akdamar Island boats have daily services during the tourist season. There is also the train ferry across Lake Van from Tatvan to Van, continuing to Iran. For further information, see Useful Addresses.

By Rail : The wide network of the Turkish State Railways connects most major cities. The trains have couchettes, sleeping cars, restaurants, with lounge cars offering first and second class service.
In the Aegean region, it is possible for groups to charter a steam train which has all kinds of facilities for trips with a route of your choice allowing you a more relaxed way of traveling through this beautiful region. Train charters are also available for all areas of Turkey for large groups.

Road Network : Turkey has an extensive network of well maintained roads linking its towns, cities,and popular tourist areas. When arriving from Europe, the Bosphorus crossing to Asia has been greatly facilitated by the completion of the istanbul bypass, and the two Bosphorus (Bogazici) bridges which lead to the Istanbul - Ankara Expressway. The E80 and E90 are the two main roads leading to Turkey from European borders, they also link the Iranian and Iraqi borders. These expressways have been constructed according to Asian and Middle East International road network standards.

Road Signs : Turkish road signs conform to the International Protocol on Road Signs. Archaeological and historical sites are indicated by yellow signs.

Traffic Circulation : Traffic circulates on the right and the Turkish Highway Code is similar to those of European countries. Outside cities, traffic moves freely, the Istanbul - Ankara highway being the only one on which traffic is heavy. There is a 50 km./h. speed limit in urban centers and a 90 km/h limit outside urban centers.

Petrol : Filling stations are well distributed over all roads, and those on the main highways often have attached service stations and restaurants, and are open round the clock. Unleaded fuel is available at all stations.

Repairs : There are numerous repair garages in towns (grouped along special streets) and along principal highways. Spare parts are readily available. Turkish mechanics are well trained in the repair of both Turkish and foreign cars. In addition, assistance can be received from the Touring and Automobile Club

Car Rentals : There are many rent-a-car services in Turkey. They are placed on the airports, ports, and near by all big hotels. The addresses and prices can be obtained from the local Tourist Information Offices or travel agents.

Inter City Coaches : Many private companies provide frequent day and night services between all Turkish cities. Coaches depart from the bus station (otogar) in large towns, and from the town centre in smaller regions.

Taxis and Dolmus : Taxis are numerous in all Turkish cities and are recognisable by their yellow color. The fare shown on the meter reads according to the distance traveled.
The 'dolmus' a special service found only in Turkey, is a collective taxi which follows specific routes and is recognizable by its yellow band. Each passenger pays according to distance traveled and can get off at specific stops. The relatively cheap fares are fixed by the municipality. The 'dolmus' provides a service within large cities, to suburbs, airports, and often to neighboring towns. This is a very practical means of transport and much cheaper than a taxi.