Getting around

Between cities

Between cities, people travel by plane, bus and — on some lines — train. Hubs such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir have wide flight networks, and domestic flights reach many points across the country. The bus network extends almost everywhere and is often an affordable, regular option. High-speed rail connects certain lines, such as Ankara with Istanbul and Konya.

Reaching nature spots

Some ancient sites and nature spots are far from public transport. To reach places like these, a rental car is often the most flexible option; a car makes mountain roads and coastal villages much easier. In summer, regular tours and shuttles also run to popular spots. On this site, the “how to get there” note on each place page carries transport details specific to that area.

Within cities

Within cities, trams, metros, buses and — especially in Istanbul — ferries are common. Many cities use a single transit card across different vehicles, and the cards can be bought at stations or kiosks. In Istanbul, crossing between two continents by ferry is worth the experience for both the transport and the view.

Practical notes

Because timetables, fares and routes can change over time, it is worth checking current details from an official source or the relevant operator’s site. In busy holiday periods it is good to buy bus and plane tickets in advance. In cities, taxis and ride-hailing apps are also used.