A Practical Guide to Transportation in Turkey for UK Travellers
1. Airport Transfers
Arriving in Turkey from the UK? Start your journey smoothly with a reliable airport transfer. You have three main options:
- Public Shuttle Buses: Modern, air-conditioned coaches (HAVAŞ) connect major airports like Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya to downtown areas for under £5.
- Taxis & Ride-Hailing: Official metered taxis cost around £20–£25 from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet. Apps such as BiTaksi let you book and pay by card.
- VIP Airport Transfers: For extra comfort, pre-book a VIP transfer. A professional driver, premium vehicle and door-to-door service start from £35–£50—ideal for first-time visitors or busy schedules.
2. Inter-City Travel
Exploring beyond your landing city? Turkey’s inter-city network covers flights, trains and coaches:
- Domestic Flights: Budget carriers like Pegasus and Turkish Airlines fly you between Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya and Cappadocia from £20–£50 one-way.
- High-Speed Trains (YHT): Ride from Istanbul to Ankara in 4½ hours. Tickets start at £15, with Wi-Fi and refreshments onboard.
- Inter-City Buses: Companies such as Metro Turizm and Kamil Koç run comfortable coaches with free tea and Wi-Fi. Expect £15–£25 for routes like Istanbul–Izmir (8–9 hours).
3. Urban Transport
Getting around Turkey’s cities is easy and affordable:
- Metro & Tram (Istanbul): Use an Istanbulkart for metros, trams and the Marmaray under-sea rail—single rides cost £0.60–£0.80.
- Dolmuş: Shared minibuses run flexible routes in coastal towns and cities for £0.50–£2.
- City Buses & Ferries: Reliable and well-signposted. Your local transit card works across multiple transport modes.
4. Car Hire & Self-Drive
For maximum freedom, rent a car from £20/day. Major firms (Avis, Hertz) and local agencies offer a range of vehicles. Remember to carry your UK licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP).
5. VIP Transfers Beyond the Airport
If you prefer stress-free travel, consider VIP transfer services for longer journeys or group travel:
- Airport to Bodrum, Dalaman or Fethiye—no bus station navigation.
- Family or group transfers in Mercedes Vito, Sprinter or luxury SUVs.
- Special events—arrive in style with meet-and-greet, flight tracking and fixed pricing.
Tips for Smooth Travel
- Download key apps: BiTaksi, Moovit and local transit cards.
- Carry Turkish Lira for minibuses and dolmuş.
- Book high-season tickets (trains, buses, VIP transfers) in advance.
- Learn simple phrases like “Havalimanına nasıl giderim?” (“How do I get to the airport?”).