One of the questions travellers ask me most is: how do I get around Türkiye? It is a huge country, more than three times the size of the United Kingdom and larger than Texas, so planning your journeys is key to making the most of your trip.
In this guide I explain every transport option in Türkiye, from arrival airports and domestic flights to buses, trains, ferries and car hire, so you can choose the best option for your route and itinerary.
Arriving in Türkiye: the main international airports
Most international travellers arrive through one of these gateways:
- Istanbul Airport (IST): the hub of Turkish Airlines, with direct flights from across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and North America. The easiest entry point for most trips.
- Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW): on the Asian side of the city and the main base of Pegasus Airlines, with many flights from Europe and the Gulf.
- Antalya (AYT): the gateway to the Turquoise Coast, with a large number of direct flights from Europe, especially in the summer season.
- Izmir (ADB), Dalaman (DLM) and Bodrum (BJV): handy for the Aegean coast, Ephesus and Fethiye, with seasonal direct flights from many European cities.
If there is no direct flight from your home airport, you will usually connect through Istanbul or a major European or Gulf hub.
Domestic flights in Türkiye
Türkiye has more than 50 airports and two main airlines: Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines. Domestic flights are the fastest way to cover long distances.
- Turkish Airlines: the national flag carrier, with connections from Istanbul (IST) to practically every city. Baggage included and good service.
- Pegasus Airlines: a Turkish low-cost airline with good fares if you book early. Its main base is Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW).
The most common routes are Istanbul–Cappadocia (Kayseri or Nevşehir), Istanbul–Antalya, Istanbul–Izmir and Istanbul–Trabzon. Fares range from €30 to €80 per flight at the time of writing (2026).
Long-distance buses
The bus is how most Turks travel between cities. The network is extensive and the companies offer excellent service: roomy seats, Wi-Fi, power sockets, individual screens, and tea and snacks served on board.
The main companies include Metro Turizm, Pamukkale Turizm and Kamil Koç. Every city has its own otogar (bus station).
Typical journeys: Istanbul–Ankara (5 h), Istanbul–Bursa (3 h), Ankara–Cappadocia (4 h), Antalya–Pamukkale (3 h). Fares run from €10 to €30 depending on the distance, at the time of writing.
Trains in Türkiye
Turkish railways have improved enormously with the high-speed trains (YHT) linking Ankara with Istanbul, Konya and Eskişehir. The Ankara–Istanbul journey takes about 4.5 hours and is comfortable and good value.
For a scenic route, the Eastern Express (Ankara–Kars) is unforgettable: more than a day crossing the Anatolian steppe to Kars, close to the Armenian border.
Car hire
Hiring a car is ideal if you want to explore rural areas, the Turquoise Coast or the villages of Cappadocia at your own pace. The main roads are in good condition and the motorways use an electronic toll system (HGS).
- Bring your national driving licence; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, and some rental companies ask for one. Check with yours before you travel.
- Traffic drives on the right.
- Fuel is not cheap in Türkiye, so budget for it and check current prices before a long road trip.
- International rental companies such as Europcar, Sixt and Budget operate in Türkiye, alongside Turkish ones like Garenta.
Getting around Istanbul
Istanbul has an excellent public transport system: metro, tram, metrobus, ferries and buses. The Istanbulkart is the rechargeable card that works on all of them and is cheaper than buying single tickets.
The ferries across the Bosphorus (Kadıköy–Eminönü, Üsküdar–Beşiktaş) are an experience in themselves and cost less than €1 at the time of writing.
Dolmuş: shared minibuses
Dolmuş are minibuses that follow fixed routes and leave when they are full. They are cheap, frequent and widely used on the coast and in smaller towns. Just tell the driver where you want to get off.
Which transport should you choose for your route?
If your trip is Istanbul + Cappadocia, a domestic flight is the best option. For the classic route (Istanbul–Cappadocia–Pamukkale–Ephesus), a private tour with a car and driver is the most comfortable choice. On the Aegean or Turquoise Coast, a hire car gives you complete freedom.
On the private tours I design, transport is always included: a private vehicle with a driver, so you don't have to worry about a thing. For more practical advice before you go, see my travel guide.