Bus travel is, without a doubt, the best way to get around in Turkey. The bus system covers the entire country, and the buses are clean, safe and affordable … and many of the longer-distance buses even have WiFi. You’ll have air conditioning, snacks and drinks, and an extremely pleasant journey.
Choosing a Bus Company
There are tons of bus companies operating in Turkey. You’ll see signs for each company at most bus stations, so do a bit of research before showing up at the station. In smaller towns, the bus station won’t be overwhelming, however, in large cities like Istanbul navigating the bus station can initially appear stressful.
Buying Tickets
Hostels, hotels and travel agencies can help you purchase tickets for travel within Turkey, and for international travel, albeit with a mark-up. Another option is to go directly to the office of the bus company you have chosen to travel with. Even if the staff doesn’t speak English, they are typically friendly and willing to help out. Overall, purchasing tickets is a pain-free task.
If you’re traveling to popular locations during high season, booking in advance can be helpful.
The Bus Journey
Once you have your ticket, it’s time for the journey! The buses are extremely comfortable, many even have small television screens, and your trip should pass without incident. Oftentimes, passengers are seated according to gender. There will be frequent rest stops where you can use the restroom, purchase snacks and stretch your legs. During the day, these stops are a welcome respite. However, on overnight bus journeys the frequent stops can be annoying.
Once you reach your destination, the bus station (called the otogar) will often be several kilometers outside of town. The bus companies usually run smaller buses, called dolmuş, from the otogar to the city center. The dolmuş is free of charge; so don’t let a taxi driver, or any other person, fool you on this!
Read This Next
11 Ways to Get Around Istanbul
Destination
Nov 25, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedTrends / Food & Drink
Nov 4, 2024What to Expect from New York Bartender Week
New York Bartender Week is a celebration of the Empire State’s cocktail culture, with bars and spirits producers across New York State taking part in the inaugural event, Nov. 18–24. The varied and versatile week strives to highlight not just standout bars in New York City, but also elsewhere. The event will feature bars going beyond craft cocktail venues to include sports bars, dive bars, hotel bars and any other watering hole.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Destinations / North America
Nov 4, 2024Sustainable Getaway to Québec
Travelers with sustainability top of mind, consider a getaway to Québec and experience the Canadian province’s environmentally-friendly offerings.
Destinations / North America
Nov 4, 2024Glamping Brand Announces First Pacific Northwest Location
Next May will mark the opening of Under Canvas’ first-ever Pacific Northwest. Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge will sit on 120 acres along the Columbia River Gorge in Washington’s White Salmon River Valley, an area known for its waterfalls, wineries and towering peaks. The new glamping site will be surrounded by pine- and oak-forested hillsides, Oregon’s Mount Hood, and the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Mountain Range.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Hotel
Nov 1, 2024This Resort is Offering an Election Recovery Package
If the 2024 presidential election doesn’t go quite how you want — or if the whole stress of the matter is just doing you in — there’s one place you need to go: O2 Beach Club & Spa in Barbados. This luxury, boutique, all-inclusive resort offers an Election Recovery package, bookable through Nov. 4 and valid for stays through Dec. 20.
ShareThis