Transport and Driving in Turkey

With a well-developed transport infrastructure, transport and driving in Turkey are generally straightforward. Intercity buses (otobüs) and domestic flights are the two pillars of the national network, connecting most destinations. While most towns have local taxis and bus services, driving yourself is also an option. The road network is extensive, with modern motorways, but secondary and rural roads can be of a lower standard.

Public transport in Turkey is well regarded, particularly the extensive network of long-distance buses that are the most popular way to travel between cities. This is supported by a growing high-speed rail network and plentiful local transport in urban areas. Many new arrivals prefer to rely on the extensive public transport system for long-distance travel, saving driving for local errands once they are familiar with the area. 

Public transport in Turkey

Buses

Turkey has a well-developed bus network, and using these buses is one of the easiest and cheapest options for getting around the country. Most Turkish cities and towns have a central bus station (otogar). Expats can buy tickets there, at bus company offices in town centres, or – most commonly – online via aggregator sites or the carriers’ own websites.

For local city buses, payment systems vary. In Istanbul, the jetonlar (tokens) are obsolete; expats must use the rechargeable Istanbulkart (a smart card valid for all public transport) or purchase limited-use passes. Other major cities have their own equivalents, such as the Ankarakart in Ankara or the İzmirim Kart in İzmir.

The service on intercity buses is a point of pride, with most being air conditioned and comfortable. Many routes are staffed by assistants (muavin) who serve complimentary drinks and snacks. Long-distance buses are not usually equipped with onboard toilets; instead, they make frequent, scheduled stops (mola) at roadside rest areas. Be aware that mobile phone use is heavily restricted. Expats taking a call will likely get a few dirty looks, as it’s considered rude to speak on the phone while travelling.

Trains

Trains are operated by the Turkish Republic State Railways (TCDD), with its TCDD Taşımacılık division running the passenger services that link many major cities.

Conventional (Anahat) trains offer comfortable seating and, on some overnight routes, sleeping compartments. These are scenic but slow, and delays can be common. The high-speed (YHT) line from Istanbul to Ankara is the most used rail route, with several daily departures. This service is punctual and takes approximately four-and-a-half to five hours, a world away from the six-to-10-hour journey on the old line.

The YHT network has grown beyond the Istanbul–Ankara route. It now connects Ankara to Konya and Sivas, and Istanbul to Konya. Major extensions, including a line from Ankara to İzmir, are underway as part of a long-term plan to expand high-speed rail across the country.

Metro systems are well established in Turkey’s largest cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, Adana and İzmir. Many other cities, such as Antalya and Kayseri, have modern light rail transit and tram systems.

Ferries

As a country with several major seas, ferries are an essential part of transport. In Istanbul, the iconic vapur (commuter ferries) are a beloved and practical way to cross the Bosphorus, bypassing city traffic. Regular services also cross the Dardanelles at Gallipoli. Car ferries and high-speed catamarans connect the Aegean coast to various Greek islands and also run services to Northern Cyprus.

Useful links

• TCDD Taşımacılık: Turkish State Railways
• Obilet Bus and Flight Ticket Aggregator

Taxis in Turkey

Standard yellow taxis in Turkey are ubiquitous in cities and reasonably priced by European standards. All licensed taxis are metered, and expats should insist on the meter being used. It is a common scam for drivers to claim the meter is broken or quote a flat, inflated fare, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Most drivers don’t speak English, so having the address written down or, better yet, using an app is advisable. Tipping is not expected, but rounding up the fare is a common and appreciated gesture.

Minibus taxis, known as dolmuş, are a fixture of the transport system. These are shared taxis that follow a fixed route, stopping to pick up and drop off passengers on demand – expats can shout, 'Inecek var!' (‘Someone’s getting off!’) when approaching their stop. Shared taxis can be flagged down anywhere along their route. While cheaper than yellow cabs and often faster than city buses, they sometimes speed or make risky manoeuvres. 

Ride-hailing apps have become essential for many expats. The most popular local app is BiTaksi. Uber has also returned and operates as Uber Taxi, which hails a standard yellow cab through the app. This service is available in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and growing tourist areas like Antalya. Using an app provides fare estimation, route mapping, and a digital record. This system helps reduce the risk of scams and overcomes the language barrier.

Useful links

• BiTaksi
• Uber in Turkey

Driving in Turkey

While Turkey has a superb network of modern motorways (otoyol), the experience of driving in Turkey can be intense. Driving standards are poor compared to most Western countries, and local drivers are often fast and aggressive, with rules of the road seen as suggestions rather than strict standards. 

Turkey has one of the highest motor vehicle accident rates in Europe. Expats are strongly advised to drive defensively and with extreme caution, especially in busy cities. Traffic laws are strictly enforced regarding alcohol; the legal blood alcohol limit for private drivers is 0.05 percent, while for commercial drivers, it is strictly zero.

Renting a car is straightforward. You’ll find major international brands like Hertz and Europcar, which operate alongside high-quality local companies such as Garenta and Rent Go. These local firms are often more competitive. A credit card and a valid driver’s licence are all that is typically required.

Traffic drives on the right. Road signs conform to European standards, although new expats should familiarise themselves with key Turkish-only terms (e.g., Dur for ‘Stop’). While signs on major motorways are usually in English and Turkish, rural signs may only be in Turkish. Petrol stations are plentiful and modern. Many are open 24 hours and provide full service.

Be aware that owning a car is a major financial commitment. In addition to expensive petrol, the Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV) on purchasing a vehicle is exceptionally high, often making cars twice as expensive as they would be in Europe or the USA.

Driver’s licences

Expats may use their foreign driver’s licence for up to six months from their date of entry. To continue driving in Turkey after this period, one must obtain a Turkish driver’s licence. The process for this depends on the licence’s country of origin.

Expats from countries with a reciprocal agreement (which includes most EU countries and the UK) can directly exchange their licence. This process involves submitting documents and paying a fee, as well as obtaining a health certificate from a local clinic that includes an eye test. No new tests are required.

Expats from non-agreement countries (such as the United States) cannot exchange their licence. They must enrol in a certified driving school (sürücü kursu) and pass both the theoretical and practical driving tests to be issued a new Turkish licence.

Useful links

• KGM: Turkish General Directorate of Highways
• Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri: General Directorate of Population and Citizenship (For Licences)

Air travel in Turkey

Given Turkey’s size, air travel in Turkey is efficient and popular for long-distance journeys. The country’s primary international gateway is the massive Istanbul Airport (IST), which replaced the old Atatürk Airport in 2019. The city’s second airport, Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side, is also a major hub, particularly for low-cost carriers. The capital’s main airport is Ankara Esenboğa (ESB).

The national carrier, Turkish Airlines, and its low-cost arm, AnadoluJet, offer the widest range of routes. They compete with the large private carrier Pegasus Airlines, as well as SunExpress, which is especially active in connecting to the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. This competition keeps domestic flight prices reasonable.