Getting around Turkey

TCDD’s high-speed routes connect Istanbul, Ankara, Eskişehir and Konya, with further services including Karaman and Sivas. Read the exact station on the ticket: an Istanbul station name matters when choosing accommodation and local connections. Check the operator for the date you need, seat availability and conditions. A rail-based itinerary can be an appealing alternative to repeatedly returning to an airport.

Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) are different airports. Turkish Airlines warns that some itineraries require passengers to move themselves and their baggage between them. Before buying, read each flight’s airport code and the connection conditions. Compare the cost and effort of the ground transfer as well as the headline fare.

For a coach, transfer or rental car, record the departure point, arrival point, luggage conditions and final leg to your accommodation. Ask the operator about the actual route, stops and accessibility needs. A long-distance coach and a short local minibus serve different purposes. Plan a modest arrival evening after a long journey, with food and check-in details already saved.

Place the transport booking in your Diary first, then add only the activities that fit comfortably around it. Our suggestion is to move a major museum, long hike or boat outing away from a day with a fixed long-distance departure. Compare direct travel with a slower route that includes an overnight stop; the best choice depends on your energy, luggage and priorities.