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TRAVELLING IN TURKEY
BY AIR:
Turkish Airlines (THY) provides an
important network of domestic flights from the international airports of
Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Adana, Trabzon, Dalaman and Antalya to all of
the major Turkish cities. For timetables, prices and reductions, inquiries
can be made at THY agencies. There are bus connections to and from airports
and city terminals.
BY SEA:
Turkish Maritime Lines has several
coastal services providing excellent opportunities for sightseeing. They
leave from Galata Bridge (Karakby side), Sirkeci and Eminonu. It is advisable
to make early reservations for tourist cruises. There are also organized
tours on both sides of the Bosphorus.
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Ferry Services
a) Istanbul - Mudanya
b) Istanbul – Bandirma
c) Eskihisar-Topcular
d) Canakkale - Eceabat
e) Gelibolu - Lapseki
f) Yukyeri - Bozcaada
9) Gokceada - Kabatepeh) Istanbul
- Izmir
h) Bodrum - Kormen (Datca)
j) Istanbul - Sinop - Samsun - Ordu
-
Giresun - Trabzon - Rize
k) Büyükada Island - Kabatas |
Seabus Service
a) Bostanci - Kabatas
b) Bostanci - Kartal
c) Bostanci - Karakoy
d) Bostanci - Buyukada Island (Prince's
island
e) Bostanci - Yenikapi
f) Bostanci - Bakirkoy
g) Kadikoy - Bakirkoy
h) Kadikoy - Karakoy
i) Kartal - Yalova
j) Yalova - Kabatas
k) Bostanci - Yenikapi - Marmara
- Avsa |
Passenger Services
a) Bogazici (Bosphorus)
b) Karakoy (European side) - Haydarpasa
(Asian side
c) Karakoy (European side) - Kadikoy (Asian side)
d) Sirkeci-Kabatas-Istanbul
- Islands-Yalova-Cinarcik
Marmara Passenger Services
a) Istanbul-Marmara and Avsa Islands
b) Avsa-Marmara and Erdek
Lake Van Transport: The Akdamar Island
boats have daily services during the tourist season. There is also the
train ferry across Lake Van from Tatvan to Van, continuing to Iran.
BY RAIL
The wide network of the Turkish State
Railways connects most major cities. The trains have couchettes, sleeping
cars, restaurants, with lounge cars offering first and second class service.
In the Aegean region, it is possible
for groups to charter a steam train which has all kinds of facilities for
trips with a route of your choice that allows you a more relaxed way of
traveling through this beautiful region. Train charters are also available
for all areas of Turkey for large groups. For further information see
BY ROAD
Road Network: Turkey has an
extensive network of well maintained roads linking its towns, cities, and
popular tourist areas. When arriving from Europe, the Bosphorus crossing
to Asia has been greatly facilitated by the completion of the Istanbul
bypass and the two Bosphorus (Bogazici) bridges which lead to the Istanbul
- Ankara Expressway. The E80, E90 and Trans European Motorway (TEM) are
the three main roads leading to Turkey from European borders; they also
link the Iranian and Iraqi borders. These expressways have been constructed
according to Asian and Middle East International road network standards.
Road Signs: Turkish road signs
conform to the International Protocol on Road Signs. Archaeological and
historical sites are indicated by yellow signs.
Traffic circulation: Traffic
circulates on the right and the Turkish Highway Code is similar to those
of European countries. Outside cities, traffic moves freely, the Istanbul
- Ankara highway being the only one on which traffic is heavy. There is
a 50 km/h. speed limit in urban centers and a 90 km/h limit outside urban
centers.
Petrol: Filling stations are
well distributed over all roads, and those on the main highways often have
attached service stations and restaurants, and are open round the clock.
Unleaded fuel is available at most stations.
Repairs: There are numerous
repair garages in towns (grouped along special streets) and along principal
highways. Spare parts are readily available. Turkish mechanics are well
trained in the repair of both Turkish and foreign cars. In addition, assistance
can be received from the Touring and Automobile Club
Rent-a-car services: There
are many rent-a-car services in Turkey (addresses and prices can be obtained
from local Tourist information Offices or travel agents).
Intercity coaches: Many private
companies provide frequent day and night services between all Turkish cities.
Coaches depart from the bus station (Otogar) in large towns, and from the
center of town in smaller regions.
Taxis and Dolmush:
Taxis are numerous in all Turkish
cities and are recognizable by their yellow color and “ T license plated.
The fare shown on the meter reads according to distance traveled. The "dolmush,"
a special service found only in Turkey, is a collective taxi which follows
specific routes and is recognizable by its yellow band. Each passenger
pays according to distance traveled and can get off at specific stops.
The relatively cheap fares are fixed by the municipality. The "dolmush"
provides a service within large cities, to suburbs, airports, and often
to neighboring towns. This is a very practical means of transportation
and much cheaper than a taxi. |
