Budget Intercity Bus Travel in Turkey 2024
Travelling to and around Turkey by Bus.
If you’re planning a trip around Turkey, (which is now officially called Türkiye), you might be wondering what is the best way to get around the country.
While there are several options available, bus travel is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to explore this fascinating country.
It is also possible to get international buses that can take you to Turkey from other countries, which might also be an interesting alternative to travelling by air.
This guide aims to give you travel advice and helpful tips to make you trip around Turkey by bus as safe and comfortable as possible. Giving you, all the essential information you need to decide if it is the best option for your next holiday getaway.
Key Takeaways
- Turkey has a well-developed bus network that connects cities and towns throughout the country.
- There are many bus companies to choose from, and on major routes, buses typically depart every hour or so between major cities, making it easy to plan your travel itinerary.
- It is also possible to travel to Turkey from other countries and this is often a very economical way to get to the country.
- One of the advantages of taking a bus in Turkey is the cost. Bus fares are generally cheaper than taking a train or getting a flight, and significantly cheaper than car rental, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious travellers.
- There are different classes of bus. Many buses offer onboard amenities such as wi-fi and air conditioning, making for a comfortable ride.
- To make sure you get the bus you want you should try to book online in advance, especially in the peak season.
- There are useful mobile apps that make booking your ticket easier and at no extra expense.
- There is some useful Turkish vocabulary for bus travel.
- Bus travel for solo female travellers is generally safe, with lots of security measures.
- Try to pack the right stuff for the bus journey, to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
International Buses to Turkey
There are several international bus services travelling from Europe, Georgia, and Kurdish Iraq to Turkey. The border crossing between Turkey and Bulgaria always take a long time, whether you travel by bus or train.
The routes to Georgia and Iraq tend to be very long and quite uncomfortable.
Here are a list of some possible destinations that you get travel from to get to Istanbul.
- Istanbul – Sofia (Bulgaria) approximately 9 hours
- Istanbul – Athens (Greece) approximately 11 hours
- Istanbul – Belgrade (Serbia) approximately 10 hours
- Istanbul – Erbil (Kurdish Iraq) approximately 28 hours
- Istanbul – Tblisi (Georgia) approximately 33 hours
Bus Tickets can be purchased online, through an app such as Busbud, or at the Istanbul´s main bus station or even at some Travel agents.
Intercity Bus Travel in Turkey
There are many bus companies in Turkey that offer different bus services. Some of the most popular ones include Metro Turizm, Flix Bus/ Kamil Koc, and Pamukkale.
These companies offer a variety of bus options, from comfortable coaches to standard buses. Some companies even offer luxury buses, with amenities such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and TV screens.
When it comes to bus travel in Turkey, you can either buy tickets on the day or purchase them online in advance. If you are travelling during peak season, it is advisable to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
You can book your tickets either online or at the bus station. The Turkish bus system is easy, and most bus stations have clear signs indicating amenities, although English is not widely spoken, especially in regional areas. Buses are generally clean and well-maintained, and the drivers are usually friendly and helpful.
It is important to note that the buses in Turkey can get quite busy, especially during peak season (summer and religious holidays). Therefore, it is advisable to plan your journey in advance.
Standard & Luxury Buses
Luxury 2+1 Buses
When it comes bus transportation in Turkey, there are two main options available: luxury and standard buses. Luxury buses are also known as 2+1 buses and they offer a more comfortable and spacious travel experience, at a slightly higher cost. They are very comfortable when compared to intercity buses in most of Europe.
The seating arrangement of these buses is unusual. There are two seats on one side of the aisle and only one seat on the other side. This means that there is more seating space for passengers. 2+1 buses will have additional facilities, such as a TV screen and power outlets, allowing you to charge your devices during your journey. They usually have a Wi-fi, sometimes you need to ask for the password, or it will be displayed on a sign above the driver’s seat.
Standard Buses
Standard buses, on the other hand, offer a slightly more affordable way to travel between cities, but the seating arrangement is more cramped than that of luxury buses. Standard buses have the traditional 2+2 seating arrangement, and rarely have wi-fi.
It’s worth remembering that on both luxury and standard buses you are offered free, but limited, onboard snacks and drinks. They both have air-conditioning, and all have an attendant to help you with your luggage and serve drinks and snacks.
Choosing the Right Bus
Some bus companies may charge you the equivalent of an extra one dollar if you choose to sit on the single seat of the 2+1 type bus. However, if you are travelling alone, it may be worth paying the extra, especially on a night bus, when you just want to relax or sleep.
Overall, the choice of whether to take a luxury or standard bus depends on your budget and preferences. If you value comfort and space, then a luxury bus might be worth the extra cost.
However, if you are on a tight budget, then a standard bus is a good option to consider. These days there are more 2+1 buses than standard buses, especially on long-distance routes and the difference in the ticket price is minimal.
Luggage Allowance & Tickets
When you arrive at the bus in the bus station, you will the attendant your baggage and he will give you a numbered ticket in return. You must display this ticket when collecting your luggage when you arrive at your destination.
You are allowed to take one cabin bag inside the bus with you and put one larger case in the storage compartment. You should check the maximum weight of your larger case; it is usually about 30 kilos.
Toilets
In Turkey, there are very few buses with onboard toilets, unlike in some other parts of the world. Instead, the bus stops every few hours to take a toilet break.
You should always try to have some small bank notes (5-10 Lira) on you, as you will have to pay to use the toilet in service stations. You will be asked to leave your baggage outside the toilet area by the cashier´s office. If you just have ruck sack you can probably take it in on your back without the ticket vendor saying anything.
If you are travelling alone and have a big suitcase, try to lift the case over the barrier and leave it there. It is safer to do this because it is not so easy for anyone to take it without the ticket vendor seeing.
There are also cameras everywhere in bus stations, so it is pretty safe to leave your bag outside the toilet. However, always make sure your most valuable items, such as money, passport, tickets, and mobile phone are always with you.
Travelling between Cities
When it comes to long-distance travel, inter-city buses are the most popular choice of public transport in Turkey. They connect major cities and towns across the country, making it easy to get around and explore different destinations.
Most inter-city buses are direct and you don´t need to change bus to get to your final destination. However, if you are going to a smaller town, you often need to get a connecting bus. The connecting bus may be another inter-city bus, but in most cases, it will be a minibus.
The connecting bus is often a minibus (shared taxi) which is known locally as a Dolmuş, (pronounced Dolmush), and you may have to walk to another part of the bus station in order to get it.
You should always ask on arrival, where you need to go to catch the connecting bus to your next destination. Turkish people are generally very friendly and are only too happy to help foreign travellers who are feeling lost or confused.
City Buses
In addition to minibuses, you can take a city bus. These buses follow set routes and are another good way of getting around a city. They’re also very affordable, and they can take you to many of the popular tourist landmarks in the city.
However, the main issue with city buses is that they don´t accept cash, instead you need to pay by using a prepaid city travel card.
These travel cards are sometimes hard to find, and when you find the place where they are sold, explaining to the vendor what you want and how much money you want to prepay is not easy, as few vendors speak English.
Furthermore, if you are just staying for one or two days in a small city, it may not be a good idea to get a city travel pass. Some buses accept credit card payment, but from a safety perspective, it is not a good idea to get your wallet out on a public bus, to get out your bank card.
Dolmuş (Share Minibus Taxis)
One type of local bus that you’ll encounter all over Turkey is the dolmuş. These are small private minibuses that follow a set route. You can get picked up and dropped off virtually anywhere along the route. They are very flexible, but sometimes drive a little erratically.
They’re a great option for getting around a city, and they’re often cheaper than taking a city bus. You can also pay cash on a dolmus, this is an advantage if you are only staying a short time in a city.
Overall, using a dolmuş in Turkey is a convenient way of getting around a town and also allows you to experience the daily life of locals. The price is on average around 50 cents for an average distance ride, if you are travelling far it could be around a Euro.
Tips for Travelling by Dolmus
- Carry small change: It’s best to have small notes or coins for dolmuş fares, as drivers may not always have change for larger bills.
- Tell the driver where you are going.
- You need to be aware of rush hours. Like any public transportation system, the dolmuş can be crowded during peak times. If possible, you should try to avoid travelling during rush hours for a more comfortable experience.
- Don´t be afraid to ask for help if needed. If you’re unsure about which dolmuş to take or need assistance with directions, don’t hesitate to ask the driver or one of the other passengers. Turkish people are generally friendly and willing to help.
- Overall, using a dolmuş in Turkey is a very convenient way to get around the city.
Airport Shuttle Buses (Havaş)
In most larger cities, there is an airport transfer bus that will take you from the arrival’s terminal to the city centre. This transfer service is called the ´Havaş´, (pronounced Havash).
It is usually inexpensive, (less than five euros in most cases) and the bus is quite comfortable, and runs on a regular basis, especially in Istanbul. To save time you should ask someone in the airport information office where you need to go to catch the Havaş.
There website is a little confusing. You need to go all the way to the bottom of the webpage where it says WHERE FROM and WHERE TO. By selecting the destinations you will be able to get the bus timetables for the airport of arrival and your holiday destination.
The city centre drop-off point always has taxis parked nearby, so that you can easily get to your accommodation. In Istanbul the Airport shuttle bus is called Havaist and not Havaş and they have a different website.
Turkish Bus Stations
Bus Station Location
Turkish bus stations are usually located on the outskirts of the city, (far from the city centre). When you arrive at the bus station, you’ll usually need to go through a security check before being allowed inside the building. This is a standard procedure and shouldn’t take too long.
Once you’re inside the station, you should look for the departure boards to find your bus. These display boards show the bus company, the destination, platform number and the departure time. It’s a good idea to double-check the information on the board with your ticket to ensure you’re at the right platform.
Remember, that some big bus stations, such as Ankara, have multiple levels, so make sure that you know where you’re going. It is recommended to always arrive at the bus station early. Arriving late can just add stress to what should be a relaxing journey.
Sometimes there are more than one Bus terminal in a city. One for intercity buses which is usually located on the outskirts of town, and another minibus station for local destination which is situated nearer the town centre. You should always ask if in doubt.
Getting to and from the Bus Station
There are city buses available to get you to the centre of town, but as mentioned previously, it can be quite complicated. In most cases the best option is to take a taxi. However, sometimes the cost of taking a taxi to get to your accommodation can be about the same as an average price of a three-hour inter-city bus ticket.
Train stations on the other hand are usually located much nearer to the city centre, and the taxi fare to your accommodation can be much lower.
Taxis are not as expensive in Turkey as they are in many other parts of the world, but you should always try to take this expense into account when planning your travel budget.
Most bus stations in Turkey offer a range of amenities for passengers, including toilets, ATMs, a place to eat, shops, a prayer room, and sometimes even a barber shop. Some larger stations also have waiting rooms with charging points for your electronic devices.
There are usually security guards, and many security cameras. So it is generally safe, even during the evening.
Best Turkish Bus Companies
When it comes to getting around by bus in Turkey, there are a lot of bus companies to choose from, offering a variety of services and options. Here are some of the most popular and reputable bus companies in Turkey:
Kamil Koç /Flixbus
Kamil Koç is one of the oldest and most well-known Turkish bus companies, with a wide network of destinations throughout the country. It offers comfortable and reliable bus services, with a range of options to suit different budgets and travel needs.
Note that this company is also referred to as Flix-bus, and this can often lead to confusion.
Pamukkale Turizm and Metro Turizm
These are two more well-established companies which focus on providing comfortable and affordable bus services for long-distance travel. They both have a fleet of modern buses with air conditioning and reclining seats, and offer a range of services including free Wi-Fi and on-board refreshments.
Has Turizm, Best Van Turizm and Star Diyarbakir.
These companies all provide reliable and comfortable transport services in South-east Turkey. They offer both standard economy class and luxury VIP buses with extra legroom and personal entertainment systems.
Online Tickets
Most bus companies offer online ticket booking services. You can use these platforms to purchase your bus tickets in advance and avoid the hassle of buying them at the bus station or terminal.
The tickets cost around the same, regardless of how you purchase it. Some of the most popular online platforms to purchase bus tickets in Turkey include:
Turna.com (Turkish website that can be switched to English)
Wanderu.com (English)
Busbud.com – They also have a mobile app (English). This one is probably the best and most reliable.
There are some local bus journeys that are not shown on bus apps. For example, if you travel from Fethiye to Kaş, in the province of Antalya, is only possible to buy the bus tıcket at the bus station on the day of your trip.
If you check for transportation between two smaller destinations on your app and it says there are non-available, you should double check at the bus station. For bigger cities the route will usually appear on the app.
Ticket Offices
If you prefer to buy your bus tickets in person, you can visit any bus station or terminal in Turkey. All bus stations and terminals have ticket counters where you can purchase your bus tickets. You can also buy your bus tickets from travel agencies that sell bus tickets, but you may have to pay a little extra.
In South-eastern Turkey, you may sometimes be told that you can´t pay by bank card. In this case you need to pay in cash, however, there is usually an ATM in all bus stations.
If you want to have a smooth and worry-free journey on your bus trips in Turkey, you should try to book your tickets in advance. By doing thıs, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing that your transportation is taken care of, this is especially true during the summer months when buses get full quickly.
When buying a bus ticket in Turkey, you will always need to show the ticket sales person your passport. You are also asked to show your passport when taking your seat in the bus itself. This is normal, so there is no need to worry about it.
What to Pack for the Bus Trip
Travelling by bus around Turkey is an excellent way to explore the country. However, it’s important to pack the right items to ensure a comfortable journey. Here are some essential items you should consider packing:
Snacks and Drinks
Pack some snacks and drinks to keep you energized and hydrated during long bus journeys. You can buy snacks and drinks at rest stops, but they may not always be available or to your taste. So, it’s a good idea to bring your own. The bus crew will also offer you a tea and biscuits during your trip.
Entertainment
Long bus journeys can be boring, so bring some entertainment to keep you occupied. You can bring a book, a tablet, or a music player to pass the time. However, be considerate of other passengers and use headphones if you’re listening to music or watching videos.
Jacket
Even if you’re travelling during the summer months, it can get chilly on the bus, especially if you’re travelling at night. So, pack a light jacket or a sweater to keep you warm.
Wet Wipes
Wet wipes can come in handy during long bus journeys, especially if you need to freshen up. They can also be useful for cleaning your hands or face, especially if there’s no running water in the bus.
Small Bank Notes
It’s a good idea to carry some small banknotes with you, especially if you’re travelling on local buses. You may need to pay for the toilet stops, and some toilets may not have change.
Charger
In most buses there is a portal to charge your phone etc.
Passport
If you’re travelling on an international or domestic bus, you’ll need to carry your passport with you. Keep your passport in a safe place, such as a money belt or a locked bag. You will need to show it when you purchase your passport in the bus terminal and on the bus itself.
Solo Female Travellers
Travelling alone in Turkey as a female can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Public transport is generally safe and reliable, making it a convenient option for solo female travellers.
All large bus stations and many buses have security cameras, and passengers must give their ID when buying a bus ticket which adds to the level of security. There are also police officers or security guards in all larger bus terminals.
When arriving at any city, especially at night, it is always advisable to take a registered taxi from the bus terminal to your accommodation. Finally, if any situation does not feel right, follow your instincts, and move away from it.
Police Road Checks
There are police checkpoints throughout Turkey, and if the bus is stopped you will be asked to hand in your passport to either the bus attendant or a policeman. Foreign tourists are often ignored by the police and only locals are asked for their ID cards.
For this reason you should always have your passport on hand. Don´t pack it in your suitcase.
After a few minutes your passport will be given back, and the bus will continue. This procedure is merely a security measure and not anything to worry about.
On an average trip of 4 hours, you may have one road check. When entering major cities, especially Istanbul and Ankara there are always police controls. This procedure is done for everyone’s safety and should be seen as a way of making your trip more secure.
Istanbul's Bus Stations
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and a popular tourist destination. There is a huge number of bus companies that can take you from Istanbul to destination all over the country and beyond. See Istanbul guide for more information.
There are several bus terminals in Istanbul but the two main ones are:
Esenler Bus Station (often referred to as Büyük Otogar): This is the city´s main bus station and it is located on the European side of the city,
Harem Bus Station: This is the main bus station that is situated on the Asian side of Istanbul, Harem serves many intercity as well as some international routes.
You need to double check where your journey starts and give yourself plenty of time to get there. There is a great public transport network in the city and getting to the bus station, will be fairly easy. However, if you are travelling during rush hour, give yourself plenty of time.
Useful Turkish Vocabulary
Term Meaning
Merhaba Hello
See you later Güle güle (Gulay gulay)
Otogar Bus station
Bilet Ticket
Otobüs Bus
Dolmuş Local minibus (Dolmush)
Peron Platform
Tuvalet Toilet (Twa-let)
Teşekküler Thanks (Te-shek-ular)
Ne kadar? How much?
Excuse me Pardon
Lutfen Please (Lut-fan)
Nerede? Where?
Hangi Peron? Which platform?
Taxi nerede? Where are the taxis?
Pardon. Tuvalet nerede lutfen? Excuse me. Where is the toilet please?
Learning Turkish isn´t as difficult as you think and it is really useful to learn a few basic expressions while you are travelling around the country.
Buses to Ankara & Cappadocia
Ankara
Ankara is the capital city of Turkey and is located in the central part of the country. You can reach Ankara by bus from Istanbul, Izmir, and other major cities in Turkey. The bus journey from Istanbul to Ankara takes around 7 hours.
Ankara is a great place to explore other parts of Turkey, including the Black Sea, Cappadocia, and the South-east. There is only one main bus terminal in Ankara, although it is huge and has several levels and it is well connected by public transport to the rest of the city.
Cappadocia
One of the most popular inland tourist destinations is Cappadocia. Most people will start their journey to Cappadocia in Istanbul. Train travel to the region is limited and air travel is quite expensive.
Bus travel is therefore probably the best option of transportation to get there. However, it is a fairly long trip, and many people like to break up the journey by doing a short stopover in Ankara.
An overnight bus is another option and can help you save on the price of a hotel. It takes around 12 hours from the Istanbul bus terminal to Goreme, which is the main tourist town in Cappadocia.
Local bus transport is very poor in Cappadocia, and you may have to rent a car or go on organized tours in order to explore the area.
Buses to The Aegean, Ephesus & Pamukkale
Izmir
Izmir is the third-largest city in Turkey and is located on the Aegean coast. You can reach Izmir by bus from Istanbul, Ankara, and other major cities in Turkey.
The bus journey from Istanbul to Izmir takes around 7-8 hours. Izmir is a great place to start exploring western Turkey.
Ephesus
From Izmir you can get a bus (45 minutes) to the town of Selcuk, which is located next to Ephesus. To get to Ephesus from Selcuk you can catch a dolmus minibus to the site entrance and then walk until you get to the Roman ruins.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is a natural wonder in Turkey and it is known for its hot springs and travertine terraces. In the high season you can go directly to Pamukkale by bus from Istanbul.
However, in the low season you need to take a bus from Istanbul to the nearby town of Denizli. From there catch a dolmus minibus, to Pamukkale town. Minibuses run frequently and only take about 20 minutes to get there.
Other Aegean Towns
There are many buses every day from Istanbul. Ankara, and Antalya to towns in the Aegean, such as Kusadasi, Bodrum and Marmaris.
Buses to the Mediterranean
Antalya
This is the fifth largest city in Turkey and a major tourist destination. There are many buses that go to Antalya from Istanbul and Ankara everyday. From Antalya many buses continue down the coast to Alanya and Mersin. While you can change bus in Antalya and get to nearby resorts such as Kemer, Belek, Kaş and Kalkan.
Fethiye
This small but popular Mediterranean resort is located further north than Antalya and during the summer there are many daily buses to Fethiye from Istanbul and Ankara. From Fethiye, it is also possible to get to Kaş and Kalkan.
Buses to the Black Sea
The Black Sea region is both serene and picturesque, with beautiful small towns such as Amasra, as well as larger cities such as Trabzon.
The average journey from Istanbul to Trabzon takes between 16-17 hours. It could be broken up by a stopover in Ankara along the way to make it a little more comfortable. Getting to small fishing villages usually requires taking a minibus from a larger nearby town.
There are also some lovely regional towns, such as Safranbolu and Amasra that are located in the western part of the Black Sea and are situated about 5-hours from Istanbul and Ankara.
Buses to South-East Turkey
For real travel inspiration, you shouldn´t miss a trip to this relatively undiscovered part of the country. There are ancient cities such as Van, Mardin, Şanliurfa and Gazıantep, with historical treasures, natural beauty and some of the best gastronomic delights available in Turkey.
Bus stations in this part of the country tend to be smaller and nearer to downtown. However, these cities are located very far from Istanbul , for example a bus to Mardin can take 23 hours.
Due to the distance, some people prefer to fly there from Istanbul, and come back to Istanbul by bus, touring Turkey along the way.
Enjoy Your Bus Journey!
Travelling around Turkey by bus is a great way to save money and see the scenery. However, you should remember that Turkey is a huge county and some destination can be extremely far from Istanbul.
International bus travel to Turkey is a good option if you are on a really tight budget, but always check the difference in price between flying an bus travel. As sometimes it is possible to find a cheap flight that is not much more than the bus ticket, and a lot faster.
Combining domestic air and bus travel is a good way of cutting down on travel time and is a good way to see more of the country. It isn´t as difficult as some people may imagine and I have travelled extensively around the country by bus and have never had a bad experience.
