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Getting Around

 

Throughout Turkey there are multiple forms of transportation helping you to get around the various areas of the country. Each offers a different service and availability, but ultimately enables you to travel around to each of the great destinations you want to experience. From coach and tour buses to hire cars, taxis and local buses, there is a great range.

The local bus (dolmus) service runs in almost every town, and definitely in every city, providing a fantastic low cost option for travelling in and around the location you have chosen to stay in. Taxis are also available, and for the further reaches of the region, or if you want to travel cross country, coaches and tour buses are the best option (unless a plane is required).

When it comes to Istanbul however the options are seemingly endless, from the underground Metro to trains, trams, ferries, buses and even a funicular, not to mention the taxis and cars. Travel is easy and cheap with fantastic access to all the best sightseeing locations. Your hotel might also have a shuttle to the beach/town and back.

Transport options are extensive in Turkey. There are so many options for getting aorund while you are in this amazxing destination. From drivng, taking public transport and private taxis.. the choice is yours.

 

Driving

 

If you decide to experience the beauty of Turkey within your own private vehicle and hire a car, there are a few pieces of important information that we at Pure Turkey think you should know.

Firstly, it isn’t advisable to drive at night, as some of the road conditions can be unfavourable, and with large potholes and other such problems in the road not being marked, you could encounter or experience an accident. Also, you will hear stories of how infamously bad the Turkish roads are, especially at how bad the drivers are, but as long as you drive defensively, and never assume you have the right of way, you will find things a lot easier.

Although we pay great attention to the lights, you will find that many Turkish drivers do not, and might get annoyed if they are forced to wait behind you for the lights to change. Similarly, indicators are rarely used, and largely ignored, so always be alert and prepared for someone to ignore your intentions to turn. And remember that if you are involved in a traffic accident, the number for the traffic police is 154 inside a major city (Istanbul/Ankara) or 156 in any of the resorts. And remember some defensive measures; always wear seatbelts, don’t assume what the drivers around you will do and always remember to drive as carefully as possible.

 

Public Transport

 

There is a great range of options for public transport in Turkey, and it is easy to travel around everywhere you desire without having to do a thing, below are the most popular and cost efficient options.

 

Tour Bus, Coaches and Dolmus

These are a great choice for a low cost, frequently scheduled and easy to access transportation that will often offer a great range of destinations, meaning it’s guaranteed to find a stop close to your hotel, and going to the place you want to reach.

The dolmus is in every region of Turkey as it is a local bus service, although these services are not linked, they are regional (as in England).They have cheap fares and are a great option for getting to the beaches in Kalkan or anywhere else, or town centres such as Bodrum and beyond from your hotel. The tour buses are large, modern and air conditioned, much like coaches over here, and are for longer day trips and are purpose built for long distance journeys as opposed to the local dolmus service. Understandably more expensive with pre-booking availability, they are the best way to experience the further reaches of the country and the best tourist spots.

 

Metro, Train and Trams

– Only in Istanbul, these forms of transport are just as efficient and fast as those in the UK, with a low cost two lira fare that will enable all travellers to reach every single location in Istanbul without worrying about a thing. And don’t forget, they are much easier than a taxi or bus, and much cheaper too!

 

Ferry

Once again, the ferry only runs in Istanbul, and connects the new and old cities, via the Bosphorus. Even if you didn’t intend on a river cruise, the shorter ferry journey is a great way to tour a small area of the river and witness the beauty of Istanbul’s riverside buildings for a much lower cost than a cruise.

 

Taxis

Most taxis in Turkey are typical five seat cars, which fit two or three people comfortably in the back, with a fourth potentially sitting in the front if the driver agrees.

All taxis are required to have a metre, which calculates the price of the journey, however many drivers will try to haggle a price with you. If you are unsure of the rate you should be paying, refuse to haggle and remind the driver that you want to pay the metre price, if they refuse, it’s best to find another.

Some taxis that run set routes and journeys will have a set price that they will charge, which is fine to pay without worry of being scammed. As for tipping, don’t worry unless they help you with particularly heavy luggage. In Turkey they just round up the fare so that a journey costing 9.60 will be rounded to ten lira.

 

 

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