Getting around
Istanbulkart, taxis, intercity buses, domestic flights and driving.
In Istanbul: the Istanbulkart
One rechargeable card pays for the metro, trams, buses, Marmaray trains and the ferries across the Bosphorus. Buy and top it up at the machines in stations and piers. One card can pay for several people travelling together, which makes it the easiest way to get around the city.
Other cities
Ankara, İzmir, Antalya and other big cities have their own transport cards, sold at stations and kiosks, and in many places you can also tap a contactless bank card. Dolmuş minibuses run fixed routes and stop wherever passengers ask — just tell the driver where you'd like to get off.
Taxis
Taxis run on a meter (taksimetre). Ride-hailing apps such as BiTaksi and Uber call regular licensed taxis in Istanbul and other cities and show the route before you start.
Between cities
- Domestic flights are frequent and good value — Turkish Airlines, Pegasus and AJet connect dozens of cities.
- Long-distance buses are comfortable, many with drinks service and Wi-Fi; tickets are easy to book in apps such as obilet.
- High-speed trains link Istanbul, Ankara, Eskişehir and Konya.
- Driving is on the right. Motorways and bridges use electronic tolls (HGS); rental cars come with a tag and tolls are charged afterwards.
Rules and prices change — for entry requirements always check the official sources mentioned here.