Again, just beginning my research and I am sure I will get to this eventually, but if I can some input now it would be greatly appreciated. I know we will be in Istanbul but wonder how reliable trains/buses are to get around Turkey? We have an interest in getting to a beach town and also seeing the sites in the Cappadocia region. I know there are quite a few airports throughout the country and don't know if that will be the best way to get about or if there is other reliable/widespread public transport or if we need to consider a rental car. Thanks.
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3143 posts
Turkey's domestic bus system is vast and very efficient. There is also a variety of inexpensive domestic airlines that you can use.
Posted by
OP
Laguna Beach, CA, USA
272 posts
thanks for the replies. will check out the website mentioned and search for cappadocia tours. thanks
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
417 posts
I would probably use a combination. No car in Istanbul, train to Ankara, car for Cappadocia and to the beach. This website describes the trains in Turkey very well:
http://www.seat61.com/Turkey.html
Or, you could do Istanbul/ Ankara on your own, then do a short three day tour (just do a google search, there are plenty of companies) from Anakara to Cappadocia, and go on your own again to the beach, maybe flying down or taking the bus.
Posted by
Columbia, SC, USA
25 posts
Most definitely fly. We got tickets on Turkish Airlines from Istanbul to Ismir (to visit Ephesus) for $50 a piece round trip. If you book early enough, you can get them even cheaper. For our $50, we got two on time flights and a full lunch (the flight was only 40 minutes long!). Amazing what that gets you in Turkish airlines on a domestic flight versus a domestic flight in the States.
There are several tour companies that will pick you up from the designated airport and take you around and drop you back off if you're flying somewhere else.