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 the timetables, prices and reductions enquiries can be made at THY agencies (see Useful Addresses).

There are bus connections to and from the airports and city terminals.

BY SEA

Turkish Maritime Lines has several coastal services providing excellent opportunities for sightseeing. They leave from Galata Bridge (Karakoy 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.

Ferry services

a) istanbul - Mudanya

b) istanbul - Bandlrma

c) Eskihisar-Topcular

d) Canakkale- Eceabat

e) Gelibolu - Lapseki

f) Odunluk - Bozcaada

g) Gokceada- Kabatepe

h) Istanbul - Izmir

i) Bodrum - Kormen (Datca)

j) Istanbul - Sinop - Samsun - Ordu - Giresun - Trabzon - Rize

Passenger Services

a) Bogazici

b) Karakoy (European side) - Haydarpasa (Asian side)

c) Karakoy (European side) Kadikoy (Asian side)

d) Sirkeci - Kabatas- Istanbul Islands-Yalova-lnarak

Marmara Passenger Services

a) Istanbul - Marmara and Avsa Islands

b) Avsa-Marmara Islands and Erdek

Sea - bus Service

a) Bostanci - Kabatas

b) Bostanci - Kartal

c) Bostanci - Karakoy

d) Bostanci - Buyukada Island

e) Bostanci - Yenikapi

f) Bostanci - Bakirkoy

g) Kadikoy - Bakirkoy

h Kadikoy- Karakoy

l) Kartal - Yalova

i) Yalova- Kabatas

j) Buyukada Island - Kabatas

k) Bostanci - Yenikapi - Marmara - Avsa

Van Golu 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.

For further information see Useful Addresses.

BY RAIL

The wide network of the Turkish State Railways connects most major cities. The trains have couchenes sleeping-cars, restaurants, with the 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 your trip; and over a route of your choice, allows you a more relaxed way of traveling through this beautiful region. Train charters are also available for all regions of Turkey for large groups.

BY ROAD

The Road Network Turkey has an extensive network of well maintained roads linking her towns, cities, and her popular tourist areas. When coming from Europe, the crossing of the Bospho rus to Asia has been greatly facilitated by the completion of the istanbul by - pass and the two Bosphorus (Bogazici) bridges which lead to the Istanbul - Izmit express road and subsequently the Gerede - Ankara express road. The E80 and E90 are the two main roads leading to Turkey from the European borders, and link the Iran and Iraq borders. They have been constructed according to the Asian and Middle East International road network.

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 the cities, traffic moves very 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 called for from the Touring and Automobile Club: (see Useful Addresses).

Rent-a-car services

There are many rent-a-car services in Turkey (the addresses and prices can be obtained from the local Tourist Information Offices or travel agents).

Inter- city coaches

Many private companies provide frequent day and night services between all Turkish cities. Coaches depart from the coach station ("otogar") in large towns, and from the center of the town in smaller towns.

Taxis and "dolmus"

Taxis are numerous in all Turkish cities and are recognizable by their yellow co lour. The fare shown on the meter is according to the distance traveled.

The "dolmus", 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 ac cording to the distance traveled and can get off at specific stops. The relatively cheap fares are fixed by the municipality. The "dolmus" provides a service within large cities to suburbs, airports, and often to neighbouring towns. This is a very practical means of transport and much cheaper than a taxi.