Arriving in Istanbul
Most visitors arrive in Istanbul via one of its two major airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side, which is the main international hub, and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side, serving mostly regional and low-cost airlines.
In addition to air travel, many students and travelers also arrive by long-distance buses. Istanbul’s main intercity bus station is Esenler Otogarı, located on the European side and easily accessible by metro. There are also secondary terminals like Alibeyköy Otogarı and Harem Otogarı on the Asian side.
Public Transportation in Istanbul
To use nearly all public transport in Istanbul, boats, subways, trams, buses, funiculars, and more, you’ll need the Istanbulkart, a prepaid magnetic card. You can find it in the small kiosks near all metro stations, piers, and also bus stations. More info at https://www.istanbulkart.istanbul/
The main public transport options in Istanbul include:
- Metrobus: High-capacity buses on dedicated lanes, cutting across the city.
- Metro (Subway): Rapid underground lines covering much of the city.
- Bus: Covers most areas, but subject to Istanbul’s traffic.
- Tramway (Tram): Street-level light rail that runs through historic and central districts.
- Marmaray: A rail tunnel beneath the Bosphorus connecting the European and Asian sides (and beyond to Kocaeli).
- Ferry: Scenic routes across the Bosphorus and along the Golden Horn.
- Dolmuş: Cash-only shared minibuses running set routes, good for short hops.
Arriving in Antalya
You can arrive in Antalya via Antalya Airport (AYT), either on a direct international flight or a domestic connection from cities like Istanbul or Ankara. The airport is located just 13 kilometers northeast of the city center. As one of Turkey’s busiest international airports, AYT serves a wide range of direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, and other regions, especially during the summer tourism season.
In addition to air travel, some students and travelers arrive by long-distance buses from other Turkish cities. Antalya’s main intercity bus terminal, Antalya Otogarı, is situated northwest of the city center and is connected by tram and local bus lines. It serves as a major hub for routes from Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and beyond.
Transportation in Antalya
Antalya’s public transport system mainly includes trams and buses, both accessible with the Antalyakart, a reloadable contactless card available at kiosks, vending machines, and some convenience stores. The Antray tram line is especially useful for reaching the city center and the main bus terminal. More info at https://www.antalyakart.com.tr/.
Taxis are also widely available throughout the city and offer a convenient and straightforward way to get around. For those who prefer more independence, car rentals are a popular option to explore Antalya and its surroundings at your own pace.
Arriving in Cappadocia
You can arrive in Cappadocia via two nearby airports: Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) and Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR). Both airports serve domestic flights from major cities like Istanbul and Ankara.
Shuttle bus transfers between these airports and local hotels, including Perissia Cappadocia and Ramada By Wyndham Hotel, operate daily between 08:00 and 22:00 (Türkiye Time Zone). Please plan your flights accordingly to match these transfer times.
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