Buses are the primary means of transportation in Turkey because the country's railway system is not widespread. More than 100 million people use intercity buses in Turkey annually, making it one of Europe's major intercity bus markets. The entire bus network is managed by more than 400 bus companies, ranging in size from tiny businesses with a few buses to enormous businesses with over 1000 buses. In addition to scheduled bus companies, private bus companies also offer bus charter services and other tourism services.

Coach Busses in Turkey

All Turkish cities are connected by intercity buses. There is a daily intercity bus to Istanbul from almost every city with more than 5000 residents. There are many daily departures between larger cities. 

In Turkey, there is a Steward or Stewardess on board intercity buses. To cut costs, some businesses attempted to remove this feature, but they quickly added it back.

On shorter routes, buses for about 30 people are typically used. In many cases, the buses are laid out with a 1+2 setting arrangement, meaning one side of the bus has two seats and the other side has one seat. This secures passenger privacy and ensures single female travelers can sit alone. Double or large single-deckers are frequently used on busy routes.

Buses to Bosnia, Bulgaria, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, and Albania are among the destinations served by Turkey's international bus network. There are daily departures for close-by nations, including Istanbul, and biweekly or weekly flights for nations further away.

Bus Passes

The sale of tickets is another distinctive feature of Turkey's intercity bus sector. There is typically no central selling point at bus stops, unlike in other European nations. Each bus company using the station has its own sales counter instead.

In Turkey, purchasing tickets online is becoming more common. The market for internet tickets has grown as a result of the Coronavirus. You must choose your gender and seat when purchasing a ticket online.

Online tickets are frequently just coupons; at the bus terminal, you can print the ticket at the business's store, but it's not necessary; you can also simply board the bus and present the QR code to the driver.

Bus Lines Throughout the Country

In Turkey, certain bus routes have numerous daily departures; some of the most well-known are listed here.

  • Ankara-Istanbul

  • Izmir-to-Istanbul

  • Istanbul-Bursa

  • Eskisehir-Istanbul

  • Antalya-to-Istanbul

International Bus Routes

As previously mentioned, Turkey has international bus links to a number of Balkan nations. Below are some of the bus routes that are most frequently taken when traveling to nearby nations.

  • Turkey-Sofia

  • Istanbul-Plovdiv

  • Turkey-Greece

  • Turkey-Varna

  • Turkey-Greece

  • Turkey-Xanthi

  • Istanbul-Alexandra

  • Turkey-Bosnia

Istanbul buses

In Turkey, there are many intercity, city, regional, and bus charter companies. Every city with a population of at least 50,000 people has a city or regional bus company. Around 400 companies run scheduled bus routes.

Turkey's numerous bus passengers necessitate large bus stops. One of the three biggest bus stations in Europe is in Greater Istanbul. Many buses are available in Turkey, a well-known tourist destination, for use in tourist tours, airport transfers, and regular bus rental. In all tourist destinations like Alanya, Belek, Side, etc., as well as all other larger cities, buses can be chartered for tourist groups. Bus rentals are available via companies and online; if you're staying at a hotel, they can also assist you.

While older buses may be utilized on busy days, charter buses are often contemporary and in excellent condition.

Here are answers to queries from travelers.

  • In Turkey, there is typically a steward or stewardess on board to assist guests. Never place valuable items or documents on the bus's hold.

  • The only buses with beds in Turkey have comfortable, reclining seats. Although trains are more expensive, some lines offer overnight trains with sleeping quarters.

  • Turkey's domestic travel restrictions have changed as a result of the Corona pandemic. You must adhere to requirements including donning a face mask on buses, trains, and aeroplanes. On the websites of the Ministries of Health and Culture and Tourism, you can learn more about the Covid situation in Turkey. Check your home country's travel restrictions and your travel insurance coverage with Covid Travel before you depart for Turkey.

  • Most airports in Turkey provide shuttle buses and public buses, and the bigger ones have metros. You may take an inexpensive shuttle to many hotels if you fly into a local airport. A private transfer is typically economical for families travelling together.

  • Buses do run frequently between Turkey and Greece. Although buses from northern Turkey are available, Istanbul serves as the main hub.

  • Every day, buses travel from Turkey to Sofia, Burgas, Varna, Plovdiv, and other places in Bulgaria. Although buses from other Turkish cities are also available, most buses leave from Istanbul.

  • Due to the vastness of the city, there are numerous bus stations in Istanbul, the largest of which is the enormous Greater Istanbul bus Terminal. Make sure to confirm the precise location of your bus' departure; if you search online, all departure details should be available.