Book a Bus in Turkey

Turkey is a fascinating country, with a vast history and many attractions. It is famous for its food, varied landscapes, tea, markets, among many others. From beaches to mountains to cities, you will find it all here. To travel in and around the various parts, book a bus in Turkey using redBus.

About Turkey

• Capital city: Ankara
• Official language: Turkish
• Most populated city: Istanbul
• Total area: 783,562 km2
• Population: 83,614,362 inhabitants
• Currency: Turkish Lira

Climate and geography

Turkey is a transcontinental country. It is over 1600 km long and 800 km wide. 97% of the country is in Asia with a territory of 755688 km2 (composed mainly of Anatolia), which is separated from the 3% in Europe (23764 km2) by the Dardanelles and the Sea of Marmara. It has a temperate Mediterranean climate, its summers are hot and dry, but its winters are cold and wet.

Popular Cities to Visit in Turkey

• Istanbul

Istanbul has many things to see and do. It is known as the city of a thousand and one nights or the city of seven hills. However, no name can describe the magnificence of this city, which is between Asia and Europe, where the modernity of the West blends perfectly with the culture of the East.

• Cappadocia

It is a region in the centre of the country. It is one of the most beautiful places to see in Turkey and one of the most impressive in the world. You can see a lunar landscape as well as monasteries, things carved into the rock, underground cities, etc., here.

• Ankara

It is the capital of Turkey and a city that contains the magic and charm of the ancient Ottoman culture, which is reflected in its squares and bazaars.

• Pamukkale

Pamukkale, meaning cotton castle in Turkish, is another destination with breath-taking scenery. It was declared a World Heritage Site and is known for its white pools (it is a natural area).

• Izmir

It is also known as 'the infidel city' because it is very liberal and modern. Its beaches are the perfect place for holidays.

• Mount Nemrut

Famous for the giant heads of the burial mound built by King Antico I in 62 BC and still preserved at the top of the mountain at an altitude of 2150 metres, this World Heritage Site is another impressive sight to see in Turkey.

• Mardin

It is one of the most beautiful sights in Turkey, an untouched stone city. Not only does this make it a stop for tourists, but its wide mix of cultures (Assyrian, Arabic, Turkish and Kurba) makes it a great place to visit.

• Ephesus

Ephesus is another World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved cities in Asia Minor. It is a city founded by the Greeks of which great buildings and monuments remain.

Transportation in Turkey

• Buses

Travelling by bus in Turkey will give you more freedom in planning and experiencing your trip. In general, travelling in the country is quite economical and bus trips even more so. Some popular bus routes are Istanbul to Cappadocia, Istanbul to Ankara or Izmir, among many others. Turkey buses connect you with different parts of the country easily. Bus tickets do not dig a hole in your pocket and can be booked online on redBus using a few clicks.

• Trains

Trains are another good option for travel in Turkey, although routes and timetables can be more limited than buses. For example, it's best to take an Istanbul to Antalya bus as you won't find a direct train route between these cities.

• Flights

Airports are far from the cities, and getting there can be a task. However, if you plan to travel a long distance, it may be worth it.

Accommodation in Turkey

In Turkey, you will find accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, from 5-star hotels to small hostels. Depending on your travel plans you can choose one or the other. You can also rent houses or flats or even rooms in a local's home.

Food in Turkey

• Baklava

It is one of the dishes Turkey is known for throughout the world. Although you can find them in different sizes and shapes, it is essentially a flaky pastry filled with dried fruits and nuts and dipped in honey.

• Doner Kebab

It is undoubtedly one of Turkey's best-known delicacies. It consists of thin slices of meat served in pita bread with lettuce or vegetables.

• Lahmacun

This dish is something like a Turkish pizza, although it has some differences from the traditional Italian dish. The most notable difference is that it has no cheese and consists mainly of meat cooked with onions, bell peppers, parsley, and other spices.

• Dolma

The literal translation of the word means that it is something stuffed. In this case, it is grape leaves stuffed with cooked rice and sometimes pieces of meat seasoned with lemon.

Shopping in Turkey

Turkey would not be the same without its markets, bazaars, and shops. It is undoubtedly one of the leading countries in the production of handicrafts such as textiles, ceramics, wood, and decorative objects. However, spices, aromatic herbs, and other gastronomic products also play an important role in the trade. You will find neighbourhood markets, large shops and weekly markets, creating a huge shopping centre. Some of the things you can buy in Turkey are:

• Carpets
• Tea and coffee sets
• Lamps
• Clothes, bags, accessories
• Ceramics
• Jewellery
• Sweets

Turkey Visa and Passport Requirements

To travel to Turkey, you can use your passport, but you should consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website of your country to get all the information to enter Turkey.

If you require a visa, you will need to apply for it on arrival at the airport if you have not already applied for it online. The visa is valid for 90 days and costs approximately US$35 per person. Please note that some nationalities do not require a visa.

As an extra, although not compulsory, one of the best tips for travelling to Turkey is to carry one or more copies of your passport on paper and another in the cloud. Before travelling, also check the expiry date of your passport to avoid any mishaps.