Travel to Turkey

Flying to Turkey

Turkey is well connected by air, with international flights arriving from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and beyond. The main gateway is Istanbul, which is served by two major airports. Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side is one of the world's busiest hubs and handles most long-haul flights, while Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side caters primarily to regional and low-cost carriers.

Several other cities also have international airports with direct connections to Europe and neighbouring regions. Antalya Airport (AYT) receives a large number of seasonal flights, especially during the summer months. İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB), Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB) and Dalaman Airport (DLM) also handle international arrivals, particularly from Europe and the Middle East.

Turkish Airlines operates an extensive global network and is often used by travellers connecting through Istanbul. Several international carriers also serve Turkey, making the country easily accessible from major cities worldwide. Schedules vary seasonally, with additional flights offered during peak travel periods, especially to coastal resorts.

Airport Guides

Flight times

From London to Istanbul: 3 hours 45 minutes.

Travelling to Turkey by Rail

International rail connections to Turkey are limited but available on certain routes. The most reliable service operates between Bulgaria and Turkey, with trains running between Sofia and Istanbul via the Kapıkule border. This overnight service is popular with travellers moving between southeastern Europe and Turkey, offering sleeper compartments and straightforward customs procedures at the border.

There is also a rail link with Greece, though services have changed over the years and are sometimes suspended or replaced with bus–train combinations due to regional adjustments. Travellers planning to arrive by rail from Greece should check the latest schedules before travelling.

Rail access from Iran has existed historically, but services are subject to periodic interruption and may not operate consistently. Connections with other neighbouring countries, including Armenia, Georgia, Iraq and Syria, are currently unavailable for passenger rail travel.

Once inside Turkey, travellers can continue by domestic rail, including high-speed lines linking major cities. These services offer a comfortable way to continue onward journeys after crossing the border.

Driving to Turkey

Turkey shares land borders with Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Iraq and Syria, making overland travel possible from several neighbouring regions. The most commonly used road crossings are those with Greece and Bulgaria, which provide straightforward routes for travellers coming from the European mainland. These crossings link directly to Turkey's well-developed highway network, allowing easy onward travel to cities such as Istanbul, Edirne and Ankara.

Overland routes from Georgia are also active, particularly the Sarp and Türkgözü crossings, which serve travellers heading to and from the Black Sea region and eastern Turkey. Crossings with Iran are used by long-distance travellers and commercial traffic, though journeys can be slow due to terrain and formalities.

Borders with Armenia, Iraq and Syria are subject to restrictions and closures, and conditions may vary depending on the political and security situation. Travellers should always check up-to-date advice before planning a route through these areas.

International buses operate between Turkey and several neighbouring countries, including Greece, Bulgaria and Georgia. Services are generally comfortable and offer a practical alternative to flying, especially for those travelling on a regional itinerary.

Getting to Turkey by boat

Sea connections to Turkey are available from several neighbouring countries, particularly across the Aegean. Ferries operate between Greece and Turkey during much of the year, linking islands such as Rhodes, Kos, Chios and Samos with Turkish ports including Marmaris, Bodrum, Çeşme and Kuşadası. These routes are popular in summer and provide a convenient way to combine the Greek islands with Turkey's Aegean coast.

There are also seasonal ferry services across the Black Sea, connecting ports in countries such as Ukraine and Georgia with northern Turkey. Schedules vary and may be affected by regional conditions, so it is advisable to check availability in advance.

Cruise ships

International cruise ships call at several Turkish ports, including Istanbul, Kuşadası, İzmir and Antalya. Passengers arriving by cruise usually clear immigration either onboard or at the port terminal before joining excursions.