Lake Van Transport: The Akdamar Island boats have daily
services during the tourist sea son. There is also the train
ferry across Lake Van from Tatvan to Van, continuing to Iran.
BY RAIL
The
extensive network of the Turkish State Railways connects to
most major cities. The trains have couchettes, sleeping cars,
restaurants, and 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 the amenities for trips with a
route of your choice that allows you a more relaxed way of
travelling through this beautiful region. Train charters are
also available for all areas of Turkey for large groups.
BY ROAD
Road Network:
Turkey has an extensive network of well maintained roads
linking its towns, cities, and popular tourist areas. When
arriving from European, the Bosphorus crossing to Asia has
been greatly facilitated by the completion of the Istanbul-
bypass and the two Bosphorus (Bogazici) bridges which lead to
the Istanbul - Ankara Expressway The E80 and E90 are the two
main roads leading to Turkey from European borders; they also
connect the Iranian and Iraqi borders. These expressways have
been constructed according to Asian and
Middle Eastern international road network standards.
Gas: Gas stations are well
distributed over all roads, And those on the, main high
highare openways often have service stations with 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 repair of both Turkish and
foreign-cars.
In
addition, assistance can be received from the Touring and
Automobile Club
Rent-a-car services: There
are many rent-a-car services in Turkey. Additional information
and prices can be obtained from, local Tourist Information
Offices or travel agents.
COACHES
Inter-city coaches: Many
private companies provide frequent day and night services
between all Turkish cities. Coaches depart from the bus
station (otogar) in large towns, and from the center of town
in smaller cities.
Taxis and dolmus: Taxis are
numerous, in all Turkish cities and are recognizable by their
yellow color. The fare shown on the meter reads according to
distance travelled.
The dolmus:
a special service found only in Turkey; is a collective taxi
which follows specific routes. It may be a car or a minibus
Each passenger pays according to distance travelerslled and
can get off at specific or requested stops. In order, to get
off, the passenger need only say, "Inecek var." The relatively
cheap fares are fixed by the municipality The "dolmus"
provides a service within large cities, to suburbs, airports,
and often to neighboring towns. This is a very practical means
of transportation and much cheaper than a taxi.
