Cheap flights to Türkiye from $179

Turkey Travel Guide

The country that straddles two continents, Turkey is an exciting mix of Asia and Europe. It is rapidly becoming the destination of choice for tourists looking for a holiday that combines ancient cities and cultures with warm beaches and beautiful landscapes.

Istanbul is the arrival point for most flights to Turkey, and a can’t-miss stop for all travelers. The city has been a world capital for three empires and its buildings and people are captivating. On the coast, Bodrum, is a package capital favorite for European holidaymakers who flock from cheap flights to Turkey to the resorts around this city. A nearby day trip away are the stunning ruins of the Roman city of Ephesus, an entire city laid out with roads, houses and an amphitheater. At Cappadocia is a bizarre moonscape of “fairy chimneys” that once were home to Hittites, Romans and Christians.

When your flight to Turkey arrives, you’ll be in a country of mystery and mystique, and one that is rapidly modernizing to appeal to today’s travelers. The country is a melting pot of sacred sites for many religions, mainly Christian, Islam and Judaism. History buffs booking flights to Turkey will love all the artifacts any historian could wish for from the Byzantine era.

Travelers stepping off flights to Turkey will have no shortage of things to do. Behind the ancient ruins and endless relics there is also a little decadence in Turkey. Thanks to its perfectly situated location on the Mediterranean, nature lovers and sports enthusiasts can trek the Turkish landscape while others soak in mineral mud baths at top-rated resorts along the coast. Turkey is a hidden gem among travelers – it’s inexpensive enough for any traveler and boasts more to do and see than many of its neighboring countries. Find a cheap flight to Turkey and enjoy the Turkish hospitality while you savor all the history and modern pleasures you can handle in one country.

Getting to and around Turkey

Istanbul Airport:

The busiest airport in Istanbul is the Atatürk Airport which is 14 miles away from the city, on the European side of Turkey. The easiest and fastest way to get to the city is via a taxi. They operate outside of the airport 24 hours a day but they are more expensive than a bus or tram. Also make sure you agree on the price before you get in to ensure you don’t get overcharged. Havatas provide buses to the city center and it’s a great option — even if you have lots of baggage — due to the large amounts of room and air-conditioning onboard.  Lastly you can get a tram directly from the airport but they are extremely busy so if you do have a lot of baggage with you this might not be the best option.

Bodrum Airport:

You’ll have several options to get to the city once your flights to Turkey have landed. The most reliable option is the Havas Airport Buses. They run around every hour and operate directly from to the center of the city. Another option is the get a taxi from the airport, however, these aren’t cheap unless you can split the fare with a friend. Haggling with the driver is a must otherwise you will end up paying through the teeth. If you fly with Atlas Global then you can get free transfer to your hotel so it’s worth enquiring with them before you book your flights to Ireland.

Dalaman Airport:

Havas offer shuttle services from Dalaman Airport to areas all over Turkey making them an ideal method of transportation for a cheap price. They operate regularly and are a lot cheaper than a taxi. Once you board the bus if you tell the driver in advance then you can get off the bus at any point along the main route. You could also opt to hire a car for the duration of your holiday although you might struggle to get to grips with the Turkish roads.

In Istanbul, traffic can be unbearable, and lack of carpooling only adds to the congestion. The Metro, while undergoing improvements, has only seven stops. If you’re looking for quick trips, and opportunities to meet locals, hop on one of the Dolmuses (minibuses). These minibus taxis are affordable and have marked destinations on the front of the car for convenience. These can be difficult to use if you have a lot of luggage, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling to or from the airport. Buses and trains are cheap and reliable, so use them as as a dependable part of your Turkey travel.

It is easy to fly round Turkey and there are plenty of domestic Turkish flights. Turkish Airlines links all the major cities, and low-cost airlines Onur Air and Atlasjet are also options. Cyprus Turkish Airlines offer domestic Turkey flights from Istanbul to Ercan, Ankara, Adana, Antalya, Dalaman and Izmir.

Renting a car in Turkey is not cheap, but buses offer a good, regular and cheap service. Dolmuses (shared taxis) are a good option for short trips. They are inexpensive and sociable. The destination is written on the front of the vehicle, and fares are posted usually above the driver’s head. Travelling this way can be be tricky if you’ve got a lot of luggage however and they tend to stop running in the early evening.

Trains too can be good value. Car ferries are popular and can save lots of driving time. Tourist destinations are well-served. The Fez Bus is a long-distance hop-on, hop-off service which travels to the major tourist spots of western Turkey.

Tips for your stay in Turkey

• Beyoglu Taksim:Brimming with diversity and offering a cool alternative to typical bar scenes, the Beyoglu Taksim district has developed long and loyal patrons from all over Istanbul. One of the most famous streets, Istiklal Street, packs high-energy crowds until upwards of 5:00am making this the perfect stop if you’re jetlagged from your flight to Turkey and not quite ready for bed. Live bands, world music, and traditional Turkish tunes pump loudly as locals and tourists alike dance the night away.
• Ortaköy:Artists and consumers can find solace in this quaint spot, flowing with inventive pieces, tiny boutiques, tea shops, coffee houses, and out-of-the-way street markets. It’s a good idea to leave room in your bags on your flight to Turkey so you can have enough space for your new souvenirs. Ortaköy literally means “village in the middle,” and is quickly becoming a chic destination for those who want to stroll the historic cobblestone streets and have access to all the splendor of Turkey. Make sure to explore along the Bosphorous, where you’ll find the ornate Baroque mosque built in 1854 decorated with elaborate Arabic calligraphy.
• Nisantas?:For high rollers, Nisantasi may be a great first stop straight from your Turkey flight. For a higher end approach to shopping, head to this area for the cream of the crop. Named from the target stones build during the Ottoman Empire, this prestigious area is aptly placed in the oldest part of Istanbul, called Sultanahmet, where you can also find Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, and Topkpi Palace.
• There are many museums in Sultanahmet: Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and the Turkish Islamic Art Museum – the full, stunning spread of Ottoman and Byzantine history, art and religion, and all within walking distance.
• Take the ferry along the Bosphorustowards the Black Sea, for a seafood lunch in the restaurants of Rumeli Kavagi or Anadolu Kavagi – enjoy the parade of brightly coloured Ottoman villas along the banks on the way there and stop at Ortokoy on the way back to see Turkish families enjoying ice-cream.
• If you visit one of the villages on the Bodrum peninsula, you may still see local women wearing the traditional pantaloons (salvar) and white headscarves.
• When visiting Ephesus, a wonderful, preserved classical city, try to get your sightseeing done in the early morning before the sun gets too hot, and bring some water with you. Drinks on the site can be expensive.