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TransportIzmir is well connected with a co-ordinated transport system that can get you from A to B with relative ease. It has expanded recently, linking the airport to most other parts of Izmir. The easiest way to ride is by getting a KentKart, a pre-pay ticket that you check-in when you get on the bus, metro, ferry or train. The advantage of this is that you only have to pay one fare every hour and a half so you can get on a bus, then a metro, then a ferry and it will only cost you one fare if the last leg of your journey is less than 90 minutes from your start. Dolmus (minibuses) dont take KentKart and whilst they are often very convenient they will cost you a little more. Inside IzmirBusIzmirs bus network is operated by an organisation called ESHOT that has about about 1,500 and five garages at Karatas, Gümrük, Basmane, Yesilyurt and Konak. The quality of busses is mixed, with both old and new busses in operation side-by-side. Be aware that it is not unusual to wait up to 30 minutes for a particular bus. The dolmus minibuses are run privately and may be more convenient to use. FerryThere are eight quays with hourly passenger ferries; Bostanli, Karsiyaka, Bayrakli, Alsancak, Pasaport, Konak, Göztepe and Üçkuyular. The ferries are generally pleasant and efficient and offer some of the best views of Izmir. MetroMetro is a clean and convenient way of getting around and has stations in Üçyol, Konak, Çankaya, Basmane, Hilal, Halkapinar, Stadyum, Sanayi, Bölge and Bornova. Waiting time for a metro-train is usually 5 10 minutes. An extension of the line is planned between Üçyol and Üçkuyular which would be great to speed up runs to places including Çesme thanks to the coach hub in Üçkuyular. TrainIzmirs urban train system (IZBAN) is very modern although train waiting times can be up to 30 minutes. The train offers quick access to the airport which is very convenient. Outside of IzmirPlaneThis is probably the easiest and quickest way to travel around Turkey and its possible to find air fares which are similar to coach and train fairs if you book in advance. Izmir is well serviced by Adnan Menderes Havalimani (Izmir Airport) which has dozens of internal flights every day and also offers direct flights to and from most of mid and eastern Europe. Direct planes to western Europe arent as common but Turkish carriers tend to offer connecting flights to Istanbul, which makes more a greater number of destinations possible. TrainThe train network within Izmir is fairly well developed and in some cases it can be more comfortable than taking a coach. There is a train station in Alsancak that links to most major cities in Turkey including Istanbul and Ankara. From Istanbul it is even possible to catch trains to destinations throughout Europe. CoachCoaches are ever popular in Turkey and available to travel almost anywhere. There is a large coach terminal in Bornova from which you can travel anywhere from Istanbul to the Syrian or Iraqi borders. Theyre reliable and cheap but comfortable they generally arent and for the longer destinations you may find yourself travelling throughout the night. |
THE TURKISH BASICS
What to expect when you land MORE INFORMATION
Useful Turkish phrases |