By Air

Turkish Airlines (THY) flies to Istanbul and Ankara from most world capitals, and provides domestic flights to all major cities in Turkey. THY also offers limited direct service from parts of Europe to Izmir, Antalya and Dalaman. British Airways flies from London to Istanbul.

By Rail

It is possible to arrange rail connections to Istanbul from most major European cities, but the quality of the experience can range from pleasant to decidedly uncomfortable. Overcrowding and a lack of effective sanitation measures on some rail cars may make train travel a less than desirable option for some visitors.

The 'Istanbul Express' offers daily service from Munich, Vienna and Athens. There are weekly departures to Istanbul from Budapest, Bucharest and Moscow. Sleeping berths are available. Discounts are available to minors and students under the age of 26.

By Sea

Frequent passenger ship service is available from Venice, Italy to a variety of Turkish ports, provided by Turkish Maritime Lines. The vessels are comfortable, and the food aboard is generally good. Sleeping cabins are available. TML also offers service from ports in Turkish Cyprus to the Turkish coastal cities of Mersin and Silifke. During the summer months one can travel by ship or ferry from the Greek islands of Rhodes, Lesbos, Samos, Chios and Cos to destinations on the Turkish mainland.

Driving

It is approximately 3000km by road from London to Istanbul. Although most of the roads are well surfaced and well maintained, some sections experience heavy traffic and are occasionally in need of repair. International border checkpoints can add significant delays to the journey. Two routes are suggested: the northern route via Belgium, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria and the southern route through Italy and from there by ferry to Turkey.

The following documentation is required to bring a vehicle into Turkey:

- Passport
- International driving license (recommended) and/or valid license from country of origin
- Vehicle registration
- Power of Attorney if vehicle is registered to someone else
- International green Insurance Card (TR to be visible)
- Carnet de Passage if intending to drive beyond Turkey