How to Reach Turkey

As is the case with all international destinations, the most obvious way to reach Turkey is via flight. Due to the sheer geographical distance, air travel is the most convenient and expedient means of undertaking this journey. To optimise on time and utility, individuals will have to book a plane to the capital city of Istanbul. 

Atatürk Airport is well connected to cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad, leveraging a capacity of almost 200 million passengers.  It is situated on the European side of Istanbul, by the Black Sea shore and at the junction of Çatalca- Göktürk-Arnavutköy. The aerodrome is equipped with all the necessary amenities and facilities required to keep travellers at ease. In fact, it was honoured with the Global Traveller’s Leisure Lifestyle award for outstanding innovation. 

Individuals may select from non-stop and transit flights, depending upon their budget and time constraints. The following carriers can be availed of -  Turkish Airlines, Air India, Air Arabia, Ukraine International Airlines, Oman Air, Kuwait Airlines and EgyptAir (not an exhaustive list). In terms of the fastest route, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is the closest air hub. With an aerial distance of 4805 km, it offers daily flights that are approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes in duration. Otherwise it can take up to 10 hours and 40 minutes, as is the case of Kolkata to Istanbul. Upon arrival, one may access taxis, buses, airport transfer shuttles or private vehicles to reach their desired destination. 

If you wish to opt for train travel, know that your journey will begin from Europe or East Asia. You have the option of availing of an efficient and well-connected railway line nonetheless. This is a reliable and cost-effective means of making the commute, but significantly longer in time.

Turkey is connected to European countries via the Bosphorus Express which is operated by the Turkish State Railways. Direct sleeper trains ply from nations such as Greece, Bulgaria and Romania. There are also rail services that run from Denmark, Germany, Holland, Italy and Switzerland, that are particularly popular with inter railers. However, these routes will involve changes of connection. If you’re in Paris or England, trains are available from these destinations as well! What’s more, you will also discover weekly trains from the Middle East. When travelling from Asia, one may have to juggle across waterways to get to the rail junction. The Lake Van Express manoeuvres between Asia and Istanbul thrice a week. 

Turkey is home to many beautiful ports that serve as a docking point for several Mediterranean cruise ships. Individuals may embark on luxurious journeys, along the glittering waters, that dock in the following places - Istanbul, Bodrum, Izmir or Antalya.

Although it’s not advisable to travel from India to Turkey, there is route that exists all the same. The journey is extremely long and uncomfortable; however, we shall provide you with the facts. It is approximately 8,000 km between the 2 nations, with a driving time of approximately 11-12 days. 

If you’re traveling from Europe, there are buses available. Metro operates buses from cities such as Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Germany and Greece. However, the journey may be more expensive than the air fare itself and significantly longer. For instance, Munich to Istanbul will take approximately 32 hours by bus.