How to get to Turkey

Turkey is well connected by air, land, and sea, with plenty of options depending on where you're traveling from. The fastest and most convenient way is by air, but if you prefer an overland or sea route, there are a few adventurous alternatives.

Flights to Turkey

Flights from the UK and Ireland

If you're planning a trip to Turkey from the UK or Ireland, there are direct flights to Istanbul, İzmir, Bodrum, Dalaman, and Antalya. Turkish Airlines and British Airways operate scheduled flights, while budget airlines like easyJet, Pegasus, and Jet2 offer seasonal routes. Charter flights, mainly run by TUI, serve coastal destinations. Dublin has a direct Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul, but flying via the UK and connecting with a low-cost airline is often cheaper.

Flights from the US and Canada

For travelers from the US and Canada, Turkish Airlines has expanded its North American routes, now flying directly to Istanbul from cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, DC. American, United, and Delta also operate flights via major European hubs such as London, Paris, and Frankfurt. 

If you're flying from Canada, Toronto is the only city with a direct link to Turkey, operated by both Turkish Airlines and Air Canada. Otherwise, a layover in Europe is necessary.

Flights from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa

From Australia and New Zealand, there are no direct flights. The most common routes are through Dubai with Emirates, Abu Dhabi with Etihad, or Doha with Qatar Airways. Other options include layovers in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore before continuing to Istanbul. 

South African travelers, meanwhile, can take a direct Turkish Airlines flight from Johannesburg, Durban, or Cape Town, or connect via the Middle East.

When to find the cheapest flights to Turkey

If you're looking for the cheapest flights, avoid peak seasons — Easter week, summer (June to early September), and Christmas/New Year. The best fares are usually found from November to March, except for the holiday season. If you're coming from the southern hemisphere, booking early is more important than the time of year. Flight comparison sites like Skyscanner and Expedia can help track down the lowest prices.

Other ways to get to Turkey

Traveling by train to Turkey is slow, expensive, and mainly for those who enjoy the journey itself. The route from the UK involves multiple train changes: Eurostar to Paris, a high-speed connection to Munich, and then sleeper trains through Budapest and Bucharest before reaching Istanbul. It takes around five days and four nights, so unless you love rail travel, flying is a better option. Interrail passes can make train travel more affordable but don’t cover every section of the route.

Driving from Europe is possible and takes about three to four days with minimal stops. The most direct route passes through Belgium, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria, but a more scenic option goes through France, Italy, and Greece.

Ferries from Greece provide a straightforward way to reach Turkey’s coast. Routes include Lésbos to Ayvalık, Chíos to Çeşme, Sámos to Kuşadası, and Rhodes to Marmaris or Fethiye. These services run daily from May to October, with fewer sailings in winter. Ticket prices are high for the short distances covered, and not all routes allow cars.

For most travelers, flying is the quickest and easiest way to reach Turkey. But if you're up for an adventure, taking the long way — by train, car, or ferry — can be part of the experience.