Getting around Turkey is one of the first things you figure out as a visitor or expat. Taxis, metro lines, buses and the unwritten rules locals follow shape your daily routine more than any guidebook.
In Turkey, getting around comes down to a few things: i̇stanbulkart for everything, dolmuş (shared minibus), and domestic flights are cheap.
One card for metro, bus, ferry, and tram. Transferring within 2 hours gives discounts. The card costs 50 TL and you top it up at machines.
Tip: Istanbul traffic is legendary. Take the ferry across the Bosphorus instead of driving — it's faster and beautiful.
These minibuses run fixed routes and leave when full. Shout 'müsait bir yer var mı?' (is there a spot?) and pass your fare forward. Locals will help you.
Pegasus and Turkish Airlines connect cities affordably. Istanbul to Cappadocia in 1.5 hours. Book online — walk-up prices are much higher.