Planes, trains, and automobiles - boats, tramways, taxis, motorbikes, scooters, horse and carriages, donkeys, carts, and buses…

The forms of transportation available in Turkey are remarkable. I remember a day when I flew into Istanbul, took the tramway to board a boat that took me across the Bosporus, then hopped on a public bus, and finally made it home by way of taxi. Sure, there was probably a better way to do that, but what a great opportunity to see the city and meet people!

It is for this very reason that intercity buses have become my preferred form of transportation when traveling throughout Turkey. A flight between provinces may cut down on time; however, this is often not the case because most flights require a connection through Istanbul. What most people will find important is that bus tickets are a fraction of the price to fly.

Are you preparing for travel in Turkey? While the Orient Express has much to be appreciated, if you would like to try busing between provinces in Turkey, these are some notes I took on a recent trip between Adana and Diyarbakir.

1—Bus Tickets

Bus tickets can be purchased online or at the bus station. I prefer to purchase my tickets from obilet. The perk of buying tickets ahead of time is being able to make a seat selection. When selecting a seat pay attention to the gender-based seating selection and which side of the bus will be facing the sun. Pick the other side. Every capitol city of a province has a main bus station called an otogar (o-toe-gahr). Simply ask a taxi to take you to the otogar. When you arrive, find the booth with the firm from which you purchased a ticket. They will direct you to the loading dock. Head towards the numbered platforms, load up on road snacks, find your bus, place your bags in the cargo, get settled in your seat, and enjoy the ride.

2—Baggage

Just about anything goes for baggage. You can bring a suitcase of stuff or all of your belongings in a grocery bag. Do not be surprised by the cargo as people will often load up boxes and rugs to transport. This is even how I got my dog, Noel, who was put on a bus in Ankara to be picked up from the otogar in Adana.

3—Amenities

Once the bus is on the on road, the tea service will begin and the TV and electric outlets will be turned on. You can watch TV anytime. Do not be tempted and miss the views along the way. When else will you pass by ancient castles, flocks of sheep on the mountain side or in traffic, the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, big cities neighbored by small villages, fields of produce, and the world’s second greatest wall.

4—Stops

Neither will you want to miss the opportunity to stretch your legs every hour or so when stopping at other bus stations along the way. There will be a 30-minute stop for food that is the equivalent of a “meat and three.” Feel free to take advantage of the local produce, gifts, products specific to that region, playground/picnic area, or even the barber shop located at the bus station. However, be careful not to linger too long. Though I have not seen someone get left behind I am sure it happens. In the worst-case scenario, they will stick you on the next bus, as they are used to shuffling passengers around.

Though many people tend to keep to themselves while traveling, most are excited to meet tourists and practice their English. I am always amazed by the people I meet and the stories they tell.

There is no better way to explore the country and meet people along the way than to take a bus ride from Adana… to just about anywhere!