Primary transportation means in Turkey is traveling by bus. The largest bus terminal in Europe and the 3rd largest in the world (after Delhi and Tel Aviv bus terminals), Büyük Istanbul Otogarı is home to over 300 bus companies. Buses depart to all corners of Turkey and also to Balkan and European countries. The bus terminal is located in Esenler and has its own metro station, but it is important to note that you do not need to go to the main bus terminal because many bus companies have shuttle buses to their own small bus terminals on both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. It is important to ask about shuttle services before you buy bus tickets.
From Istanbul, you can travel anywhere in Turkey by bus. If you are traveling to popular travel destinations such as Izmir, Ankara, Antalya, Bodrum, Marmaris, or Fethiye, do not forget to check flight ticket prices as well. Due to competition among private airlines, state-owned Turkish Airlines, and its subsidiary AJet, flight prices may be lower than bus tickets, and you would save travel time.
Some destinations, especially those closer to Istanbul, are more suitable for bus travel, such as Bursa, Edirne, and even Ayvalık, Edremit, and Akçay, as there are frequent buses. There is a regional airline that serves these North Aegean destinations during summer.
Top bus companies in Turkey offer very comfortable journeys with on-seat LCD screens and nice rest stops.