Istanbul, the captivating city where East meets West, is not only known for its rich history and breathtaking attractions but also for its well-organized transportation network. In this comprehensive guide, we will uncover the main intercity bus stations in Istanbul, helping you navigate your way through Esenler, Harem Bus Station, and Emniyet Garajı. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey!
Esenler Bus Station: Istanbul’s Main Intercity Bus Terminal
Esenler Bus Station, also known as Büyük Bus Station, is the main intercity bus terminal in Istanbul, serving a vast array of destinations both within Turkey and internationally. Located 10 km west of Sultanahmet, this impressive hub features:
- 168 ticket offices and gates
- Metro station (Esenler station on M1b line)
- Shops and restaurants
- Hotel, police station, clinic, and mosque
From Esenler Bus Station, travelers can catch buses to cities like Edirne, Ephesus, Gallipoli, and Cappadocia or even venture further to Berlin or Baghdad.
Buying Bus Tickets from Esenler
Major bus companies such as Kamil Koç, Metro Turizm, and Pamukkale Turizm have ticket offices in tourist areas like Sirkeci, Laleli, and Taksim. You can also purchase tickets at the bus station or online. Arriving 30-60 minutes before departure should be sufficient, except during holiday times when advance booking is recommended.
Istanbul Airport Buses to Esenler
Havaİst airport buses operate between Esenler Bus Station and Istanbul Airport, situated 40 km to the north. Check their website for schedules and pricing.
Read also: HAVAIST New Istanbul Airport Shuttles/Buses (Routes, Price 2023)
Getting to Esenler Bus Station
To reach Esenler Bus Station from Taksim Square, take IETT city bus 83-O (Otogar-Taksim). Buses run every 20-25 minutes from 06:30 am to 21:30 pm, and the trip takes about an hour.
From Sultanahmet, take the M1b Metro line from Esenler station to Aksaray, then change to the T1 tram from Yusufpaşa to Sultanahmet stop.
Harem Bus Station: Conveniently Located on Istanbul’s Asian Side
Harem Bus Station is situated on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, south of Üsküdar and north of Haydarpaşa. While Istanbul’s main terminal is the Büyük Otogar, Harem Bus Station offers a convenient alternative for travelers, as many buses from Büyük Otogar stop here to pick up passengers. Location…
To save time, consider reserving a seat in advance by telephone.
Getting to Harem Bus Station
To reach Harem Bus Station, take one of the following bus lines:
- 12H Kadıköy – Harem/Üsküdar
- 16A Pendik – Uskudar
- 16F Fındıklı District – Üsküdar
- 16U Uğur Mumcu – Uskudar
- 139 Uskudar – Sile
- 139A Uskudar – Sile/Agva
- 320A Sultanbeyli Mimarsinan Samandıra – Üsküdar
Alternatively, take the car ferry from Sirkeci (east of Eminönü) across the Bosphorus to Harem.
Emniyet Garajı Bus Terminal: Gateway to the Balkans and Eastern Black Sea Countries
Emniyet Garajı Bus Terminal, located southwest of Aksaray Square in Old Istanbul, primarily serves buses traveling to Balkan countries such as Albania, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Macedonia, and Romania, as well as eastern Black Sea countries like Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. See location…
Vardar Turizm is the primary operator at Emniyet Garajı, offering routes to Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Germany, Georgia, Hungary, Iraq, Iran, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, and Syria.
Getting to Emniyet Garajı Bus Terminal
To reach Emniyet Garajı Bus Terminal from Eminönü, take the 50P bus to Plevne Anadolu Lisesi. From Taksim Tünel, take the 55P bus to Havuzbaşı.
Alibeyköy Bus Station: A Smaller, Yet Convenient Option in Istanbul
Alibeyköy Bus Station is a smaller intercity bus terminal in Istanbul, hosting a range of companies including:
- Kamil Koç
- Metro Turizm
- Pamukkale Turizm
- Ali Osman Ulusoy
- İstanbul Kalesi
- Balıkesir Uludağ Turizm
- Varan Turizm
- Villa Seyahat
- Kale Seyahat
- Özkaymak
Getting to Alibeyköy Bus Station from Taksim/Sultanahmet
- From Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı, take the Minibüs Duraği towards Çırçır Mah. (7.1 min, 6 stations)
- From Çırçır Mah., take the M7 metro towards Mecidiyeköy (9.8 min, 5 stations)
- At Mecidiyeköy, transfer to the M2 metro line towards Şişli – Mecidiyeköy (5.5 min, 2 stations) and arrive at Taksim.
Intercity Bus Features and Services in Istanbul
Turkish intercity buses are known for their comfort and amenities, such as:
- Reclining seats with ample legroom
- Air conditioning and heating
- Onboard restrooms
- Free Wi-Fi
- Personal entertainment systems
- Complimentary snacks and beverages
- Attentive service from bus attendants
Popular Intercity Bus Routes from Istanbul
- Bus Istanbul to Ankara
- Bus from Istanbul to Izmir
- Bus from Istanbul to Antalya
- Istanbul to Cappadocia bus
- Bus from Istanbul to Bursa
- Bus from Istanbul to Pamukkale
In conclusion, Istanbul’s intercity bus network is well-organized and efficient, providing travelers with a convenient and comfortable way to explore Turkey and beyond. Whether you’re looking to embark on a day trip to Troy or Pamukkale or venture further to Berlin or Baghdad, the main bus stations in Istanbul, including Esenler, Harem, Emniyet Garajı, and Alibeyköy, offer a range of services and amenities to ensure a seamless travel experience.
FAQs
Q: How can I find an intercity bus stop near me in Istanbul?
A: You can use online maps, and mobile applications, or ask locals for the nearest intercity bus stop. Bus stations like Esenler, Harem, and Alibeyköy are well-connected to the city center via public transportation.
Q: Can I buy bus tickets to Turkey online?
A: Yes, most Turkish bus companies offer online ticket purchasing on their websites. Alternatively, you can buy tickets at ticket offices in Istanbul or directly at the bus stations.
Q: Are FlixBus services available in Turkey?
A: As of the knowledge cutoff date in September 2021, FlixBus does not operate in Turkey. However, many reliable Turkish bus companies provide excellent service on domestic and international routes.
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