Road Trip in Turkey | What is the driving experience like? Highways, Rest Stops, and Gas Stations

What is driving like in Turkey? How are the highways? Are there police? What's it like at the gas stations? Here, I share my observations on what it’s like to road trip in Turkey. How does a road trip in Turkey compare to one in the US? While many things are similar to the US, there are some notable differences that I wanted to share that I think are interesting. Thanks for watching this video and seeing my perspective of Turkey as an American living in Turkey. Please consider subscribing to my KZbin channel. I’d appreciate it. Thanks!
~ Oh So Pom ~
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[@bagus5171]

Hi, I enjoyed the whole video. It's fun to drive in mountainous areas with beautiful views along the way. I hope that in my country, Indonesia, the roads can be as clean as the directional signs and road markings are clearly visible. Thank you for sharing your driving experience in Turkey 🇹🇷🇮🇩❤️

[@ohsopom]

Thank you for watching. I appreciate it!

[@zekiakcabey6264]

Sağol

[@pcpaulin573]

I only drove the stretch from Dalaman to Antalaya during June 2022 (stopping many times), but my partner and I were really impressed by the quality of the roads/highways. Far better than the crap we have in California. Turkey has a lot of really high quality infrastructure, at least the parts I saw. I also didn't think people drove as insane as say, in Greece or other parts of the middle east. Overall it was a really pleasant experience.

[@ohsopom]

Most of the major highways I've been on have been in good condition. The roads within cities have been a completely different story, though 🫣. In the US it can be hit or miss depending on where you are, too. The driving, though, I'll be hard to convince that it's anything other than chaos (at least on non-highways) 🤣🤣🤣 but I'm glad you found it easier. Thanks for watching, I appreciate it!

[@rehanqureshi759]

Do we ( as American) need different kind of license to drive and rent a car in turkey?

[@ohsopom]

As long as you're visiting for vacation, a US driver's license should be fine. It's only if you were to stay over 6 months (I think... but don't quote me on that) that you'd need to get a Turkish license.

[@zekiakcabey6264]

Sağol güzel insan.

[@usernamedemanded]

​@@ohsopom That is correct. My American friend had to apply for license after some time and the English workbook for the test was hilariously mistranslated. For instance, "gözleme" either means that food you mentioned in the video, or just "observation". Somehow they thought the first meaning is the right one to do before merging. "Pancake before merging into the main road". Edit: I have to mention, this is not an official book, independent publisher, but a little too independent.

[@nadimmohammad9095]

Turkyie is a haven on the planet earth

[@ohsopom]

There are so many beautiful sights to see here. Thank you for watching!

[@davidscott6375]

Watching your vlogs reminds that we need to do this again.

[@ohsopom]

Road trips are fun here. There are so many landscapes to see in just a small area (ok, small relative to the size of the US 😆). Thank you for watching!

[@jamesholland6985]

Excellent video thank you very much😊 we will be visiting Turkey very soon and this is made up our mind whether we rent a car or not 👍🏻

[@ohsopom]

Thank you so much for watching! I hope you have a great trip :)

[@CoderGrammer]

Thanks for this. Really useful!

[@ohsopom]

I'm glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching my little video :)

[@CoderGrammer]

@@ohsopom planning a trip so very helpful indeed 😊

[@Randomboiiii]

Thank you so much. Very helpful

[@ohsopom]

I’m glad you found it helpful. I appreciate you taking the time to watch!

[@mrplt6302]

This video was great, thanks! Shame it only has a couple thousand views. As a Turk living in Canada for more than a decade, I agree with most of your comments. People don't really know how to use roundabouts which defeats their purpose. For what it's worth, North Americans don't seem to understand them well either. You have 3 different kinds of traffic checkpoints in Turkey, all legal. They might just run your regular ID (sometimes only of the driver, otherwise all passengers) and see if anything comes up. Or they might ask for a driver's license and registration. Lastly, they might search your car. This is annoying because it takes time. Driving in major cities in Turkey is like driving in any major city, but the roads are better there mainly due to weather. On the highways the limit is 130/140kph but people drive faster. I'm not sure if those average speed cameras work. And yeah people hate lane hoggers :) you often get flashed well in advance, then tailgated (possibly honked at) and finally overtaken from the right. The main problem is when you drive in a midsize city (especially in the south) where people seem to do whatever they want to do. I've had people cut me off through the hard shoulder, run red lights and overall just act like they own the road. It's quite similar to how people drive in Italy&Greece.

[@ohsopom]

Haha... yes, doing whatever they want to do is a good way to put it 😆 Maybe as a Turk you are used to this but it is startling coming from a culture where the rules of the road seem to be followed a bit more strictly. And yes, roundabouts in the US were difficult for people to comprehend at first, although in the past 10-15 years that they've seen to be more popular, I've personally noticed it not being an issue anymore. Maybe roundabouts are a newer concept in Turkey and people just aren't used to them??? At least I'm hoping that's it 😂 Thank you for taking the time to watch my video. I really appreciate it and your comments!

[@smiithmp]

the whole of türkiye is just london drivers, flashing lights, honking, road rage, but when they are out of the car they are so nice and welcoming, it’s like getting in a drivers seat changes them, like in bird box. also, the traffic stops are for immigrants from neighbouring eastern countries like azerbaijan, armenia, russia etc.

[@ohsopom]

Yes, there seem to be many formers of honking, too... honk to get out of my way, honk because you're upset with road rage, honk to alert someone that you're there and to pay attention, honk to say hello... and sometimes there are seemingly honks just for the sake of honking 😆. Never a dull moment. Thanks for watching!

[@smiithmp]

@@ohsopom yes, turkish and italian driving style are VERY similar.

[@willberforce876]

Just subed this was a good travel video.....well balanced... more on the negative side in terms of driving experience but thats your opinion and experience i guess

[@ohsopom]

Hahaha, maybe with time I can have a more positive outlook on the driving experience. Until then, I’ll be wearing my seatbelt 🤣. Thanks for watching, I appreciate it!

[@zekiakcabey6264]

Çok güzel olmuş.

[@ohsopom]

Sağol!

[@fghjiscfbkled]

Thank-you for the video, We will be driving through turkey next month, any idea about overnight stopping for motorhomes on the main roads?

[@ohsopom]

Thanks for watching. Unfortunately, I am not familiar with rules regarding this, although I will say that it seems most anything goes here 🤣. You can try searching for 'karavan parkı" on your journey to find a place that will for sure allow parking. Safe travels!

[@kabusek9315]

Hey! Just wanted to let you know that most of those speed traps are not active most of the time. There are some that are always tracking your speed, but 80% of them are not used regularly. They are randomly activated a couple of days throughout the month. And the police won't chase you down even if you pass them going abnormally fast. You may have seen a lot of fast drivers because of that.

[@ohsopom]

Yes, I know most of them aren't working 😂 ... but without knowing which ones aren't you always have to be cautious. And I notice a great deal of speeds on the highways of either way below the speed limit and being in the left or middle lanes or ones going way too fast for it to be safe. You always have to be vigilant! Thank you so much for watching!!!

[@umitkiziltas8379]

yeah, but you have to look out for those blue gendarmery vehicles. A lot of them have those cyber speed cameras on top, like a remote gun. They are actually on the hunt for speeders.

[@selmanylmaz5444]

Adapazari-Geyve yolunu burda da gördüm ya

[@ohsopom]

Aynen 👍, teşekkürler!

[@rehanqureshi759]

Hi, I really enjoyed watching your Vedio. I am planning to visit Turkey this July and I am coming from New York and I would love to have a road trip instead flying from on city to another. Plz help me with information like do I need certain kind of driving license or my American driver license is good enough? I am plan on getting a rental car from IST airport and plan on going cities like, cappadocia, Antalya, bodrum and back to Istanbul. I really thank you for that.

[@ohsopom]

That sounds like so much fun! As far as I'm aware, your US driver's license should be fine for driving here. I've never rented a car in Turkey, so I don't have any specific tips to give, but getting to all these different destinations by car at your own pace is a good idea. You'll really get to see so much of the countryside this way vs flying or a bus. My only suggestion is don't use the rental car in Istanbul unless you absolutely have to. Traffic in Istanbul is awful and trying to find a parking spot is sometimes even worse. You're much better off taking public transport or a taxi. Also for driving, be careful to follow the speed limit. Although you likely won't see many police cars out checking speed limits like in the US, there are lots of speed cameras that can track your speed limit and you may get a fine (I think this will be sent to the car rental). Luckily, there are signs posted to warn you of an upcoming speed camera. Have fun and thanks for watching!

[@madonebo9249]

I'm no driver but I still enjoyed the video!

[@ohsopom]

Thank you!!!

[@noface_777]

Appreciate the content and information on driving in Turkey! Been doing some research on car rental prices booking online vs renting a car in-person. I can’t seem to find the price difference, do you think the prices a cheaper booking in person at the car rental companies?

[@swordandshield5731]

I suggest you avec as the rent a car firm. It is the cheapest.And booking is cheaper online.

[@ohsopom]

I wish I could be of help, but I don't have experience renting a car in Turkey. I would imagine it being cheaper online, though, and making a reservation in advance would at least assure you that you have a car rental available when you arrive. Thank you so much for watching!

[@kabusek9315]

Make sure to use a known company for online booking as there are alot of rental car scams.

[@noface_777]

Thanks everybody!

[@afiqdanial5156]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="647">10:47</a> The view is stunning! Where is this place?

[@ohsopom]

Yes, it is beautiful! I don't know remember exactly which lake this was, but this was in the Taurus Mountains on the way from Konya to Antalya. Thank you for watching!

[@lrettmann]

Great video, scary to drive there

[@ohsopom]

Yes, it is!

[@lagmfaresi7744]

come on it is not that scary:)

[@mrplt6302]

Honestly if you can confidently drive on an interstate (or a Canadian highway) you'll be fine in Turkey. Emphasis on confident though, because you'll be flashed/honked at if you decide to overtake a semi without actually speeding up.

[@Arma66634]

Scarier to drive highways around Houston. You are talking shit.

[@smiithmp]

yes Opet has clean bathrooms because Turkish culture is to be clean, Opet is a Turkish brand so Shell, BP and Esso may not compare to cleanliness.

[@mrplt6302]

I mean... gas station bathrooms used to be disgusting in Turkey, then Opet came up with their clean toilet initiative which made a big difference.

[@smiithmp]

@@mrplt6302 yes that’s my point

[@maumimi925]

How to pay the tolls? We should top up to some digital wallet or how they will charge us? Thank you for the nice video

[@ohsopom]

If you're renting a car after arriving in Turkey, I'd just check with your rental company for details as any tolls may just be charged upon return of the vehicle. If you arrive with your own vehicle, I believe you will need to set up an account with HGS (the toll system) in order to avoid fines. There are details on their website about how to set that up and they also provide more information about toll prices on their site ... www.kgm.gov.tr/Sayfalar/KGM/SiteEng/Root/ForeignPlates.aspx ... I have also noticed certain tolls stations will have a special line for cash or foreign plates (but not all). Still, I'd double check everything at the border with a patrol officer when entering. Thank you for watching!

[@maumimi925]

@@ohsopom ooh okay, thank your for the information and thabks for sharing.

[@ERICJONATHAN-uf3jg]

Hello , we have a same road trip plan in our turkey trip this year, could you please give us some information : is it better using google maps Or waze in turkey? How much for the highway tolls ? Which your recommendation vendor for renting car in turkey?

[@ohsopom]

I’ve used Google Maps and never had problems. I never used Waze but have a friend living in Turkey that says they don’t have issues with that, either. As for tolls, that can vary a lot. For example, there is a toll if you take the Osmangazi Bridge (a bridge that passes from Istanbul over the Sea of Marmara) and it’s about $10 (but saves you an hour drive rather than going all the way around the sea). A trip from Istanbul to Ankara may be roughly $2.50. And if you go from Istanbul to Izmir (after the Osmangazi bridge) it would be roughly another $15. So it does vary quite a bit and there’s not one set price throughout the country per/km travelled. And for renting a car, unfortunately, I don’t have a recommendation since we never had to do so. There are smaller companies that offer rentals but it’s probably best to stick to major brands you’re familiar with that are available at the airport. Thanks for watching and have a great trip to Turkey!

[@ERICJONATHAN-uf3jg]

Thanks for you reply,is it safe and recommended for road trip in turkey from istanbul-ankara-goreme-antalya-izmir ? How about gasoline price ? Is it better using diesel car / gasoline car ? Is The road toll paid automatic by system ?

[@ng81818]

may i know the route covered in this video? really good for a road trip

[@ohsopom]

Sure, it was sort of all over the place but mostly Kocaeli to Akşehir (through Sakarya, Bilecik, Eskişehir, Afyon). Then from Akşehir to Side (through Yalvaç, Beyşehir). And finally from Side to Datça (through Antalya, Demre, Kaş). Thank you so much for watching!

[@mishamaisuradze1582]

👋

[@ohsopom]

😊

[@koraybasus263]

I think Driver from Europe are more comfortable to drive in Turkey I think America is completely different in terms of traffic system. i think much more strict.

[@ohsopom]

This very well could be... good point. I've never really thought about driving in the US being strict compared to Europe, but it's something I'll have to pay attention to next time I'm there. I think people definitely follow the rules of the road much more in the US compared to Turkey (despite there *technically* being road rules in Turkey 😆), so in that sense it's hard for me to gauge what people will do. Whereas, in the US I can (mostly) known what to expect from other drivers. Thank you for watching!

[@f18superhornetcer78]

baah the road is better then Usa.. USA of highways usually are broke!! looking a paradice Turkey !

[@ohsopom]

The toll roads here are generally in good condition and most highways are decent. In my opinion, they aren't better nor worse than what I've experienced in the US, and likewise, it just depends on the road... some areas are great, and some not so much. Thanks for watching. I appreciate it!

[@osamayousuf4846]

ok i think the only problem is you are comparing usa driving laws to turkish driving laws, and i don't see the point other than that great video

[@ohsopom]

Thanks for watching! As mentioned in the video and thumbnail, I was giving my perspective on driving in Turkey.

[@lagmfaresi7744]

you should drive a month in nyc before drive in Turkey:) then you should not be surprised much:)

[@ohsopom]

Hahaha... Turkish driving will never cease to amaze me 😂 Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@ayhankaracaoglu6845]

@@ohsopom Its clear that you are obsessed and sick mentality

[@davidscott6375]

Welcome to Turkey, but just wait till you hit Istanbul. There you will certainly earn your Turkish driving permit😂. I’m so integrated that my Turkish wife tells me I drive just like them😂😂😂.

[@ohsopom]

Yes, Istanbul is certainly busy! Congrats on feeling so confident on driving here. I hope to one day get the courage 😂

[@birgitanereren5610]

If I understood correctly while watching, you said that on the roads, people stop and take a break and eat wherever they want. I am 50 years old, I have traveled a lot, but I have never seen a TURKISH take a break and eat something in the security lane on the side of a highway. On other roadsides, they park on the safe part of the road and take a break. I think the reason why they teach you not to stop on the roads in the USA is that you have personal security concerns, not road safety. I think you should get rid of your worries while traveling in TURKEY and enjoy the trip. Oh, and the name of our country is TÜRKİYE, not Turkey. Please..

[@sgerlode]

Just for you to know. The left lane worldwide is called a passing lane. It's not for cars that want to go faster but according to almost every coyntry's rules it is used only for passing and then you go again to the right. If you were driving left and stayed there then it was your mistake. It's wrong that people call it a fast lane thinking that it is for fast driving cause obviously the speed limit doesn't differ from lane to lane, it is the same. Even in the US the left lanes accorrding to the law are for passing and right lanes for driving, but most people doesn't know this and can be dangerous. I'm not Turkish but Greek and i have driven a lot of european countries. i watched your video because i want to make a road trip toy Turkey... "

[@ohsopom]

Yes, I am well aware of what a passing lane is and know that it does not have a separate speed limit, but it is colloquially called the 'fast lane' in the US which is why I refer to it as such. Thanks for watching.

[@sgerlode]

@ohsopom That is what I've said. It's wrong calling it a fast lane cause that means that you can drive in that lane if you are fast. What people calls it and what the law is, are different things. Even in the US the law is clear about only driving right and passing from the left. If colloquialy people calling, lets say, Africa a country and not a continent that doesnt make their statement wright. I only said that it is a dangerous mistake cause i drive a lot on highways.For all that said I hope you understood why the other drivers were frustrated when you stayed on the left lane. It was your mistake not theirs... No problem nice video

[@ohsopom]

Let’s be honest, it’s very rare that someone using the left lane to pass is going at the speed limit and not illegally over… perhaps in theory that should happen, but not in reality. So in colloquially terms, it’s perfectly understandable why it’s called the ‘fast lane’. And of course if we’re passing and see another car coming up behind we move over, so it is not a mistake being made. However, I was surprised at the aggressive tactics I’ve witnessed used by people in the left lane going significantly above the speed limit. If they were driving responsibly to begin with and someone going under the speed limit was in their way of passing I can understand their frustration, but not to extent I’ve witnessed. I think a bit of responsible (and lawful) driving as well as patience needs to be exercised.

[@sgerlode]

@ohsopom You are insisting and can t admit that you are wrong. Driving in the left lane is illegal such as driving above the speed limit. When you drive in the left lane you are a reckless driver. . Some studies have identified left lane driving among the five behaviors on the road that most irritate drivers. Causing rage and frustration to others is dangerous on highways.... That is what I'm saying not to play it smart but because I love road trips and I ve seen where this kind o driving can lead... If anyone reads this please don't do it it's dangerous and causing a lot of problems...

[@demogorgon4244]

i read the channel name as something else.

[@LittleGoldenGunesh]

Turkey is not usa and random traffic stops is legal. By doing that they catchna lot of illegal activities amd criminals this way. It is for your own safety. If you are upset about it, dont drive there or respect the law.

[@ohsopom]

Yes, of course I follow the rules of the road when in Turkey. Thank you for taking the time to watch!

[@daglaroglucan]

@@ohsopomTurkish police is always incentivized to stop cars in random. There is nothing to worry about it or get stressed about it. If all your documents are alright everything is fine. Unlike US you can stand out of your car during the check no is going to shoot you. I don’t get ticketing with speed cams is illegal in USA since it is easier for a police officer to make error compared to an automated system which you can easily oppose in a court by just watching the recording .

[@ayhankaracaoglu6845]

Her comments are real sick, coming from a country where police kills about average 1000 people for simple reason per year, Then in Türkiye come and criticise our traffic police. Our police not obliged to explain you anything! They apply laws and rules. If your acts in traffic and documents are all ok ,there wont be a problem. If there is a problem police applies rules. You can do nothing except silently obeying !

[@zenjamin6983]

This is just a comparison between the USA and Turkey. I don’t care for the many comparisons with the USA..

[@ohsopom]

Thank you for taking the time to watch. I do mention in the thumbnail that I will be comparing the two and just want to offer my perspective since most of my viewers are from the US. I'm sure there are plenty of other Turkish videos about driving in the Turkey that might be better for you. Thanks!

[@user-tg1uv7ff8k]

I have driven in many countries in the world. There hwy rules, policing and driver style is not globally unique. You need to respect the country where you are and not compare it to the US.

[@mbndr6]

left lane is not fast lane. its passing lane. you never use left lane unless passing. so if someone can pass you on left you should obligated to give the way. Plus its very common for people in Turkey to give the way for faster cars. So they expect you you give them the passing lane as fast as possible.

[@ayhankaracaoglu6845]

Police officer not obliged to explain you, just checks you , your actions and documents. They wont give you any reason. They must not give you any reason. You are a problemmatic person !