If you're planning to rent a car in Turkey and embark on an unforgettable journey, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the country's toll road system. Turkey offers a variety of transportation options, including well-maintained roads and scenic ferry routes to explore.

Quality of Roads in Turkey

Turkey boasts an extensive network of highways and roads, which are generally in good condition. There is no vignette system in Turkey; instead, the country relies on toll roads to fund the maintenance and construction of its infrastructure.

Toll Roads and Fees in Turkey

Some of the major toll highways in Turkey include:

  • Otoyol 1 (O-1): The highway connects Istanbul's European and Asian sides via the Bosphorus Bridge. It's a convenient route for travelers visiting both parts of the city.
  • Otoyol 2 (O-2): This motorway connects Istanbul to Ankara, the capital city, making it an essential route for those who want to explore both cities.
  • Otoyol 5 (O-5): Also known as the Aegean Motorway, this highway stretches from Istanbul to the city of Izmir, providing access to popular coastal areas.

Toll fees for these highways vary depending on the vehicle type and distance traveled. Some important points to keep in mind:

  • Toll fees are collected electronically using the HGS (Hızlı Geçiş Sistemi) system or the OGS (Otomatik Geçiş Sistemi).
  • It's essential to obtain an HGS or OGS card before using toll roads. These can be purchased at authorized dealers, post offices, or certain banks.
  • The toll fees are automatically deducted from the balance on the card as you pass through the toll gates.
  • Fines can be imposed for not having a valid HGS or OGS card while using toll roads.

Car Ferries in Turkey

Turkey's unique geography offers travelers the opportunity to utilize car ferries for more efficient and scenic routes. One of the most popular car ferry routes is between Çanakkale and Eceabat, which allows you to cross the Dardanelles Strait and explore the historic Gallipoli Peninsula. The fee for a car and driver is around 45-50 Turkish Lira (TL) one way (as of 2022).

Other notable ferry routes include Istanbul to Yalova, the fee for a car and driver is around 135-150 TL one way, and Bandırma to Tekirdağ, with the fee is around 115-130 TL one way.