What is the Best Route from Istanbul to Fethiye? (2023)

Have you been wondering how to get from Istanbul to Fethiye? I’ve got you covered!

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As a resident of Istanbul, Turkey, I have had the pleasure of visiting Fethiye multiple times.

It is a beautiful city located on the pristine Mediterranean Sea. The easiest and fastest way to get there is by taking a one-hour flight from Istanbul to Fethiye.

However, if you are looking for an adventure, the drive takes roughly 8 hours and passes through some stunning historical sites and quaint villages along the way.

Living in Turkey has allowed me to travel from city to city easily and cheaply.

I always enjoy talking to tourists who want to make the most of their time here, so I can recommend the best places they need to visit and activities to do while they are here.

With its breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality, Fethiye should be on everyone’s bucket list!

1. Flight from Istanbul

Flying between Istanbul and Fethiye is the quickest and typically cheapest way to get to the beautiful southern part of Turkey when you’re pressed for time.

Plus, flying is a great way to experience some spectacular views of Turkey’s countryside!

There are two airports in Istanbul, one on the Asian side (SAW) and one on the European side (IST), where flights leave daily – so there’s plenty of competition and affordable prices.

This is nice because you can just fly out of the closest airport.

I live on the Asian side so I fly through SAW whenever possible because it is an easy metro ride away for me.

With so many diirect flights available, you can easily find one that fits your budget and schedule. Both Turkish Airlines and Pegasus have multiple flights a day.

I will note that there isn’t an airport in Fethiye. You will need to fly into Dalaman Airport.

I do recommend renting a car while in Fethiye and you can read all about my thoughts on visiting Fethiye with some more tips for that part of your trip.

From high above, you can spot lush green hills and ancient ruins that line the coast, breathtakingly beautiful reminders of a culture with a rich history.

So if you’re looking for a fast and fun way to explore the southern region of Turkey, hop on a plane and fly from Istanbul to Fethiye for an unforgettable journey!

It is the fastest, most convenient way to travel in Turkey. Here are the top 3 benefits of flying between these two cities:

1. It provides you with stunning aerial views of the Bosphorus and Mediterranean Sea.
2. The flight time between these two cities is less than an hour, making for a very efficient trip.
3. It is also a cost-effective way to travel, especially when compared to taking a road trip.

Average Ticket Price: $80-130 round trip

Travel Time: Flight time is around an hour. Travel time to the airport will greatly be affected by where you are coming from and which airport you go to.

Best For: someone who doesn’t love long road trips or is pressed for time

2. Riding a bus

Istanbul to Fethiye is a popular route for tourists, but what many don’t know is that the journey can be done overnight on a bus which takes 12 hours!

Sure, you won’t have the luxury of a plane ticket or your own vehicle, but it’s an incredibly affordable way to get from one city to the other – and you can even catch some Zs on the ride.

It would be an adventure! It is a direct bus in that you don’t have to change buses bu there are mamny stops along the way.

Plus, you get to experience local Turkish culture firsthand, with locals talking and laughing in their native language.

The scenery along the way is stunning as well. You pass through lush green valleys surrounded by towering mountains.

While I haven’t taken the bus, I have driven and seen the beautiful scenery along the way. For me, the time it took wasn’t worth saving a few bucks.

The views are definitely worth staying awake for if you can manage it and if you take one during the day.

Here are the top three benefits of taking the bus to Fethiye:

1. Bus tickets can be slightly cheaper than plane tickets and they can take you anywhere within a reasonable distance.
2. Traveling by bus gives you more time to appreciate your surroundings and enjoy the sights and sounds as you go along your journey.
3. Depending on your budget, there are different types of buses available ranging from regular economy class buses to premium luxury coaches with comfortable seats and air-conditioning. Most have Wi-Fi on board.

By taking the bus to Fethiye, you get an authentic experience that will stay with you for a lifetime!

Average Ticket Price: $35-$50 one way / $70-$100 round trip

Travel Time: 12ish hours

Best For: Someone wanting to save every penny possible and has lots of time

3. renting a Car

Travel from Istanbul to Fethiye may be expensive, but it offers the most flexibility for adventurous travelers.

You can make the trip in 8 ish hours, or you could take your time, stopping at places along the way that catch your eye and exploring as much as you’d like.

With a car, you can turn off down any road that catches your attention and see what hidden gems it holds – whether it be a small town with incredible views of the sea, or an ancient ruin tucked away in some mountain pass.

Taking a road trip is certainly different than taking a flight or bus; you get to become part of the journey instead of just being an observer.

Living in Istanbul can be hectic and sometimes it’s nice to get away for a break. Driving from Fethiye to Istanbul is one of the best ways to do this, as it offers a number of benefits.

1. The ability to explore parts of Turkey you would miss if you flew straight there. The journey allows you to stop at different towns and cities along the way, giving you a more rounded experience of Turkish culture.
2. You can take different routes to and from Fethiye and see more of Turkey than you would be on either a plane or a bus.
3. It takes less time to drive straight there than to take a bus.

Price: Gas – $90-130 / Car Rental – depends on how long you have it but roughly $15-20/day

Travel Time: This will vary drastically depending on how much you stop but if you drive straight through, it’s 8h-ish drive

Best For: a small group who wants to explore and has a bit of time to play with

Frequently asked questions About HOw to go to Fethiye from Istanbul