Transportation in Dalyan

Flights to Dalyan

Getting around Dalyan

By bus

Turkey's buses are an economical and practical way to get around. The bus station at Ortaca is a major hub for international buses and national buses that go to Antalya, Ankara, Izmir and, of course, Istanbul. For tourists travelling on their own without a tour group, these buses are a wonderful way to mingle with the locals and a comfortable way to commute without putting too much of a strain on the wallet.

The local mini buses or dolmus are the cheapest transportation option for getting around Dalyan. The stop near the mainsquare connects to the bus station in Ortaca from where you can hop on one of many national service buses serving key towns in the area and further afield. The fare between Dalyan and Ortaca (one way) is 2.50 TL. You'll have to pay the driver directly.

Buses can also get you to most of the major sights on most days of the week. They also take you to the beaches in the area, including the gorgeous turtle (Iztuzu) beach. The bus route itself is fixed and the scheduled stops are limited but you can ask the driver to stop for you almost anywhere along the route and they'll usually agree. The mini buses in Dalyan are immensely popular and basic etiquette demands that the young give up their seats for older passengers and women. In case you have toddlers or young children, put them on your lap for the journey - people won't take kindly to a whole seat being occupied by your little ones. In case you board a packed bus and can't get to the driver to pay the fare, don't panic! It's perfectly acceptable to ask your co-passengers to pass your fare along to the driver.

By boat

There are regular boat trips to the beaches, lake and beyond. The hugely popular Iztuzu Beach is best reached by the Public Shuttle Boat that operates from the Dalyan harbour. The less interesting way to get to the beach is by dolmus, but you may regret passing up on the gentle ride through the tranquil waterways.

Local tour operators will take you on a whirl of the sights and it may be good to have a guide who can keep you enthralled with legends of the historical sites that you visit. It's well worth the money!

By road

Two roads lead into Dalyan. The road from Köyceğiz in the direction of Ortaca is about 24km long with a right turn when you're 10km short of Ortaca. The road itself is in pretty bad shape. The one from Ortaca to Dalyan is wide and in far better condition.

If you're trying to get to Sarıgerme, then you'll need to take the Osmaniye-Sarıgerme turn that you'll see on the road connecting Dalaman and Ortaca. You'll pass the Osmaniye village before arriving at the coastal area of Sarıgerme. Either try the road from Dalyan leading through the mountains and passing some small villages (Gokbel and Mergenli) and turning to Sarigerme.

By taxi

Taxis in Dalyan are inexpensive and fairly reliable. For longer journeys try and settle on a price before you leave and stick with the larger operators. You can identify a taxi by its bright yellow colour and the ‘Taksi' sign displayed on the roof.

Car rental

Car rental is an option, but you can do without a set of wheels. For travellers who choose to rent-a-car in Dalyan, remember to keep your driving licence with you whenever you're in the car and do ensure it is valid. If you're caught driving without your licence you could end up paying a hefty fine.

On foot/bicycle

Dalyan's natural environs lend themselves to a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, boating, fishing and more, and the landscape changes unexpectedly from hilly slopes to flatlands and beaches in a flash. If you can leg it to the top of the higher slopes in the mountains you'll be well rewarded with breathtaking views and stunning vistas. Other must-try activities for the more active are a bicycle ride to Iztuzu beach and a walk up to the Ekincik Bay. You won't be disappointed.