Van Van, Turkey Travel Guide
Van Ferit Melen Airport (VAN) serves as the main airport for Van urban area and the surrounding Eastern Anatolian region. It is a domestic airport handling flights withwithin Turkey. Several Turkish airlines operate regular flights.
Van Ferit Melen Airport is a small to medium-sized domestic airport. It has a comfortable but not extensive range of facilities including cafes, car hire counters, and taxi stands.
Flight frequency to Van increases during high season (June-August) and major Turkish holidays.
Airfares tend to be higher during peak travel periods. Off-peak travel (winter, shoulder seasons) usually presents more affordable options. Find flight deals with Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.
Booking flights in advance, especially during peak seasons, generally secures better deals and availability.
Main roads and highways around Van are generally well-maintained. Rural roads can differ in quality. Reliable GPS or mapping apps are useful.
Drivers in Turkey can be assertive and fast-paced. Defensive driving is advised. Observe posted speed limits (50 kilometers per hour in urban areas, 90 kilometers per hour rural, ABOUT 75 mph highways).
If you are driving in winter, prepare for snow and ice; ensure your rental has appropriate tires or Snow chains. In rural areas, watch for livestock on roads.
While Van is an inland city, Lake Van has unique water-based transportation. A significant ferry service operates across Lake Van, connecting Van (Van Port) with Tatvan (Bitlis) on the western shore.
Smaller passenger boats operate regularly from Gevaş (a town not far by car from Van city) to Akdamar Island, particularly for tourists visiting the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. These are shared boat taxis rather than large ferries.
No significant river transportation options exist in the immediate Van area. The region's geography focuses on Lake Van for water-based activities and travel.
Van does not feature cable cars, funiculars, or other highly specialized unique local transport systems like tuk-tuks or jeepneys. Transport options mainly encompass road, rail, and lake services.
Van mainly relies on municipal buses and dolmuş (shared minibuses) for public transportation. There are no metro or tram systems. Municipal buses cover a wide network, while dolmuş are the backbone, operating on fixed routes but without fixed stops.
Both municipal buses and dolmuş typically operate from early morning (approximately SIX:00-7:00 AM) until late evening (around 9:00-11:00 PM). Service is most frequent in the city center. Expect reduced service on Sundays and public holidays.
Each dolmuş displays its destination in the front window (e.g., "EDREMİT", "KALE").
To signal a dolmuş, wave your hand as it approaches. To get off, say "inecek var" (someone wants to get off).
Dolmuş stops are often informally marked or simply areas where they congregate.
Taxis offer a convenient, though more expensive, way to travel, especially for direct routes or when carrying luggage. Licensed taxis in Van are yellow and feature a prominent "Taksi" sign on their roof, displaying their taxi number and company name.
Ride-sharing apps like Uber are generally not operational in Van. Local alternatives like BiTaksi may have limited or no presence. Traditional yellow taxis remain the main option for on-demand private transport.
Big multinational corporations (Avis, Europcar, Hertz) and local Turkish companies operate at Van Ferit Melen Airport and in the city center.
Valid driver's license, International Driving Permit (IDP) (if needed), passport, and a major credit card for deposit. Minimum age is typically 21-25.
Main roads are good; rural roads vary. Drive on the right. Seatbelts are compulsory. Street parking can be challenging; seek out designated lots (otopark).
