Calis Beach and Fethiye Turkey Discussion Forum
Flights, Airlines and Airports => Flights to Dalaman and Turkey, Airlines and Airports => Topic started by: julesbob0303 on March 19, 2011, 00:31:52 AM
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How easy is it to get to the centre of Istanbul from the "other" airport on the asian side, ie not Ataturk? Can get local flights but not into Ataturk. If its not too far, may give it a try for a couple of nights in October.
Also, how much, approximately, is an internal flight from Istanbul (either airport) into Dalaman?
Thanks for any help. :)
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its very easy to get to the main town . . . There are many buses. But it can take a long time depending on the time of day/week you arrive.
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Thanks johnboy. We're thinking of staying at a hotel near the airport for the night as we would arrive around 7.30pm, then make our way into the city centre the following morning, staying a couple of nights in a more central location, then fly back out of Ataturk to Dalaman. It doesn't look too complicated, and the flight is so cheap, it'll be worth the cost of a hotel room for the night, rather than fly into Ataturk. Thanks again. :)
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Go out of the airport and get the Havas bus. It costs 14tl and takes you to Taksim square where you can easily pick up trams, metro, taxi etc.
You could be in Sultanhamet by 10pm landing at that time of night if you get a taxi from Taxsim Sq.
Very easy but traffic in Istanbul is a nightmare so time may vary.
Getting back to airport we booked one of the pick up services, hotel to airport,you can see in Sultanhamet. It was cheaper and door to door.
We used the Hali Hotel in Sultanhamet. Right in the middle of the attraction with fab views from the breakfast terrace.
http://www.halihotel.com/en/index.php?page=reservation
It's a great place and well worth a visit.
Fi
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Thanks Fi. I've booked the flights (VERY excited now!). It's our 30th wedding anniversary later in the year. We gave lots of thought to doing something "special" then decided that, as we love Turkey so much, that was what we wanted to do, but, instead of just flying out to our apartment, we'd have a stop off in Istanbul for a couple of nights, as we've never been before!
Only two seats left on the flight, so not much time to dither!! :o
Flying out of London and into SAW airport, then back from Dalaman to Bristol (so nice and local on the return leg of the journey), including airport lounges, for a bit more comfort! Only £300 for both of us for all of that with Easyjet, including luggage and nice day time flights for a total of 9 nights! :D
Just need to book the hotel in Istanbul and the domestic flight to Dalaman now. Any advice on internal flight booking would be greatly received!! :)
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Pegasus and book on line is the cheapest.
You'll so love it and what a great anniversary trip.
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Worth looking at both Turkish Airlines and Pegasus flights from Istanbul to Dalaman as TK sometimes has good deals. TK fly from Ataturk airport, which is also cheaper to get a transfer to from Sultanahmet, Pegasus fly from SAW. Taxi from Sultanahmet to Ataturk last week at 05.30 cost me 35 lira.
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A few more questions you may be able to help me with:-
1. What time does the Havas bus run until on a Saturday evening?
2. Would it be worth our while staying at the hotel at SAW airport on the evening we arrive, and making the move in the morning? We could then stay at a more central point for a couple of nights.
3. Flights out of SAW into Dalaman are really cheap (50 odd turkish lira each), but it would mean that we'd have to travel back to SAW, and the flight times are just after 6am (so we'd have to stay in the airport hotel the night before), or around 8pm, meaning we'd be lugging a suitcase round all day! What is the best way round this?
4. Couldn't find any domestic flights from Ataturk to Dalaman, though to be honest, I didn't spend much time looking!! Will have a look on the Turkish Airlines site tomorrow, and see what I can find!
5. A list of places not to miss in Istanbul?
Thanks for all your help! Just need my hand held a little bit longer then I'm sure we'll cope on our own!!! :)
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Leave your case at the hotel till you get the transfer back to airport in the evening, no need to trug it around and then you get most of the day for more sightseeing.
I would go straight to your central hotel then you don't waste a morning moving and traffic will be lighter in the evening than in a morning.
I think the Havas buses is a all day service and the flight you are arriving on is early evening so can't see why it wouldn't run as there are hundreds of flights landing there.
Can fill you in on places to see when we see you in the next few weeks.
Transfers from central Istanbul by private transfer are great as they pick you up from your hotel (where you have left your cases after checking out)and take you direct to SAW I think it was 20 each. That you book when in situ.
Can give you loads of info in April when you're over.
Fi
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For a very reasonable fee (incl hotels and flights) we can be your guides if you wish.:D:D:D ;) ;) ;) 8)
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I'm not sure two nights will be enough in Istanbul. Plenty to see and do there
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2 nights not enough. I am still finding stuff after being here for almost 20 years.
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Hi (first post for me)
The cheapest, scenic and most enjoyable transfer from Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) to Sultanahmet is by by public transport. Takes between 1.5 and 2 hours.
Directions are:
Take the E10 bus (green) from right outside of Arrivals. Leaves every 30 minutes, and costs TL3.5 (pay the driver).
The trip takes between 40 minutes and an hour, and stops to pick-up and drop-off several times. The driver doesn't hang about, so make sure you get a seat.
Get off at the terminus at Kadikoy. You can't miss it, as it's also the ferry terminal (make a mental note of where the bus stop is for your return trip).
In front of you will be the Sea of Marmaris. To the left (100 yards) you'll see the ferry terminal. Go in to the terminal and buy a jeton from one of the machines just inside, costs TL1.75. Then go through the barrier. You want the ferry to Eminonu (every 20 minutes or so). An illuminated board shows which ferry is which. There's only one stop, ie Eminonu, and it takes about 25 minutes (smashing little cruise, and a great introduction to the awesome city that awaits you!)
When you get off you need the tram, the stop is just to the right as you look at the road. Go to the tram stop and you'll need to buy another ticket (jeton), again TL1.75).
The tram will get you up the hill to Sultanahmet in about 5 minutes. The stops are named, and Sultanahmet 3rd stop) is the next stop after Gulhane.
If you are travelling relatively lightly it's a very pleasant 15 minutes walk from the ferry, just follow the tram line.
Sounds complicated, but it's really easy, and the total cost is TL7!
The last ferry from Kadikoy to Eminonu is about 2030, after that you can get the ferry from Kadikoy to Karakoy (right opposite Eminonu, just over the Galata Bridge), and get the tram from there.
Details for the airport shuttle from Sabiha Gokcen are www.istanbulairportshuttle.com, or phone: 00 90 212 518 03 54. Takes an hour or so depending on traffic. Cost 10 euros each way.
Some good and inexpensive hotels in Sultanahmet are Hanedan, Peninsula and Grand Peninsula. A couple in Gulhane (stop before Sutanahment) are Sude Konak, and the Agan. But there are 100s to choose from depending on your budget.
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Thank you Pete - I must say though, that sounds VERY complicated! May give it a try though!
Thanks also to Fi and Eric (have considered you both as guides, and decided it could be a VERY expensive trip!!! Very nice of you to offer though! :D:D:D )
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:D 8): :)
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Luggage allowance on Domestic flights is less than on International. 15kg on Domestic.
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But 11kg hand luggage with Pegasus.:D
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quote:
Originally posted by julesbob0303
Thank you Pete - I must say though, that sounds VERY complicated! May give it a try though!
I knew it would sound complicated, but didn't want to skimp on the detail, as once you get off the E10 bus at Kadikoy you are right in the thick of the hustle and bustle, and for some people it may feel a bit in your face.
This is easier:
E10 bus from outside arrivals (TL3.5 - approx 50 minutes)
Get off at last stop (Kadikoy Ferry)
Take direct ferry to Eminonu (TL1.75 - 25 minutes)
Take tram to Sultanahmet (TL1.75 - 5 minutes (3 stops))
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You can catch a taxi at Eminonu if you are travelling with suitcases it is easier.
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quote:
Originally posted by Daffodil
You can catch a taxi at Eminonu if you are travelling with suitcases it is easier.
We use the bus/ferry/tram option as we only travel with a pull-along (max 20KG) and a shoulder bag each.
If you've got suitcases then why man-handle them all the way to Eminonu? Use the airport shuttle door-to-door from Sabiha Gokcen www.istanbulairportshuttle.com. The shuttle runs additional services outside the schedule on the website, so if what suits you isn't advertised give them a ring on 00 90 212 518 03 54.
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A very delayed thank you for your helpful advice. Think we will give Pete's route a try! It doesn't look as complicated as it originally did! (Think I was a bit bamboozled that day, after looking at flights etc! :) )
Just one more question - I notice that the prices for the airport shuttle are in EUROS! Is this the norm in Istanbul? I hadn't given any thought to getting anything other than some Turkish Lira to take with us! :o
Still looking at hotels - there are just so many! I can't decide whether to book something really special, as its for our 30th wedding anniversary, or just a "nice" central hotel with lovely views and good reviews! :)
Have also looked at the suggestions put forward - they all look so nice! ;)
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It was our Wedding Anniversary and we stayed at Sirkeci Konak
It's a fabulous hotel with a sun terrace, bar and restaurant on the roof and a gym and pool in the basement. If you look at the pictures on the website you will see the room we had "the deluxe room" lovely views to the park and down to the cruise ships and a nice balony to sit and relax on. It has won the Travellers Award for the last three years. We would not think of going anywhere else when we return.
http://www.sirkecikonak.com/
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The prices maybe quoted in euros but they will and have to accept Turkish lira.
I tried the public transport route once without baggage and wouldnt do it again. The trams can get packed and even worse if you try and drag baggage. Just takes up too much time and very inconvenient.
We had 4 members of family fly in the other week for the Formula 1. We arranged a company to pick them up and bring them to our home in Ortakoy (Euro side) in a chauffeur driven vito. Cost 70 lira, between 4 people thats not a bad price.
As for hotels, if the grand bazaar etc is what you want then its a convenient location. If you been to Istanbul a few times and not interested in the Grand bazaar area then it really is not that great an area. I have several family members coming this August for my wedding and Sirkeci and Sultanahmet area is the last place I would put them.
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So where would you recommend Starman?
Loved the hotel Jacqui; it really looks lovely. Trouble is, there is just so much choice and loads of the hotels look fab! I'll get it sorted in the end!!! 8)
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If you are a first time visitor, the area you will want is near the Grand Bazaar etc., Our Hotel was in walking distance of Topkapi Palace (which has the cheapest souvenir shop in the grounds, all genuine Turkish made items and all items priced). The Blue Mosque and in the other direction 5 minutes to the ferries for day trips. There is also a little Bazaar near the ferries which, on a Sunday has lots of market stalls in all the streets around it.
I have to say Topkapi was my favourite place absolutely loved it have never seen jewels like the ones they have. The Hotel we stayed in must be doing something right they are always in the top three Istanbul Hotels on Tripadvisor and keep winning the Travellers Choice award every year. ;)
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Thanks for all the advice to Julesbob. We're thinking of going to Calis via Istanbul in September/October so i think I'll be 'pilfering' the advice. :)
To get from Istanbul to Calis, I thought about getting a train to Denizli (I think there's one?) and then bus from there. IOr is is more cost effective to fly? And how would i go about buying a tran ticket? Thanks
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Hi Elsa, we booked flights from Istanbul to Dalaman through Pegasus. They were £20 each one way, which I thought was fantastic! :)
Our flights from London to Istanbul were £49 each (again one way) so a bargain holiday. At that price, we could even afford to book the airport lounge in London to while away the time with a little drink or two!! :o
The flights from Dalaman to Bristol to get us back home were also very cheap (I think about £80 each). :)
Just the hotel to book in Istanbul now! ;)
Have a great time. May even see you there as we're going in October. [:o)]
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If you are a first time visitor to Istanbul then I agree that being around Eminonu is the best bet due to location to most of the tourist sites.
If not a first time visitor and dont want to be among the tourist crowds then there are plenty of small boutique hotels along the Bosphorus.
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We have booked with Pegasus to go from Dalaman next March (£15.90p each retn) and are staying 5 mins from the Blue Mosque at the Hotel Dara for 6 nights.
The reviews for the hotel were very good (even though it was very reasonably priced)and as we like walking around the more traditional areas, me practising my Turkish and being woken up by the calls to prayer (which seemed to be the only criticism by a small number of the hotel) so we are hoping this will suit us.
Getting from the airport using the E10 sounds not only the best but by far the cheapest option so thanks for the details.
Just hope our 2 medium sized cases don't present a problem - but in Turkey I wouldn't think so!
Ian :D
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Hi Julesbob, thanks for the flight details. I haven't booked flights YET. I know I should but have reasons for waiting just a little longer. We'll be going probably late Sept and not too sure how long for, where we'll go afterwards and how, but it needs to be decided soon!