Turkey Travel Cost: How Much You Really Need for Your Trip

Dreaming of exploring Turkey but unsure about the expenses involved? Understanding the turkey travel cost is the first step toward turning your travel dreams into reality. This captivating country offers an incredible blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture that won't have to empty your wallet.

In this guide from TravelThru, we'll show you exactly how much things cost in Turkey. We'll cover hotels, food, transportation, and activities. By the end, you'll know exactly how to plan your perfect Turkish vacation without any budget surprises.

How Much Does a Trip to Turkey Cost?

Alright, let's get straight to the point: you want to know how much to budget for your Turkish vacation. The great news is that Turkey is surprisingly affordable, offering incredible value no matter your travel style.

So, how much should you actually plan to spend per day?

Here’s a simple breakdown of the average travel cost in Turkey per person, per day, not including your flights to get there:

To make it even easier, here’s a quick estimate for a 7-day trip to Turkey per person (excluding international flights):

• Budget week: Approximately $280 - $420
• Mid-range week: Approximately $490 - $840
• Luxury week: Approximately $1,400+

Detailed Breakdown of Turkey Travel Cost

So, you’ve seen the ballpark figures, but where will your money actually go? Turkey’s great value comes from the fact that you can find quality options at almost every price point. Let's break down the four main expense categories so you can start piecing together your perfect trip.

Accommodation Costs

Your bed for the night will likely be your biggest daily expense after your flight. The good news? You have tons of choices.

• Hostels: Perfect for solo travelers or those on a tight budget. A dorm bed in a clean, well-regarded hostel in cities like Istanbul or Fethiye will set you back about $20 - $35 USD per night. This often includes a simple breakfast and a great social atmosphere.

   

• Budget & mid-range hotels: For couples or anyone wanting more privacy, you'll find countless comfortable, clean, and charming "pansiyons" (guesthouses) and 3-star hotels. Expect to pay around $50 - $90 USD for a double room in most tourist areas.

   

• Luxury & boutique hotels: If you’re looking to indulge, Turkey delivers. High-end hotels and beautiful boutique spots in Istanbul or the coastal resorts of Bodrum and Antalya generally range from $120 - $300+ USD a night.

   

• Cappadocia cave hotels: Staying in a cave hotel is a bucket-list experience! Prices vary wildly, but a stay in a mid-range cave hotel typically costs $90 - $250 USD per night.

TravelThru Tip: Accommodation prices are lowest outside of the peak summer months (June-August). Booking a few weeks in advance, especially for popular spots, can lock in better rates.

Food & Drink Prices

Get ready to savor delicious food without straining your budget. Turkish cuisine is a highlight, and you can enjoy it on any budget.

• Street food: This is where you find some of the best and cheapest eats. A fresh simit (sesame bread ring) for breakfast, a hearty döner kebab for lunch, or roasted chestnuts for a snack will only cost you $2 - $5 USD.

   

• Local eateries (Lokantas): These are casual, cafeteria-style restaurants beloved by locals. You can point at what you want and get a delicious, filling plate of authentic Turkish home cooking (think stews, rice, and vegetables) for $7 - $12 USD.

   

• Mid-range restaurants: A lovely sit-down dinner for two, perhaps with a couple of mezes (appetizers), a main course each, and a shared dessert, will typically cost between $30 - $55 USD (without alcohol).

   

• Beverages: Staying hydrated and caffeinated is cheap! A glass of Turkish tea (çay) is often under $1 USD, a Turkish coffee is around $2-$3 USD, and a bottle of water is less than $0.50 USD. A local beer (Efes) will cost about $3 - $5 USD in a bar.
   

Transportation Costs

Getting around Turkey is a surprisingly smooth and efficient experience, with a variety of options to fit any budget. Within major cities like Istanbul or Ankara, embracing public transportation is the most cost-effective way to explore.

By getting a local transport card, such as the Istanbulkart, you can hop on trams, metros, and even the iconic public ferries for less than $1 USD per ride. While taxis are readily available, they are a more expensive choice. If you opt for a taxi, it's wise to use an app like BiTaksi to ensure you get a fair, metered rate.

For travelers seeking more comfort or convenience, especially for getting to and from the airport, pre-booking a private car can be a great, stress-free alternative. TravelThru chauffeur service allows you to arrange a driver in advance, providing a fixed price and the peace of mind that comes with having your ride sorted before you even land.

When it comes to traveling longer distances between Turkish cities, you have two excellent primary choices. The most popular and budget-friendly method is the extensive network of modern, comfortable intercity buses.

Traveling by bus in Turkey is a comfortable and budget-friendly choice. These modern coaches offer amenities like reclining seats, Wi-Fi, and even onboard service. For a major overnight trip, such as from Istanbul to Cappadocia, you can expect to pay a very reasonable price of around $25 to $40 USD.

If you need to cover long distances and want to save time, domestic flights are an excellent alternative. Airlines such as Turkish Airlines and Pegasus provide competitive fares. By booking your flight in advance, you can often find one-way tickets between major cities for just $35 to $85 USD.

Tours, Activities & Entrance Fees

Visiting Turkey's world-famous historical sites is a must for many. You should budget for entrance fees at major attractions, which are now often priced in Euros. 

For example, a visit to Istanbul's magnificent Topkapi Palace and its famous Harem will cost around €45. Exploring the sprawling ruins of the Ancient City of Ephesus is about €40, while the fascinating Göreme Open-Air Museum in Cappadocia has an entrance fee of approximately €20.

Beyond the ancient sites, there are iconic Turkish experiences to consider. The most famous is undoubtedly the hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia at sunrise. This is a significant splurge for most travelers, with standard flights typically costing between €150 and €250 per person.

In Istanbul, a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait is another unforgettable activity. You can enjoy this experience on a budget by taking the public ferry for just a few dollars. Or, you can opt for a more comprehensive guided tour cruise, which can range from $25 to $50 USD.

If you're planning on immersing yourself in history and visiting numerous sites, the Museum Pass Türkiye is an excellent investment. For a single price of €165, this pass grants you access to over 300 government-run museums and archaeological sites across the entire country for 15 consecutive days. If you're on a mission to see as much as possible, purchasing the pass can lead to significant savings compared to buying individual tickets at every location.

Miscellaneous Costs of Travel in Turkey​

You've budgeted for your flights, hotels, and that hot air balloon ride, but what about the smaller costs that add up? Factoring in these miscellaneous expenses from the start means no surprise charges later. Here’s a quick guide to the other costs you should consider.

Visa Costs

Before you even book your trip, check if you need a visa. Citizens of many countries, including the UK, can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. However, nationals from other countries, including the USA, Canada, and Australia, will likely need to apply for an e-Visa online before they travel.

The process is quick and easy, but there's a fee that typically ranges from $50 to $80 USD, depending on your nationality. Always use the official Republic of Türkiye e-Visa website to avoid overpaying on third-party sites.

Travel Insurance 

This is a non-negotiable expense. While Turkey has excellent healthcare, it can be expensive if you're not a resident. Travel insurance protects you from unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and theft. For a one-week trip, a good comprehensive policy can cost anywhere from $30 to $70 USD. Paying a bit more up front really saves you headaches down the road.

Shopping and Souvenirs

This part of your budget is entirely personal, but it's easy to be tempted by the incredible shopping in Turkey! From beautiful hand-painted ceramics and intricate Turkish carpets to boxes of sweet Turkish delight and aromatic spices from the bazaar, you'll likely want to bring something home. It's a good idea to set a separate, personal budget for souvenirs so you can shop without guilt.

Tipping Culture in Turkey

In Turkey, tipping is a customary and appreciated gesture. At restaurants and cafes, a cash tip of 5-10% is standard for good service. Just check the bill first to see if a "servis ücreti" (service charge) has already been included.

For other services, it's considerate to tip hotel porters a few dollars and to give an excellent tour guide around $10-15 USD per person for a full day's work. When taking a taxi, you don't need to tip your driver, but it's common to simply round up the fare to the nearest convenient bill ("üstü kalsın," or "keep the change").

Tips to Save Money on Your Turkey Trip

One of the best things about Turkey is that it’s already a high-value destination. But who doesn’t love making their travel budget stretch even further? A few smart choices can save you a surprising amount of money.

Here are seven simple tips for saving money when travelling in Turkey:

• Travel in the shoulder season 

The peak summer months of June through August bring the biggest crowds and the highest prices for flights and hotels. Instead, plan your trip for the shoulder seasons in Turkey, April to May or September to October. The weather is still beautiful and sunny, the crowds are thinner, and you’ll find much better accommodation deals.

• Embrace public transportation 

Taxis are convenient, but the costs can add up quickly. Do what the locals do! In cities like Istanbul, the public transport system of trams, metros, and ferries is incredibly efficient and cheap. An Istanbulkart will get you almost anywhere for less than a dollar per ride. For travel between cities, choose the comfortable and modern intercity buses over flights for the biggest savings.

• Eat at lokantas and enjoy street food 

Restaurants in prime tourist spots have prices to match their views. For a more authentic and affordable meal, walk a block or two away from the main square and look for a lokanta. These are casual eateries where you can get a delicious, filling plate of home-style Turkish food for just a few dollars. Don't forget to sample the street food, a fresh simit or a tasty kebab is a perfect, cheap lunch.

• Always pay in Turkish Lira

When using your credit card at a restaurant or shop, the card machine may ask if you want to pay in your home currency (e.g., USD, EUR) or in Turkish Lira (TRY). Always choose Turkish Lira! If you choose your home currency, you're accepting something called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which often comes with a poor exchange rate and hidden fees.

• Get a local SIM card

Don't get hit with massive roaming charges from your home provider. As soon as you arrive, you can buy a Turkish SIM card from providers like Turkcell or Vodafone at the airport or in any city. For a small fee (around $20-30), you'll get plenty of data to use maps and stay connected without worry.

For further convenience, consider an eSIM. You can purchase one online from TravelThru Extra before your trip and install it on your compatible phone to be connected the moment you land.

• Learn to haggle respectfully

 
Haggling is part of the shopping culture in Turkey, but only in the right places, like the Grand Bazaar, local markets, and souvenir shops. It’s not appropriate in modern stores, restaurants, or cafes with listed prices. Be polite, have a smile on your face, and start with a reasonable counter-offer. It's a fun part of the experience, and it can save you 15-30% off the initial price.

• Stay outside the main tourist hubs 

You don't need a hotel directly next to the Blue Mosque to have a great time. Accommodation just a few metro or tram stops away from the main tourist squares (like Sultanahmet in Istanbul) can be significantly cheaper. You’ll get more value for your money and get to experience a more local neighborhood vibe, all while still being just a short, easy ride away from the main attractions.

>>> Read more: How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Italy?

In the end, a trip to Turkey is an investment in memories that will last a lifetime. This country offers incredible value for every kind of traveler. You can feast on delicious food, explore ancient wonders, and soak in breathtaking views without ever breaking the bank. With the right planning and the tips in this guide, you can craft the perfect adventure. We hope this has fully prepared you to budget for your ideal turkey travel cost.