Private car transfer from Izmir to Istanbul

Your journey of going through some of the most captivating landscapes and historic sites of Turkiye (Turkey) will start with the small towns and villages surrounding İzmir. If you are leaving İzmir early, having a traditionally rich Turkish breakfast in one of these villages, such as Nazarkoy, the capital of the evil eye beads, can be a great start to your trip.

As you move further north from here, the landscape shifts to more rugged terrain, with pine forests becoming a common sight. But nothing in the trip can be compared to approaching İstanbul when glimpses of the Sea of Marmara appear.

Entering İstanbul itself is quite a dramatic transition as you move from the rural landscapes into one of the world’s most historically rich and densely populated cities. İstanbul’s skyline of minarets and modern buildings alongside the Bosphorus will inspire you to dive more deeply into the city if you haven’t yet.

What you probably know İstanbul for is that it spans two continents, Europe and Asia, divided by the Bosphorus Strait. This strong geographical position is one of the reasons why it was the eastern capital of the Roman Empire—the main capital of the Ottoman Empire, and why it has maintained its position in the world. Being ruled under several different and great authorities left it as a patchwork of cultures, religions, and cultures—it can even be seen in the changes of its name, Byzantium, Constantinople, then İstanbul, each reflecting a different era of its past.

İstanbul is home to many historically significant buildings, including the Hagia Sophia, which has served as a cathedral, museum, and now a mosque again. When it was first built as a cathedral between 532 to 537 AD, it was the largest one in the world for almost a thousand years.

Some of the other buildings holding religious and architectural significance that you should definitely stop by are the Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), famous for its striking blue tiles, and the Süleymaniye Mosque, crowning the third hill of İstanbul, which is extra interesting if you’d like to see one of the great architect Mimar Sinan’s works. Walking around the complex also comes with grand views of the city and the sea.

Be well-prepared for the journey

While the comfort of traveling by a private car service like Daytrip is unparalleled, it's still a long drive, nearly five hours. To make your travel as comfortable as possible, consider packing snacks, water, and entertainment options like music, podcasts, or audiobooks. Wear comfortable clothing and possibly bring a neck pillow if you plan to nap. Also, keep a small bag handy with essentials like sunglasses, a power bank for your devices, and any medications you might need.

İzmir to İstanbul by car

It is possible to drive from İzmir to İstanbul in around five to six hours, but this can change depending on the time you choose to start your trip, when you approach İstanbul, and your driving speed. You’d travel mostly via O-5 and E881 highways. Although driving means creating your own schedule, it can be quite tiring because of long driving hours and heavy traffic, especially entering and in İstanbul. And considering how crowded İstanbul is, parking can be quite difficult too.

İzmir to İstanbul by bus

Kamil Koc and Metro Turizm operate hourly buses between İzmir and İstanbul. Some of the Kamil Koc buses require a transfer at Konakoğlu Rest Station, but the rest are usually direct connections. The cost of İzmir to İstanbul transfer by bus, starting around $13 (€12), is way more economical than flying or driving, but it has quite a long travel time, which is eight hours. The bus trips are also subject to traffic delays and offer only very limited refreshment stops.

İzmir to İstanbul by plane

Traveling from İzmir to İstanbul by commercial flight is one of the fastest methods. The flight duration is one hour, with multiple flights available daily. These flights depart from İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) and arrive at either İstanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW).

While this option is the quickest way to travel between the two cities, remember to account for additional time spent on airport security and check-in procedures. It is also more expensive than driving or taking a bus. Flights cost approximately $35 (€32).

İzmir to İstanbul by private car service

Getting to İstanbul from İzmir by a door-to-door private car service such as Daytrip is the option that not only provides the highest quality but also flexibility and fun. Not having to deal with the traffic jams of two of the most crowded cities of Turkiye, driving according to foreign traffic rules, spending eight hours in a bus or trying to catch a flight will save you a lot of energy and time.

Plus, none of these options comes with such flexibility and comfort to explore as much as you desire on the way. A seat in a comfortable sedan with an English-speaking driver costs $129 (€119).

Spend an afternoon in Galata and Istiklal area

Taksim is one of the cores of İstanbul, an area that spreads its essence all throughout the city. Start by climbing up to the iconic Galata Tower from the street right across it. From where you stand at the beginning of this street, Galata Tower covers up all your vision and pulls you towards itself. Treat yourself to some çay and baklava in some of the cafes here with the view of the tower. Go up to Galata for a wide view of the city and the Golden Horn, but beware of the opening times since it can be temporarily closed due to reconstruction.

Then, after descending, still a bit awestruck by the scenery, stroll through the narrow streets lined with boutiques, cafes, and art galleries. Make your way towards Istiklal Avenue, a lively pedestrian street that leads to Taksim Square. Along Istiklal, you'll find a variety of shops, historic passageways, and the nostalgic tram that runs the length of the avenue.

Travel to Büyükada for a day

Büyükada is the largest of the Princes’ Islands and has been the sole source of İstanbulers when they want a little peace of mind. Once you get enough of İstanbul’s hustle, take a ferry from Eminönü or Bostanci and get to Büyükada in 35 minutes to one hour and 15 minutes, depending on which stop you hop on the ferry.

The best thing about the island is that it’s mostly car-free, so you can rent a bike to explore pine forests and Ottoman houses. Don’t leave without visiting the Aya Yorgi Church and Monastery, looking over the island on top of its highest hill. If you are there in the summertime, take a dip in its relaxing waters.

Dive into the young vibes of Kadıköy

There, on the Asian side of İstanbul lies the heart of youth and culture, beating in Kadıköy. Start getting to know this area in Kadıköy Market, where you’ll be welcomed by eager and warm sellers, offering you to try a variety of Turkish delicacies and browse through stalls selling everything from spices to vintage clothing.

Then, walk towards the Moda neighborhood and have a coffee in some of its laid-back cafes on tree-lined streets. End your day by catching a sunset at the Moda Seaside Park and a performance at the Barış Manço Cultural Center, named after the famous Turkish rock musician who once lived in the area.

For better weather (around 77°F/25°C) and fewer crowds, the shoulder months—September to October and March to May—are perfect for planning your trip from İzmir to İstanbul. During these months, you can explore the city in peace, without the summer heat. These months also host cultural highlights like the İstanbul International Film Festival in April and the Tulip Festival, which draws many visitors and photographers.

Summer, from June to August, is the peak tourist season, coinciding with school holidays in Turkiye and much of Europe. Despite higher accommodation costs, the city buzzes with numerous festivals like the İstanbul Music Festival and the International Jazz Festival. But keep in mind that the weather can get pretty hot during the summer (around 85°F/30°C).