How Much Does a Trip to Turkey Cost?

Turkey is a popular travel destination with a well-developed tourism industry. It is ranked around 20th in the world for GDP. If you are planning a trip to Turkey, you may wonder whether it is expensive to visit Turkey.

In this article, we will break down the costs of a trip to Turkey, including flights, local transportation, activities, meals, and hotels.

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1. Is It Expensive to Travel to Turkey?

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey

Turkey is an affordable travel destination compared to Western European countries due to its weaker economy.

The weak Turkish lira, which is currently trading at record lows against major currencies, has made it relatively cheap. In 2018, 1 dollar was exchanged at 5.30 lira. However, in November 2023, it's 29 lira, a devaluation of over 500% in 5 years.

Despite rising local prices, international tourists are not significantly affected, making Turkey an attractive and budget-friendly option. If you're thinking about visiting Turkey, now is an ideal time to plan your trip.

2. Typical Costs for a 10-Day Turkey Trip

Father and son are admiring the Duden Waterfalls in Antalya, Turkey

Typically, the cost of a private personalized tour in Turkey with 4-star hotels starts from US$400 per person per day based on a group of 2–4 people, which means the cost of a 10-day trip starts from US$4,000 per person.

The private tours that we create include a private guide, private car, domestic transfers, a full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, and 4-star hotels. However, some specific activities and international flights are not included in this cost.

If you prefer a more luxurious experience, you could spend an additional US$70–150 per person per day for 5-star accommodation.

Keep in mind that the cost of accommodation may vary based on your requirements. Most hotels in Turkey could accept the request for an extra bed at an additional price of 30%. And if you need a family room, the prices would be higher.

For a 10-day 3-person private family trip in Turkey, it would normally cost from US$8,000 if a family room is not required.

3. The Cost of International Flights to Turkey

Turkey has multiple international airports, including Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, Ankara, and Trabzon. Most travelers choose to land in Istanbul since it has the most direct international and domestic flights.

Usually, direct flights to Istanbul from cities in the US, such as New York, Boston, Miami, and Los Angeles, cost about US$1,200 for an economy round-trip air ticket and take a duration of 10 hours (departing from New York).

Turkey is like the back garden of the UK and direct flights to Istanbul are available from cities such as London and Manchester. These flights generally cost approximately US$350 for an economy round-trip and take from 4 hours (departing from London).

However, direct flights to Istanbul from Australia are not commonly available. In most situations, it requires a transfer in Dubai, with tickets starting from about US$1,100 for an economy round-trip and a total travel time of 20+ hours (departing from Melbourne).

To reduce flight expenses, you could opt for more layovers or plan your visit to Turkey during the low season. The months of January and February offer the cheapest flights at 30% lower as there are fewer tourists due to the cold weather conditions.

4. The Cost of Transportation in Turkey

The public transportation network in Turkey is limited and not all cities are connected. To travel between cities, domestic flights and private car transfers are the primary options due to the limited public transport and train choices.

• Domestic flights are the fastest and most convenient way to travel, taking approximately 2 hours and costing about US$70. However, not all cities have direct flights between them.
• Train fares vary depending on the route. For example, the cost of traveling from Ankara to Istanbul is approximately US$11 for a 450-kilometer journey (about 5 hours).

Nearby cities within 3 hours may not connected by planes or trains, so a private transfer is the most efficient and fastest mode of transportation. It could save your travel time and energy, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the scenic spots more fully.

Why not consider traveling with Global Highlights private transfers to enjoy a stress-free experience and create more lasting memories?

We offer personalized private tours tailored to your interests, with a knowledgeable local guide, a private driver, and a private vehicle. Our prices also include all domestic transfer fees.

5. The Cost of Attractions/Activities in Turkey

The cable car in the city of Ordu in Turkey

As a scenic, culturally rich, and historical country, Turkey holds numerous captivating sites and natural wonders that should not be missed.

However, the cost of visiting these attractions varies, with some requiring fees and others being free.

For example, entry to most mosques, including the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, is free in 2023, whereas the big sites, such as ancient Ephesus and Pamukkale, charge about US$20–30.

Moreover, activity costs differ based on individual preferences. In Cappadocia, a hot-air balloon ride catering to groups of 21–28 people starts at approximately US$80–110 per person. For a group of 16–20 individuals, the cost exceeds US$200 per person.

6. The Cost of Meals in Turkey

Kahvalti, traditional Turkish breakfast, Turkey

Turkish cuisine is renowned for its delicious and unique flavors, blending the best from Europe and Asia. It is sure to make your mouth water. Although the weak lira causes big issues for locals, the prices are attractively cheap for foreign visitors.

• The typical breakfast, kahvalti, costs about US$7.
• A meal at a mid-priced restaurant for two people with three dishes costs upward of US$30.
• Drinks like coffee cost about US$2. It's around US$1 for a Coca-Cola and US$3 for a beer.

If you are not interested in the local cuisine, you would have the option to dine at international restaurants run by foreigners from all over the world in the main destinations. The cost would depend on your order and menu prices would be clearly indicated.

7. The Cost of Accommodation in Turkey

Typically, a 3-star hotel in Turkey costs between US$50 and US$130 per night. However, it's important to be aware that the star rating may not reflect the quality.

For the best experience, we recommend booking a 4- or 5-star hotel with an English-speaking service, complete facilities, and a convenient location.

Prices for 4-star hotels range between US$90 and US$190 per night, while 5-star hotels range from US$150 to US$250 per night. Some super-luxury hotels may cost over US$300 per night.

In the low-season months, such as January and February, prices can decrease by about 20%, whereas during the peak season from June to August, prices may rise by more than 30%.

By choosing to travel with Global Highlights, we would take care of your itinerary, book hotels, and related services for you in advance, and even provide special arrangements for your big days, such as an anniversary or birthday, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable vacation.

Contact us now to start planning a personalized journey tailored to your needs and preferences.