Travel Costs & Prices in Turkey

In 2009 the Turkish Lira weakened considerably against the US dollar, euro and UK pound, making Turkey a much more economical destination for travelers carrying those currencies.

Here are current Turkish Lira exchange rates. Note that new Turkish Lira bills/notes were introduced starting January 1, 2009.

This is an excellent time to travel in Turkey!

In general, travel costs are highest in Istanbul and at Turkish beach resorts in July and August; lowest in the small towns of eastern Turkey, and off-season (November through March; see my Turkish Almanac.)

The daily travel cost estimates below are per-person, per day, for two people traveling together (that is, sharing a hotel room) and include lodging, three meals, and some transportation. (If you're traveling alone, expect to spend 35% more.)

First, check the rate of exchange for your currency and the Turkish Lira.

Rock Bottom: TL40 to TL60 staying in pensions with breakfast included, eating one picnic and one restaurant meal daily, and riding buses and trains.

Budget: TL60 to TL85 staying in one- and two-star hotels with private baths and breakfast included, eating most meals in average restaurants, and traveling more comfortably by bus and train.

Moderate: TL85 to TL140 staying in three- and four-star hotels, dining in restaurants all the time, riding buses, trains, and low-fare airline flights; in a party of four, an occasional car rental.

Comfort Class: TL120 to TL200 staying in four-star hotels, dining at quite good restaurants, traveling by air, the best trains, and rental car.

Deluxe: TL200 to TL600 and up, staying at the top luxury hotels, dining regally at the best restaurants, getting around by plane, chauffeur-driven rental car and the occasional hot-air balloon flight or private yacht cruise.

The Turkish Lira is divided into 100 kurus (koo-ROOSH). More...

Note that the New Turkish Lira (YTL: Yeni Türk Lirasi), current from 2005 through 2008, are being withdrawn from circulation, and you should not accept them. Accept only the "E9" series Turkish Lira bills/notes introduced on January 1, 2009. More...