Driving in Turkey

Turkey drives on the RIGHT side of the road — the same as continental Europe and the USA. Steering wheels are on the left. If you're coming from the UK, Ireland, Australia, or Japan, give yourself an hour to adjust — it becomes natural surprisingly quickly. The D400 coastal highway from Antalya to Kemer is an easy, well-maintained dual carriageway that's ideal for your first drive.

Road quality varies significantly. The main highways (D-roads like D400) and motorways (O-roads) are excellent — smooth asphalt, clear signage, and regular services. Secondary roads in rural areas can be narrow, winding, and occasionally unpaved. Mountain roads in the Taurus range are spectacular but require confident driving — take them slowly and enjoy the views. In cities, expect aggressive local driving and creative interpretations of lane markings.

Fuel is widely available. Petrol stations (Shell, BP, Opet, Petrol Ofisi) are common along main roads — you'll rarely be more than 30 km from one. Most are 24/7, accept credit cards and cash (TRY, EUR, USD), and have clean toilets and small shops. Attendants pump the fuel for you — full service is standard in Turkey. Petrol: ~€1.40/L. Diesel: ~€1.35/L.