Looking for first-hand experience: hitchhiking alone to Turkey in summer

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a trip to Turkey this summer and I’d like to get there by hitchhiking. I’ll be traveling solo, and I’ve already done a lot of hitchhiking (Brazil, Albania, from Paris to Romania with a companion, France, Vietnam, Cambodia, and short distances in India).

Has anyone here already made this trip by hitchhiking? How long did it take you? Which countries were the hardest to find a ride in? What techniques did you use to get rides in places where people don’t usually stop? Have you ever had to pitch your tent on a highway rest area? Have you ever run into any problems?

I’m not worried about hitchhiking in Europe, but I don’t know much about Turkey or its culture. Is hitchhiking something people do there? What about hitchhiking as a solo woman—do cars stop? What should I watch out for in this country?

I’m looking for stories from people who’ve actually had this experience—or at least part of it—not advice from those who’ve never traveled this way or in these countries. Thanks for respecting that!

Thanks for reading, and I can’t wait to hear your responses!

this is bordering on recklessness, I’d strongly advise against it—especially for a woman traveling alone. Turkey isn’t a dangerous country, but it’s best to take precautions. After that, do what you want... consider yourselves warned!

hi there,

hitchhiking in Turkey isn’t a common practice among locals. Since fuel prices are as high as in France but the standard of living is much lower, people usually travel by public transport, and when carpooling, everyone chips in for their share.

If you do hitchhike, the driver (who won’t ask you outright) might expect—if you’re from the country—that you’ll pay the equivalent of a bus or dolmuş fare for the ride.

Dominique

Hi there.

I hitchhiked from Provence, France, to Turkey back in 2014. I’m used to hitchhiking and traveling in general.

If I had to do it again, I wouldn’t go alone. I went through Italy 🇮🇹, Bosnia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Albania, Greece, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey. Nothing bad happened to me, but I didn’t always feel safe. I always slept outside in my tent or when people invited me to stay with them.

I was only picked up by men, often truck drivers who mistook me for a sex worker. I ended up taking a bus to Istanbul in Bulgaria because I had a bad feeling. My advice: don’t go alone.

I’m an experienced traveler, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it—I was scared for my safety two or three times. If you’d like more details, feel free to ask!

thanks for the first-hand experiences, it's really helpful.

You're welcome

Hi Jugan,

Thanks for your reply. I’ve arrived in Turkey and everything went smoothly 😊.

Did you hitchhike in Turkey? It’s my biggest fear and I’m a bit hesitant to give it a try! Did you also camp in Turkey? How did it go?

Hi Aline,

If you’ve made it this far from France and managed those transit routes where some drivers act like total hooligans—mostly German-registered vehicles—you’ve already tackled the trickiest part. After that, in Turkey, hitchhiking as such doesn’t really exist: you can stand by the roadside, extend your arm (not your thumb), and vehicles will stop... Lots of minibuses, even buses, and cars, but the idea is to offer a paid service.

Michel

Hi Tatra,

Thanks for your message. It’s reassuring to hear from you like this! I didn’t have any problems on the road in Europe.