Diyarbakır to Istanbul Transfer: route notes and planning
Book the Diyarbakır to Istanbul Transfer once and the driver, the car and the route are sorted. More routes are listed on Diyarbakır city centre transfer.
How does the route to Istanbul run?
A Diyarbakır to Istanbul transfer follows the motorway line to Ankara: the D360 to Şanlıurfa, the Adana–Şanlıurfa motorway (O-52) past Gaziantep and Osmaniye, then the Ankara–Tarsus motorway (O-21) over the Taurus and past Niğde. After the Ankara ring road the car joins the Anatolian Motorway (O-4), which tunnels under Bolu Mountain and passes Düzce, Sakarya and Kocaeli on the way into Istanbul.
For the European side the Northern Marmara Motorway and Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge can be used, and for the historic peninsula the Eurasia Tunnel. Asian-side addresses such as Kadıköy, Ataşehir or Pendik are reached straight off the O-4. The driver picks the bridge or tunnel according to traffic at arrival time.
One long day or two shorter ones?
This is the longest route on our site. If you want to travel without stopping overnight, two drivers take turns, so one of them is always rested, and breaks are planned around fuel and meals. A car leaving in the evening drives through the night and reaches Istanbul the next day.
For families with children, older passengers and anyone who struggles to sit for long, splitting the trip with a night in Ankara is easier. You reach Ankara on day one, rest at a hotel of your choice and continue on the Anatolian Motorway the next morning.
Why go to Istanbul by road, and where can you be dropped?
Families moving to Istanbul top the list. Instead of counting every suitcase against airline limits, cases, boxes, a pushchair and small household items go into the back of a Sprinter and the family travels together. Furniture and appliances need a separate removals firm.
People travelling with a cat or dog who do not want it flying in the hold choose this route, as do passengers whose doctor has advised against flying, people recovering from recent surgery who need no ambulance, and nervous flyers. Anyone needing patient transport should use an ambulance service.
We drop off at homes, hotels, hospitals and workplaces. Sabiha Gökçen Airport is on the Asian side near the O-4, while Istanbul Airport lies in the north of the European side off the Northern Marmara Motorway; share your flight time and arrival is planned with enough margin for check-in. In crowded neighbourhoods the driver stops at the nearest safe spot and helps unload.
Distance and drive time
About 1360 km, usually 16 h and up to 19 h 10 min at busy times. The route heads north-west via Ergani onto the Elazığ road, then winds through the Maden hills — scenic, with bends that need care.
Other transfer points near Istanbul
Travellers heading to Istanbul often combine it with one of these.
- Diyarbakır to Bursa Transfer · ~1300 km
- Diyarbakır to Izmir Transfer · ~1300 km
- Diyarbakır to Ankara Transfer · ~915 km
How to book the Diyarbakır to Istanbul Transfer
The price is per vehicle and confirmed when you book; you pay on the day. Plans change — you can cancel free of charge until 24 hours before the ride. Driver and vehicle details are sent ahead of the ride. Choose a private taxi, a Mercedes Vito, the Vito Business or a Sprinter for larger groups. Details: Diyarbakır intercity transfer.
Frequently asked questions
Can we stay a night in Ankara and continue the next day?
Yes. The trip can be split: reach Ankara on the first day, stay at a hotel you choose, and the car collects you there the next morning to continue on the Anatolian Motorway to Istanbul. Mention it when booking and the driver's rest plan is arranged around it.
How much can we fit in the vehicle when moving?
A Sprinter's luggage area takes many boxes, suitcases and items like a pushchair, though free space shrinks as passenger numbers grow. Give the number of passengers and a rough count of boxes and cases when booking and we pick the right vehicle. Furniture, fridges and washing machines need a removals company.
Can I book a child seat for the Istanbul transfer?
Yes — add the child’s age in the booking notes and the car is prepared accordingly.
Can I book the return from Istanbul as well?
Yes — tick “Add return” in the form and both legs are planned in one booking.
Ready to go? Fill in the form and choose your car for Istanbul.