The distance between Istanbul and Malatya is not small. This is a trip to the heart of Anatolia. Depending on where you start and which highway you choose, the length we’re considering here is about 1,100 kilometers. For most travelers, this is a logistical challenge. Do you want to save money or time? The answer determines your transportation options.
D300 road driving
If you like the freedom of the open road, the D300 motorway should be your first choice. The total length is 1111 kilometers. Travel time is approximately 12 hours and 3 minutes. It was a long day. Pass through several large cities. Let’s start with Gebze. Pass through Izmit. Then there is Sakarya and Düzce. Next is Bolu. Next is Ankara. Kirsehir. Finally head to Kayseri and then Malatya.
There is an alternative route via the D200/E88. This will add about an hour to your travel time. Travel 1117 kilometers. The D200/E90 and D300 combination is even slower. The route is 1,150 kilometers long and takes 13 hours 25 minutes.
Driving requires concentration. The roads can be congested. Watch your speed. Respect boundaries.
Bus travel options
Public transport is available but will test your patience. The bus travel time is 16 hours and 17 minutes. The distance is similar to the route of the car. About 1112 km.
Prices vary widely. Tickets from 341 TL. Some premium services can cost up to 500 TL. Prices vary depending on the company and fuel costs.
Which bus companies operate on this route? Some do. The service is operated by Beydağı, Malatyalılar, Van Tur, Best Van, Can Diyarbakır, Kayısı Kent and Metro Turizm. They leave all day. Choose from over 100 itineraries.
Flying and walking
Airplane is the fastest way. Flight time is 1 hour 35 minutes. The straight line distance is shorter, 823 km. Ticket prices start at around 650 TL. This depends on the airline and the booking time.
For most people, walking is not practical. It takes 213 hours. The distance via D100 is 1,036 kilometers. Skip this option unless you are training for an ultramarathon.
Why choose Malatya?
Why are you here when you are here? This area is famous for one thing. Apricots. Dried Apricotss are the basic food for export. The soil and climate here produce some of the best in the world in the world.
What else could there be? The historic center of the city has buildings from the Ottoman era. There are hiking trails in the surrounding mountains. If you are a gourmet, try the local food that includes Apricotss. There are also stews and desserts typical of the region.
When to go
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. The weather is calm. Summer is very hot. Winter brings cold. Plan your trip accordingly.
Logistics is important. If you’re flying, you can get better deals if you book early. If you’re driving, check the weather forecast. Road conditions may change. Traffic can be busy around Ankara.
Final thoughts
The choice is yours. Let’s ride and look at the scenery. Aim for speed. Cheap bus. Each option has trade-offs. Malatya rewards those who make the
