Getting around Fethiye and how to get to Oludeniz
The best way to get around Fethiye and the surrounding area is to hire a car in Fethiye but you can also use public transportation or walk along the streets. Beaches, attractions, shopping and entertainment facilities are located within walking distance of the roads. Below you may find advantages and disadvantages of most popular ways getting around in Fethiye and area nearby.
By car
This is perhaps the most comfortable way getting around in Fethiye. The advantages of this way include the following - you may not depend on anyone and at any time you can go to the beach or go shopping, discover the historical sites, explore the surroundings of Fethiye or visit numerous cafes and restaurants. But this method has its drawbacks. The most important disadvantage is the cost of fuel, Turkey has one of the most expensive petrol in the world. Rent a car in Fethiye is not that much expensive but still not cheaper than public transportation. As you know diesel cars are more efficient but their rent is more expensive. Another disadvantage is the limited number of parking space in the center of Fethiye so if you are going to visit the central part of the city in the midst of the holiday season then it is better to use public transportation. All parking facilities in Fethiye are not free and should be paid in cash to the parking attendant. Be sure to pay for parking on time to avoid penalty. All the parking attendants in Fethiye wear uniform so you can find them easily. It is forbidden in Turkey to drive a car after drinking alcohol (even one beer), violation of this may lead to real prison term. Please also check our road safety tips to avoid unpleasant situations.
By public transportation
The most common type of public transportation in Fethiye is minibus. It is called here dolmus (dol-moosh). The most important advantage dolmus is its low cost and high service frequency so you do not wait for long standing on the street. Dolmus may stop almost anywhere on the route on request. Using dolmus you may easily get from Calis to Fethiye via Gunlukbasi, from Tasyaka to Karagozler, from Fethiye to Oludeniz, Hisaronu, Ovacik and Kayakoy. Dolmuses that go from Calis to Fethiye and from Tasyaka to Karagozler are not air conditioned and of course it is a big minus but dolmus routes from Fethiye to Oludeniz through Ovacik and Hisaronu are equipped with air conditioners. So how to get to Oludeniz from Fethiye? The cheapest way to get to Oludeniz from Fethiye is to catch dolmus from central part of the town. Another drawback is their extremely slow speed. Along with minbuses there are regular municipal buses going in Fethiye. Payment is made directly to the driver upon boarding.
Taxi
Fethiye is a resort town so keep in mind that the cost of a taxi is quite expensive (like in other resort towns of Turkey). In most cases 2 times more expensive than say in Istanbul. All taxis in Turkey are equipped with taximeters but after midnight we recommend to ask driver the cost before the trip as the cost may be higher in comparison to day time. We also offer car transfer services in Fethiye (much more cheaper than regular taxi service) and private tours to nearby areas.
Water taxi
The water taxi is a small boat for 20-30 person that goes from Calis to Fethiye and back to Calis every 30 minutes during holiday season (from May to October). The one way trip takes about 40 minutes. You can buy a ticket at the kiosks on the pier in Fethiye or near the bridge over a canal in Calis. We recommend taking water taxi from Calis to Fethiye right before sunset to enjoy the amazing view of sun going down to the sea. You may also check our list of offered boat trips from Fethiye and Oludeniz.