Taxis and Dolmus in Kalkan
Taxis and Dolmus in Kalkan
7 May 2025

Getting Around Kalkan: A Guide to Taxis and Dolmus

Kalkan, with its charming cobbled streets and hillside setting overlooking the turquoise Bays, offers a unique and scenic experience. While exploring its beauty is a joy, understanding the transportation options is key to navigating this lovely Turkish town and its surroundings. Regarding getting around Kalkan, two mainstays stand out: taxis and the ever-reliable dolmus. Let's explore how you can use these to maximise your visit.

Taxis in Kalkan: Convenient, Reliable, and Region-Based

Taxis in Kalkan are a readily available and convenient way to travel, particularly useful for reaching specific villas or destinations that are further out from the town centre. You'll find taxi ranks dotted around Kalkan, especially in the main square and some particular spots. One of the significant advantages of using taxis is their door-to-door service. Whether you're heading back to your accommodation after a delightful evening meal or need a direct ride to one of the stunning beaches nearby, a taxi offers a comfortable and hassle-free solution.

What to Expect with Kalkan Taxis:

How to order a taxi:  Taxis can be hailed from the main taxi rank in the town centre or booked by phone via your accommodation.

Availability: During the peak tourist season, taxis are generally plentiful. However, it's always a good idea to have the number of a local taxi company handy, especially if you require a taxi at a specific time or from a less central location. Your hotel, agency or villa management will likely be able to provide you with these contacts.

Pricing: The taxi fares are often fixed between the town centre (Merkez) and surrounding neighbourhoods or villa zones. Confirming this with the driver beforehand is best to avoid any surprises.

Communication: While many taxi drivers in Kalkan will have some level of English proficiency, especially during the tourist season, knowing a few basic Turkish phrases can sometimes be helpful. However, communication is usually not a significant barrier.

Convenience for Groups: Taxis are an excellent option for families or groups travelling together, offering a cost-effective way to travel compared to individual fares on other transport methods.

Sample Taxi Fares in Kalkan (as of 2025)

Here are some of the most common destinations and their estimated fares from the town centre (Merkez) based on the fare chart currently used by Kalkan taxi drivers (prices in Turkish Lira):

Kiziltas Area:

Samira Hotel, Mediteran Hotel, Vatan Cad., and similar areas: 200-220 TL

Kalamar Area:

Most spots in Kalamar: 200-250 TL

Kisla Area:

Most spots in Kisla: 200-250 TL

Kordere Area:

Most spots in Kordere: 250-600 TL

Belmuar: 1500 TL (highest on the list—due to distance/elevation)

Komurluk & Kaputas Beach:

Most spots in Komurluk: 200–250 TL

Kaputas Beach: 300 TL

Ada Restaurant: 500 TL

Uzumlu & Islamlar (Mountain Villages):

Islamlar Yuksek Kopru: 550 TL

Uzumlu Merkez: 500 TL

Yesilkoy Area:

Yesilkoy Merkez: 550 TL

Patara Kavsak(Crossroad): 600 TL

Kınık: 900 TL

Split Zone Fares ("Cift Taraflar")

If your journey spans two pricing zones (e.g., from a villa in Kiziltas to a restaurant in Kalamar), you'll pay a combined fare:

200 TL + 200 TL = 250 TL

220 TL + 200 TL = 300 TL

220 TL + 220 TL = 350 TL

These combined rates cover both pickup and drop-off zones, ensuring fairness for longer or more complex routes.

Tips for Taxi Travel in Kalkan:

  • Keep small denominations of Turkish Lira handy for easy payment.
  • Don't hesitate to ask your accommodation for recommendations for reliable taxi drivers.
  • If you have a positive experience with a driver, consider taking their contact details for future use.

Taxi Rank in Kalkan:

Here are the contact details for the taxi service in Kalkan:

+90 242 844 31 00

+90 242 844 33 22

+90 242 844 10 44

Address of the Taxi Rank: Kalkan, Süleyman Yılmaz Cd., 07580 ( opposite Bezirgan's Pub )

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RuyTfxYsWZRiHYjg9

The Dolmus: An Affordable and Local Experience

For a more budget-friendly and authentic local experience, the dolmus (pronounced "dol-mush") is an excellent transportation option in and around Kalkan. These shared minibuses operate on fixed routes and offer a convenient way to travel to nearby towns, beaches, and attractions.

Location of the Otogar( Bus/Dolmus Stop ): https://maps.app.goo.gl/q95v5115xtfz8Jki8

Key Features of the Dolmus in Kalkan:

Affordability: Dolmus fares are significantly cheaper than taxis, making them a great option for budget-conscious travellers.

Frequency: Dolmuses run frequently, especially during the tourist season. They often depart from the main bus station or designated stops in the town centre.

Routes: Common dolmus routes from Kalkan include destinations like Kas and Patara Beach. They also service areas around Kalkan.

Flexibility: You can usually flag down a dolmus at designated stops or even along the roadside (where it's safe to do so). To get off, simply inform the driver when you are approaching your stop.

Local Interaction: Riding the dolmus offers a fantastic opportunity to interact with locals and experience a slice of everyday Turkish life.

Using the Dolmus:

  • Head to the main dolmus station or a designated stop.
  • Look for the sign indicating the destination you want to reach.
  • Simply hop on and find a seat.
  • Fares are usually paid in cash directly to the driver or a conductor after you board.
  • To get off, just say "inecek var" (pronounced "ee-neh-jek varr," meaning "there is someone to get off") or simply state your destination to the driver.

Dolmus Routes:

Southbound towards Kas: This dolmus departs from the Otogar (bus station), passes through Kalkan, and has a main stop at Kaputas Beach before reaching Kas. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.

There are frequent dolmus services covering the coastal areas around Kalkan.

Walking: Charming but Challenging

While the central areas of Kalkan are pedestrian-friendly, steep hills make walking a challenge in regions like Kiziltas, Kordere, or Uzumlu. Many guests choose to walk downhill and then take a taxi back up, especially after dinner or shopping.

Final Thoughts

Kalkan might be a small town, but the elevation and layout mean taxis are often essential, especially if you're staying in one of the hillside villas. With clear and consistent pricing, they're a reliable and comfortable way to get around. The dolmus adds a local flair for budget explorers and can take you to some of the region's most beautiful spots.

Whether you're heading for sunset views at Kaputas, grabbing dinner in the harbour, or exploring a village vineyard, Kalkan's transportation options make it easy to enjoy everything this stunning town has to offer.