Minibuses

Minibuses (or “dolmuş”) in Eskişehir are an essential part of the local public transportation system, providing flexible and affordable transport options for residents and visitors alike. They complement the city’s buses and tram network by covering routes that are not easily accessible by other forms of public transport, particularly to areas that are more suburban or off the beaten path.

Key Features of Minibuses in Eskişehir:

1. Routes:
   • Minibuses operate on specific, often fixed routes, connecting neighborhoods, districts, and sometimes nearby towns or villages. They typically travel to areas that are less frequently serviced by trams or buses.
   • Many routes connect central Eskişehir with more peripheral areas, such as suburbs or popular local destinations like shopping centers, schools, and business areas.
   • Please check the numbers in front of the minibuses and be mindful of the colors as ‘red’, ‘blue” or ‘black’ numbers may have different routes.
   • You can access the full list of routes here.
2. Flexibility:
   • Unlike the bus or tram systems, minibuses have more flexibility in terms of where they can stop. They may pick up and drop off passengers at various points along their route, often when hailed from the side of the road.
   • While there are designated stops, passengers can sometimes request stops close to their destination if it’s along the route.
   • To stop the minibus at the point that you want to get off, you can simply say: “Inecek var” meaning “someone will get off”.
3. Operating Hours:
   • Minibuses generally operate throughout the day, but schedules can vary depending on the route. Some minibuses operate early in the morning until late evening, making them useful for workers or late-night travelers.
4. Payment:
   • Payment is typically made directly to the driver, either when boarding or exiting. Unlike the city’s trams and buses, minibuses do not accept the EsKart (the local public transportation card), so cash is often necessary.
   • Fares are relatively cheap, making minibuses an economical choice for getting around the city.
   • The fare is 20TL ($ 0.58) as of 10/2024.
5. Convenience:
   • Minibuses are known for their speed and frequency, especially during peak hours, as they run more frequently than larger buses and can navigate traffic more easily.
   • The size of minibuses allows them to take shortcuts or less busy routes, which can sometimes make trips faster.
6. Vehicle Size and Comfort:
   • Minibuses are smaller than city buses, typically seating 10-15 passengers. They are generally less spacious, so during peak hours they can be crowded, with passengers sometimes standing.
   • They don’t offer the same level of comfort or modern features as larger buses or trams, but they are a practical and efficient choice for short-distance trips.
7. Cultural Experience:
   • Using a dolmuş is also a bit of a cultural experience in Turkey. The close interaction with other passengers, the direct contact with the driver, and the informal way of signaling to get on and off make it a unique part of the local transportation system.

For travelers in Eskişehir, especially those visiting areas not serviced by the tram system or larger buses, minibuses can be a very convenient way to explore the city. They’re especially useful for getting to suburban districts, shopping centers, or even nearby villages.