How to Get to Konya?
Konya can be reached by bus, train, high-speed train, and airplanes.
Several companies run buses to Konya from many other Turkish cities, including: Aksaray, Ankara, Antalya, Isparta & Eğirdir, Istanbul, and Nevşehir (Cappadocia).
By Train
- From Istanbul or Ankara, it is faster, more comfortable, and cheaper to take the high-speed train
(https://ebilet.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr/view/eybis/tnmGenel/tcddWebContent.jsf).
- The "Yüksek Hızlı Tren" service between Konya and Ankara offers 8 trains daily in each direction, taking less than 2 hours to traverse the 260-km distance.
- You can take high-speed trains daily between Istanbul and Konya with 3 trains daily in each direction taking about 5 hours.
- There are coordinated buses between Bursa and Eskişehir to connect to high-speed trains.
- There are more frequent buses, but the high-speed train is preferable for this journey.
By Airplane
Turkish Airlines has several flights each day between Istanbul and Konya; Pegasus Airlines flies between Istanbul and Konya as well.
Accommodation
Konya Science Center recommends the following hotels:
Transportation to/from Konya Science Center
Buses will be available to transport conference participants from the following meeting point(s) to Konya Science Center and vice versa according to the following schedule.
Shuttles will depart from the starting point at 08:15
- Route 1: Bera Hotel - Kültürk Park - Bayır Diamond Hotel - Konya Science Center
- Route 2: Bayır Diamond Hotel - Dr. Ali Kemal Belviranlı Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital - Atmosfer Bosna - Konya Science Center
Interpretation to/from Arabic & Turkish
Participants are required to leave an ID card as collateral when receiving the simultaneous translation headset—the ID card will be returned when the headphone is returned.
Social Events
If you are not planning to attend any of the social events listed below, which are all included in your registration fees package, please take a minute to let us know by visiting the Registration/ Information Desk:
- Gala Dinner on Tuesday, 7 May, 20:00-22:00
At Akyokuş Kasrı
Köyceğiz, Beyşehir Cd. No: 258, 42090 Meram/Konya, Türkiye
*Buses will be available for transportation to the gala dinner from the Konya Science Center.
- Nocturne on Wednesday, 8 May, 20:00-22:00
At Konya Science Center
- Farewell Lunch and City Tour on Thursday, 9 May, 13:00- 18:00
Should you wish to join the City Tour, please make sure to confirm at the Registration/Information Desk by no later than Wednesday, 8 May, 19:00.
Buses will leave from Konya Science Center once the Closing Ceremony is concluded, at about 13:00
Useful Info
• May is one of the best times to visit Turkey, at the start of the summer season with mild temperatures and modest rainfall. The average temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 29°C (84.2°F). Overall, the weather is comfortable and calm in May.
• Available mobile phone services are: Turkcell, Vodafone, and Turk Telekom.
• It is possible to go for a walk along the touristic areas of the town in any clothes. However, those who wish to visit remote areas of Konya need to consider their clothes carefully; clothing should be neat and high-necked.
• It is convenient to travel on foot around the historic district of Konya, as all the attractions are very close to each other.
- The most appropriate mode of transport in the city is a bus, as it can reach any area.
- In addition to vehicles, bicycles are very popular in Konya; you can rent them at one of the many rental stations.
• Travelers who expect to visit religious sites have to remember several rules of conduct:
- You cannot enter the premises of a mosque in shoes;
- Clothes have to cover the arms and legs, and women should also cover their hair with a headscarf. Too bright or too low-necked attire can be a reason to refuse passage into a mosque.
• On the territory of some tour facilities, taking photos and recording videos may be prohibited. On the street, travelers should also be careful; do not take pictures of local people without their consent.
• In local markets, you need to bargain; bargaining is also possible in small stores and souvenir shops. Sometimes, it helps to reduce the price several times. You can stock up several bills of small face value, which is easier to settle with sellers.
• Traders in local shops may offer the customer a cup of coffee or tea; it is considered discourteous to refuse such an invitation.