Dolmush

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Dolmush, also called as minibus, is the most common way of transport in Marmaris. But since it is not very common worldwide, you should know a bit of information about the convention, when travelling with dolmush.

Where does the name 'dolmush' come from?

First of all, dolmuş (pronounced as 'dolmush' in English) can be translated as 'stuffed'. It's a bit weird I know. They used to depart when enough passangers get on to fill the vehicle, even sometimes more than the load capacity. That's why they were named as stuffed. But now they depart on a regular timetable.

How to get on/off?

In general dolmushes have designated and permanent courses, and they shutlle between the starting and end point. They are supposed to stop ony at the designated stops, but they almost stop anywhere available. So you can demand from the driver to get on/off anywhere you want. The driver will pull over and let you get on/off wherever the traffic flow is available. If you want to get on all you should do is raise your arm that the driver can see you. If he doesn't stop to pick you up, it means there is really no room for you. If you want to get off, don't be shy to ask for it. It's better to say your word 50 meters prior to the point you want to get off. In Marmaris you can do it both in English and Turkish. For example you can say "I want to get off at the traffic lights/bus stop/Pasha Beach Hotel", or you can say "Musait yarda in a bill irmiyim?". It is the pronunciation of a phrase in Turkish, which means "Can I get off when available?"

How do you pay?

In dolmush, you pay directly to the driver. The price per person is 3 ₺ for adults (less than 1 $ / 1 € ), 2 ₺ for kids from 6 to 12-years old. Kids under 6-years-old travel for free. It is better to prepare the exact amount in coins before you get on, so that there won't be a second process for the driver of giving you back the remainder of money. Sometimes the minibus is too crowded to be able to reach the driver. That time just pass the money in front of you, and tell for how many people you are paying. The remainder of the money will come back to you. Everyone in the dolmush is willing to cooperates with this payment process. Keep in mind that the drivers are very careful and clever guys. They can follow the traffic, passengers inside, likely-passengers outside, money paid for them, the remainder of the money to be given back to passengers, and who hasn't paid yet simulatiously.

Colour Codes

The minibuses, which shuttle inside Marmaris are colour-coded:

Oragne - İçmeler

Claret red - Beldibi

Blue - Armutalan

Turquoise - Siteler

Pink - Yalancıboğaz

I hope that information will help.