Stops along the way
Stops between İstanbul and Samsun
781 km, roughly 9 hours of driving. The stops below are ordered as you pass them — the same road in both directions.
In short
The drive between İstanbul and Samsun is 781 km and takes roughly 9 hours. There are 837 described places within 20 km of this route; it crosses 11 provinces, and the densest stretch is in Kocaeli (119 places).
There are 837 places within 20 km of this corridor; the 58 below are spread evenly along the drive.
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1
Arnavutköy Yeniköy Halk Plajı
Arnavutköy, İstanbul
Arnavutköy Yeniköy Public Beach is a public beach candidate included in the official 2025 Blue Flag list.
2
Sadberk Hanim Müzesi
Sarıyer, İstanbul
Sadberk Hanım Museum is located in a 19th-century building and hosts a rich collection of artifacts.
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3
Rumeli Feneri
Sarıyer, İstanbul
Rumeli Feneri is a historic lighthouse located at the point where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea.
4
Beylerbeyi Sarayı
Üsküdar, İstanbul
Beylerbeyi Palace was built as a summer residence for Ottoman sultans and served to host foreign heads of state.
5
Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü Müzesi
Kadıköy, İstanbul
The Fenerbahçe Sports Club Museum showcases the 100 years of achievements and awards of Fenerbahçe, an essential part of Turkish sports.
6
Çağlar Boyu Aydinlatma Isitma Koleksiyonlari Müzesi
Beykoz, İstanbul
The Museum of Lighting and Heating Collections Through the Ages showcases lighting and heating devices from the discovery of fire to the present day.
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7
Polonezköy
Beykoz, İstanbul
Polonezköy is a village located 30 km away from Istanbul, immersed in nature. It is a peaceful getaway with walking paths and cycling trails.
8
İstanbul Oyuncak Müzesi
Kadıköy, İstanbul
The Istanbul Toy Museum, founded by poet-writer Sunay Akın, opened its doors in 2005. The museum showcases over 4,000 toys acquired from various parts of the world.
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9
Ballikayalar
Gebze, Kocaeli
Ballıkayalar is a nature park located in Gebze, offering an ideal area for mountaineering.
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10
Çerkeşli Kayalitepe
Dilovası, Kocaeli
This route, which goes from Çerkeşli village to the summit of Kayalıtepe, is the longest of Kocaeli'nin natural hiking routes. In addition to the length of the distance, the steep ascent and descent should be taken into consideration. Çerkeşli Village forms the starting point of this route.
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11
Sarayli Köyü Yukarı Değirmendere
Gölcük, Kocaeli
Saraylı Village is attractive for its cultural heritage houses, its cemetery dating from the Ottoman Period, and the Çavuş grape. This route is of a kind where one can enjoy walking through a historic village in the Samanlı Mountains and within the Değirmendere Valley. A short section of the route is a steep ascent, and then another short section continues flat. Since the other sections continue as steep descents, the use of poles is absolutely necessary.
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12
İzmit Elektronik Kent Müzesi
İzmit, Kocaeli
The Electronic City Museum introduces the city's history, economy, culture and tourism, historical artifacts and municipal services to all local and foreign visitors in an electronic environment. In the museum's sections, there are models of 10 important historical structures integrated with an audio system.
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13
Cami Düzü Yuvacik Baraji
Başiskele, Kocaeli
This route consists of a traffic-free dirt vehicle road located just across from the main highway around Yuvacık Barajı. Rest areas have been created within the route by the Metropolitan Municipality. We recommend Cami Düzü village as the starting point of the route. The end point of the route is the area where the body of Yuvacık Barajı is located. A 5 km section of the route consists of a flat dirt vehicle road.
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14
Aytepe Değirmen Düzü
Başiskele, Kocaeli
A large part of this route, which is visually perfect and has a geography where everyone can walk comfortably, consists of descents. Therefore, it is especially useful to use a walking stick throughout the hike. The last flat stretch on the road descending from Aytepe to soğuk su is the point we prefer as the starting place of this trail. This route, consisting of a dirt forest road and occasional paths, can be walked in all four seasons, although the most ideal times are the seasons excluding the winter period.
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15
Altıoluk Eskiyayla
Sapanca, Sakarya
The route, which starts from a place near the summit of Kartepe, ends at Eski Yayla (Öküzyatağı), located within the borders of Sakarya's Pamukova district, after Altıoluk Yaylası. Thus, we walk the Samanlı Mountains from the northern direction (İzmit Gulf) toward the southern direction (Sakarya Valley). The journey, which begins after passing Kuzu Yayla, located just below the summit point on Kartepe, ends within the borders of Sakarya.
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16
Çark
Adapazarı, Sakarya
A mill was built on today’s Çark Suyu between 1581-1585 to meet the needs of Ada Karyesi. In place of this mill, which served for nearly 250 years, in 1734 the philanthropist Devoğlu Mustafa had a primitive “water wheel”/“çark” built and ditches-canals opened, and the water of Çark was carried to the Orta Camii fountain and to Adapazarı as drinking water.
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17
Kent Park
Adapazarı, Sakarya
Located in the city center, Kentpark, created by transforming 160 thousand m² of rubble into greenery, was turned into a place where people can breathe and escape the exhausting city life. With an approximately 4.500-meter walking area, all surfaces in Kentpark were grassed while preserving the natural environment and trees. The park has a 14.000 m² pond.
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18
Kuzuluk Orman İÇİ Dinlenme Yeri
Akyazı, Sakarya
It is located on the Adapazarı-Akyazı-Mudurnu road, 8 kilometers from Akyazı and 34 kilometers from Adapazarı. It has an area of 11,85 hectares. It was established in 1996. In the area; there are facilities such as a countryside casino, toilet, fountain, entrance control booth, and children's playground. The forest recreation area, covered with beech and oak forest, has a development plan.
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19
Sarıyayla Şelalesi
Akçakoca, Düzce
Aktaş Waterfall is located within the borders of Aktaş Village, 11km. from Akçakoca city center. With its nature and the rich vegetation around it, it is one of Akçakoca’s natural beauties worth seeing. Aktaş Waterfall, one of the places that tourists coming to the region for sea tourism have only recently begun to discover, is quite suitable for nature sports such as trekking and photo safari among the sound of the water falling from 50mt. and the greenery surrounding it.
20
Tarihi Uğurlu Köyü Yeni Meze Cami
Akçakoca, Düzce
It is located in Uğurlu Köyü, 16km from Akçakoca. The mosque, which is a fine example of stone workmanship, was built in 1885. The mosque, which contains inscriptions dating back to the Ottomans, is one of the important values of the province.
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21
Saz Köy
Kaynaşlı, Düzce
For those looking for an alternative holiday with a traditional lifestyle and wanting to experience village life, the 90-year-old Tekir Village House, located in the village and built according to the Abhaz Culture tradition, serves those who wish to stay. Its nature and the farm animals in its garden, the wood stove burning in winter, dinners eaten by the fireplace, and its authentic atmosphere win the appreciation of visitors.
22
Hayreddin-i Tokadı Türbesi
Bolu Merkez, Bolu
It is located 13 km. west of Bolu city center, within the borders of Elmalık Village, 4 km. from the Abant road junction on the northern side, on a hill known by its own name, within a forested area. The graves belonging to Hayrettin-i Tokadi, a member of the Halvetiyye order, and his disciples have been enclosed within a concrete frame. The grave belonging to Hayrettin-i Tokadi, who died in 1524, is located within an iron cage.
23
İmaret Cami
Bolu Merkez, Bolu
According to foundation records, the mosque, understood to have been built in the 16th century by Şemsi Ahmet Paşa, a descendant of Kızıl Ahmed Bey, has largely lost its originality through the repairs it has undergone over time.
24
Aktaş Cami
Bolu Merkez, Bolu
The mosque, with a rectangular plan and a flat wooden ceiling, has an enclosed last congregation area. There is a women's gallery with wooden railings and latticework. To the right of the entrance is the muezzin's gallery. It has a muqarnas mihrab and a wooden minbar. In the mosque, rectangular windows with wooden jambs were used. There is a tomb adjoining the left facade of the mosque and a fountain to its north. It is covered externally with a hipped roof. It has wide wooden eaves.
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25
Gölcük Tabiat Parkı
Bolu Merkez, Bolu
It is an artificial barrier lake built 13 km. south of Bolu. The lake, surrounded by pine and fir trees, has a magnificent view in every season. The lake and its surroundings are under protection by the National Parks as a “Forest Recreation Area”. Vehicles are not allowed into the surroundings of this very charming and small lake.
26
Kartalkaya Kayak Merkezi
Bolu Merkez, Bolu
Bolu, which is famous throughout our country for its green nature, forests, natural beauties, lakes, mountains and plateaus, has a very important place nationwide especially in winter tourism. Kartalkaya Ski Center, which is the most important winter tourism center of our country, is located 38 kilometers southeast of Bolu city center. Kartalkaya Ski Center is located within the "Bolu - Köroğlu Mountain Culture and Tourism Protection and Development Region" declared by the Council of Ministers.
27
Yeniçağa Gölü
Yeniçağa, Bolu
Located in the center of Yeniçağa district, 37 km east of Bolu on the Bolu - Ankara Highway, the lake is a basin lake. The lake, at an altitude of 989 meters, covers an area of 2780 decares. Its deepest point is 12 meters. On the shore of the lake, where various water birds can be found, there is a bird observation tower. Yeniçağa Gölü is an important location during the migration period, especially for bird species such as the European honey buzzard, osprey and ruddy shelduck.
28
Gerede Aşağı Tekke Camii Ve Türbesi
Gerede, Bolu
In Bolu Province, in Gerede District, in Seviller Neighborhood, Aşağı Tekke Camii and its Tomb and a small graveyard are located within the mosque courtyard. The exact construction date of Aşağı Tekke Camii is not known. The mosque, which was completely destroyed in the 1944 earthquake, was rebuilt with local means and opened for worship in 1957. The rectangular-planned mosque is covered with a dome. The railings of the women's gallery on its north side feature wood craftsmanship.
29
Gerede
Gerede, Bolu
Yukarı Tekke Mosque: The mosque located in Gerede District was built by Abdullah Efendi in 1844, according to its inscription. A mausoleum of cut stone is located at the eastern corner of the rectangular-planned mosque built of adobe. Yukarı Tekke Tomb: It is next to the mosque known by the same name in Gerede district. It was built in 1900. Hacı Halil Efendi Tomb: It was built in 1843 in Gerede Seviller Neighborhood with an octagonal plan and a dome. Inside the tomb, II.
30
Gerede Arkut Dağı Kayak Merkezi
Gerede, Bolu
Arkut Mountain Ski Center is located 4 km north of Gerede at an altitude of 1,800 meters and offers slopes suitable especially for beginners, cross-country skiing, and alpine skiing. In winter it is used for skiing from January to March, while in summer the area supports camping, trekking, mountain biking, and off-road activities.
31
Asar Kalesi
Gerede, Bolu
It is located in Cuma Mahallesi of Göynük District. After Akşemseddin, the teacher of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, the spiritual conqueror of Istanbul and a great scholar, died in 1459, his tomb was built in H. 864 / A.D. 1464. Inside the tomb are the sarcophagi of Akşemseddin and his sons.
32
Hadrianopolis Antik Kenti
Eskipazar, Karabük
The ancient city was founded in the 4th century during the Roman period. It is accessed via the asphalt road in Hacı Ahmetler Köyü, which is 3 km from the center of Eskipazar located on the Ankara-Karabük road. In the ancient city, there are many marble columns and column capitals, churches, walls, water cisterns, rock tombs, a Roman bath, tear bottles, tunnels, food and wine cellars.
33
Hadrianapolis Antik Kenti
Eskipazar, Karabük
The place called “Paphlagonia Hadrianapolis” is today located in a scattered manner on the area called ‘Viranşehir’ and the surrounding land, 3 kilometers west of the Eskipazar District Center of Karabük Province. Hadrianapolis Ancient City includes the villages of Budaklar, Büyükyaylalar, Çaylı and Beytarla. The ruins of the city are concentrated in Hacı Ahmetler Neighborhood of Budaklar Village, and this location is called Viranşehir.
34
Akbaş Köyü Köprüsü
Eskipazar, Karabük
Akbaş Village Bridge, built over Melan Stream in the Çerkeş District, was commissioned by Hacı Gökmen of Çerkeş to craftsmen from Safranbolu at the beginning of the 20th century.
35
Sakaeli Kaya Mezarları Ve Peri Bacaları
Orta, Çankırı
The Sakaeli Rock Tombs, generally estimated to belong to the Roman and Byzantine periods, are located on the steeply descending southern slopes of the hill against which the village leans. The cavities on the surface of the hill, which has the characteristics of a sedimentary rock with pebbles, those close to the ground are used by the villagers for various purposes by closing off the front.
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36
Çavundur Termal Kaynağı
Atkaracalar, Çankırı
In the area, there is a modern 300-bed facility built by the Çankırı Special Provincial Administration and operated by the private sector, as well as a two-pool, 115-bed accommodation facility operated by the town municipality, and also a pension.
37
Bayramören Köprüsü
Bayramören, Çankırı
Bayramören Bridge is built over Melan Stream outside the district. It has two arches, with piers of cut stone and the other parts made of wood. It was built wide enough for pedestrians to cross over it. It has a different architectural style, formed by placing planks on cut stone piers. The bridge has been protected by being covered with a roof clad with traditional tiles. Although its construction date is unknown, it is estimated to be 100-150 years old.
38
Tarihi Ahşap Köprü
Bayramören, Çankırı
The bridge, whose construction date is unknown, is estimated to be approximately 250 years old. Rebuilt in 2002 in accordance with its original form, the bridge has piers made of cut stone, while the other parts were made entirely of wood by overlapping planks. The top of the bridge was protected with a tiled roof covering, as in the original.
39
İndağı Kaya Mezarları
Ilgaz, Çankırı
The monumental structures in the region are on the south of Devrez Stream and on the east-facing slopes of a rocky, somewhat high hill on the left side of the Çankırı-Kastamonu road. Here there are numerous man-made caves, rock tombs, a temple thought to possibly be a rock church, and cavities whose purpose is not exactly known. It is estimated that the tombs were places where religious ceremonies were held and were probably among the places considered sacred and connected with the mound.
40
Koca Meşe
Yapraklı, Çankırı
It is known that the protected oak tree, located in Karacaözü Village of Yapraklı District, 27 kilometers from the city center, is 550 years old and is considered among the oldest oaks in the world.
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41
Ilgaz Doruk Mevkii
Ilgaz, Çankırı
Doruk Mevkii attracts many visitors, especially in the winter season, with its natural beauty and rich wildlife as well as its winter sports facilities. There are slopes and mechanical facilities for skiers. On the northern slopes belonging to Kastamonu, mechanical facilities and slopes as well as accommodation facilities are also available, and visitors can make use of both slopes.
42
Ilgaz Kiş Sporları Turizm Merkezi
Kastamonu merkez, Kastamonu
Since the province is surrounded by the Küre (İsfendiyar) Mountains to the north and Ilgaz Mountain to the south, it receives abundant snowfall in winter. Both because of its terrain features and because it receives heavy snowfall, it is highly popular for winter tourism. While a large part of it lies within the borders of Kastamonu Province, it also extends into the borders of Çankırı Province. It is on the Kastamonu – Ankara highway route. The facilities section is 1.5 km from the main road. It is located on Ilgaz Mountain.
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43
Oğuz Köyü Cami
Kargı, Çorum
It is not known by whom this mosque, located in Oğuz Village of Kargı district, was commissioned. However, it is thought to have been built in the 16.yüzyılda based on its architectural style.It belongs to the group of single-domed mosques in Ottoman architecture and has a narthex in front of it. The prayer hall is covered with a central dome supported by a semi-dome with three vaults.
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44
Kizilcaoluk Şelalesi
Taşköprü, Kastamonu
Kızılcaoluk Waterfall, located near Başköy in Kargı district, hosts views resembling a riot of colors in autumn, while at times it takes on a mysterious atmosphere beneath a cloud of mist. The waterfall near Kargı Tatil Köyü is a place for those seeking tranquility.
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45
Hacıhamza Kalesi
Kargı, Çorum
The castle, located to the north of İncesu Stream in Hacıhamza Town, has an irregular plan. It is understood from the Şeriye Sicil records that the castle was built by III. Ahmet in 1723, and it housed the townspeople until the 1940s.
46
Hacı Hamza Kalesi
Kargı, Çorum
It is understood from the sharia court register records that the castle, located to the north of İncesu Deresi in Hacı Hamza Beldesi, was built by III. Ahmet in 1723. The castle housed the townspeople until the 1940s.
47
Koyunbaba Türbesi
Osmancık, Çorum
Koyunbaba Tomb, located in the district center of Osmancık and commissioned in 1469 during the reign of the Ottoman sultan Sultan II. Beyazıt, was built on a high hill. According to Evliya Çelebi, a mosque, dining hall, banquet room, guest houses, and a lead-covered tomb were built in the tomb complex. However, of the structures other than the tomb, only their foundations remain today. The tomb’s double-winged wooden door, crafted with the deep carving technique, is today preserved in Çorum Museum.
48
Koyunbaba Köprüsü
Osmancık, Çorum
The length of the İkinci Bayezid Bridge, built over the Kızılırmak, is 250 meters and its width is 7,5 meters. The span of the widest arch of the 15-arched bridge is 16,35 meters, while the span of the narrowest arch is 9,20 meters. There are stone railings 60 centimeters high on both sides of the bridge. The bridge has a 5-line Arabic inscription.
49
Maden Camii
Gümüşhacıköy, Amasya
The original form of the mosque, located in the Maden Neighborhood of Gümüş Town in Gümüşhacıköy district, is a church built here in the mid-19th century. In 1928, it was converted into a mosque by those who migrated here from Western Thrace, with its original structure preserved. The corners of the facade walls of the rectangular-planned mosque are of dressed stone, and the main walls are of regular stone masonry. The interior consists of three naves extending from west to east and covered with vaults above.
50
Gümüşhaciköy Bedesteni Ve Saat Kulesi
Gümüşhacıköy, Amasya
The bedesten, located in Hacıyahya Neighborhood in the city center of Amasya, was built by Köprülü Mehmet Paşa, who wanted a külliye to be built next to the mosque that had been built in his own name in 1660. At the time it was built, the caravanserai part of this külliye, which consisted of a caravanserai and a bedesten, was destroyed over time, while the bedesten part has survived to the present day after undergoing significant repairs. The bedesten, in the shape of a long rectangle, has four doors.
51
Çelebi Mehmet Medresesi
Merzifon, Amasya
Çelebi Mehmet Medresesi was commissioned by Çelebi Mehmet in 1414 for Ebubekir Mehmet Bin Hamza. It follows the plan of Seljuk madrasas. The square-planned, four-iwan, open-courtyard madrasa is entered through the monumental gate on its east side. The entrance, above which is an inscription consisting of a single line and three sections, is decorated using colored cut stone and marble. The iwan-shaped monumental portal, adorned with rows of red and white cut stone, is one of the most striking parts of the structure.
52
Merzifonlu Kara Mustafa Paşa Camii
Merzifon, Amasya
It was commissioned in 1666 by Kara Mustafa Paşa, one of the Ottoman grand viziers. The exterior walls of the rectangular-plan mosque were built entirely of smoothly cut stone. There is a three-bay last congregation area formed by four columns connected with pointed arches, with a wooden-covered ceiling. The prayer hall is covered with a rather large dome.
53
Yedikir Baraj Gölü
Suluova, Amasya
Yedikır Dam Lake, or by its other name Yedikuğular Bird Paradise, is located within the borders of Suluova district, 35 kilometres from Amasya city centre, 8 kmilometres from Suluova and 12 kilometres from Merzifon. Yedikır Dam Wildlife Protection Area covers an area of approximately 900 hectares. About 600 hectares of the area is formed by the lake. The remaining part is a reed bed and afforestation area containing social facilities and picnic areas.
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54
Sivrikese Cami
Havza, Samsun
In Havza’s Sivrikese Village, this mosque, known by the name of the village, was commissioned by Ali Osman Ağa to Todor Usta in 1903.
55
Akpinar Eğitim Müzesi
Ladik, Samsun
The education museum, which was opened at Ladik Akpınar Science High School, a well-established school stemming from the tradition of village institutes, enables us to see again the village institutes in particular and the country's educational tradition. The museum exhibits musical instruments, paintings, books, and tools used in workshops belonging to students who studied at Akpınar Teacher Training School, which has been operating for 74 years.
56
Yaşar Doğu Müze Evi
Kavak, Samsun
The house where national wrestler Yaşar Doğu lived in Emirli Mahallesi has been brought into tourism as a museum following restoration works. The museum, where personal belongings of world and Olympic champion Yaşar Doğu can be seen, was designed with the aim of honoring Yaşar Doğu's memory and inspiring new generations. Next to the museum, a wrestling field has also been built in Emirli Mahallesi, and traditional wrestling tournaments are held there every year.
57
Samsun Büyükşehir Belediyesi Binicilik Tesisleri
Atakum, Samsun
Love and passion for horses are hidden in the genetic codes of the Turkish people. In order to experience this passion, to get away from the troubles of the day even a little, and to spend time pleasantly, Equestrian Sports Facilities with all kinds of equipment have been established within the boundaries of Büyükoyumca Mahallesi in Samsun's Atakum district. It is a fully equipped equestrian facility where all equestrian sports can be practiced and which is also used in the rehabilitation of disabled people.
58
Nebiyan Yaylası
19 Mayıs, Samsun
Located on the ridges of 19 Mayıs district, 20 km south of the district center, Nebiyan mountain has a geography worth seeing with its magnificent nature and landscapes in every season. Nebiyan plateau, located in its upper parts, has the typical characteristics of a Black Sea plateau.
Move the stops into your own plan, split them across days, and add places to sleep and eat.
Frequently asked
- How far is it between İstanbul and Samsun, and how long does it take?
- Driving between İstanbul and Samsun is roughly 781 kilometres and takes about 9 hours without stops.
- Where is it worth stopping between İstanbul and Samsun?
- There are 837 described places within 20 km of the road between İstanbul and Samsun. toroti lists 58 of them spread evenly along the drive, in the order you pass them; Arnavutköy Yeniköy Halk Plajı comes early on, and Nebiyan Yaylası sits near the end.
- Which provinces does the İstanbul to Samsun route cross?
- The route between İstanbul and Samsun crosses İstanbul → Kocaeli → Sakarya → Düzce → Bolu → Karabük → Çankırı → Kastamonu → Çorum → Amasya → Samsun. The stretch richest in places to visit is in Kocaeli.
- Should I take the toll highway or traditional route between İstanbul and Samsun?
- Toll motorways save driving time between İstanbul and Samsun, whereas traditional state roads pass directly through historic town centers, local culinary stops, and scenic nature viewpoints.
- How should breaks be scheduled between İstanbul and Samsun?
- For a drive of around 9 hours, taking a break every 2 to 2.5 hours is recommended. The catalogued attractions in Kocaeli and neighboring provinces offer memorable stopovers compared to generic highway rest areas.