The ANZAC BUS is a quick and easy way to get from Istanbul to Gallipoli for Anzac Day in Turkey.

It takes all the hassle out of travelling for those people who do not want to do a tour to the region or do not have much time and like to travel independently.  With ANZAC BUS there is no worrying whether or not you can get a public bus to Gallipoli once you arrive in Turkey which is a popular route even outside of the busy Anzac Day period. 

On the way to Gallipoli and on the way back to Istanbul we have a range of documentaries and movies about Gallipoli Campaign which you can watch (yes, we have the Mel Gibson Movie!).

Once you arrive in Gallipoli the guide on the bus who is experienced in the history of the Gallipoli Campaign is going to show you around the major sites. You will visit the Kabatepe War Museum, Anzac Cove, Hell Spit Cemetery, Lone Pine Memorial, The Nek and the Chunuk Bair War Memorial (Entrance fees paid by us!).  There is no time to look around the sites properly on Anzac Day itself as the timetable for the services is tight and each of the memorials and Anzac Cove are very full of people so this is a good chance to take some photos and wander around a bit.

We then take you to Anzac Cove where you settle in for the afternoon and night.  Have a read of our Run Down on What Happens at Gallipoli to get an idea of what to expect and what facilities there are at the Gallipoli Peninsula.

After the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove you will make your way on foot to either the Lone Pine Memorial or the Chunuk Bair Memorial for the Australian and New Zealand services.  It is not possible to attend both unfortunately because of the tight time spacing between them, the long walking distance between the two and the seating availability at each being limited.  Australians should head to Lone Pine and New Zealander's should walk past Lone Pine and keep going to Chunuk Bair.

At the end of the New Zealand service at Chunuk Bair, the officials will let the buses make their way through to pick up passengers and you will need to look out for an ANZAC BUS team member who will be holding a sign and will be directing people onto the appropriate buses.  We will have a pick up at Lone Pine for the Australians and one at Chunuk Bair for the New Zealanders.

After everyone is onboard we will head to the town of Eceabat where you have the option to get off the bus if you have your own travel plans.  You can either stay in Eceabat (few parties on this night but be warned accommodation is sparse so book early) or catch the ferry over to Canakkale on the mainland which runs every half an hour and takes approx 15-20 mins.

The ANZAC BUS will then depart for Istanbul and will arrive at approximately 10:00pm and you will be dropped off at the same place where you joined the bus in the Sultanahmet area and can make your way to your hostels & hotels.

Here is the detailed timetable of the ANZAC bus

*Times are approximate as dependent on traffic conditions