UNESCO listed Safranbolu's old town as World Heritage in 1994, citing it as one of the best-preserved examples of an Ottoman-era town anywhere, several hundred timber-framed mansions climbing the hillsides in tiers, their upper storeys overhanging narrow cobbled streets below. The town's name comes from saffron, once traded here in significant quantities, and though the crop itself has faded from local commerce, the name and the trading-town character it built have stuck.
Cinci Han, a 17th-century caravanserai built to house merchants and their goods on the old trade routes through the region, still stands near the town centre, now restored and open to visitors rather than functioning as a working inn. Many of the surrounding Ottoman houses have been converted into boutique hotels, letting overnight visitors sleep inside the same rooms merchants and travellers once used, one of the reasons Safranbolu has become a popular weekend trip from both Istanbul and Ankara.
Listed as World Heritage in 1994, Safranbolu's old town preserves several hundred timber-framed Ottoman mansions climbing tiered hillsides, their overhanging upper storeys forming narrow cobbled streets that UNESCO cited as among the best-preserved examples of the style anywhere.
Built in the 17th century to house merchants and goods on the region's old trade routes, Cinci Han still stands near the town centre, now restored and open to visitors rather than operating as a working inn.
The town takes its name from saffron, once traded here in significant quantities; the crop itself has largely faded from local commerce, but the name and the trading-town character it built remain central to Safranbolu's identity.
As a rough guide, a minibus (up to 19 seats) in Safranbolu runs around 4,200 to 6,800 TRY per day, a midi-coach (around 29 seats) around 6,800 to 11,000 TRY per day, and a full-size coach (49 seats) around 10,200 to 16,500 TRY per day. Safranbolu's pricing runs higher than most inland towns given strong weekend demand from both Istanbul and Ankara. The final figure depends on your route, the date, and how long you need the vehicle. We confirm a fixed price with no hidden charges -- send your details for a free quote.
Tell us where you need to go, how many passengers, and when. We will find you the best bus, coach, or minibus at the best price.


Bus, coach, and minibus hire across 195 countries. Airport transfers, wedding transport, corporate travel, and event shuttles. Get your free quote today.
Contact us for a no-obligation quote for your group transport needs.
Contact Us+44 20 3966 7387
© 2026 Global Bus Hire. All rights reserved.