Three Turkish Ports: Mersin, Izmir or Istanbul? Which One Saves You on Inland Transport | 0551247117
Choosing the arrival port for sea shipping from Saudi Arabia to Turkey: Mersin, Izmir and Istanbul's ports compared, the route via the Suez Canal, the best port for each city, and what to include in a sea quote.
Turkey faces the Mediterranean, the Aegean and the Sea of Marmara, with large commercial ports far apart: Mersin in the south, Izmir in the west, and Istanbul’s ports in the north-west. A sea shipment from Saudi Arabia may arrive at any of them, and choosing the wrong port means hundreds of kilometers of inland transport that can swallow any saving on the sea freight. In this guide we compare the ports, explain the sea route from Jeddah, what to include in a sea quote, and how to choose the port for your city.
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- The main ports compared
- The sea route from Saudi Arabia
- Which port for your city?
- What to include in a sea quote
- Frequently asked questions
- Which Turkish ports receive shipments from Saudi Arabia?
- Which port should I choose for Istanbul?
- How long does a sea shipment from Jeddah to Turkey take?
- Why do shipments reach Mersin first?
- Do you handle transport from the port to the door?
- Can I ship from Dammam to Turkey?
The main ports compared
| Port | Location | Best for | Inland transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mersin | Southern Turkey on the Mediterranean | Adana, Gaziantep, the centre and the south | Short for the south, long for Istanbul |
| Izmir | Western Turkey on the Aegean | The west coast and nearby industrial areas | Short for the west |
| Istanbul ports (such as Ambarli) | North-west on the Sea of Marmara | Istanbul, Bursa, Kocaeli and the surrounding area | Short for Istanbul and the north-west |
The sea route from Saudi Arabia
The shipment usually leaves Jeddah Islamic Port through the Red Sea, then the Suez Canal, then the Mediterranean. Shipments to Mersin arrive first as it is close to the eastern Mediterranean, while those to Izmir and Istanbul continue west and north. So timing varies by port, sailing schedules and clearance, and is usually measured in weeks. Shipping from Dammam is also possible depending on shipping line schedules.
Which port for your city?
| Destination city | Usually best port |
|---|---|
| Istanbul and Kocaeli | Istanbul ports |
| Bursa and Yalova | Marmara ports near Istanbul |
| Trabzon and the Black Sea | Compared case by case between northern ports and inland transport |
| Ankara | Compared between Mersin and Istanbul by schedule and cost |
| Izmir and western Antalya | Izmir |
| Adana, Gaziantep and Hatay | Mersin |
What to include in a sea quote
- Inland transport from the port: sea freight ends at the quay, not at the consignee’s door.
- Port handling charges: at both ends.
- Clearance in Turkey: the broker’s fee is separate from duties and taxes on the goods.
- Free storage days: a late collection means daily charges.
- Sea packing: essential for a long sea voyage.
For the furniture decision before shipping read furnishing your apartment in Turkey, and for the destination page shipping to Turkey.
Frequently asked questions
Which Turkish ports receive shipments from Saudi Arabia?
Mainly Mersin in the south, Izmir in the west and Istanbul’s ports in the north-west.
Which port should I choose for Istanbul?
Usually Istanbul’s ports, to avoid long inland transport.
How long does a sea shipment from Jeddah to Turkey take?
Usually weeks depending on the port, sailing schedules and clearance; we state it in the quote.
Why do shipments reach Mersin first?
Because it is closer to the eastern Mediterranean after the Suez Canal.
Do you handle transport from the port to the door?
Yes, and we list it as a clear item in the quote.
Can I ship from Dammam to Turkey?
Possibly, depending on shipping line schedules; we compare Jeddah and Dammam in each case.
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