As Tunnel tolls increase, citizens prefer the free route
As tolls increase at Turkey's first and only paid tunnel between Fethiye and Dalaman, citizens are turning to the free alternative route. Citizens reacting to the rising tolls prefer to use the free route, even though it is longer and winding, to avoid paying the fee.
The Göcek Tunnel, 960 meters long, operating as two tubes each with 2 lanes, and initially built by the ANASOLM Government under the Yap-İşlet-Devret (Build-Operate-Transfer) model during Mesut Yılmaz's premiership, holds the distinction of being Turkey's first and only toll road tunnel. Despite the increasing traffic density, the number of vehicles using the tunnel is decreasing, while the majority of citizens prefer the free alternative route. It is observed that vehicle traffic on the toll-free route, maintained by the General Directorate of Highways, is increasing day by day.
According to the 2026 tariff, the Göcek Tunnel tolls are 75 TL for cars, 40 TL for motorcycles, and 300 TL for buses and heavy vehicles, which draws drivers' complaints.
A CAR OWNER WHO USES IT DAILY PAYS 4,500 TL PER MONTH
A car driver who uses the Göcek Tunnel daily has to pay 150 TL for a round trip each day, approximately 4,500 TL per month. This amount strains many citizens' budgets, leading to a greater preference for the free alternative route.
Citizens, taxi drivers, and shuttle drivers who frequently travel between Fethiye and Dalaman Airport state they are facing significant difficulties due to rising costs.
CITIZENS ARE UPSET
Drivers say, "The tunnel saves time, but the fees now exceed our budget. We are forced to use the old road," and request a re-evaluation of the prices. It is stated that as long as the increases continue, interest in the free alternative route will further rise.
TUNNEL WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF HIGHWAYS IN 2030
In response to an application made by CHP Muğla MP Süleyman Girgin to CİMER, it was stated that the operation period of the tunnel had been extended and the transfer date postponed to May 20, 2030.
The local population expects the tolls to be lifted and the passages made free after the operation period ends.
As the Göcek Tunnel, used intensively for years due to time savings, sees toll increases, the number of drivers turning to the free alternative road increases daily, while citizens demand a reconsideration of the toll fees.
