Trabzon Airport (TZX) is one of the busiest airports on Turkey’s Black Sea coast, handling direct flights from Istanbul, Ankara, and several European cities. The airport sits on a plateau above the city, approximately 8–9km east of Trabzon city centre - close enough that almost any transfer option gets you into town quickly. This guide covers every way to get from the terminal to the city, as well as the key day-trip destinations in the region, with prices as of 2026.
Airport Overview
Trabzon Airport has a single terminal handling both domestic and international arrivals. The terminal is modern and compact - you will clear customs and collect baggage within the same building, and transfer options are a short walk from the arrivals exit.
On arrival, you will find:
- Havas (Havaş) bus stop and ticket desk outside the arrivals hall
- Official taxi rank immediately outside arrivals
- Car hire desks inside the arrivals hall (Avis, Budget, Europcar, and local operators)
- ATMs near the arrivals exit
- SIM card kiosks in the arrivals area
- A small café and duty-free shop airside
One important note on the airport’s location: TZX is built on a narrow coastal strip - the runway extends over the Black Sea on an artificial platform, making it one of Turkey’s more dramatic approach and departure routes.
Option 1: Havas Airport Bus (Cheapest)
Havas (Havaş) operates an airport-to-city shuttle that is the most cost-effective transfer for solo travellers or couples without much luggage.
Route: Trabzon Airport → Trabzon city centre (main bus terminal / otogar area)
Price (as of 2026): approximately ₺80–120 per person one way
Journey time: approximately 25–35 minutes depending on traffic
Frequency: the service runs to meet arriving flights rather than on a fixed hourly schedule - check the Havas desk or app for current timings
Practical notes:
- Buy your ticket at the Havas booth in the arrivals hall or on the Havaş app
- The bus drops passengers near the city bus terminal; from there, a short local bus or taxi ride reaches most central hotels
- The service does not run to day-trip destinations like Sümela Monastery or Uzungöl - for those, see taxi or private transfer options below
- Late-night arrivals may find limited or no service; confirm in advance if arriving after 22:00
Option 2: Taxi (Most Flexible)
Metered taxis are always available outside the arrivals hall and are the most convenient option for families with luggage, late-night arrivals, or groups where the per-person cost becomes competitive with the bus.
Approximate 2026 fares from TZX:
| Destination | Approximate cost | Journey time |
|---|---|---|
| Trabzon city centre | ₺200–350 | 15–20 min |
| Trabzon old town (Ortahisar) | ₺220–360 | 18–25 min |
| Uzungöl | ₺900–1,300 | 80–100 min |
| Sümela Monastery | ₺700–1,000 | 55–70 min |
| Rize city centre | ₺1,200–1,600 | 75–90 min |
Tips for taking a taxi:
- Always use the official taxi rank at the arrivals exit - avoid touts inside the terminal
- Confirm the meter is running at the start of the journey; metered fares are standard at TZX
- For longer destinations like Uzungöl, negotiate a fixed rate before setting off - taxis at the airport rank are accustomed to these trips and can quote a flat price
Option 3: Private Transfer (Most Comfortable)
Pre-booked private transfers offer door-to-door service from the terminal to your accommodation, often with meet-and-greet at arrivals. This is the best option for large groups, families with children, or anyone arriving very late when alternative transport is limited.
Fixed-price airport pickups can be booked in advance through Welcome Pickups.
Advantages over taxis:
- Fixed price agreed in advance - no meter anxiety
- Air-conditioned vehicles booked to match your flight time
- Driver monitors flight status if your arrival is delayed
- Can accommodate larger luggage volumes than a standard taxi
What to expect (approximate 2026 prices):
| Route | Approximate private transfer cost |
|---|---|
| TZX → Trabzon centre | ₺350–550 |
| TZX → Uzungöl | ₺1,100–1,600 |
| TZX → Sümela Monastery | ₺900–1,300 |
| TZX → Rize | ₺1,400–1,900 |
Book through a transfer platform or your accommodation - many Trabzon hotels arrange airport pickups on request.
Option 4: Rental Car
Renting a car from Trabzon Airport is a smart choice if you plan to explore the Black Sea coast independently. The region’s main attractions - Sümela Monastery, Uzungöl, the highland plateau villages (yaylas), Ayder, Rize, and the Kaçkar Mountains - are spread out and poorly served by public transport.
Desks at TZX include Avis, Budget, Europcar, and several local operators. Economy cars start from approximately ₺800–1,200 per day as of 2026, including basic insurance. Book in advance during the peak summer season (July–August), when availability can tighten.
Key driving notes:
- The coast road east toward Rize is fast and straightforward
- The road up to Uzungöl is well-paved but has sharp switchbacks - allow extra time
- Sümela Monastery access road is a single-track mountain route; comfortable in a standard car
- Parking in Trabzon city centre requires patience - the old town lanes are narrow
For full driving information including HGS toll requirements, see our driving guide for Turkey.
Getting to Trabzon’s Key Destinations
If you are using Trabzon as a base for the wider Black Sea region, here are approximate journey times and transport options from the airport:
Sümela Monastery (45km): The road climbs steeply from the coast into a forested valley. Taxi one-way costs approximately ₺700–1,000. Dolmuş services run from Trabzon city (not the airport) in summer. A private day-trip transfer that covers pickup at the airport, time at the monastery, and drop-off at your hotel is a popular option.
Uzungöl (100km): A mountain lake village in the Çaykara district. The drive from TZX takes approximately 90–120 minutes on winding highland roads. No direct public bus from the airport - taxi or private transfer are the practical options. From ₺900–1,300 by taxi (one-way).
Rize (85km): The heart of Turkey’s tea country. Fast coast road; approximately 70–90 minutes from TZX by taxi or rental car. Havas does not serve this route - use taxi or rent a car.
Leaving Trabzon Airport
All transfer options operate in reverse. If booking a private transfer for departure, allow at least 90 minutes from central Trabzon to the airport during peak summer morning hours, when the coastal road can slow significantly. The Havas bus is again the cheapest option for solo travellers.
For finding things to do in the city before your flight, see our Trabzon city guide.