Trabzon Airport to City Center Transfer: The 2026 Practical Guide

You have just touched down in Trabzon. The humid air of the Black Sea hits you the moment the doors open. Now, there is only one question left: How do I get to the hotel? The good news first: Trabzon Airport (TZX) is incredibly close to the actiononly about 6 kilometers east of the city center (Meydan). Unlike in Istanbul or Ankara, you don’t need to embark on a cross country expedition just to find your bed.

This guide isn’t just a list of bus numbers. We are looking at your options through the “Practitioner Lens”: What actually works? Where do the tourist traps hide? And what is the best way to pay? Here is your survival update for late 2025 and 2026.

The Quick Snapshot: Which Option Fits You?

• The Winner (Value for Money): HAVAŞ Shuttle. Comfortable, reliable, and synced with flight arrivals.
• The “Local” Way: Dolmuş (Shared Minibus). Only if you have light luggage and crave a bit of chaos.
• The Comfort Way: Taxi or Private Transfer. Convenient, but a minefield for overpricing.
• The Budget Way: Municipal Bus. Only recommended if you already possess a Trabzon Kart (unlikely).

Option 1: HAVAŞ Shuttle Bus (The Smart Choice)

For 90% of travelers, the HAVAŞ bus is the undisputed champion. It is the official airport shuttle across Turkey. The buses are modern, air conditioned, and actually have space for your suitcases.

Route & Process

The white HAVAŞ buses wait directly outside the exit of the arrival halls (both Domestic and International). They typically depart about 25 minutes after a plane lands. This means you don’t need to sprint through customs.

The Route to Center: Airport Tanjant Road Meydan (City Center) Beşirli.
The ride to the center takes just 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the notorious Black Sea traffic.

Insider Tip: Most tourists get off at “Meydan.” This is the beating heart of Trabzon, packed with hotels and restaurants. When you board, simply confirm with the driver: “Meydan?”

Costs & Payment (2025/2026 Outlook)

Expect a ticket price of approximately 90-100 TL per person for the trip to the city center. Payment is almost exclusively cash to the driver. Ensure you have Turkish Lira ready, as card terminals are often “out of service.” If you need connectivity to check the exchange rate, check out our guide on Vodafone Turkey Prepaid & Roaming to avoid staying offline.

Option 2: Taxi (The Potential Trap)

Taxis are available 24/7 right outside the terminal. It is the most convenient option to get dropped at your hotel door, but you need your wits about you.

The Reality Check:

• The Meter is Mandatory: Always insist on the taximeter (“Taksimetre”) being turned on. If they refuse, get out.
• The Price: For the short 6 km hop to the center, expect to pay around 250 to 400 TL in late 2025/early 2026, depending on traffic. If a driver quotes you 50 Euros, laugh and walk away. That is pure price gouging.
• Address Confusion: Turkish addresses can be tricky. A single typo in the district name can send you miles away. Before you get in, review the Turkish Address Format Guide to ensure you are giving the driver the right info.

Availability Note: Apps like Uber or BiTaksi are far less reliable in Trabzon than in Istanbul. You are better off using the official yellow taxis at the stand.

Option 3: Public Bus & Dolmuş (For the Adventurous)

There is no direct municipal bus that starts inside the airport grounds for the general public. You have to leave the terminal and walk to the main highway (about a 5-minute walk). There, you will find stops for buses and the famous Dolmuş (minibuses).

The Dolmuş: The Authentic Experience

This is the secret weapon for solo travelers with light backpacks. Walk to the main road, cross it safely (towards the city side), and wave down a passing minibus. Almost every Dolmuş heading west passes “Meydan.” It is fast, chaotic, and incredibly cheap (approx. 20-30 TL). Pay cash and pass the money forward to the driver via other passengers.

Municipal Buses

Lines 121, 122, 125, 139, 476, and 501 stop at the main road. The hurdle for tourists? You often need a Trabzon Kart to pay. Finding a vendor for this card at the airport can be frustratingly difficult. Only choose this if you are already familiar with the system.

If you are heading to Istanbul next and think this is complicated, wait until you see the metro network there. Read our comparison in the Transportation in Istanbul guide to prepare yourself.

HAVAŞ to Other Destinations: Rize, Hopa & Giresun

Trabzon Airport serves as the hub for the entire Eastern Black Sea region. HAVAŞ offers direct connections to neighboring provinces. This is often significantly cheaper than a rental car or private transfer.

• To Rize: Travel time approx. 1.5 hours. Price approx. 250 TL.
• To Hopa (Artvin): Travel time approx. 2.5-3 hours. The route goes via Arhavi.
• To Giresun / Tirebolu: Travel time approx. 2 hours heading west.

These buses also wait at the exit of the arrival hall. Look for signs in the bus windows or just ask the staff: “Rize?” or “Hopa?”

Car Rental at Trabzon Airport

Are you planning trips to the Sümela Monastery or Uzungöl? Then a rental car is almost indispensable. Public transport to these specific landmarks can be cumbersome and infrequent.

Inside the terminal, you will find all the major players like Avis, Budget, Garenta, and Sixt.

Critical Tip for 2026: Book your car online in advance. During the summer months (July/August), cars are often completely sold out as thousands of expats return to the region. Also, driving here isn’t like driving in Europe. Make sure you understand the risks and coverage by reading our guide on Car Insurance in Turkey.

Verdict: What is the Best Choice?

Don’t overcomplicate it. If you are staying in the city center, take the HAVAŞ Shuttle. It is stress free, cheap, and safe. If you arrive late at night or have excessive luggage, take an official taxi, but keep your eyes on the meter. Save the adventure of the public bus for another day.