Trabzon Airport is close to the city, keeping transfer costs reasonable. But many visitors to this region are heading further afield, to highland plateaus, monasteries, and mountain villages, where distances and prices increase significantly.
To Trabzon City Center (6 km)
The Havabus airport shuttle costs about 30-40 TRY and drops you at Ataturk Alani, the main square. A metered taxi runs 150-250 TRY depending on which part of the city center you are going to. The Forum Trabzon shopping area and the Meydan (square) area are the most common drop-off points.
Pre-booked transfers to central Trabzon cost roughly 300-500 TRY, which is higher than a taxi but includes meet-and-greet and guaranteed availability.
To Boztepe and Hilltop Areas
Boztepe, the viewpoint hill above the city, is about 8-10 km from the airport. A taxi costs 200-350 TRY. Hotels on the hillside are slightly more expensive to reach because of the steep, winding roads.
To Sumela Monastery / Macka (45 km)
The drive to Macka takes about 45 minutes through a scenic valley. Taxis charge 500-800 TRY for this trip. If you want the driver to wait while you visit the monastery (typically 2-3 hours), negotiate a round-trip fare in advance or use a pre-booked transfer that includes waiting time. Expect a round-trip with waiting to cost 1,000-1,500 TRY.
To Uzungol (100 km)
This popular lake village is about 1.5-2 hours from the airport. Taxi fares run 1,200-2,000 TRY one way. The price varies because the road is long and the last section is mountainous. Pre-booked transfers for Uzungol typically cost 1,500-2,500 TRY, with the higher end for larger vehicles.
To Ayder Plateau via Rize (170 km)
Ayder is one of the most popular highland destinations in the Black Sea region. The drive takes about 3 hours, following the coast to Rize before turning inland. Expect to pay 2,000-3,500 TRY by taxi or pre-booked transfer. Few taxi drivers will agree to this distance without advance arrangement.
To Rize (75 km)
The tea capital of Turkey is about 1 hour east along the coast road. A taxi costs approximately 800-1,200 TRY. Minibus services from Trabzon city center to Rize are available for much less, but require getting to the city first.
Factors Affecting Price
Fuel prices in Turkey fluctuate, and taxi fares adjust accordingly. Summer months (June to September) see higher demand and occasionally higher informal pricing for long-distance trips. Weather conditions in the mountains can extend journey times, and some highland roads may be impassable in winter. Always confirm the price for long-distance trips before departure.