Çukurova International Airport (COV) is a modern, spacious terminal that is easy to move through with children. The main planning point is the 30-45 minute drive into Adana — longer than the old in-city airport — so a comfortable vehicle and the child-seat question matter more here.
The terminal with children
COV is new, flat and well-signed, with trolleys, clean restrooms and baby-changing facilities, plus cafes for a snack before the drive. From aircraft to exit takes about 20-30 minutes including luggage. If you checked a stroller, it arrives at the oversized belt or at the gate depending on how it was tagged.
Child seats in Turkey
Turkish law requires child seats, but taxis effectively never carry them — this is standard across Turkey, not specific to Çukurova. Your options:
- Bring a portable car seat or booster: The most reliable approach, and more important here because the ride into the city is 35 km, not a few minutes.
- Request a car seat with a pre-booked transfer: Some providers can arrange one — confirm at booking, do not assume.
- Ride without one: Some families accept this for short hops, but at a 40-minute drive a proper seat is the safer call.
Vehicle size
A standard taxi sedan fits two adults and two children with 1-2 suitcases. With a stroller plus multiple bags it gets tight, and it is a longer ride than the old airport. For larger families or more luggage, a pre-booked minivan or SUV transfer is far more comfortable than splitting taxis over 35 km.
The ride itself
The route from Çukurova into Adana is mostly the D400 dual carriageway — smooth and well-maintained, though it is a proper 30-45 minute drive rather than a quick hop. For Mersin, Tarsus or Hatay the drive is longer still, so a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with room to spread out is worth arranging for kids.
Tips for families
- The terminal has cafes and shops for snacks and drinks before you set off.
- Turkish drivers are generally warm with children — Turkish culture is very child-welcoming.
- Have your hotel address saved offline to show the driver.
- ATMs and exchange are in the terminal — grab lira for a taxi or shuttle if needed.
- The Havamaş shuttle is cheap but has fixed stops and a schedule; with small children and luggage a door-to-door transfer is usually the calmer choice.
- Budget close to an hour from touchdown to an Adana hotel once you include luggage and the drive.