Mersin is a major Mediterranean port city and the second-largest city in the Çukurova region, located approximately 60 km west of Çukurova Airport (COV). Whether you're heading to Mersin's seafront, the historic Kızkalesi coast, or connecting to a ferry to Northern Cyprus, the Havamaş shuttle runs every hour on the hour — making it the easiest and most economical option for most travellers.
All fares are current as of May 2026. Distance from COV to Mersin city centre: approximately 60 km.
Quick Comparison
| Option | Price | Journey Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Havamaş shuttle | 340 TRY | ~90 min | Hourly, 24/7 |
| Taxi (metered) | ~2,435 TRY | ~60–70 min | Door-to-door |
For a full breakdown of all taxi fares from COV, see the Çukurova Airport taxi fares guide.
Option 1 — Havamaş Shuttle (Recommended)
The Havamaş shuttle to Mersin departs every hour on the hour, 24 hours a day. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes with a single stop in Mersin.
Route Stops — Airport → Mersin
| Stop | Notes |
|---|---|
| Çukurova Airport | Departure point |
| Sayapark AVM | Mersin — final stop, central location |
Return — Mersin → Airport
Return services depart from Sayapark AVM every hour on the hour. The bus also picks up passengers at Pozcu Forum AVM approximately 30 minutes after leaving Sayapark — useful if you are staying near the western end of Mersin.
Allow at least 100 minutes from Sayapark AVM to COV for return journeys, including the Forum AVM stop.
Fares
| Passenger | One-Way |
|---|---|
| Adult | 340 TRY |
| Child 6–12 | 170 TRY |
| Child 0–5 | Free (lap) |
Where to buy: Havamaş desk in the arrivals hall, or online at havamas.com. No advance booking required.
Practical Tips
- Sayapark AVM is well-positioned in central Mersin and connected to the rest of the city by local buses (a few TRY) and taxis (100–200 TRY for most Mersin addresses).
- For the Kızkalesi coast or Silifke, consider the separate Havamaş Taşucu shuttle (400 TRY, 4 daily departures) which passes through Erdemli and Kızkalesi.
- The shuttle runs 24 hours — there is always a service regardless of your flight's arrival time.
Option 2 — Metered Taxi
A metered taxi from COV to Mersin costs approximately 2,435 TRY under the official Adana UKOME tariff (35 TRY flag-fall + 40 TRY/km × ~60 km). Journey time is 60–70 minutes in normal traffic.
The taxi rank is directly outside the arrivals exit. Taxis operate 24 hours. Always insist on the meter — do not accept a fixed price quoted inside the terminal.
When a taxi makes more sense than the shuttle:
- Travelling in a group of 3–4 (cost per person drops significantly)
- Destination is far from Sayapark AVM and onward city transport is inconvenient
- Arriving very late with heavy luggage and needing immediate door-to-door service
Other Routes from Çukurova Airport
If you are heading elsewhere in the region, Havamaş also operates direct shuttles to:
- Adana city centre — 300 TRY, ~60 min, hourly
- Tarsus — 230 TRY, ~45 min, 14 departures/day
- Hatay — 425 TRY, ~120 min, 8 departures/day
- Osmaniye — 450 TRY, ~90 min, 8 departures/day
- Taşucu & Silifke — 400 TRY, ~120 min, 4 departures/day
Full schedules: Çukurova Airport shuttle page.
About Mersin
Mersin is a cosmopolitan port city with a long Mediterranean seafront, a lively bazaar quarter, and excellent seafood restaurants. Key areas for visitors include the Atatürk Caddesi seafront promenade, the Mersin Marina, and the old town market. For day trips, the Kızkalesi castle (reachable by local bus from Mersin) and the ancient ruins of Soli Pompeiopolis are within easy reach.
Mersin is also the main departure point for car ferries to Northern Cyprus (Famagusta/Gazimağusa) — if you're catching a ferry, note that Sayapark AVM is approximately 8 km from the ferry port, a short taxi ride away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Çukurova Airport to Mersin? The Havamaş shuttle (340 TRY, ~90 min) runs every hour from the terminal to Sayapark AVM in central Mersin. A metered taxi costs around 2,435 TRY and takes 60–70 minutes.
How often does the Havamaş shuttle run to Mersin? Every hour on the hour, 24 hours a day (00:00–23:00).
Where does the Havamaş shuttle stop in Mersin? The final stop is Sayapark AVM in central Mersin. On the return journey, the bus also picks up at Pozcu Forum AVM.
How much is a taxi from COV to Mersin? Approximately 2,435 TRY by metered taxi. The journey is around 60 km and takes 60–70 minutes.
How do I get from Mersin to Kızkalesi from the airport? Take the Taşucu shuttle (400 TRY, 4 daily departures) which passes directly through Kızkalesi. Alternatively, take the Mersin shuttle to Sayapark AVM and connect by local bus or taxi to Kızkalesi (~45 min).
Is there a ferry from Mersin to Northern Cyprus? Yes — Mersin to Famagusta (Gazimağusa) ferry operates several times a week. The ferry port is approximately 8 km from Sayapark AVM, a short taxi ride from the shuttle stop.
