Erzurum Airport (ERZ) lies about 10 km from Erzurum city centre and is one of the highest-altitude airports in eastern Türkiye. In winter it is the arrival point for most skiers heading to the Palandöken ski resort. There are two main ways to reach the city from the airport: the Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality A1 (Airport) bus and taxi. This guide compares each option with current fares, and also covers parking and the connection to Palandöken.
Important: there is no Havaş shuttle at Erzurum Airport. The only public-transport link to the city is the municipal line A1. Prices are valid as of June 2026; check current times at erzurum.kentkart.com.
Option 1: A1 City Bus
The airport is served by the Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality line A1 (Airport). This is the cheapest way into the city centre.
- With an ErzurumKart: 70 TRY
- With a single-ride card: 85 TRY
- Time: about 35 minutes
- Route: Airport, bus terminal, Erzurum Technical University, Municipality, Hastaneler Caddesi, centre
One thing to watch: A1 departures are not frequent through the day; they are concentrated in the morning and evening. Typical weekday departures are between about 06:50-07:35 and 17:20-20:20, and midday services are sparse. Saturday and Sunday times differ. So for a midday arrival, a taxi is often more practical. For current times and all stops see our Erzurum Airport shuttle page.
Option 2: Taxi
Official taxis wait at the rank outside the terminal and run on the meter. The 2026 Erzurum tariff is:
- Opening fare: 60 TRY
- Per kilometre: 60 TRY
- Short-distance minimum (indi-bindi): 220 TRY
| Destination | Distance | Estimated fare | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erzurum bus terminal | about 6 km | about 400 TRY | 10-15 min |
| Atatürk University | about 8 km | about 550 TRY | 15 min |
| Erzurum centre (İstasyon Square) | about 10 km | about 650 TRY | 15-20 min |
| Palandöken ski resort | about 18 km | about 1,150 TRY | 25-30 min |
Fares move with the meter and winter road conditions; the figures above are estimates. For all route estimates see our Erzurum Airport taxi page.
Option 3: Parking and Car Hire
If you arrive by car or rent one, there is an open-air car park in front of the terminal. The first 15 minutes are free on entry.
- Car per day (12-24h): 180 TRY
- Motorcycle per day: 90 TRY
For the full tariff see our Erzurum Airport parking page. Winter tyres and chains matter in Erzurum's hard winters; if you rent a car, confirm the winter equipment. Rental desks are on the arrivals level.
Comparison
| Option | Fare (to centre) | Time | Door to door |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 bus | 70 TRY | about 35 min | No (stop) |
| Taxi | about 650 TRY | 15-20 min | Yes |
For morning or evening arrivals, travelling light and on a budget, the A1 bus is the cheapest option. For a midday arrival, with luggage, or going straight to Palandöken, a taxi is more practical, since A1 runs infrequently midday and there is no direct bus to the slopes.
How to Get to Palandöken
Palandöken is a ski resort very close to the city, with some of the longest runs in Türkiye. However, there is no direct municipal bus from the airport to the Palandöken slopes. The options are:
- Taxi: Directly from the airport to Palandöken is about 1,150 TRY and 25-30 minutes. In winter conditions this is the most practical and fastest way.
- Hotel transfer: Most hotels in Palandöken arrange an airport transfer with advance booking; ask when you reserve.
- A1 plus a city connection: You can take the A1 into the centre and transfer to a Palandöken minibus or taxi there, though this is harder with luggage in winter.
If you travel as a group, a taxi can balance the per-person cost; for solo skiers, a hotel transfer is usually the most comfortable solution.
Which Option, When?
If your flight lands early morning or in the evening and you are heading to the city centre, the A1 bus is both cheap and adequate. If you arrive at midday, A1 services are sparse, so a taxi lets you leave without waiting. For skiers going straight to Palandöken, a taxi or hotel transfer makes the most sense. If you plan to tour the area around Erzurum (Tortum, Uzundere, the Çoruh valley), a rental car gives flexibility; always check the winter equipment.
Practical tips: for the A1, an ErzurumKart is cheaper than a single-ride card. Roads can be icy in winter, so allow a little extra time for transfers. Midday arrivals should confirm shuttle times in advance.
Exploring Erzurum
Beyond ski tourism, Erzurum stands out for its rich Seljuk heritage:
- Palandöken ski resort: One of Türkiye's leading ski centres, with long runs and a long season.
- Çifte Minareli Medrese (Twin Minaret Madrasa): The city's emblem, a 13th-century Seljuk monument.
- Yakutiye Madrasa: An Ilkhanid-era historic madrasa famous for its stone carving.
- Erzurum Castle: The historic fortress in the city centre with the Tepsi Minaret.
City-centre sights are reachable by municipal buses and taxi; for nature routes around the region, a rental car is more flexible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Erzurum Airport to the city centre? Take the A1 municipal bus for 70 TRY with an ErzurumKart (85 TRY with a single-ride card), about 35 minutes. A taxi is about 650 TRY and 15-20 minutes. The airport sits roughly 10 km outside the centre.
Is there a Havaş shuttle at Erzurum Airport? No. There is no Havaş shuttle at Erzurum Airport. The only public-transport option is the Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality line A1 (Airport); payment is by ErzurumKart or a single-ride card.
How do I get from Erzurum Airport to Palandöken? There is no direct airport bus to the slopes. The most practical way is a taxi (about 1,150 TRY, 25-30 minutes) or a transfer arranged by your hotel. You can also take the A1 into the centre and transfer there, but it is more of an effort.
How much is a taxi from Erzurum Airport? The 2026 tariff is a 60 TRY opening fare, 60 TRY per km and a 220 TRY minimum. The centre is about 650 TRY and Palandöken about 1,150 TRY. Fares vary with the meter.
What time does the A1 bus run? A1 departures are concentrated in the morning (about 06:50-07:35) and evening (about 17:20-20:20); midday services are sparse. Saturday and Sunday times differ. Confirm current times before you travel.
Is there parking at Erzurum Airport? Yes. In the open-air car park a car is 180 TRY per day and a motorcycle 90 TRY per day. The first 15 minutes are free on entry.