Ayder Plateau (Ayder Yaylası) is a famous hot-spring and highland resort in the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize, on the slopes of the Kaçkar Mountains. Although it is close to Rize-Artvin Airport (RZV) as the crow flies, the road climbs up the Fırtına Valley to Çamlıhemşin and on to Ayder, so the drive is about 50 km and 1.5 hours. There is no direct service from the airport to Ayder, but the two-stage journey is straightforward. This guide compares the dolmuş, taxi and private transfer options.
Prices are June 2026 estimates; dolmuş fares vary by season. Confirm the shuttle fare at havas.net and dolmuş times with the Çamlıhemşin cooperative (0464 651 7778).
Option 1: Dolmuş (Cheapest)
Dolmuş (shared minibus) services to Ayder run up the Fırtına Valley via Çamlıhemşin from both Pazar and Rize. Since the airport is in Pazar, the Pazar dolmuş is the most economical route.
Current dolmuş fares:
- Pazar to Ayder: 230 TRY
- Rize to Ayder: 310 TRY
- Çamlıhemşin to Ayder: 120 TRY (if you join mid-route)
- Çamlıhemşin to Pazar: 150 TRY
Cheapest route: via Pazar
Take a short taxi from the airport to Pazar town centre (~10 minutes), then board the Pazar-Ayder dolmuş (230 TRY). It runs through Çamlıhemşin and the final 18 km climb to reach Ayder in about 1 hour 15 minutes. Dolmuşes generally operate 08:00-18:00, more frequently in summer.
Alternative: via Rize
You can take the Havaş shuttle from the airport to Rize centre (220 TRY, ~45 min), then the Rize-Ayder dolmuş (310 TRY). For current shuttle times see the Rize-Artvin Airport shuttle page.
Total (via Pazar): around 230 TRY dolmuş per person, plus a short taxi Total time: around 1.5-2 hours
Option 2: Taxi
Official metered taxis wait 24/7 outside the terminal. A taxi takes you directly to Ayder up the Fırtına Valley, covering roughly 50 km on the meter.
- Estimated fare: ~2,500-3,000 TRY
- Time: ~1.5 hours
For groups of 3-4, the per-person cost drops to 650-750 TRY, which is convenient with luggage or after the dolmuşes stop running in the evening.
Option 3: Private Transfer or Car Rental
Pre-booked private transfers run from the airport to Ayder with SUVs or minibuses suited to the mountain road, door to door. If you want to explore several spots in the highlands (Çamlıhemşin, Zilkale, Pokut, Gito), renting a car is also practical.
- Typical price: 3,000-4,000 TRY (depending on vehicle)
- Advantage: fixed price, no transfers, flexible schedule
- Booking: recommended in advance during the summer season
Comparison
| Option | Cost | Time | Door to Door |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dolmuş (via Pazar) | ~230 TRY + short taxi (per person) | ~1.5-2 hours | No |
| Taxi | ~2,500-3,000 TRY (total) | ~1.5 hours | Yes |
| Private transfer | ~3,000-4,000 TRY (total) | ~1.5 hours | Yes |
For solo or couple travel, the Pazar dolmuş is the most economical. For families, travellers with luggage and late arrivals, a taxi or private transfer is more practical.
Step by Step: Dolmuş Route (via Pazar)
- Exit arrivals.
- Take a short taxi from the airport to Pazar town centre (~10 minutes).
- In Pazar, find a dolmuş marked Ayder (230 TRY).
- The dolmuş runs up the Fırtına Valley through Çamlıhemşin.
- After the final 18 km climb from Çamlıhemşin, reach Ayder in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Practical Information
Best time: June to September is the green, misty highland season. July and August weekends are very busy.
Dolmuş hours: Çamlıhemşin-Ayder minibuses usually run 08:00-18:00. For late evening arrivals you may not find a service, so plan a taxi or transfer instead.
Road conditions: The Fırtına Valley road is a winding mountain road. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit near the front of the dolmuş.
Nearby sights: On the way to Ayder, Çamlıhemşin's historic arched bridges, Zilkale castle and the Fırtına Valley are well worth a stop. From Ayder you can continue to the Pokut, Sal and Gito plateaus.
Return: Dolmuş frequency drops in the afternoon. If you plan a full day, check the last return time in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Ayder Plateau from Rize-Artvin Airport? About 50 km via the Fırtına Valley and Çamlıhemşin. The drive takes roughly 1.5 hours.
Is there a direct bus from Rize-Artvin Airport to Ayder? No. Ayder is not a Havaş stop. The cheapest option is the Pazar-Ayder dolmuş (230 TRY) from Pazar, where the airport is located; alternatively take the Havaş shuttle to Rize and then the Rize-Ayder dolmuş (310 TRY).
How much is a taxi from Rize-Artvin Airport to Ayder? Around 2,500-3,000 TRY as of June 2026. The distance is about 50 km and the trip takes ~1.5 hours. Fares depend on the meter and road conditions.
Is there a dolmuş from Çamlıhemşin to Ayder? Yes. The Çamlıhemşin to Ayder leg is 18 km and costs 120 TRY, with dolmuşes generally running 08:00-18:00 and taking about 45 minutes. For details you can call the Çamlıhemşin dolmuş cooperative (0464 651 7778).
Is the road to Ayder difficult to drive? The road is paved but winding along the Fırtına Valley. If you rent a car, drive carefully; the scenery rewards a slow pace anyway.
Can you reach Ayder in winter? Usually yes; the main road is kept open in winter, though snow and ice can lengthen the trip. Carry snow chains and check road conditions before setting off.
