Rize sits around 75 kilometres east of Trabzon Airport along the Black Sea coast — a straightforward journey, but one that catches many travellers off guard when they see the taxi price. The good news: there is a direct Havaş shuttle bus from Trabzon Airport to Rize that covers the full route for a fraction of the cab fare.
This guide explains both options — shuttle and taxi — so you can choose what works for your trip.
Fares current as of May 2026. Verify at havas.net or the Havaş desk at the terminal before travel.
Trabzon Airport to Rize by Shuttle Bus
Havaş operates a direct service from Trabzon Airport (TZX) to Rize along the E70 coastal highway. It is the most cost-effective transfer option for solo travellers and small groups.
- Fare: 290 TRY (adult)
- Journey time: ~75 minutes
- Route: TZX → Araklı → Sürmene → Of → İyidere → Derepazarı → Rize
The bus runs along the Black Sea coast, so the scenery is a welcome bonus. Luggage is loaded into the hold at departure and returned at your stop — no overhead wrestling needed.
Where to board: The Havaş departure area is immediately outside the arrivals exit. Follow the Havaş signs; no pre-booking required.
For live departure times, see the Trabzon Airport shuttle page.
Trabzon Airport to Rize by Taxi
A metered taxi from TZX to Rize costs approximately 2,800 TRY — around nine times the shuttle fare. Journey time is similar (roughly 70 minutes) since both follow the same coastal road.
Taxis are available 24/7 at the rank outside arrivals. The night tariff (00:00–06:00) adds a 50% surcharge. The opening meter charge is 71.50 TRY; the practical minimum for any ride is 208 TRY.
Taxi is worth considering if you are travelling as a group of three or four people, arriving very late at night, or carrying equipment that makes a shared bus inconvenient.
Which Is Better?
| Havaş Shuttle | Taxi | |
|---|---|---|
| Fare to Rize | 290 TRY | ~2,800 TRY |
| Journey time | ~75 min | ~70 min |
| Door-to-door | No (city bus stop) | Yes |
| Night service | Limited | 24/7 |
| Luggage hold | Yes | Yes |
For a single traveller, the shuttle makes obvious financial sense. For a family of four splitting a taxi fare, the per-person cost gap narrows considerably — though at 700 TRY each it still favours the bus.
Beyond Rize: Of and Ardeşen
If you are heading further east along the Black Sea coast, Havaş also runs direct services from Trabzon Airport to:
- Of — 230 TRY · ~50 minutes (passes through Araklı and Sürmene)
- Ardeşen — 400 TRY · ~120 minutes (continues via Rize, Çayeli and Pazar)
The Ardeşen route is particularly useful for travellers exploring the Fırtına Valley, Zilkale, or the teahouse villages further east. At 400 TRY for a 120-minute coastal journey, it remains one of the more underrated value transfers in the region.
Trabzon City Center First?
If your plan is to spend a night in Trabzon before heading to Rize, the city center shuttle is only 190 TRY and takes around 30 minutes. From central Trabzon you can continue to Rize by intercity bus from the Trabzon bus terminal (Otogar) — services are frequent and typically under 90 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Rize from Trabzon Airport? About 75 km along the E70 coastal road; allow 70–80 minutes by road.
Is there a direct bus from Trabzon Airport to Rize? Yes — Havaş operates a direct shuttle from TZX to Rize. The fare is 290 TRY and the journey takes approximately 75 minutes.
How much does a taxi from Trabzon Airport to Rize cost? Approximately 2,800 TRY by metered taxi (May 2026 estimate). The night surcharge between 00:00 and 06:00 adds 50%.
Does the Trabzon to Rize shuttle stop anywhere? Yes — the service calls at Araklı, Sürmene, Of, İyidere, and Derepazarı before reaching Rize. Journey times to these intermediate stops are listed on the shuttle page.
Can I get a bus from Trabzon Airport to Ardeşen? Yes — Havaş runs a direct service to Ardeşen for 400 TRY (approximately 120 minutes), passing through Rize along the way.