Uzungöl is one of Turkey's most photographed destinations — a glacial lake village tucked into forested mountains about 99 km from Trabzon Airport. There is no direct shuttle from the terminal to Uzungöl, but the journey is straightforward once you know the two-step route. This guide covers every option: shuttle + dolmuş, taxi, and private transfer.
Fares current as of May 2026. Verify at havas.net or the Havaş desk at the terminal before travel.
Option 1: Havaş Shuttle + Dolmuş (Best Value)
The most affordable route combines the Havaş shuttle from the airport into Trabzon city centre, then a regional minibus (dolmuş) onward to Uzungöl.
Step 1 — Trabzon Airport to City Centre by Havaş
- Fare: 190 TRY (adult)
- Journey time: ~30 minutes
- Destination: Trabzon city centre (Meydan stop)
The Havaş bus departs from the kerb outside arrivals. No booking needed — buy your ticket at the Havaş desk or from the driver. For current departure times, see the Trabzon Airport shuttle page.
Step 2 — Trabzon City Centre to Uzungöl by Dolmuş
From Trabzon city centre, take a dolmuş minibus heading to Çaykara. Dolmuşes to Uzungöl depart from Trabzon's central bus terminal (Otogar), a short taxi or local bus ride from the Havaş drop-off point.
- Fare: ~120–150 TRY
- Journey time: ~90–120 minutes via the mountain road through Çaykara
Total cost: ~310–340 TRY per person Total time: ~2.5–3 hours (including connection time)
Option 2: Taxi from Trabzon Airport
Metered taxis wait 24/7 at the rank outside arrivals. A direct fare to Uzungöl covers approximately 100 km via the Çaykara mountain road.
- Estimated fare: ~2,500–3,000 TRY
- Journey time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
At first glance expensive, but for a group of three or four the per-person cost (625–750 TRY) becomes more reasonable — especially late at night when dolmuşes have stopped running.
Option 3: Private Transfer
Private transfer services operate the airport-to-Uzungöl route and can be pre-booked online. Vehicles are typically SUVs or vans suited to the mountain road.
- Typical fare: 2,000–3,500 TRY depending on vehicle type
- Advantage: Door-to-door, fixed price, no connection stress
- Booking: Required in advance, especially in peak summer season
Comparison
| Option | Cost (per person) | Journey Time | Door-to-door |
|---|---|---|---|
| Havaş shuttle + dolmuş | ~310–340 TRY | ~2.5–3 hrs | No |
| Taxi | ~2,500–3,000 TRY (total) | ~1 hr 45 min | Yes |
| Private transfer | ~2,000–3,500 TRY (total) | ~1 hr 45 min | Yes |
For solo travellers or couples, the shuttle + dolmuş combination offers excellent value. For families or groups arriving at night, a taxi or private transfer makes more sense.
Step-by-Step: Shuttle + Dolmuş Route
- Exit arrivals and follow Havaş signs to the bus stop.
- Buy a ticket (190 TRY) for the Trabzon Merkez route and board.
- Ride ~30 minutes to the Meydan stop in central Trabzon.
- Take a local bus or short taxi to Trabzon Otogar (city bus terminal).
- Look for dolmuşes signed Çaykara or Uzungöl — departures are frequent in the morning, less so in the afternoon.
- Ride approximately 90–120 minutes through the mountains to Uzungöl village.
Practical Tips
When to visit: Uzungöl is at its best in late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) when crowds thin and the forest is vivid. Summer weekends can be extremely busy.
Accommodation: Book hotels well in advance for July and August — lakeside properties fill quickly.
Mountain road: The final stretch to Uzungöl involves a winding mountain road. Those prone to motion sickness should sit near the front of the dolmuş.
Return journey: Dolmuşes back to Trabzon become infrequent after mid-afternoon. If you plan a full day, check departure times before you set off.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Uzungöl from Trabzon Airport? Approximately 99 km by road via the Çaykara mountain route. Allow 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours by direct taxi.
Is there a direct bus from Trabzon Airport to Uzungöl? No direct service. The most cost-effective route is the Havaş shuttle to Trabzon city centre (190 TRY, 30 min) followed by a dolmuş to Uzungöl via Çaykara (~120 TRY, 90–120 min).
How much is a taxi from Trabzon Airport to Uzungöl? Approximately 2,500–3,000 TRY for the full journey (May 2026 estimate). The metered starting fare at Trabzon Airport is 71.50 TRY.
Can I get a dolmuş from Trabzon Airport to Uzungöl directly? No — there are no dolmuşes at the airport itself. You need to reach Trabzon city centre first, then connect from the Otogar (bus terminal).
How long does the dolmuş journey from Trabzon to Uzungöl take? Typically 90–120 minutes depending on stops. The route passes through Çaykara and climbs through forested valleys before reaching the lake.
Is the road to Uzungöl difficult to drive? The mountain road is well-surfaced but winding. Rental car drivers should take their time — the scenery is worth a slow pace.
