How to Get from Trabzon Airport (TZX) to Sümela Monastery

Sümela Monastery lies about 46 km south-west of Trabzon Airport (TZX) in the Altındere Valley near Maçka. Depending on traffic and route, the trip takes about 50–60 minutes by road or 2–3 hours using public transport and the final park shuttle/walk.

✓ Verified Oct 27, 2026 • 46 km road distance

Private Transfer (Door-to-Door)

Recommended

50 mins •On Demand (24/7)

€55 - €75 (Per Vehicle)

Luggage: Luggage Included

How to take it step-by-step:

Exit the arrivals hall and look for your pre-booked driver in the arrivals area or just outside the terminal exit.
Confirm the driver's name and vehicle; the meeting point is normally at the front of the terminal, inside or just outside.
Ride about 46 km via the coast road and Maçka towards the Altındere Valley; travel time is typically 50–60 minutes.
Ask to be dropped at the main valley car park, then take the park shuttle and/or walk the final short stretch to Sümela Monastery.

Kiwitaxi

✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit

Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Official Airport Taxi

Metered

50 mins •On Demand (24/7)

€54 - €65 (Per Vehicle)

Luggage: 2–3 Pieces Free

How to take it step-by-step:

Follow the taxi signs to the rank outside the terminal exit.
Ask the driver to turn on the meter and confirm card payment before setting off.
Ride via the coast road and Maçka towards Sümela Monastery; the metered fare for 46 km starts at 90 TRY plus 73 TRY/km for the first 5 km and 62 TRY/km after that.
For such a long mountain ride, agree the final price or compare with a pre-booked transfer/tour before departing.
Ask to be dropped at the valley car park, then use the park shuttle and/or walk to the monastery.

Havaş to Trabzon City + Onward Minibus/Tour

Public Bus

110 mins •Havaş after flight arrivals; onward seasonal

€3.40 Havaş + onward fare not published

Luggage: Luggage space on Havaş; little on onward buses

How to take it step-by-step:

Exit arrivals and find the Havaş coach in front of the terminal; there is no fixed airport timetable, coaches leave after flight arrivals.
Buy a ticket on board: 190 TRY (about €3.40) for the Trabzon city line; confirm the stop with the driver if heading to Meydan/Otogar.
Get off at a central stop such as Meydan or Otogar.
From the city centre, take a seasonal Sümela minibus or organised tour to Maçka and the Altındere Valley; check locally for times and fares.
At the valley car park, take the park shuttle and/or walk the final stretch to Sümela Monastery.

Airport Dolmuş/City Bus to Meydan + Onward Minibus

Cheapest

120 mins •Frequent on main road; see timetable for onward

€0.80 / €0.60 + onward fare not published

Luggage: Little luggage space

How to take it step-by-step:

Leave the terminal and walk to the main coast road by the airport; do not board from unmarked stops.
Take the Meydan–Pelitli–Havaalanı dolmuş (45 TRY, about €0.80) or a municipal city bus (35 TRY, about €0.60) towards Meydan/centre.
Get off at Meydan (Atatürk Alanı) or the central area.
From Meydan or the city centre, look for a seasonal Sümela minibus or tour to Maçka; in summer these run from the centre, but times and fares are not published for 2026.
Ride to the Altındere Valley car park, then take the park shuttle and/or walk uphill to the monastery.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

Taxi meter must be turned on: the 2026 TZX tariff is 90 TRY start, 73 TRY/km for first 5 km, 62 TRY/km after; refusing the meter often means a heavily inflated fare.
Do not accept rides from touts inside the terminal; use the official taxi rank or a pre-booked transfer only.
For long mountain trips to Sümela, agreeing the total price before leaving or pre-booking is safer because waiting time and return costs can be added.
Check that your card is charged in TRY if paying by card; confirm card payment with the driver before the journey starts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from Trabzon Airport to Sümela Monastery at night?

At night no public minibuses run to Sümela; use a pre-booked private transfer or official taxi. Havaş city coaches meet arriving flights, but onward service to Maçka/Sümela is not guaranteed after dark.

What is the cheapest way to get from TZX to Sümela Monastery?

The cheapest start is a city bus or airport dolmuş to Meydan (about €0.60–€0.80), then a seasonal minibus/tour; the total price cannot be quoted because the Maçka/Sümela portion is not published. The final park shuttle/walk may cost extra.

How much does a taxi cost from Trabzon Airport to Sümela Monastery?

The metered fare for the 46 km trip is about 2,997 TRY one-way, roughly €54 without waiting; with mountain traffic or waiting, budget €54–€65 and agree the price in advance.

Is there a direct bus from Trabzon Airport to Sümela Monastery?

No. You must first go to Trabzon city centre/Meydan or Maçka, then take a seasonal minibus/tour and, from the valley car park, a park shuttle and/or walk. Havaş serves the airport–city portion only.

Can I pay by card in taxis, buses and at Sümela?

Some taxis accept cards but you must confirm before the ride; Havaş tickets are bought on board and may be cash or card; city buses/dolmuş usually prefer cash, and Sümela card acceptance varies, so carry some lira.

How long is the drive from TZX to Sümela Monastery?

In normal traffic, the 46 km drive takes about 43–60 minutes. Public transport with the city-centre change and park shuttle/walk usually takes 2–3 hours.

More transfers from Trabzon Airport (TZX)

Trabzon Bus Terminal · 5 km Trabzon City Centre (Meydan) · 6.3 km Boztepe · 8.2 km Akçaabat · 23.2 km Of · 45.9 km Rize · 72.6 km Uzungöl · 89 km Çamlıhemşin · 138.9 km