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How far is Trabzon from Istanbul? Flights, driving and buses

How far is Trabzon from Istanbul? Flights, driving and buses

In short

Trabzon is about 1,050 km from Istanbul by road, roughly 13 hours of non-stop driving. Flying is the fastest option: a direct flight from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen to Trabzon Airport takes 1 h 40 min to 1 h 50 min, with several flights a day. By bus the trip takes 12.5 to 17.5 hours.

Last reviewed October 20, 2026

One of the first questions families ask when they consider living in Trabzon is how far it is from Istanbul. The short answer: far by road, but very close by air, which is why many people live in Trabzon and travel to Istanbul with ease.

The distance at a glance

  • By road: about 1,050 km, roughly 13 hours of non-stop driving.
  • By direct flight: 1 h 40 min to 1 h 50 min.
  • By bus: 12.5 to 17.5 hours depending on the company and stops.
  • By train: no railway reaches Trabzon at present.

Direct flights leave from both of Istanbul's main airports, Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side, to Trabzon Airport (TZX). Turkish Airlines, Pegasus and AJet run several flights a day, so there is usually a morning and an evening option.

A big advantage of Trabzon is that its airport sits on the coast near the city centre, between the centre and Yomra, so you do not lose an extra hour getting into town as you do in big cities. That is one reason Yomra and Pelitli are popular with people who travel often.

Tip: fares rise sharply in peak summer and around public holidays, so book early if you are travelling as a family in July or August.

Driving: long but beautiful

The road from Istanbul heads east and then runs mostly along the Black Sea coast, through cities such as Samsun, Ordu and Giresun. It is about 1,050 km, and the coastal highway is comfortable and scenic.

Because the drive is close to 13 hours, most families split it over two days with an overnight stop. If you are moving your car or furniture when you relocate, it is a practical choice.

By bus

Buses run between the two cities from Istanbul's main bus terminals several times a day. It is cheaper than flying but long, 12.5 to 17.5 hours, so it suits young travellers with time to spare more than families.

What the distance means for buyers

  • Living in Trabzon does not mean being cut off: Istanbul is under two hours away by air, so you can attend an appointment and be back the same day.
  • A viewing trip can cover both cities: many of our clients start in Istanbul and fly to Trabzon on the same trip.
  • Each city has its own character: Istanbul is a big global city; Trabzon is a greener, calmer and more affordable seaside city. We compare them in detail in Trabzon or Istanbul for property investment.

To learn more about daily life, read our guide to living in Trabzon, or browse apartments for sale in Trabzon. If you would like a viewing trip that covers Istanbul and Trabzon, contact us.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight from Istanbul to Trabzon?

A direct flight takes 1 h 40 min to 1 h 50 min in the air, from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen, and there are several flights every day.

How far is Trabzon from Istanbul by car?

About 1,050 km, roughly 13 hours of non-stop driving. Most families split the drive over two days with an overnight stop.

Is there a train from Istanbul to Trabzon?

No railway reaches Trabzon at present, so the options are flying, driving or taking the bus.

Is Trabzon Airport far from the city?

No. Trabzon Airport is on the coast close to the city centre, between the centre and Yomra, so most neighbourhoods are minutes away.

Sources

Related guides

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