Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Erzurum. Erzurum International Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 50 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Before heading into Erzurum, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Turkey vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Erzurum is roughly 50 minutes from ERZ via HavaÅ Shuttle / Municipal Bus. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in TRY. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Exploring Erzurum on a Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Erzurum:
Start with Ãifte Minareli Medrese. Worth checking out if your schedule allows. Then, if time allows, make your way to Yakutiye Medresesi. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Erzurum.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside ERZ, you can spend time at Primeclass CIP Lounge or try Airport Gift & Souvenir Shop. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food Worth Trying
- In the city: Gelgör ÃaÄ Kebap Salonu and Koç CaÄ Kebap are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Erzurum.
- At the airport: Simit Sarayı and Airport Main Restaurant will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Transport from Erzurum International Airport to Downtown
You have two main options for getting from Erzurum International Airport into town:
- HavaÅ Shuttle / Municipal Bus: About 50 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 70 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Layover Budget Breakdown
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Erzurum:
Transport to the city and back runs about $5 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $10 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $25 USD total.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Erzurum.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at ERZ may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Erzurum’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and ERZ is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Erzurum and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Taking a Break at ERZ
Long overnight layover? Your options at ERZ include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Turkey also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Erzurum exploring the streets or relaxing at ERZ, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.