If you’ve got a layover in Kastamonu, don’t let it go to waste sitting at KFS. The city, in Turkey, is within easy reach — roughly 50 minutes by HAVAÅ Airport Shuttle. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Three things to verify before you walk out of KFS:
- Can you legally enter Turkey? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 50-minute journey each way by HAVAÅ Airport Shuttle, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the TRY. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Getting to Kastamonu from the Airport
From KFS, the HAVAÅ Airport Shuttle gets you to Kastamonu in around 50 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 70 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the HAVAÅ Airport Shuttle offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Money & Budget Tips
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Kastamonu might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$10 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$25 USD
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Luggage Storage Options
Dedicated luggage storage at KFS may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Kastamonu’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.
What’s Worth Seeing in Kastamonu
Two recommendations for your time in Kastamonu:
Start with Kastamonu Castle (Kastamonu Kalesi). You can see the main features in a short visit. Then, if time allows, make your way to Kastamonu Clock Tower & Cumhuriyet Square. The views are worth the trip if you have time.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at KFS, check out Kastamonu Havalimanı Terminal Area or Airport Cafe & Snack Bar to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Grab a Meal
- In the city: Münire Sultan Sofrası and Cem Sultan Restaurant are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Kastamonu.
- At the airport: Kastamonu Havalimanı Cafe & Restaurant and Airport Quick Bites Kiosk will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at KFS, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and KFS is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Kastamonu 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.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Kastamonu with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Kastamonu may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.