Getting There and Away

Misty landscape view of Rize Castle atop lush green hills in Şenköy, Turkey.
Muhammmet BAYRAM, Pexels

Rize is primarily served by Rize-Artvin Airport (RZV), located approximately 30-36 km east of the city. Trabzon Airport (TZX) also serves as a significant regional air hub, situated about 61-94 km to the west. The city has a central bus terminal, facilitating intercity travel.

By Air:

Rize-Artvin Airport (RZV) offers direct flights from major Turkish cities including Istanbul (both IST and SAW airports), Ankara (ESB), and Izmir (ADB). Flight durations typically range from 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 55 minutes for domestic routes. From Rize-Artvin Airport, HAVAŞ airport shuttle services are available to Rize city center, or one can opt for taxis.

By Bus:

Extensive bus services connect Rize to various cities across Turkey. Direct buses from Istanbul can take approximately 17.5 to 20 hours, with tickets typically costing between ₺900 and ₺2,100 (Turkish Lira). Buses from Ankara generally take around 13 hours. Popular bus companies include FlixBus and Metro Turizm.

By Car Rental:

Car rental services are available at Rize-Artvin Airport and within Rize city from various providers such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Sixt. Daily rental costs for an economy car can range from $28 to $80, depending on the season and booking time. Driving conditions to highland areas may require a 4x4 vehicle with chains.

International Connections:

For those coming from or going to Georgia, direct bus services operate between Rize and Tbilisi, taking about 6 hours 10 minutes and costing approximately $16-$20. Batumi International Airport (BUS) in Georgia is also an accessible option, with regular transportation links to Rize city center.