Getting There and Away

Aerial view of historic Sanliurfa showcasing traditional architecture and vibrant landscapes.
Zülfü Demir📸, Pexels

Sanliurfa is served by Sanliurfa GAP Airport (GNY), located approximately 34-35 kilometers northeast of the city center, and the Sanliurfa Bus Terminal (Otogar), situated 5 kilometers north of the city on the road to Diyarbakır.

By Air:

  • Direct flights connect Sanliurfa GAP Airport (GNY) with major Turkish cities like Istanbul (IST, SAW), Ankara (ESB), and Izmir.
  • Flights from Istanbul typically take 1 hour 55 minutes to 2 hours 5 minutes. One-way fares can range from £23 to £48 (approximately $29-$61 USD).
  • Flights from Ankara are about 1 hour 20 minutes. Fares can start from €32 (approximately $35 USD).
  • Upon arrival at Sanliurfa GAP Airport, Havaş airport shuttle buses offer an economical transfer to the city center, costing less than 5 euros. Taxis are also readily available.

By Bus:

  • Intercity bus services are a common way to reach Sanliurfa from various parts of Turkey. The main hub is Sanliurfa Bus Terminal.
  • Bus journeys from Istanbul to Sanliurfa can take between 17 and 21 hours. Ticket prices typically range from $13.54 to $38.49 (approximately €13-€36).
  • From Ankara, bus travel to Sanliurfa is generally 9 to 12 hours. Fares are often between €18 and €30 (approximately $20-$33).
  • Buses from Gaziantep to Sanliurfa take around 3 hours.
  • Longer bus routes include Izmir (18 hours) and Antalya (15 hours).

By Car:

  • Car rental services are available at Sanliurfa GAP Airport.
  • Well-maintained highways connect Sanliurfa with nearby cities such as Gaziantep, Adana, and Diyarbakır.

By Train:

  • Direct train services to Sanliurfa are not available.