How to get to Agri

Planning a trip to Agri, located in the colourful east of Turkey, you will discover the gateway to the legendary Mount Ararat and the unique culture of the region. This city attracts adventure seekers, and the question of how to reach it is solved quite simply thanks to the presence of its own airport and developed transport infrastructure.

You can arrive here in various ways: by a quick flight, on a comfortable intercity bus, or by car, turning the road into a fascinating journey.

For most travellers, the optimal solution is a flight to Agri Airport (AJI), named after Ahmed-i Hani. This small but modern aviation hub receives regular flights from major Turkish cities, most often from Istanbul and Ankara, ensuring convenient connection of the region with the rest of the world.

If tickets for direct flights are sold out, it is worth checking options arriving in neighbouring provinces. Convenient alternatives can be the airports in Igdir or historic Kars. The journey from these cities by car will take about 2–3 hours, allowing you to enjoy the scenery even before arriving at your destination.

There is no direct railway connection to the city of Agri, as it does not have its own railway station. Nevertheless, a journey by train across Turkey can become an exciting part of your route if combined with road transport.

The nearest major railway station, popular with tourists, is located in the city of Kars. The famous "Eastern Express" from Ankara arrives here, a route considered one of the most picturesque. The distance from Kars to Agri is about 200 kilometres, and this part of the journey can be comfortably covered by bus or rental car in approximately 2.5–3 hours.

Bus services in this part of the country are excellently developed, allowing you to comfortably reach your destination from neighbouring provinces. The local bus terminal serves many routes connecting the city with both metropolises and the nearest regional centres.

One of the fastest options is considered the trip from Igdir: modern buses cover the distance of 145 kilometres in approximately two hours. Also popular is the regular route from Kars, taking about three hours along a scenic road stretching 200 kilometres.

An excellent alternative is travelling through the region's major transport hubs — Erzurum and Van. Bus connections with these cities are very well established, and the travel time will pass unnoticed thanks to comfortable cabins and views of the majestic mountain ranges of Eastern Anatolia.

A self-drive trip to Agri is a wonderful opportunity to explore the rugged beauty of eastern Turkey at your own pace. The fastest route runs from the city of Igdir: the distance of 145 kilometres can be comfortably covered in less than 2 hours. The scenic road from historic Kars (165 km) will take about 2.5 hours and offer unforgettable views of mountain landscapes.

For travellers setting off from Yerevan, the journey will be longer — about 506 kilometres, which will require approximately 8 hours behind the wheel. Moving around the region is also convenient by taxi, however, for long-distance trips, it is recommended to agree on a fixed price in advance, as payment by the meter may prove high. The roads in this part of the country are generally of good quality, making the road trip pleasant and safe.

Preparing for a trip to Agri requires attention to detail, as this eastern region is distinguished by a harsh climate and distinct culture. To ensure your trip passes as comfortably as possible and leaves only pleasant impressions, we have gathered several useful recommendations.

1. Clothing and Seasonality. The climate here is sharply continental. Winters are long and snowy, so be sure to bring thermal underwear, a warm windproof jacket, and sturdy non-slip footwear. In summer, it can be hot during the day, but evenings often bring coolness, so a light windbreaker or sweater in your suitcase will not be amiss.
2. Transport. For moving within the city, it is most convenient to use dolmuşes (local shared taxis) — this is the most accessible way to get to the desired point. Taxis are also easy to find, but before boarding, it is recommended to ensure the driver has switched on the meter, or agree on the cost of the trip in advance.
3. Financial Matters. The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira. Although hotels and major shops accept cards, you will definitely need cash, preferably in small denominations, for paying fares and making purchases in small shops and markets.
4. Health and Safety. Pharmacies can be recognised by the sign "Eczane", and they carry a wide range of medicines. The city is calm, but observing basic safety rules is advisable: keep valuables with you and avoid unlit streets at late hours.
5. Communication. The level of English proficiency among the local population may not be high. It is recommended to download an offline translator on your smartphone or learn a few basic phrases in Turkish ("hello", "thank you", "how much does it cost") — this will greatly endear you to the locals.
6. Local Etiquette. Eastern Anatolia is a region with conservative traditions. When visiting the city, it is worth choosing more modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, especially if you plan to enter mosques or walk through residential neighbourhoods.
7. What to Avoid. Refrain from photographing military facilities, gendarmerie, and government buildings to avoid attracting unnecessary attention from security services. Also, it is best not to loudly discuss political topics in public places.
8. Additional Tip. This region is famous for its livestock farming, so be sure to try the local dairy products and honey. Natural cheese or a jar of mountain honey will become not only a gastronomic discovery but also an excellent gift for loved ones.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor domestic inconveniences and fully focus on exploring the majestic nature and historical monuments of this amazing corner of the country.