How to get to Ardahan

If you are planning to visit Ardahan, located in the picturesque northeast of Turkey, you can look forward to discovering the rugged beauty of the highlands and the region's rich historical heritage. It is advisable to find out how to get to Ardahan in advance to choose the most comfortable option: depending on your time and budget, you can travel by plane, train, bus, or embark on a journey by car.

There are no direct flights to the city, as Ardahan does not have its own airport. The optimal choice for tourists is to fly to neighbouring Kars (KSY), which serves as the nearest and most convenient transport hub for travel to this region.

Kars Airport accepts regular flights from major cities in Turkey, including Istanbul and Ankara. The distance to the final destination is approximately 90 kilometres. Upon arrival, travellers can use intercity buses, taxis, or rent a car to reach their destination in about one and a half hours.

Trains do not go directly to Ardahan, as this high-altitude city lacks its own railway station. The nearest and most convenient station is in the neighbouring city of Kars, where the famous "Eastern Express" arrives from Ankara, turning the journey into a true adventure with views of Anatolian landscapes.

From the station in Kars to your destination is about 90 kilometres, which can be covered by bus or taxi. Although railway hubs in Gyumri and Batumi are geographically nearby, the route through the Turkish railway network remains the simplest and most popular way to reach the region by land.

Bus services connect Ardahan with key cities in the region, offering tourists an affordable and scenic mode of transport. The most popular and shortest route runs from neighbouring Kars: a 90-kilometre journey takes about one and a half hours. Additionally, there are regular connections with significant centres such as Erzurum and Artvin, making it convenient to plan trips across eastern Turkey.

Travellers arriving from the direction of Georgia should consider entering through the Türkgözü (Posof) border crossing. The road from Batumi or Akhaltsikhe passes through beautiful mountain passes, and although the journey along the winding roads may take 4–5 hours, it is compensated by impressive views. This is a reliable alternative for those wishing to enter the region by land.

The most comfortable and fastest way to reach Ardahan is driving from Kars, where the 90-kilometre distance on an excellent highway is covered in just one and a half hours. Lovers of scenic views should choose the route from Batumi: the path through mountain passes and the picturesque Shavshat valley will take about 4–5 hours, but will gift you unforgettable panoramas of lush green forests and alpine meadows.

For travellers departing from Gyumri, the journey will be about 230 kilometres and require around 4 hours, as the route passes through the territory of Georgia. On all routes, you can use taxi services or private transfers; however, it is best to agree on the cost of the trip in advance, for example, from the nearest airport in Kars, based on average regional rates.

A trip to Ardahan promises to be unforgettable thanks to its authentic atmosphere and severe highland nature. To ensure your trip is as comfortable as possible and free of surprises, we have prepared a list of useful recommendations to help plan your visit.

1. Clothing and Essentials: This is one of the coldest cities in Turkey. Even if you are travelling in summer, be sure to bring warm clothes: evenings here are cool, and the weather is changeable. In winter, full gear is necessary: thermal underwear, a windproof jacket, a hat, and high-quality winter footwear.
2. Transport: The city centre is compact and easy to walk around. For trips to surrounding villages or natural attractions, it is best to arrange transport with taxi drivers or use local minibuses (dolmuş), as public transport schedules may be irregular.
3. Finances: The official currency is the Turkish Lira. Major shops and hotels accept cards without issues, but for paying fares, shopping at markets, or in small shops, be sure to carry cash, preferably in small denominations.
4. Health and Safety: The city is located at a significant altitude above sea level, so try not to overexert yourself in the first few days to avoid symptoms of altitude sickness. The sun here is very strong — use protective cream even in cloudy weather.
5. Communication: The main language of communication is Turkish. English is not spoken everywhere, so we recommend downloading an offline translator on your smartphone. Learning a couple of simple phrases ("hello", "thank you") will help you build rapport with the locals faster.
6. Local Etiquette: Ardahan is a city with a traditional lifestyle. It is customary here to show restraint and respect for elders. When entering a private home or a mosque, be sure to remove your shoes. For walks, it is better to choose modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
7. What to Avoid: Do not photograph local residents, especially women, or military facilities without prior permission. Also, refrain from loud conversations and conspicuous behaviour in public places.
8. Extra Tip: Do not miss the opportunity to buy local products. Ardahan is famous for its natural floral honey and kashar cheese (kaşar peyniri). These are the best souvenirs you can bring back from your trip.

By observing these simple rules, you will be able to fully immerse yourself in the flavour of the region and take away only positive emotions from your journey. Ardahan opens up to those who respect its traditions and are prepared for the peculiarities of the local climate.