How to get to Erzincan

Planning a trip to Erzincan means choosing a journey to a vibrant city in Eastern Anatolia, Turkey, surrounded by impressive mountain scenery and renowned for its artisan traditions. If you are looking for information on how to get to Erzincan, a well-developed transport network is at your service: you can fly here comfortably by plane, travel by train, bus, or arrive by car. The choice of route depends entirely on your preferences, as every mode of transport reveals unique views of this picturesque region.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach your destination is by air. The city is served by its own Erzincan Airport (ERC), which welcomes many travellers annually. It is located just a few kilometres from the city centre, allowing you to be in Erzincan almost immediately after landing.

If direct tickets are unavailable, consider flying to neighbouring regions of Turkey. Convenient alternatives include airports in the cities of Elazig and Bingol, located relatively nearby. You can also fly to Trabzon on the Black Sea coast, from where a picturesque overland route through the mountains begins.

Travelling by rail is one of the most picturesque ways to get to Erzincan. The city has a railway station (Erzincan Garı), which is a key transport hub in the region. A train journey allows you to leisurely enjoy the beauty of Eastern Anatolia, watching the changing landscapes from the carriage window.

The route of the legendary "Eastern Express" (Doğu Ekspresi), travelling from the Turkish capital, Ankara, to the city of Kars, passes through Erzincan. This train is hugely popular with tourists thanks to the incredible views: the path runs through mountain gorges, valleys, and along the banks of the Euphrates River. The journey becomes especially impressive in winter, when snowy landscapes turn the road into a true fairytale.

The bus network in Turkey is distinguished by a high level of comfort, making overland travel an excellent alternative to flying. A journey to Erzincan from the seaside city of Trabzon is particularly impressive: covering a distance of about 180 kilometres, the bus takes passengers through the picturesque passes of the Pontic Mountains in 3–4 hours, offering views of green slopes and misty peaks.

For travellers heading from eastern regions, neighbouring provinces make convenient starting points. The road from the city of Elazig will take no more than three hours, covering a distance of approximately 150 kilometres, while the trip from the city of Bingol lasts about two hours. Most intercity services arrive at the main bus terminal, located within easy transport reach of the centre.

Travelling by car on the roads of Turkey offers you freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy impressive mountain panoramas. A scenic route from the city of Elazig takes about two hours, for which you will cover approximately 155 kilometres, while a trip from neighbouring Bingol lasts just under two hours for a distance of 145 kilometres. These roads feature high-quality surfaces and allow you to comfortably reach Erzincan while contemplating the views of the Anatolian plateau.

If you start from the Black Sea coast, the journey from the city of Trabzon will be a real adventure: you will drive about 180 kilometres through picturesque mountain passes, which takes roughly 3 hours. For those who prefer not to drive, booking a taxi or private transfer is available; however, the cost of such a trip will be high due to fuel prices, so it is better to agree on the fare with the driver in advance.

Before travelling to Erzincan, it is worth knowing a few nuances that will make your journey through this part of Turkey more comfortable and easy. We have prepared a list of practical recommendations so that you can feel confident in any situation and focus on your holiday.

1. Clothing and Seasonality. The climate here is sharply continental, so your wardrobe depends on the time of year. In winter, warm jackets, hats, and thermal underwear are mandatory, as there can be heavy snowfall and frost. In summer, opt for light clothing made from natural fabrics, but please remember the conservative nature of the region: avoid overly revealing outfits. For excursions to waterfalls and mountains, comfortable, non-slip footwear is required.
2. Transport. It is convenient to move around the city on local minibuses (dolmuş) — this is the most budget-friendly way to get to any point. Taxis are also available, and drivers work by the meter, but it is better to clarify the approximate cost of the trip in advance. The city centre is quite compact, and many interesting places can be explored on foot.
3. Finances. The national currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Bank cards are accepted in hotels, large shops, and restaurants, but you will need cash at local bazaars, souvenir shops, and small cafes. It is better to exchange money at banks or official exchange offices in the city centre.
4. Health and Safety. Erzincan is a calm and safe city for tourists. It is recommended to drink only bottled water to avoid digestive issues. Pharmacies are easily recognised by the sign "Eczane"; many basic medicines are available without a prescription, but it is better to bring specific medications with you.
5. Communication. The main language of communication is Turkish. English may be spoken by hotel or airport staff, but it is not widely used in everyday life. We recommend installing an offline translator on your phone and learning a few polite words, such as "merhaba" (hello) and "teşekkür ederim" (thank you).
6. Local Etiquette. The residents of Eastern Anatolia are famous for their hospitality but hold traditions in high regard. When entering a mosque or a private home, be sure to remove your shoes. Be polite and smile when communicating — this opens many doors.
7. What to Avoid. Do not photograph local residents, especially women, without their explicit permission. Also, please refrain from consuming alcohol in public places outside of designated restaurants and bars to avoid drawing unwanted attention and to show respect for local customs.
8. What to Buy and Try. Do not leave without purchasing the famous "Erzincan tulum" cheese (Erzincan tulum peyniri) and handmade copper items — these are the calling cards of the region and make excellent souvenirs.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid awkward situations and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Eastern hospitality. We wish you a pleasant journey filled with new discoveries and positive impressions!