Kayseri Airport

Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) is not just a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the fairytale world of Cappadocia. Originally established as a military airbase, since 1998 it has successfully combined military and civil flights, welcoming hundreds of thousands of tourists from around the world annually. Located in immediate proximity to the city, the airport serves as an ideal starting point for a journey through one of the most amazing regions of Turkey. Thanks to modern terminals for domestic and international lines, your introduction to the country will begin with comfort and convenience.

The main advantage of Kayseri Airport is its strategic location. It is the nearest major airport to the main tourist centres of Cappadocia: Göreme is about 75 km away, and Uçhisar is 80 km away. You can reach your hotel in various ways: by taxi, pre-booked transfer or shuttle, as well as by rental car — rental desks are located right in the terminal building. For those heading into the city of Kayseri itself, regular municipal buses operate, with the journey taking just 15-20 minutes.

The airport consists of two terminals — domestic and international — which have been modernized to cope with the growing flow of tourists. Inside, passengers will find everything necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight: cafés, shops, currency exchange points, and free Wi-Fi. Thanks to its compactness and efficiency, Kayseri Airport ensures rapid completion of all formalities, leaving more time to explore the wonders of Cappadocia.

To contact representatives of Kayseri Airport (ASR), obtain reference information, or resolve any issues, you can use the following contact details:

• Official Website: On the official website of the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMİ), you will find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport rules. Visit the page: www.dhmi.gov.tr/kayseri
• Information Desk Phone: For information by phone, you can call: +90 352 337 52 44
• Airport Address: Ahmet Yasevi Mahallesi, Mustafa Kemal Paşa Blv., 38090 Kocasinan/Kayseri, Türkiye
• E-mail: For written enquiries, you can use the e-mail: infokayseri@dhmi.gov.tr
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss of checked baggage, you must first contact your airline's representative at the airport. If you have lost personal items within the terminal building, contact the Lost Property Office (Kayıp Eşya) via the general airport phone number.
• Social Media: Official airport accounts, if maintained, are usually listed on their website. We recommend checking links there to avoid fraudulent pages.

Kayseri Airport (ASR) is located very close to the city centre — just 5-6 kilometres away, so the trip there will not take much time or require significant expense. Travellers have several convenient ways to get to the departure terminal, suitable for any budget and preference.

The most economical option is public transport. Municipal buses run regularly between the airport and various districts of the city. Also very popular are the Havaş shuttles, which offer a more comfortable ride compared to city buses and depart according to a schedule coordinated with flight arrivals and departures. Additionally, not far from the terminal is a station of the light rail system (Kayseray), which can be a convenient option for those staying near the tram line.

Taxi remains the fastest and most direct way to get to the airport. A trip from the city centre will take approximately 15-20 minutes. Cars are easy to find at official stands or order via a mobile app. For maximum comfort, especially if you are travelling with family or a large amount of luggage, you can pre-book a private transfer. In this case, the driver will meet you at your hotel or specified address and deliver you directly to the terminal entrance.

If you plan to explore not only the city but also its picturesque surroundings, such as Cappadocia, car rental will be the ideal solution. Most rental agencies provide the option to return the car directly at the airport before departure. For those arriving by personal or rented transport, a convenient car park with zones for short-term and long-term parking operates on the airport grounds.

Overall, the choice of transport depends on your priorities. The city bus is the cheapest method, the Havaş shuttle offers a good balance of price and comfort, while a taxi or transfer ensures maximum speed and convenience. The transport system in Turkey is well-organised, making the journey to the airport simple and predictable.

Kayseri Airport (ASR) consists of two main terminals located in immediate proximity to each other. Their separation by function makes navigation quite simple and intuitive even for those here for the first time.

Terminal Structure:

• Domestic Terminal (İç Hatlar Terminali): This is an older building serving flights within Turkey. It is compact, with a basic set of services. Here you will find check-in counters for local airlines, a security screening area, and a small waiting lounge.
• International Terminal (Dış Hatlar Terminali): A new, modern building accepting all international flights. It is more spacious and better equipped than the domestic terminal. This is where tourists heading to the Erciyes ski resort and Cappadocia arrive.

Both terminals are separate buildings but are located just a couple of minutes' walk from each other, so transferring between them is effortless. No special shuttles or walkways are required. The airport layout is logical: Arrival (Gelen Yolcu) and Departure (Giden Yolcu) zones are clearly marked in each terminal. The departure area houses check-in counters and security control, while the arrival area contains baggage claim belts and (in the international terminal) passport and customs control.

Regarding the time needed for procedures, the airport in Kayseri is relatively small. For domestic flights, it is usually sufficient to arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure. For international flights, especially during the peak ski season (from December to March), it is recommended to allow at least 2.5-3 hours, as the airport can be heavily engaged with charter flights. In general, navigation causes no difficulties: follow the signs, and you will easily find your boarding gate or check-in counter.

The history of the airport in Kayseri, known as Erkilet (ASR), is closely intertwined with the military aviation of Turkey. It was founded as a military airbase, and this function remains important to this day. It opened for civil flights significantly later and for a long time consisted of a small terminal serving predominantly domestic flights. A real turning point in its history occurred with the growth of Cappadocia's popularity as a world-class tourist destination.

A key stage in development was the construction and opening of a new international terminal in 2007. This event allowed for the reception of direct flights from Europe and other countries, which gave a powerful boost to tourism development in the region. The old terminal was repurposed to serve domestic airlines. From that moment, passenger traffic began to grow rapidly, and the airport became one of the busiest in Central Anatolia.

The latest and most large-scale modernization was completed in late 2022 - early 2023. Within the framework of this project, a completely new, spacious, and modern terminal was built, capable of serving up to 8 million passengers per year. Aircraft parking aprons were expanded, and general infrastructure was improved. This reconstruction transformed Kayseri Airport into a modern transport hub, fully meeting the needs of millions of travellers coming to explore the wonders of Cappadocia and the city of Kayseri itself.

Kayseri Airport (ASR) provides passengers with a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. The terminals house cafés and restaurants where you can grab a quick snack or have a full meal featuring local and European cuisine. For those wishing to shop, stores are available, including a Duty Free zone in the international sector, where you can purchase souvenirs, Turkish delights, perfumes, and other goods.

For the convenience of travellers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, as well as numerous stations for charging electronic devices. Passengers who value enhanced comfort can use the services of CIP Lounges in the international and domestic terminals. They offer a secluded atmosphere, complimentary snacks, beverages, and fresh press.

Financial matters can be easily resolved at the airport: ATMs and currency exchange points are at passengers' disposal. In case medical assistance is needed, a first aid point operates within the terminal, where qualified personnel are ready to provide support at any time of day.

The airport cares for all categories of travellers. A barrier-free environment has been created for passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps, lifts, and specially equipped restrooms. Families with children can use the mother and child rooms, which have everything necessary for baby care in a quiet and clean environment.

Although there is no hotel or conference centre within the airport building itself, several hotels are located in immediate proximity. They can be reached in a few minutes by taxi. Basic working conditions, such as internet access and quiet zones, can be found in the business lounges, however, for hosting large business events, it is recommended to use the conference facilities of hotels in the city.

At Kayseri Airport (ASR), passengers will find several options for a snack or a full meal in both the old domestic and the new international terminals. The selection of establishments caters to different tastes and budgets, whether it be a quick coffee before departure or a leisurely lunch while waiting for a flight.

The majority of cafés and restaurants are located in the "secure area" (airside), after passing passport control and security screening. Here you will find both chain coffee shops offering a standard set of drinks, sandwiches, and desserts, as well as establishments serving Turkish cuisine. In the public area (landside), before flight check-in, the choice is usually more modest and limited to small cafés where you can drink tea or coffee with fresh pastries.

For those looking for a quick bite, local bakeries are the ideal choice. Be sure to try the traditional Turkish bagel simit, covered in sesame seeds, or poğaça — a soft bun with cheese or olives. If you have more time, you can order gözleme (a thin flatbread with filling) or pide (Turkish "boat" pizza). Of course, the classic döner kebab is always on the menu.

Travellers with specific dietary needs will also find suitable options. Practically all food in Turkish airports is Halal by default. For vegetarians, numerous meat-free dishes are available: salads, pastries with cheese and spinach (peynirli veya ıspanaklı börek), and lentil soup (mercimek çorbası). Options for vegans and those adhering to a gluten-free diet may be limited, but fresh fruit salads, nuts, and vegetable platters can usually be found. It is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff.

Prices for food and drinks at the airport are expectedly higher than in the city. The opening hours of most establishments are tied to the flight schedule; many are open from early morning until late at night. However, during night hours, some points may be closed, so it is worth planning your visit in advance.

To ensure your journey through Kayseri Airport goes as smoothly as possible, several points should be considered. This airport serves many tourists heading to Cappadocia, so it can be quite lively during the high season. A thoughtful approach will help save time and reduce stress.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5-3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights within Turkey — 1.5-2 hours prior. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or security screening if you are travelling with hand luggage only.

Security Control. Screening procedures at Kayseri Airport are standard. Keep your passport and boarding pass handy. To speed up the process, remove all metal items from your pockets, and take off your belt and outer clothing in advance. Laptops and other large electronics must be taken out of bags and placed in a separate tray.

Hand Luggage. Remember the restrictions: liquids can be carried in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Check the size and weight of hand luggage on your airline's website, as requirements may vary.

Seat Selection and Transfers. If you want to enjoy the views during takeoff or landing, choose a window seat. For greater comfort and freedom of movement, an aisle seat is suitable. Passengers with short connections are advised to choose seats in the front part of the cabin to exit the aircraft faster. If you have a connecting flight, check in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and check in again, or if it will be automatically forwarded to the final destination.

Customs Control. When entering or leaving the country, be prepared to pass customs control. Large sums of cash and expensive goods (jewellery, electronics) are subject to declaration. Familiarise yourself with Turkey's customs regulations in advance to avoid misunderstandings.

In Case of Flight Delay. Remain calm and monitor information on the departure boards. Contact your airline's representative for clarification. During long delays, passengers are entitled to drinks, meals, and in some cases, hotel accommodation. Kayseri Airport is small, but there are cafés where you can have a snack, and a waiting area.