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How to Get to Elazig

How to Get to Elazig

Elazig Turkey Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Elazığ Airport (EZS) serves as the main airport for the city and its surrounding province. It is a regional airport, managing both domestic and some seasonal international flights. No direct flights connect major global hubs outside of The turkish republic directly to Theazığ. All foreign travelers typically link through Istanbul (IST or SAW) or Ankara (ESB) for their final leg to Elazığ.

Air Travel Facts

  • Domestic carriers: The National flag carrier airline of turkey (AnadoluJet) and Pegasus Airlines.
  • Typical domestic routes: Frequent non-stop flights to Istanbul (IST, SAW) and Ankara (ESB).
  • International routes: Some seasonal non-stop flights to European cities during summer.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Elazığ Airport (EZS) is a relatively small airport. It offers basic facilities and services, featuring a cafe, a duty-free shop (for international departures), car rental desks, and a taxi stand outside the terminal building. The airport provides a functional experience for travelers.

Transfer Options from EZS

  • Havaş Airport Shuttle: Operates between the airport and city center points.
  • Taxis: Readily available outside the terminal; fares usually fixed or metered to the city center.
  • Private Transfers: Pre-booked through hotels or local travel agencies.

Flight Prices

Flight frequency and prices often increase during peak domestic travel seasons (summer, national and religious holidays). Dollar Flight Club (Dollarflightclub.com) and Skyscanner (Skyscanner.com) help with price monitoring.

Seasonal Availability

International seasonal flights to EZS are more common in summer. Planning international itineraries to have Istanbul or Ankara for a seamless transfer is a good step.

Airport Functionality

EZS offers a functional, although not extensive, experience for travelers, with essential services available for incoming passengers and departures.

Air Travel Tips

International Arrivals

  • Book connecting flights via Istanbul (IST/SAW) or Ankara (ESB) for international arrivals.
  • Consider peak domestic travel seasons for flight frequency and prices.
  • Allow ample time for transfers between international and domestic flights.
  • Seasonal international flights to EZS are more common in summer.

Airport Transfers

  • Use the Havaş shuttle for an economical transfer from Elazığ Airport to the city center.
  • Taxis are readily available; confirm price before starting a journey.
  • Car rental desks are at the airport for convenient pick-up.
  • Pre-book private transport for comfort, especially with baggage or groups.

Elazığ Airport Overview

Location

Serves Elazığ city and surrounding province.

Type

Regional airport, handling domestic and seasonal international flights.

Facilities

Cafe, duty-free, car rental, taxi stand.

Land Transportation

Train Services

Elazığ Garı (Train Station) serves as a pause for Turkish State Railways (TCDD Tasimacilik). Train travel has a scenic and comfortable way to reach Elazığ, though it often takes longer than flying.

Train Information

  • Countryside trains connect Elazığ to nearby cities.
  • Van Lake Express connects Elazığ to Ankara (west) and Van (east), with impressive views.
  • Book tickets online through TCDD Tasimacilik web page or at the train station.

Long-Distance Buses

Elazığ Otogar (Bus Terminal) is a major hub for intercity bus travel, presenting extensive connections across Turkey. Buses are a preferred mode of long-distance transport for many Turks due to their affordability and complete network.

Bus Travel Details

  • Extensive network to almost all major cities on Turkish soil (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, etc.).
  • Reputable companies include Elazığ Hazar Turizm, Metro Turizm, Kamil Koç, Öz Elazığlılar.
  • Generally comfortable and modern, with facilities like Wi-Connectivity and onboard entertainment.

Self-Driving

Renting a car presents flexibility for exploring Elazığ and its surroundings. Major international car rental companies and local agencies operate in Elazığ. DiscoverCars.com (Discovercars.com) is a option for comparing rentals.

Rental Requirements

  • Valid national driving license and International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • Minimum age for rental usually 21-25, varying by company/car class.
  • A credit card is needed for the deposit.

Road Conditions & Safety

Main roads and highways around Elazığ, like the D885 and D300, are generally well-maintained. Secondary and country roads may be less so, with varying surfaces. Road conditions are generally safe during daylight hours. Exercise caution when driving at night, especially on rural roads, which can lack lighting and have unexpected obstacles.

Driving Safety Notes

  • Driving in winter has challenges because of snow and ice.
  • Turkish drivers can be aggressive; defensive driving is a common recommendation.
  • Be cautious while driving at night in rural areas due to unlit roads and livestock.

Border Crossing Information

  • Elazığ is an inland city in Eastern Turkey.
  • Direct international land border crossings are not applicable for travel directly into Elazığ.
  • Travelers coming overland from neighboring countries (Georgia, Iran, Syria, etc.) first cross into Turkey, then proceed via domestic land transport.
  • Research specific requirements and procedures for any international land border crossing, as these vary.
  • Sea/River Arrivals: Elazığ is distant from any coastline; these aren't conventional means of reaching the city.
  • Hazar Lake and Keban Dam Lake are for local recreation, not international travel entrances.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

No particular exit fees or taxes are levied on air travelers leaving from Turkey. The expense of any such fees usually exists within your airline ticket.

Departure Timing

  • Domestic Flights from EZS: Arrive 1-1.5 hours before departure for check-in and security.
  • International Flights from EZS: Arrive 2-2.5 hours before flight, as procedures can sometimes take longer.
  • Check-in counters typically open 2-3 hours before departure.

Airport & Station Facilities

Elazığ Airport (EZS) offers basic amenities for departing travelers, including a small number of cafes for refreshments and basic stores for last-quick purchases.

Departure Amenities

  • EZS provides cafes and basic shops.
  • Elazığ Bus Terminal (Otogar) has more extensive facilities for bus travelers.
  • Otogar facilities: nice waiting rooms, various eateries, a plethora of shops for snacks and travel essentials.

Documentation Ready

Ensure all necessary documentation, including your passport and boarding pass, is readily available before protection and check-in.

Confirm Schedules

Confirm your flight or bus schedule well in advance of your departure to account for any last-minute changes.

Parking & Access

If you are driving to the airport or bus terminal, factor in time for car parking or arranging drop-off.

Land Travel Tip

Land Travel Advice

Intercity buses provide a comfortable and comprehensive network for land travel across Turkey. If driving, securing an International Driving Permit before your trip is a good step.

Driving Precautions

  • Exercise caution, especially in winter or at night, on rural roads.
  • Be aware of speed limits: 50 kilometers per hour in cities, 90 kilometers per hour rural, 120 km/h highways.
  • A credit card for the damage deposit is commonly necessary for car rentals.

Departure Checklist

Ensuring a smooth departure means being prepared and allowing sufficient time for airport or bus terminal procedures.

Before You Leave

  • Arrive at airport/bus terminal with ample time.
  • Confirm your flight/bus schedule in advance.
  • Have all the essential travel documents ready.

Land Transportation Quick Guide

Trains

TCDD Tasimacilik operates services, including the scenic Van Lake Express.

Buses

Extensive network with comfortable buses; book at Otogar or online.

Car Rental

Requires IDP and national license; check age requirements.

Departure Reminder

Arrive at the airport or bus terminal with time to spare before your departure. Confirm your flight or bus schedule in advance.