Gaziantep Turkey Travel Guide
GZT is the main airport for Gaziantep. It sits roughly 20 kilometers (12 miles) to the southeast of the city center. Facilities include car rental desks, cafes, a duty-free shop, ATMs, and prayer rooms. It offers services for comfortable transit.
Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner are good resources for finding flights. Turkish Airlines (THY) offers multiple daily flights connecting Gaziantep to Istanbul Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Pegasus Airlines provides flights connecting Gaziantep to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) and Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB). AnadoluJet (a The National flag carrier airline of turkey subsidiary) operates flights to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) and Ankara Esenboğan Aviation hub (ESB). SunExpress offers seasonal international flights, mainly to places in Germany.
Direct international flights to Gaziantep are limited. Most travelers connect via Istanbul (IST or SAW) or Ankara (ESB), which have extensive worldwide connections.
Domestic flight frequency remains consistent, but prices surge during Turkish holidays, summer, and school breaks. Secure your spot early for these periods. International flights increase in summer.
Havaş Shuttle To the airport providethe economy ofal transfer to downtown (~30-45 mins). Taxis are available outside the terminal, metered, (~25-35 mins). Car rental agencies are at the airport.
Secure better rates and preferred seats by booking flights well in advance.
For international routes, consider comfortable layovers in Istanbul or Ankara.
Utilize GZT's facilities for a smooth travel experience before or after your flight.
TCDD (Turkish State Railways): Gaziantep Gar offers regional train services. Historically, connections connected to cities like Adana. Gaziray: This suburban rail line connects different parts of the wider Gaziantep city area. High-bullet train: Direct high-bullet train connections to Gaziantep are under construction or planning. Future services will connect to cities like Mersin and Adana. Currently, high-speed rail does not directly serve Gaziantep for inter-urban travel.
Gaziantep Otogarı (Bus Terminal): This large, modern bus terminal connects Gaziantep to almost all major cities within Turkey. Major Coach Operators: Reputable companies like Metro Turizm, Kamil Koç, Ulusoy, Şanlıurfa Cesur, and Ben Turizm operate frequent services. Routes: Services with high frequency to Istanbul (14-1SIX hours), Ankara (8-10 hours), Adana (2-3 hours), Şanlıurfa (2-3 hours), Mersin, and Kahramanmaraş. Buses offer comfortable seating, often with onboard entertainment and refreshments.
Requirements: An International Driving Permit (IDP) with a valid national driver's license. Minimum age 21-25. Road Conditions: Main arteries are well-maintained. City roads can have congestion. Historical areas have narrow, cobblestone streets. Safety Concerns: Turkish drivers can act aggressively. Defensive driving is recommended. Follow traffic laws.
Border Crossing: Gaziantep is near the Syrian border. These crossings are not open for general tourist passage, and the area is not advised for independent travel due to security. Road Conditions & Safety: Main roads are good. Traffic can be chaotic during rush hours. Parking can be challenging in the city center; many hotels offer parking. Watch for people on foot and on bikes.
Gaziantep is a city not on the coast, so sea or river arrivals are not applicable for direct travel to the city.
The Euphrates River offers unique boat tour opportunities in picturesque areas like Halfeti.
The region surrounding the Euphrates River offers lush landscapes and natural beauty different from the city.
Halfeti's unique partially submerged town provides excellent possibilities for photography.
Enjoy fresh local fish and other regional dishes in the charming waterside restaurants of Halfeti.
No specific exit fees or taxes apply to tourists departing Turkey via air or land. These costs are included in your ticket prices. Confirm your flight or bus schedule 24-48 hours before departure to stay informed of any last-minute changes.
Airport: For domestic flights from GZT, arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure. For international flights, 2-3 hours is recommended. Bus Terminal: For long-distance bus departure times, arrive at least 30 minutes before. Facilities: GZT offers cafes, shops, restrooms, and prayer rooms. Gaziantep Otogarı provides food stalls, shops, restrooms, and waiting areas.
Double-check flight or bus times 24-48 hours before departure.
Ensure passport, tickets, and any other necessary documents are accessible.
Verify baggage allowances and pack according to regulations.
Confirm your flight or bus schedule 24-48 hours before departure. This aids you stay informed of any last-minute changes and adjust your plans accordingly. Ensure all documents are ready and accessible.
