How to Get to Malatya. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Malatya Erhaç Airport MLX

Malatya is reachable via air, mainly through domestic connections.

Airlines & Routes

Turkish Airlines (THY), AnadoluJet, and Pegasus Airlines serve MLX.
Typical routes are domestic flights from Istanbul (IST, SAW) and Ankara (ESB).
No direct international flights to MLX. International travelers connect through Istanbul or Ankara. Dollar Flight Club for deals, Skyscanner for comparisons.

Airport Services & Transfers

MLX is a smaller airport with basic facilities.

Facilities & Transfers

Cafes, small restaurant, car rental desks, taxi stand, limited duty-free, ATMs.
Havaş Shuttle Bus: Operates between MLX and Malatya city center, coordinating with flight times.
Taxis: Readily available outside terminal. Fixed or a metered system for fares to city center. Confirm price beforehand.

Seasonal Flight Availability

Flight frequency and prices may increase during peak domestic travel seasons: summer holidays, religious holidays, university breaks.

Price Fluctuations

Prices generally higher during the high season (June-August) and around Turkish national holidays. Off-peak travel usually has better rates.

Booking Ahead

Booking flights and transport well in advance, especially for high season, secures your preferred options and potentially better rates.

Car Rental at MLX

Requirements

Minimum age (typically 21-25).
Valid national driver's license (held 1-2 years).
International Driving Permit (IDP).
Credit card in the driver's name for deposit.

Companies & Booking

International chains like Avis, Budget, Hertz, and local companies at MLX and city center. DiscoverCars.com for comparisons and booking.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to guarantee your preferred automobile and potentially better rates.
Main highways are generally well-maintained. Secondary roads vary. Turkish drivers can be aggressive; be a careful driver.
Parking garages with fees in city centers. Many hotels offer parking.

Land Transportation Overview

Train Travel

Malatya serves as a significant stop. Eastern Express (Ankara to Kars, scenic journey). Fırat Ekspresi (Elazığ to Adana). Managed by TCDD Taşımacılık. Advance booking highly recommended.

Long-Distance Buses

Extensive intercity bus network from Malatya Otogar. Routes to major cities (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Gaziantep). Companies like Kamil Koç, Metro Turizm. Comfortable and economical.

Self-Driving

IDP required with national license. Main highways are good. Exercise caution with aggressive drivers. Paid parking in city centers.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied for departing tourists from Turkey.

Timing Recommendations

Airport (MLX): Show up at LEAST 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights.
Bus Station (Otogar): Arrive at least 30 minutes before intercity bus departure.
Train Station: Arrive 30 minutes prior to leaving.

Terminal Facilities

Facilities available for departing travelers.

Airport/Station Amenities

MLX Airport: Small waiting areas, cafes, and fundamental shops for last-minute-minute needs.
Malatya Otogar (Bus Terminal): Numerous eateries, shops, waiting areas, and prayer rooms.
Malatya Tren Garı (Train Station): Features minimal waiting facilities and cozy coffee shops.

Border & Sea/River Arrivals

Malatya is centrally located within Turkey and is a landlocked city, therefore border crossing and sea/river arrivals are not applicable for direct travel to the city.

Not Applicable for Malatya

Border Crossing Information: Not applicable for Malatya itself. International land borders are a long way from Malatya.
Ferry Services and Cruise Ports: Not applicable. Malatya is a landlocked city with no access to seas.
River Transportation Options: Not applicable. The Euphrates River flows near Malatya Province but is not used for public passenger transportation to or from Malatya city.

Pre-Departure Checklist

Ensure passport is valid and accessible.
Confirm flight, bus, or train tickets.
Have your E-Visa or physical visa ready.

Keep enough local currency for immediate needs.
Double-check all baggage for prohibited items.
Ensure phone is charged and contacts are saved.

Local Transit Insights

Public Transport Efficiency

Malatya's public transport system mainly hinges on buses and shared minibuses (dolmuş). The city does not have a metro or tram system.

Tips for Navigating Public Transit

Use Google Maps or Yandex Maps for route planning; they are helpful for getting around.
Ask locals for directions and confirm bus or dolmuş routes; locals are generally helpful.
Purchase a Kart 44 immediately upon arrival for practicality and cost savings on bus travel.

Accessibility & Dolmuş Use

Mass transit in Malatya generally has limited accessibility for travelers with mobility challenges.

Considerations for Dolmuş & Accessibility

Newer buses may have ramps, but older automobiles and dolmuş typically do not. Bus stops are often not fully accessible.
When using a dolmuş, signal clearly to the driver when you want to get on or off along the route.
Cash payment directly to the driver is typical for dolmuş. Fares are fixed for specific routes.

Operating Hours

Buses generally operate from early morning (06:00) until late evening (23:00-00:00). Dolmuş operate more frequently, especially during peak hours.

Bus Routes & Hubs

Buses cover extensive routes throughout the city. Main hubs include the city center (Çarşı), near the central mosque (Yeni Cami), and the principal bus terminal (Otogar).

Dolmuş Flexibility

Dolmuş follow fixed routes but often allow passengers to get on or off anywhere along the route, not just at designated stops.

Taxis & Rental Options

Licensed Taxi Services

Taxis offer a direct and convenient way to travel within Malatya. Ride-sharing options are less prominent.

Hailing & Fares

Licensed taxis are yellow and feature "TAKSI" signs on their roofs. All have meters.
You can signal for those on the street, find them at designated taxi stands (taksi durağı), or call them by phone.
Fares are metered. Cash is favored for payment. Night fares (gece tarifesi) are typically 50% higher after midnight.

Car Rental & Other Options

Other rental options (motorcycles, scooters, bicycles) are limited for visitors in Malatya.

Rental Requirements & Availability

Car rental requires minimum age (21-25), valid national driver's license (1-2 years), and International Driving Permit (IDP).
A credit card in the driver's name is required for the deposit. International chains operate at Malatya Airport.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals are less common. Malatya does not have widespread public bicycle systems.

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

Driving Laws

Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Speed limits are enforced: typically THE speed limit is 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 kilometers per hour on rural roads, and ABOUT 75 mph on highways. The legal alcohol limit for drivers is very low.

Road Conditions

Major highways are generally well-looked after and in good condition. Secondary and rural roads can range in quality, ranging from smooth to rough. Exercise caution with erratic driving.

Parking

Paid car parks are available in city centers. Many hotels offer parking facilities for guests. Be aware of street parking regulations.

Final Transit Note

Malatya's transportation networks are functional for seeing the city and region. With a bit of planning and local insight, you navigate with ease.

How to Get to Malatya