Mersin Turkey Travel Guide
Çukurova International Airport (LTCA/ADA), opened in 2024, is the main air gateway for Mersin, approximately 45-60 km from the city center. Adana Şakirpaşan Aviation hub (LTF/ADA) is transitioning its passenger services. Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and AnadoluJet operate frequent domestic flights to Çukurova International Airport from Istanbul (IST, SAW) and Ankara.
Both Çukurova International Airport and Adana Airport provide different facilities including cafes, shops, car rental agencies, currency exchange, and ATMs. For flights, evaluate alternatives with Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.
Modern air gateway, about 45-ABOUT 37 miles from Mersin city center, offering enhanced connectivity.
Frequent domestic flights to Istanbul and Ankara. Growing direct international flights from Europe and the Middle East.
Higher flight frequency and prices during peak summer season. Lower fares and fewer crowds in the off-season.
Cafes, restaurants, duty-free shops, car rental agencies, currency exchange offices.
Wi-Fi access for passengers. ATMs for Lira withdrawals.
Çukurova International Airport, as a newer facility, features modern amenities and public works.
Mersin Gar (Train Station) serves as a nexus for regional train connections. Turkish State Railways (TCDD Tasimacilik) operates regional trains connecting Mersin to Adana and Gaziantep. These trains present a comfortable and scenic way to travel short to medium distances.
The Mersin Otogar (Intercity Bus Terminal) is a principal transportationation hub, offering extensive bus routes across Turkey. Companies like Kamil Koç, Metro Turizm, Ulusoy, and Şimşek operate modern, comfortable buses with features such as Wi-Fi, onboard entertainment, and complimentary snacks/drinks.
Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring Mersin and its wider province. You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your valid national driver's license. The minimum age for renting a car is typically 21-25. A a credit card is for a deposit. Traffic drives on the right-right-hand side of the road.
Major intercity roads and highways are generally safe and well-maintained. Take care when driving in urban areas, as traffic can be dense and the way locals drive may differ from what you are accustomed to. Be aware of pedestrians and scooters. Always wear seatbelts. Parking: Paid parking zones (otopark) exist in many city areas.
Turkey does not impose specific exit fees or taxes for departing passengers. For international flights, arrive at Çukurova International Airport at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time. For domestic flights, 1-2 hours is sufficient. This allows time for check-in, security, and any unforeseen delays.
For long-distance bus travel from Mersin Otogar, arrive at least 30-60 minutes before the bus you are taking departs. This provides enough time to find your gate and load luggage. For regional train services from Mersin Gar, arriving 15-30 minutes before departure is usually sufficient.
Turkey does not impose specific exit fees or taxes for departing passengers.
Departure areas at Çukurova International Airport offer cafes, shops, and waiting lounges.
Bus and train stations provide basic amenities like waiting areas, small eateries, and restrooms.
For bus travel, many companies offer free shuttle services (servis) from central city points to the main bus terminal (Otogar). Inquire about this upon...ing get your bus ticket to save on taxi fares.
