Trabzon Car Rental Guide: Uzungöl, Sümela and the Highlands

Is a car worth renting in Trabzon?

For the highlands, yes. Trabzon city is compact and taxis are cheap, but Sümela Monastery, Uzungöl, Sera Lake and the plateau roads are 45 to 110 km away over mountain roads with limited public transport. Visitors who want to stop for photographs and tea houses usually find a car far more flexible than a fixed tour.

This guide is about Trabzon as a base. For the whole coast, see our Black Sea coast road trip guide.

Which places can you reach from Trabzon by car?

The distances below are rough planning figures from the city. Mountain roads slow you down, so add time.

Uzungöl and Sümela can be done in one long day, but two shorter days are calmer.

What are the roads and weather like?

Green and wet. The Black Sea region gets rain and fog in most months, and mountain roads can be slick and foggy even in summer. Curves are frequent, some sections are narrow, and other drivers are used to them. Drive smoothly, keep your distance and give yourself daylight.

In winter, snow and ice affect higher roads. Read the winter driving guide before you plan a cold-season trip.

How does airport pickup work at Trabzon Airport?

Trabzon Airport (TZX) is a short drive from the city centre, which makes it convenient for a rental handover. As with any airport pickup, confirm the meeting point, handover time and a contact number before you travel, and photograph the car before you leave.

How does Auris fit a Trabzon trip?

Auris online booking currently lists Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) as pickup points, with pickup and return in the same country. It does not list Trabzon. If you need a car there, ask Auris on WhatsApp first and do not assume it.

Trabzon is far from Istanbul by road, so most visitors fly. A long drive would also run into the published 150 km per day and 3,500 km per month allowance, as the road trip cost guide explains.

What should you check before booking?

• Transmission: an automatic makes hairpins and traffic easier.
• Tyres: ask about tyre condition if the weather is wet.
• Mileage limit and extra kilometre charge.
• Insurance excess and deposit release.
• Extras: child seats and a second driver on the written quote.
• Return time: allow a buffer before your flight at TZX.

The rental conditions page lists what Auris currently publishes for Turkey.

What should you pack and prepare for the highlands?

Bring layers and a rain jacket even in summer, because the weather changes quickly at altitude. Download offline maps before you leave the city, since mobile signal can drop in valleys. Fill the tank before heading up, and keep some cash for tea gardens and small car parks.

Leave earlier than you think you need to. Mountain roads are slower than the map suggests, and fog can reduce visibility in the afternoon.

Is a car better than a tour here?

If you want Sümela at opening and Uzungöl by afternoon, a tour handles it. If you want to add Sera Lake, stop at a tea garden or change plans for the weather, a car gives you room to. The family car rental page is a good starting point if you are travelling with children. Arab and GCC visitors can also read driving in Turkey for Gulf visitors.