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Turkey Road Trip – From Black Sea to Ancient Civilizations
- Jenn & Leon
- Oct 17
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 28
There is no better way to experience Türkiye than on the open road.
With smooth highways, dramatic changes in landscape, and access to both world-famous and little-known destinations, our 2000 km road trip was one of the most memorable journeys of our travels so far.
Starting at the Sarp border crossing after a month in Batumi, we set out with a rented Opel Corsa from Trabzon and ventured across mountain tunnels, arid plains, and historical sites that have fascinated us for years.
In this post, we share our complete itinerary, border crossing experience, and highlights from each destination.
From Cappadocia’s hot air balloons to the world’s oldest temple at Göbekli Tepe, from the engineering marvel of the New Zigana Tunnel to following Marco Polo’s footsteps in Beyburt, this road trip brought us face-to-face with the history of Turkey, its culture, and natural beauty.
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The Route at a Glance
● Start: Batumi, Georgia (crossing into Sarp, Türkiye)
● Transport to Trabzon Airport: Dolmuş (shared minibus)
● Car Rental: 4 days from Trabzon with Budget Rent-A-Car
● Route: Trabzon – Cappadocia – Derinkuyu – Şanlıurfa (Göbekli Tepe) – Erzurum – Beyburt – back to Trabzon
● Distance: 2300 km
1. Border Crossing & Local Transport
Crossing the land border from Georgia into Türkiye was smooth and straightforward.
Arriving around 8 am meant minimal waiting time, and the system was efficient, with long travelators helping passengers through immigration.
Facilities like duty-free and refreshment areas made the process easier, especially for those traveling light.
From there, we picked up a dolmuş (shared minibus), pre-booked online through 12Go Asia, which took us to Trabzon Airport.
Dolmuşes are affordable, practical, and part of daily life in Türkiye, though comfort levels vary.
⪢ Planned Posts:
● Batumi to Turkey by Land – Crossing the Sarp Border
● Taking a Dolmuş in Türkiye – Everything You Need to Know
2. Driving & The Road Trip
Renting a car gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace. Our Budget Rent-A-Car booking in Trabzon cost just under $300 USD for four days with insurance.
Despite a slow tire leak and a loose bumper, the Opel Corsa managed the journey, and Türkiye’s petrol stations, offering free air and services, kept us moving.
Highways were smooth and scenic, ranging from lush Black Sea mountains to the arid south.
Drivers were courteous, and checkpoints near Şanlıurfa were quick for tourists with passports. Driving here felt both safe and enjoyable.
⪢ Planned Posts:
● Epic Türkiye Road Trip – 2000 km from the Black Sea to Göbekli Tepe
● Driving in Türkiye – Tips for Renting and Road Safety
● Turkey Road Trip Itinerary – From Black Sea Mountains to Ancient Civilizations
● 10 Things We Learned on Our Turkish Road Trip
3. Cappadocia Highlights
Cappadocia was the centerpiece of our road trip. Staying at Jacobs Cave Suites, we planned activities across two days: a morning horse ride, an evening ATV adventure, and the much-anticipated hot air balloons.
Balloon flights are often canceled, and after two missed mornings, ours finally went ahead on checkout day, making it even more special.
The ATV ride through the valleys at sunset and horse riding among the rock formations gave us a new perspective on the surreal landscape.
Our stay at Jacobs Cave Suites added to the magic, with a cave-style room, great breakfast, and one unexpected mishap with a mini fridge (yes, really).
⪢ Planned Posts:
● Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons – Our Experience & What to Expect
● Horse Riding & ATV Tours in Cappadocia – Adventure Beyond the Balloons
● Hotel Review: Jacobs Cave Suites, Cappadocia
4. Ancient History & Archaeology
History and archaeology were constant companions on this journey. At Derinkuyu Underground City, we explored tunnels and chambers that once sheltered entire communities beneath the earth.
It was fascinating and slightly claustrophobic, but unforgettable.
Further south, we finally reached Göbekli Tepe, a site we had dreamed of visiting. In scorching 50°C heat, standing among the world’s oldest temples was humbling, a reminder of how far back human history reaches.
Later, in Beyburt, we walked through the castle once visited by Marco Polo, a true hidden gem away from the main tourist path.
⪢ Planned Posts:
● Visiting Derinkuyu Underground City – What to Expect
● Göbekli Tepe Travel Guide – Visiting the World’s Oldest Temple
● Exploring Beyburt Castle – In the Footsteps of Marco Polo
5. Regional Stops
Not every stop was planned as a highlight, but each one added to the journey. In Şanlıurfa, we stayed at the Nevali Hotel & Conference Center, a modern base for exploring the city and visiting Göbekli Tepe.
In Erzurum, we overnighted at the Erzurum Hotel, a practical break in our long drive, offering a glimpse of the region’s character.
Back in Trabzon, we drove through the New Zigana Tunnel, Türkiye’s and Europe’s longest at an incredible 14,481 meters (47,510 feet), and began reflecting on the journey as a whole.
⪢ Planned Posts:
● Şanlıurfa Travel Guide – Hotels, History & Visiting Göbekli Tepe
● Erzurum Stopover: Hotel Review & City Highlights
● Trabzon Travel Guide – Starting Point for a Black Sea to Cappadocia Road Trip
Our Reflections
This 2000 km road trip showed us a side of Türkiye that blends history, culture, and engineering marvels with ease.
From ancient underground cities to modern tunnels, from canceled balloon flights to once-in-a-lifetime successes, it gave us stories we will never forget.
Of all of the road trips we have been on, this one will have to go down as one of our favorites so far! The roads, the sights, the people - all the boxes were ticked with aplomb.
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FAQs About Road Tripping in Turkey
Is it safe to drive in Türkiye?
Yes. Roads are smooth, highways are excellent, and drivers are generally courteous. Police checkpoints are routine but quick.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Türkiye?
We paid just under $300 USD for four days with Budget Rent-A-Car, including insurance. Prices vary by season and provider.
What is the best time to do a road trip in Türkiye?
Spring and autumn are ideal for comfortable weather. Summer can be extremely hot in the south, especially around Şanlıurfa.
Do you need an international driving permit?
Most tourists can drive with their home license for short visits, but an IDP is recommended.
Is fuel expensive in Türkiye?
Fuel prices fluctuate, but overall, petrol is more affordable than in Western Europe. Many stations provide free air and services.
Useful Links for Planning Your Trip
Interactive Map
Türkiye
Check out all of the places we visited in Türkiye courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog.
(Tap for more info)
Wanderlog is a free travel planning app where you can create itineraries, organize flights, hotels, and car reservations, view places to visit, and collaborate with friends.
Closer Lives Travel Hub
Destinations, Tips & Essentials
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