Car Hire Trabzon — Gateway to Turkey’s Lush Black Sea Coast

Trabzon, on Turkey’s Black Sea coast, offers a completely different experience from the Mediterranean resorts. This is a region of misty mountains, emerald-green tea plantations, and monasteries clinging to sheer cliffs. The landscape resembles the Caucasus more than the Turkish Riviera, with dramatic gorges, traditional villages, and a unique culture shaped by centuries of trade along the Silk Road. Hiring a car in Trabzon is essential—the region’s treasures are scattered across difficult terrain, and public transport reaches only major destinations.

While Trabzon itself has a rich history as a Greek colony and later the capital of the Trebizond Empire, the real attractions lie in the surrounding mountains. The cliff-side Sumela Monastery is one of Turkey’s most dramatic sights. Uzungöl Lake offers alpine scenery and traditional wooden houses. The highlands (yaylas) provide summer pastures with stunning views and authentic rural life. A rental car unlocks all of this.

Picking Up Your Rental Car in Trabzon

Trabzon Airport (TZX) sits just 6km from the city centre, one of Turkey’s most conveniently located airports. All major Turkish car hire companies and some international brands operate here. The airport’s size means quick processing, but book ahead for summer.

City locations include offices in the centre and near the bus station (otogar). Given the airport’s proximity, most visitors collect directly from the terminal.

Required documents: Valid driving licence, passport, and credit card. An International Driving Permit is required for non-Turkish licence holders.

Driving conditions: The Black Sea region’s mountain roads can be challenging. Experience with winding, steep roads is helpful. Weather can change quickly—check forecasts before heading to high elevations.

Where to Go with Your Rental Car from Trabzon

Sumela Monastery (50km, 1hr)

This Greek Orthodox monastery clings to a sheer cliff face in Altindere National Park. Founded in the 4th century, abandoned in 1923, and recently restored, it’s one of Turkey’s most dramatic sights. The drive through forested mountains is stunning.

Uzungöl (100km, 2hr)

A long lake surrounded by mountains and traditional wooden houses. The alpine scenery is unlike anywhere else in Turkey. Visit early morning for misty photographs. The drive passes tea plantations and traditional villages.

Hamsiköy (70km, 1.5hr)

A mountain village famous for its rice pudding (sütlaç) and stunning highland scenery. The drive climbs through forested mountains. Popular for Sunday lunches and nature walks.

Sera Lake (15km, 25min)

A tranquil lake near Trabzon, popular with locals for picnics and fishing. An easy drive from the city for a half-day escape.

Trabzon City

The city itself offers Hagia Sophia (a Byzantine church converted to a mosque), the Atatürk Pavilion, and the medieval city walls. The bazaar area retains traditional character.

Tips for Driving in the Black Sea Region

Roads: Main roads are paved and reasonable. Mountain roads to Sumela, Uzungöl, and yaylas are narrow, winding, and can be challenging. Allow extra time for mountain routes.

Speed limits: 50km/h in built-up areas, 90km/h on open roads. Mountain roads require slower speeds.

Driving style: Local drivers are accustomed to mountain roads. Use pull-outs to let faster vehicles pass on narrow sections.

Weather: The Black Sea region is Turkey’s wettest. Fog and rain are common, particularly at higher elevations. Check conditions before mountain drives.

Parking: Trabzon has paid parking in the centre. Tourist sites have dedicated car parks with small fees.

Fuel: Stations are plentiful in Trabzon and along main roads. Fill up before heading into mountainous areas.

Book your Trabzon car hire through the search above for competitive rates with airport and city pickup options.