Car Hire Adana Airport — Gateway to Ancient Cilicia and the Mediterranean

Adana Şakirpaşa Airport (ADA), just 3km from the city centre, is one of Turkey’s most conveniently located airports. While Adana itself is a modern city best known for its cuisine, the surrounding region holds remarkable historical treasures—from St. Paul’s birthplace at Tarsus to the Roman mosaics of Antakya. Hiring a car at the airport puts you within easy reach of ancient Cilicia’s ruins, Mediterranean beaches, and the dramatic landscapes where the Taurus Mountains meet the sea.

The airport’s location on the edge of the fertile Çukurova plain provides immediate access to the road network connecting to sites across the region. Within an hour, you can be walking through St. Paul’s Tarsus or swimming at a Mediterranean beach. Within three hours, you’ll reach Antakya’s world-class mosaics. A rental car transforms Adana from a simple city destination into a base for comprehensive exploration.

Picking Up Your Rental Car at Adana Airport

Rental desks are located in the small arrivals hall. Turkish companies dominate, with some international brands represented. The airport’s compact size means efficient processing—typically 15-20 minutes.

Most companies have vehicles in adjacent parking within walking distance of the terminal. Given the airport’s proximity to the city, you can be on the road within 30 minutes of landing.

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

Climate note: Adana is extremely hot in summer (40°C+ common). Ensure your rental has working air conditioning—this is not optional in this region.

Driving from Adana Airport

The airport connects directly to the main road network. For Adana city centre, head south (10 minutes). For Tarsus, head east on the D400 (about 45 minutes). For Mersin and the coast, head southwest (about 1 hour). For Antakya, head southeast on the D825 (about 2.5 hours).

Top Destinations from Adana Airport

Tarsus (40km, 45min)

Birthplace of St. Paul and meeting place of Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Key sites include St. Paul’s Well, the Roman road, and Cleopatra Gate. The Archaeological Museum houses important regional finds.

Mersin and Beaches (70km, 1hr)

Turkey’s largest port with a seafront promenade. Coastal beaches and Kizkalesi (Maiden’s Castle) lie to the west. The coastal drive offers mountain and sea views.

Antakya (190km, 2.5hr)

Ancient Antioch with one of the world’s finest mosaic museums. St. Peter’s Church is among Christianity’s oldest places of worship. The old city retains traditional character.

Anavarza (100km, 1.5hr)

An ancient city with a fortified acropolis, Roman road, and extensive ruins. Rarely visited by tourists—prepare to have the site to yourself.

Adana City (3km, 10min)

The modern city offers the Sabancı Mosque, the Stone Bridge (Taşköprü), and the birthplace of Adana kebab. Excellent for food enthusiasts.

Tips for Driving in the Adana Region

Roads: Main roads are excellent. Rural roads to archaeological sites can be narrow and poorly marked—use GPS.

Speed limits: 50km/h urban, 90km/h open roads. Speed cameras operate on major routes.

Driving style: The Çukurova plain has long, straight roads where speeding is common. Stay within limits—cameras are active.

Parking: Adana has organised parking. Archaeological sites have car parks with small fees.

Fuel: Stations are plentiful on main routes. Fill up before heading to remote sites.

Summer: Extreme heat makes air conditioning essential. Carry water. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

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