How to Get to Uzungöl: Transport from Trabzon and the Gulf · Ethiopia Coffee

Set in a valley of spruce forest in the mountains of Trabzon, Uzungöl is easier to reach than its scenery suggests. This guide brings together the three main ways in — car, minibus and airport transfer — with dedicated flight guidance for guests travelling from the Gulf, and a note on where to take your first break once you arrive.

By car from Trabzon

Uzungöl lies about 99 km from central Trabzon, and the drive takes roughly an hour and a half. Follow the coastal road east through Yomra, Arsin, Araklı and Sürmene to Of, then turn inland and climb through Çaykara to the lake. The final stretch winds between steep, spruce-covered slopes and is a scenic drive in its own right, so allow a little extra time for viewpoints along the way.

Driving remains the most flexible option: you set your own pace, and the same road later serves onward trips deeper into the highlands.

By minibus or shared van

If you are not driving, the most practical public option is a minibus. Services towards Çaykara and Uzungöl depart from Çömlekçi in central Trabzon. Frequency varies with the season and the time of day, so confirm current departure times at the departure point or through your accommodation before you plan your day around them.

Arriving by air

Trabzon Airport (TZX) is the region's gateway, with regular domestic flights and international connections. The airport is about 90 km from Uzungöl, and the road transfer takes around 90 minutes. On arrival you can take a private transfer — usually the easiest choice for families with luggage — an airport taxi, or a hire car. Rates vary by season, so confirm the fare or booking before you set off.

Coming from the Gulf

Uzungöl has long been a favourite summer destination for visitors from the Gulf, and the journey is more straightforward than it may look on the map. Seasonal direct flights to Trabzon may operate from Jeddah, Riyadh, Kuwait, Dubai and Sharjah; schedules change from season to season, so confirm availability with the airline before booking.

The reliable year-round route is via Istanbul. Gulf cities are served by a wide choice of flights to Istanbul, and Istanbul–Trabzon domestic connections run frequently throughout the day. From Trabzon Airport it is then the same 90-minute road transfer up to the lake.

In July and August, pre-book your airport transfer; demand peaks in the summer season.
Outside summer, check road conditions before travelling, as the upper valley can be affected by winter weather.
Private transfers can be arranged to meet you at arrivals, which is helpful after a late flight with children or luggage.

Your first stop by the lake

After the road, most guests want the same two things: the view and a proper coffee. Ethiopia Coffee — by Ethiopian Brew Co.® sits in the centre of Uzungöl with lake-view seating on the upper floor. You can recover from the journey with a hot or iced V60 from six single origins — Ethiopia Sidamo, Colombia Nariño, Kenya, Costa Rica West Valley, Guatemala Huehuetenango and Brazil Santos — or with an espresso-based drink or a cold brew. The space is family-friendly, shisha-free and alcohol-free, with service in Turkish, English and Arabic.

We're open daily 10:00–23:00.

Once you have settled in, the lake itself — around a kilometre long — is circled by a few kilometres of flat lakeside path, an easy walk at any pace. With more time, Sultan Murat Plateau makes a separate valley drive of roughly 30–35 km, and in high summer the Şekersu and Demirkapı (Haldizen) plateaus are worthwhile seasonal excursions further up the valley. The Ethiopia Coffee Team is happy to point you in the right direction over your first cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Uzungöl from Trabzon?

The lake is about 99 km from central Trabzon, a drive of roughly an hour and a half along the coast and up through Çaykara. From Trabzon Airport (TZX) the distance is about 90 km, with a transfer of around 90 minutes.

Are there direct flights from the Gulf?

Seasonal direct flights to Trabzon may operate from Jeddah, Riyadh, Kuwait, Dubai and Sharjah, but schedules change. The reliable year-round route is to fly via Istanbul and take one of the frequent domestic connections to Trabzon.

Can I reach Uzungöl without a car?

Yes. Minibuses run from Çömlekçi in central Trabzon towards Çaykara and Uzungöl — confirm times locally, as frequency is seasonal — and private transfers and taxis operate from the airport. The village itself is easy to explore on foot.

When is Ethiopia Coffee open?