Getting to Diyarbakır
Travelers can reach Diyarbakır from several major Turkish cities via air, road, or rail. The city's airport provides daily flights connecting it to Istanbul (from both IST and SAW airports), Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya.
For those arriving by plane, the airport is located just west of the city center. However, because the passenger terminal is situated on the far side of the perimeter, you should allow for a 15 km journey to reach the downtown area. Car hire services are available at the airport for those who prefer to drive.
If traveling by bus, several companies—including Metro Turizm, Kamil Koç (now part of Flixbus), Star Diyarbakır, and Can Diyarbakır—operate routes from major hubs like Istanbul, Ankara, and Van. For travelers coming from Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan, buses run several times a day; these routes do not cross territory governed by Baghdad, meaning only a Kurdish visa is required.
The city is also accessible by train. The Güney Kurtalan Ekspresi runs five days a week from Ankara, providing an overnight journey with various seating options including couchettes and dining cars. Additionally, a regional train operates twice daily between Batman and Diyarbakır. The railway station is located on İstasyon Cd, approximately 1 km west of the old town.
Navigating the City
Once you have arrived in the city center, there are several ways to navigate the local area depending on your destination:
- Walking: The Old Town is situated within a walkable area, making it easy to explore on foot.
- Buses and Dolmuses: These forms of public transport ply the main avenues throughout the city for convenient travel between neighborhoods.
- Taxis: If you arrive at the Diyarbakır Otogar (the bus terminal located 10 km west of the city center), taxis are available to take you directly downtown.