Getting Around Erzincan
Erzincan is a compact city in eastern Turkey, and most of what a visitor wants to see in the centre is reachable without much fuss. The city's public transport is built around the dolmuş — shared minibuses that run along the main streets — supplemented by taxis and, for the airport and bus terminal, the same dolmuş network. There is no metro or tram system here, and the rail connection is a long-distance affair rather than an urban one. Below is a practical breakdown of your options.
Dolmuşes: The Backbone of Local Transport
Dolmuşes are the main way locals and visitors move around Erzincan. They ply the main streets of the city, so if you're staying anywhere near the centre you'll find one without much effort. They are also the link between the city centre and the two main arrival points outside it — the airport and the bus station — which makes them useful from the moment you arrive.
- Airport connection: A dolmuş runs from Erzincan Airport downtown.
- Bus station connection: A dolmuş runs from the otogar (bus station) into the city centre, a trip of about five minutes.
- Payment: Fares are paid in cash on board. As with any dolmuş in Turkey, it helps to have small notes or coins ready.
Rail: Long-Distance, Not Urban
Erzincan has a railway station, but this is not a metro or commuter rail network — it's the eastern terminus of a long-distance route. The station sits close to the city centre, so if you arrive by train you can walk or take a dolmuş to your accommodation.
- Doğu Express: This is the main service, running from Ankara and continuing east to Erzurum and then Kars. It carries couchettes and a buffet car. Tickets and details are available through the Turkish Railways website.
- Tourist version: A tourist-oriented version of the Doğu Express runs daily year-round, with long sightseeing stops at points along the route, including Erzincan itself.
- Regional service: A regional train connects Erzincan with Divriği, running twice a day in each direction.
- Future high-speed line: A high-speed line from Sivas toward Erzincan and Kars is under construction, but completion is nowhere in sight — so don't plan around it.
Buses and Intercity Coaches
Erzincan's bus station, the otogar, is the arrival point for intercity coaches from across Turkey. It's located a short dolmuş ride from the centre. If you're coming from a major city, this is likely how you'll arrive.
- From Istanbul: Buses run several times a day, continuing east to Erzurum and Kars.
- From Ankara: Services run via Sivas.
- From Trabzon: A relatively short journey compared with the western routes.
- Operators: Metro Turizm and Flixbus serve the city. Note that Pamukkale does not operate here, so don't count on finding their services.
Taxis
Taxis are readily available in Erzincan. They wait along Ordu Caddesi, the main street, and you're also likely to find one simply dropping off passengers nearby. For short hops around the centre, or if you're carrying luggage, a taxi is a straightforward option. There is no mention of ride-hailing apps like Uber operating in the city, so plan on hailing a cab on the street or at a rank rather than booking through an app.
Walkability
The city centre is compact enough that walking is a realistic option for getting between hotels, restaurants, and the main commercial streets. The railway station is just south of the centre, and the dolmuş network covers the main streets, so you can combine walking with short dolmuş rides. However, to reach the outer sights — the surrounding countryside and more distant attractions — you really need your own wheels. A rental car is the practical choice if you want to explore beyond the city itself.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Erzincan Airport (ERC) is the main point of arrival for visitors flying in. It has daily flights from Istanbul (both IST and SAW) and Ankara, and the terminal is modern and clean, with the usual facilities including car hire.
- Location: The airport is southeast of the city centre.
- Dolmuş: A dolmuş runs from the airport downtown — this is the simplest and cheapest way into the city.
- Car hire: If you plan to explore the outer sights, picking up a rental car at the airport is a convenient option.
Practical Summary
- Use dolmuşes for the main streets, the airport, and the bus station.
- Walk in the centre; rent a car for the outer sights.
- Taxis wait along Ordu Caddesi — no ride-hailing apps to rely on.
- Trains are for long-distance travel, not getting around town.
- Intercity buses arrive at the otogar, a short dolmuş ride from the centre.