As of April 2025, Uber does not operate in Trabzon, Turkey. Uber’s services in Turkey are limited to a few major cities—Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir—where it partners with licensed taxi drivers to provide rides through the app. Trabzon, a smaller city on the Black Sea coast, is not currently part of Uber’s service area. This aligns with broader trends in Turkey, where Uber’s availability is concentrated in larger urban centers, and smaller cities like Trabzon rely on traditional taxis or other local transportation options.
Transportation Alternatives in Trabzon
Since Uber isn’t an option, here’s how you can get around Trabzon:
- Taxis: Traditional yellow taxis are widely available. You can hail them on the street or find them at taxi stands in busy areas like the city center, Trabzon Airport (TZX), or near popular spots like Atatürk Square. Fares are metered, with a base rate around 90 TL and roughly 6-7 TL per kilometer (based on Istanbul rates, though Trabzon’s may differ slightly). Always ensure the meter is running to avoid overcharging, a common issue for tourists.
- Dolmuş: These shared minibuses are a cheap and efficient way to travel within Trabzon and to nearby areas like Akçaabat or the Sumela Monastery. They follow set routes, and fares are typically paid in cash (around 5-15 TL depending on distance). Look for dolmuş stops or ask locals for the right one.
- Public Buses: Trabzon has a municipal bus system, payable with cash or a Trabzon Kart (a reloadable transport card). Routes connect key areas like the airport, city center, and coastal neighborhoods.
- BiTaksi: This local ride-hailing app works similarly to Uber, connecting you with licensed taxis. It’s available in some Turkish cities, but its presence in Trabzon is limited or nonexistent as of now. You’d need a Turkish phone number to register, which might be a hurdle for tourists.
- Car Rental: For flexibility, renting a car is viable, especially if you plan to explore the Black Sea region (e.g., Uzungöl or the highlands). Rental agencies are available at Trabzon Airport, with daily rates starting around 500-700 TL.
Practical Tips
- Trabzon Airport (TZX): A taxi from the airport to the city center (about 6-8 km) should cost roughly 100-150 TL, depending on traffic. HAVAŞ shuttle buses are a cheaper alternative (around 20-30 TL) and run to central points like Meydan.
- Avoiding Scams: Some taxi drivers may avoid using the meter or quote inflated flat rates. Insist on the meter, and have small cash denominations ready (e.g., 20, 50 TL) to avoid change disputes. Showing your destination on a map or app can also help with communication, as English isn’t widely spoken.
- Walking: Trabzon’s city center is compact, so areas like Meydan or the waterfront are walkable if you’re staying nearby.
If you’re set on using a ride-hailing app and BiTaksi doesn’t work in Trabzon, your best bet is sticking to traditional taxis or dolmuş. For real-time confirmation, you could check the Uber app by entering a Trabzon pickup location, but based on current patterns, it’s unlikely to show available drivers. Let me know if you need specifics on routes or costs!