A Çukurova Airport to Şahinbey transfer starts on the Mediterranean plain and ends in the heart of Gaziantep, in the old town below the castle. The airport is near Tarsus. Şahinbey covers the southern side of Gaziantep, including the historic core of the city centre. Here we explain the arrival process, how the drive unfolds and what to know about arriving in the old quarter.
Out of the Terminal
We start tracking your flight as soon as you enter the number in your booking. If you land late, the pickup time moves to match. At the arrivals exit, look for the driver holding a sign with your name.
The drive is a long one. If you have booked a dinner table, set it with a realistic margin after landing. Gaziantep's restaurants will wait; motorway traffic is harder to predict.
From Mediterranean Green to Antep Red
Most of the journey follows the Tarsus–Adana–Gaziantep motorway. First the flat, green Çukurova plain. Then Osmaniye, followed by the tunnels and viaducts over the Amanus range. On the far side the soil turns red and pistachio and olive trees take over. As the city comes into view, the new districts appear first. The old town comes last.
Traffic into the city depends on the hour, and main roads can be busy at evening rush. Close to the castle the streets narrow and some become pedestrian zones. Those final stretches can be the slowest part of the whole trip.
Picking a Car for a City Break
Most Şahinbey visitors come to explore. Luggage is usually moderate, but groups can be large.
- Couple on a weekend break: Business Sedan or Premium Sedan
- Business traveller wanting to rest: Comfort Class
- Six friends together: VIP Vito or Ultra VIP Vito
- Extended family visiting relatives: eight-seat Mercedes Vito
Food tour groups and clubs of up to fifteen fit a Mercedes Sprinter, and smaller groups wanting more space can choose the seven-seat Ultra VIP Sprinter. Prices are per vehicle and the booking form lists every class side by side.
Getting Dropped at the Right Spot
Some of the mansion hotels below the castle cannot be reached by car right to the door. Put your hotel's name and the nearest main street in the booking notes, and the drop-off point will be planned around that. Asking your hotel how vehicles reach them also helps. For more on Şahinbey itself and other trips we run from there, see our Şahinbey page.
Leave Time for One Last Box of Baklava
On the final day everyone wants one more box of baklava. Choose your return pickup with that in mind. Using Add return in the booking form, you can set the pickup from Şahinbey in the same reservation as your arrival. To start, select Çukurova Airport as pickup, Gaziantep Şahinbey as drop-off and enter your flight number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the airport meeting work?
Your driver waits at the arrivals exit of Çukurova Airport with a sign showing your name. We track your flight number, so if you are delayed the pickup time is adjusted to the actual landing. Collect your bags, walk out and look for the sign. If your flight changes, send a change request through the My Reservation page.
Will I make my dinner reservation?
Journey time varies with traffic and weather, and city approaches can be busy in the evening. If your flight lands late in the day, keep your dinner time flexible. Setting your hotel as the drop-off point lets you leave your bags first and head out to eat without rushing.
We are a group. Will one vehicle be enough?
Groups of up to fifteen can travel together in a Mercedes Sprinter. Smaller groups that want more space can pick the seven-seat Ultra VIP Sprinter, and up to six people fit in a VIP Vito. Because prices are per vehicle, the cost per person drops as the group grows.
When should I book the return?
The simplest way is to choose Add return when you book your arrival. You set the date and time for the pickup in Şahinbey within the same reservation. If plans change, send a change request through the My Reservation page. Allow for the long drive and airport check-in when you pick the time.
Class 01
Class 02
Class 03
Class 05
Class 06
Class 07
Class 08