To reach Uzungöl, one of the most visited natural destinations on the Black Sea, you first need to get to Trabzon. Trabzon has well-developed transportation options, and access to Uzungöl is easy thanks to both road and air travel alternatives. The first thing those looking for directions to Uzungöl should know is that it is located within the borders of Çaykara district in Trabzon province. Directions from Trabzon to Uzungöl generally involve following the coastal route to Of district, and then turning towards Çaykara.

Uzungöl is approximately 99 kilometers from Trabzon city center. The average journey time varies between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The majority of the road is a divided highway with good asphalt quality. The final section, after Çaykara, is a slightly winding mountain road. This section requires some driving experience, but the road is safe and regularly maintained.

Where is Uzungöl located and which city can you get there from?

Uzungöl is located in the Çaykara district of Trabzon province in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye. Situated approximately 1,090 meters above sea level, Uzungöl lies in a bay surrounded by dense forests on the eastern slope of the Solaklı Valley.

Whether you arrive in Uzungöl by plane or bus, your transit point will always be the city of Trabzon. From Trabzon, you can reach Of district, then Çaykara, and finally Uzungöl. Those coming from Rize or Artvin can follow the coastal road and also pass through Of.

Basic distance information is as follows:

  • The road distance between Trabzon city center and Uzungöl is approximately 99 kilometers.
  • The distance between Of and Uzungöl is approximately 75 kilometers.
  • The distance from Çaykara district center to Uzungöl is 20 kilometers.
  • Trabzon International Airport is located 6 kilometers east of the city center; the distance from the airport to Uzungöl is approximately 93 kilometers.

Since Uzungöl is administratively part of Trabzon, all intercity bus and plane reservations should have Trabzon as the destination. After arriving in Trabzon, the route from Trabzon to Uzungöl continues via the Of district.

How to get to Uzungöl by your own vehicle?

Traveling to Uzungöl in your own vehicle is both the most liberating and the most scenic option. Those arriving by private car can stop along the way to photograph the incredible views of the Solaklı Valley, visit tea gardens, and travel at their own pace.

Here are the step-by-step directions to Uzungöl for those departing from Trabzon city center:

  • From the Trabzon city center exit, enter the Trabzon-Rize coastal road (D010).
  • The districts of Yomra, Arsin, Araklı, and Sürmene are passed through in that order.
  • Once you reach Of district, follow the Çaykara sign that branches off to the right at the entrance to Of district.
  • From Of, one travels approximately 55 kilometers along the Solaklı Valley to reach Çaykara.
  • From Çaykara, you can cross the eastern slope of the valley and drive for another 20 minutes to reach Uzungöl.

Those coming from Rize follow the same coastal road towards Trabzon and find the Çaykara sign in Of. The distance between Of and Rize is approximately 25 kilometers. Those coming from Artvin also take the same route via Of.

It is possible to travel to Uzungöl by car during the winter months; however, there is a risk of ice and snow on the road from the end of November to the beginning of March. It is mandatory to carry snow chains during this period. The last 20 kilometers from Çaykara to Uzungöl are particularly at risk of freezing. It is recommended to follow the weather forecast and avoid setting off very early in the morning.

Parking is a serious problem during peak season. In the summer months, especially on weekends in July and August, the area around Uzungöl exceeds its vehicle capacity. Apart from the paid parking areas along the shoreline and designated points around the lake, parking is almost impossible. Arriving early in the morning or on weekdays significantly reduces parking problems.

How to get to Uzungöl by plane? Steps after arriving at Trabzon Airport.

For visitors coming from afar, the fastest option is a flight via Trabzon Airport. There are direct flights to Trabzon from many major cities in Türkiye.

The main cities with direct flights to Trabzon are: Istanbul (Sabiha Gökçen and Istanbul Airports), Ankara Esenboğa, İzmir Adnan Menderes, Bursa Yenişehir, Antalya, Adana, Diyarbakır, and Gaziantep. From abroad, there are regular flights from Germany, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia. Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, SunExpress, and AnadoluJet operate these routes.

Trabzon Airport is approximately 6 kilometers from the city center. There are three options for reaching Uzungöl from the airport.

A direct taxi ride from the airport to Uzungöl takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Hiring a taxi without a reservation can be difficult during peak season; arranging in advance saves time and avoids surprises.

At the airport exit, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, and local companies offer rental car services. If you are planning excursions to surrounding areas such as Sümela Monastery and Ayder Plateau in addition to Uzungöl, a rental car will be the most efficient option. Booking early provides both options and advantages.

Local tourism companies offering private transfer services operate on fixed routes between the airport and Uzungöl. The cost per person is significantly lower for group travel. Online advance booking is recommended.

It is also possible to go from the airport to Trabzon city center and then take a minibus from there. The total journey time, including transfers, can reach approximately 2.5 hours.

Booking your plane ticket one to two months in advance, looking for flexible dates, and choosing midweek flights can save you an average of 25 to 40 percent. Tickets for July and August are significantly more expensive due to high demand.

How to get to Uzungöl by bus?

There are no direct long-distance bus services to Uzungöl. All intercity buses go as far as Trabzon; from there, you need to take a separate vehicle and follow the Trabzon-Uzungöl route. The main companies operating services to Trabzon include Metro Turizm, Ulusoy, Kamil Koç, Turay Turizm, Ali Osman Ulusoy, and Of-Maçka Seyahat. After arriving at Trabzon bus station, there are two ways to get to Uzungöl:

Çömlekçi Neighborhood Minibus Stop: Located in the Çömlekçi neighborhood of Trabzon city center, approximately 3 kilometers from the bus station, this stop is operated by Çaykara Tur minibuses. Minibuses depart approximately every 20 minutes from early morning until evening. The journey time to Uzungöl is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. Ticket prices range from 80 to 120 TL as of 2025 and may vary depending on the season.

Meydan stop: Some companies also operate minibus services from Meydan in Trabzon city center to Uzungöl and Çaykara. This can be a more convenient starting point for those who live near the bus station.

After arriving at the bus station, you can use a city minibus or taxi to reach the Çömlekçi Mahallesi stop. City minibuses cover this distance in 10 minutes.

Getting to Uzungöl from Different Cities: Time, Distance, and Cost

The fastest way from Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir is to fly to Trabzon and then take a rental car, taxi, or private transfer from the airport to Uzungöl. Flight time from Istanbul and Ankara is approximately 1 hour 10 to 1 hour 20 minutes, and from Izmir approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Including transfers, the total door-to-door journey takes between 3.5 and 4.5 hours.

From Samsun, traveling by road is the most logical option. Reaching Trabzon via the D010 coastal road takes approximately 3.5 hours, and adding a minibus from there to Uzungöl brings the total journey time to 5 to 5.5 hours. From Rize , take the coastal road to Of district, then via Çaykara to Uzungöl; the drive takes about 1.5 hours. Those coming from Artvin follow the same route, with a total journey time of 2 to 2.5 hours.

Uzungöl can be reached from Trabzon city center via Çaykara Tur minibuses departing from Çömlekçi neighborhood. Minibuses depart approximately every 20 minutes, and the journey takes between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours.

What is the best time to visit Uzungöl?

Uzungöl can be visited in all four seasons; however, each period offers a different experience. In spring (April-May), a calm atmosphere prevails where the greenery is at its peak and the crowds are fewer. In summer (June-August), nature is at its most vibrant, but the crowds reach their peak; it is essential to arrive on a weekday and early in the morning during this period. Autumn (September-November), with its forests turning yellow and orange, makes Uzungöl its most photogenic, and the crowds are significantly reduced; it is the ideal period for a visit. In winter (December-March), Uzungöl under the snow is visually captivating, but it is mandatory to have snow chains due to the risk of ice on the road. During holiday periods, finding parking becomes almost impossible, so it is recommended to arrive very early in the morning during these times.