About flights from Rize (RZV)
Rize-Artvin Airport sits on a remarkable feat of engineering — a man-made platform extending into the Black Sea, carved out of the mountains that crowd this narrow coastal strip of northeastern Türkiye. The runway literally sits on water. I've landed at regional airports across this country, but few arrivals match the visual drama of touching down here, with the sea on one side and tea plantations climbing the slopes on the other. It's compact, quiet, and surprisingly well-connected given the remoteness of the terrain around it.
Quick stats for RZV
- Direct destinations: 7
- Countries served: 2
- Continents reached: 1 of 6
- Average flight distance: 1,273 km
- Longest non-stop: Jeddah (JED) — 2,175 km (~2h 43m)
- Shortest non-stop: Ankara (ESB) — 673 km (~50 min)
- Reach score: 44/99
Why fly to Rize?
The case for flying into this corner of Türkiye is genuinely strong if you know what you're looking for. Rize is the heart of the country's tea industry — almost all of Türkiye's black tea grows on these misty hillsides — and the surrounding Kaçkar Mountains draw serious trekkers who need a real airport rather than a four-hour drive from Trabzon. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus both serve the domestic network, giving you solid options to Istanbul and Ankara, that shortest hop coming in at just 673 kilometres. The two Saudi Arabian routes to Jeddah and likely Riyadh reflect a major diaspora and religious travel demand, which tells you something about the region's demographics. Seven destinations across two countries isn't extensive, but it covers what matters.
Longest non-stop flights from RZV
The furthest destinations you can reach non-stop from Rize:
- Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (JED) — 2,175 km, approximately 2h 43m
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (RUH) — 1,883 km, approximately 2h 21m
- Izmir, Turkiye (ADB) — 1,213 km, approximately 1h 31m
- Istanbul, Turkiye (IST) — 1,012 km, approximately 1h 16m
- Antalya, Turkiye (AYT) — 989 km, approximately 1h 14m
Short-haul flights from RZV
Quick getaway options with the shortest flights from Rize:
- Ankara, Turkiye (ESB) — 673 km, approximately 50 min
- Istanbul, Turkiye (SAW) — 968 km, approximately 1h 13m
- Antalya, Turkiye (AYT) — 989 km, approximately 1h 14m
- Istanbul, Turkiye (IST) — 1,012 km, approximately 1h 16m
- Izmir, Turkiye (ADB) — 1,213 km, approximately 1h 31m
Top countries by direct connections from RZV
Rize-Artvin Airport connects to 2 countries. Here are the most served:
- Turkiye — 5 destinations (Ankara, Antalya, Istanbul, Istanbul and 1 more)
- Saudi Arabia — 2 destinations (Jeddah, Riyadh)
Tips for travelers at RZV
The airport's location on the coast, roughly 20 kilometres east of Rize city centre, means you'll need to plan ground transport carefully. Taxis are the most reliable option, though shared minibuses (dolmuş) connect to both Rize and Artvin province. Winters here can bring low cloud and disruption — the Black Sea coast isn't forgiving in December and January, so build buffer time into connections. Summer is the region's peak season for highland festivals and trekking, and domestic flights fill up faster than you'd expect. Book early, especially on Turkish Airlines routes to Istanbul.
Airlines operating from RZV
The following airlines offer non-stop flights from Rize-Artvin Airport:
PC, TK, VF, XQ, XY
Frequently asked questions about flying to Rize
How do I get from Rize-Artvin Airport to the city center?
You can take a taxi or ride-sharing service directly from the airport to Rize city center, which is about 35 km away and typically costs 200-300 Turkish Lira. There are also shuttle bus services available that are more budget-friendly, usually around 50-100 Turkish Lira per person.
What's the best time to fly from Rize-Artvin Airport?
Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) offer the best weather with mild temperatures and less rain, making for smoother flights and easier travel around the region. Summer can be humid and crowded with tourists, while winter months see more frequent weather disruptions.
How many destinations can I reach directly from Rize-Artvin Airport?
Rize-Artvin Airport offers 7 direct destinations, connecting you to major Turkish cities and key regional hubs without needing to change flights. This makes it convenient for both domestic travel within Turkey and connections to international destinations.
What are the visa requirements for traveling through Rize-Artvin Airport?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and destination—most visitors to Turkey can get an e-Visa online or on arrival, while EU and many other nationalities can enter visa-free for short stays. Check with your country's Turkish embassy or consulate before traveling to confirm your specific requirements.
What's a helpful tip about using Rize-Artvin Airport?
The airport is relatively small and manageable, so you won't need to arrive hours early like at major hubs—typically 1.5 hours before departure is sufficient. Just be aware that it can get busy during peak tourism seasons, so checking flight times and conditions beforehand is always a good idea.
Is flying from Rize-Artvin Airport expensive compared to other Turkish airports?
Prices are generally competitive, though you might find slightly cheaper fares from larger Istanbul or Ankara hubs due to higher competition among airlines. However, the convenience of flying from Rize often makes the comparable costs worthwhile, especially if you're already in the region.
Plan your trip from Rize
Browse the complete list of 7 destinations below to find your next flight from Rize-Artvin Airport. Each route page includes distance, estimated flight time, and airline information to help you plan your trip.