Your Journey to the Kaçkars: How to Get to Kackar by UTMB® 2025

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You’ve secured your race entry and booked your accommodation – now, how to get to Kackar by UTMB®? Planning your travel to Rize, Turkey, and arranging the final leg of Ayder Plateau transport is essential for a smooth start to your race adventure. Located in Turkey’s scenic but somewhat remote Black Sea region, reaching the event requires a couple of steps. This guide breaks down your options, from choosing the right airport to navigating ground transportation, helping you plan your journey efficiently.

Step 1: Flying In – Choosing Your Gateway Airport

Most international and domestic participants will arrive by air. You have two main airport options serving the region:

  1. Rize-Artvin Airport (RZV): The Closest Option
  • Location: Situated on the coast near the town of Pazar, approximately 75-85 km (around 1.5-2 hours drive) from Ayder Plateau.
  • Pros: Significantly closer to Rize city and Ayder Plateau than Trabzon, saving considerable ground travel time. Modern and new (opened in 2022).
  • Cons: Primarily serves domestic routes. International travelers will likely need to connect via Istanbul (IST or SAW) or Ankara (ESB). Flight frequency might be lower than Trabzon.
  • Airlines (Check current schedules): Turkish Airlines, AnadoluJet, Pegasus typically operate flights to/from Istanbul and Ankara.
  • Best For: Travelers prioritizing shorter ground transfer times, especially those flying domestically within Turkey or connecting easily through Istanbul/Ankara.
  1. Trabzon Airport (TZX): The Larger Hub
  • Location: Located east of Trabzon city, approximately 160-170 km (around 3-3.5 hours drive) from Ayder Plateau.
  • Pros: Larger, more established airport with higher flight frequency from Istanbul and Ankara. Handles some direct international flights (mainly from Europe and the Middle East, often seasonal). More amenities and ground transport options generally.
  • Cons: Significantly further from Ayder Plateau, requiring a longer ground transfer.
  • Airlines (Check current schedules): Turkish Airlines, AnadoluJet, Pegasus operate frequent domestic flights. Various international carriers may offer direct or connecting flights depending on the season and origin.
  • Best For: International travelers seeking direct flights to the region (if available), those prioritizing more flight options, or participants planning to spend time in Trabzon before heading to Rize.

Step 2: Ground Transportation from Your Arrival Airport

Once you land, you need to get from the airport towards Rize city or directly towards Ayder.

From Rize-Artvin Airport (RZV):

  • Airport Shuttle (Havaş or similar): This is often the most practical option for reaching major towns. Check the Havaş website (havas.net) or RZV airport’s official site for current routes, schedules, and fares. Shuttles typically run timed with flight arrivals and go to Rize city center (Otogar – main bus station), possibly stopping at key coastal towns like Pazar or Ardeşen en route. Direct shuttles to Ayder are unlikely.
  • Taxi: Available at the airport. Cost-effective for short trips to nearby towns (Pazar, Ardeşen) or Rize city center (~30-45 mins). A taxi directly to Ayder Plateau will be expensive (negotiate price beforehand) and take ~1.5-2 hours.
  • Car Rental: Several national and local car rental agencies operate at RZV. Renting a car offers the most flexibility, especially if your accommodation is outside Ayder or you plan to explore the region. Book in advance, especially during event periods.
  • Public Transport (Bus/Dolmuş): More complex. You would likely need to take a shuttle/taxi to Rize Otogar or a main road junction, then find a local bus or dolmuş (minibus) heading towards Çamlıhemşin/Ayder. This is the cheapest but slowest and least convenient option, especially with luggage. Service frequency to Ayder might be limited.

From Trabzon Airport (TZX):

  • Airport Shuttle to Rize (Havaş): Havaş operates regular shuttle services directly from Trabzon Airport to Rize city center (Otogar). This is generally the most efficient way to reach Rize if not renting a car. Journey time is around 1.5 hours. Check the Havaş website for schedules and fares.
  • Taxi: Available but very expensive for the long journey to Rize (~1.5 hours) or Ayder (~3+ hours). Not recommended unless splitting costs among a large group.
  • Car Rental: Major car rental companies are available at TZX. Provides maximum flexibility but involves a longer drive to the race area (~3+ hours to Ayder). Book in advance.
  • Bus (via Trabzon Otogar): Take a taxi or local bus from TZX airport to Trabzon Otogar (main bus station). From there, frequent intercity buses run to Rize Otogar (approx. 1 hour journey). This is a budget-friendly option but involves multiple steps.

Step 3: Reaching Your Final Destination (Especially Ayder Plateau)

If you’ve reached Rize city center or coastal towns like Ardeşen/Pazar, you still need to get up to Ayder Plateau (unless staying elsewhere).

  • Rental Car: The most convenient way to reach Ayder and essential if your accommodation is outside the main plateau. The drive from Rize city takes approx. 1-1.5 hours via the coastal highway (D010) towards Ardeşen, then turning inland at Çamlıhemşin and following the increasingly winding mountain road up to Ayder. The road is paved but requires careful driving, especially the final ascent.
  • Dolmuş (Minibus): Local dolmuş services likely operate from Rize Otogar or Çamlıhemşin town center up to Ayder. However, schedules can be infrequent, might not align with race needs (early starts), and can be crowded. Best suited for flexible travelers without much luggage.
  • Taxi: Possible to hire from Rize or Çamlıhemşin. Agree on the fare beforehand as it’s a significant distance.
  • Race Shuttles (Check Official Info!): Kackar by UTMB® may organize shuttle buses for participants, potentially from Rize city or designated points, especially on race day. This is crucial information to check on the official race website. Do not assume shuttles will be available without confirmation.

Important Travel Considerations:

  • Book Early: Book flights and rental cars well in advance, as prices rise and availability drops closer to major events.
  • Driving: If renting a car, be prepared for winding mountain roads, potentially narrow sections, and local driving styles. Ensure you have appropriate licenses/permits (e.g., International Driving Permit if required).
  • Check Connections: If connecting flights, allow ample time, especially if transferring between airports in Istanbul (SAW and IST are far apart).
  • Flexibility: Allow some buffer time in your travel schedule for potential delays.

Conclusion:

Planning how to get to Kackar by UTMB® involves choosing the best airport for your situation (likely Rize-Artvin Airport for convenience or Trabzon Airport for more flight options) and figuring out your ground transport. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for accessing Ayder Plateau transport and accommodation outside the main hub, while airport shuttles (like Havaş for Trabzon Airport to Rize) combined with taxis or potential race shuttles are other viable options. Research your preferred route, book early, check official race transport information, and enjoy the journey to Turkey’s stunning Black Sea coast and Kaçkar Mountains!