For years, flying out of Adana meant a short taxi ride to an airport inside the city. That is no longer the case. Getting from Adana to Cukurova Airport now means a drive of about 35-40 km towards Tarsus, and it needs a little planning. In this guide, the EcrinVIP team explains how to reach the airport from Seyhan, the city centre and the Adana bus terminal, and what time to leave based on your flight. This post covers the trip from the city to the airport, not the other way round.
What changed for travellers leaving Adana?
Adana Sakirpasa Airport closed to commercial flights. Its passenger traffic moved to Cukurova International Airport (COV), which opened in August 2024 in the Tarsus district of Mersin province. The new airport serves both Adana and Mersin.
For anyone flying out of Adana, that means:
- A longer trip: about 35-40 km from central Adana (Seyhan), roughly 35-50 minutes depending on traffic.
- City traffic is now part of the plan, especially during weekday morning and evening rush hours.
- A short taxi ride has turned into a long metered fare that is hard to predict.
- Havamas airport buses are now the public transport option, and you need to check their schedule.
Older guidebooks, hotel notes and even some drivers may still say "Adana Airport". If your ticket says COV, you are heading for Tarsus.
Leaving from Seyhan and central Adana
Most hotels and the busiest part of the city are in Seyhan, and the road out towards the airport is fairly direct. Still, two things decide your timing: how long it takes to reach the main road from your hotel, and the hour of the day. Narrow streets and busy junctions can take longer than the open stretch of road itself.
By Havamas bus
The cheapest way from central Adana is the Havamas airport bus. Locals often call it "Havas", but Havamas is the operator at this airport. In Adana, buses leave from central points such as shopping malls and the main bus terminal. Departures run roughly every hour, including at night. Because the bus makes stops, the ride takes about an hour; add the time to reach the stop from your hotel. Times and fares change, so confirm them on Havamas's official channels before you travel. Signage is mostly in Turkish, so keep your stop name written down. Our Cukurova Airport shuttle bus guide has the details.
By taxi
A taxi picks you up at the door, which is convenient after checkout. The catch is the distance. The meter climbs quickly over a long trip, and night rates and luggage make the final amount hard to estimate. If you take a taxi, agree on how the fare will be calculated and whether card payment is possible before you set off.
By private transfer
A private transfer collects you at your hotel or home and takes you straight to the terminal. At EcrinVIP the price is fixed per vehicle, so it does not change with the number of passengers, and you can see it on the Cukurova Airport to Adana Seyhan transfer page before booking. No meter, no exchange-rate guesswork. We run Mercedes Vito VIP, Sprinter, midibus and coach vehicles, and child seats are available on request. We do not take online payment; you pay by the method you choose at booking: cash, card or bank transfer.
From Adana bus terminal to the airport
Many travellers arrive in Adana by intercity coach and then continue to a flight. This connection works well if you plan it. Havamas departure points in Adana include central stops such as the bus terminal. Confirm the exact boarding point and current departure times on official channels before you travel.
The biggest risk is a delayed intercity coach. If it runs late, you can miss the airport bus you were counting on. Our advice for a terminal connection:
- Add at least an hour of buffer to your coach's scheduled arrival time in Adana.
- Note the next two airport bus departures, not just one.
- With large suitcases, allow time to walk through the terminal and wait.
- If the margin looks tight, book a transfer in advance so a driver meets you at the bus terminal.
If you are coming from farther away, our intercity transfer service can take you directly to the airport and remove the connection altogether.
When to leave Adana for your flight
The question guests ask us most is: "What time should I leave Adana?" Many airlines recommend arriving about 2 hours before domestic flights and about 3 hours before international flights. Add the travel time and a buffer of at least 30 minutes. Check-in deadlines vary by airline, so follow your ticket.
Early-morning flights
Roads are usually quieter, but catching a bus at that hour and reaching the stop takes its own planning. Example: for an 08:00 international flight, you want to be at the terminal by 05:00. From Seyhan by private car, about 50 minutes on the road plus a 30-minute buffer means leaving around 03:40. Booking the car the day before saves you from looking for a taxi in the dark.
Midday and evening flights
For evening flights that coincide with the end of the working day, getting out of the city is the slowest part. Use the upper end of the travel range, about 50 minutes, and add a little more buffer.
Late-night flights
On night flights we often see people leave late because they expect empty roads. The road may be quiet. Finding a taxi or matching a bus departure can still cost time. EcrinVIP works 24/7, so your car can be arranged in advance for any departure hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Adana to Cukurova Airport?
Cukurova Airport is about 35-40 km from central Adana (Seyhan). By private car, the drive takes roughly 35-50 minutes depending on traffic. The Havamas bus can take about an hour because of its stops, plus the time you need to reach the stop. Weekday rush hours can slow the exit from the city, so leave a buffer.
Is there a bus from Adana bus terminal to Cukurova Airport?
Havamas airport bus departure points in Adana include central stops such as shopping malls and the bus terminal. Buses run roughly every hour, including at night. Boarding points, times and fares can change, so confirm them on Havamas's official channels before you travel, and allow extra time in case your intercity coach arrives late.
Do flights still leave from Adana Sakirpasa Airport?
No. Adana Sakirpasa Airport closed to commercial flights, and its passenger traffic moved to Cukurova International Airport (COV), which opened in August 2024. The new airport is in the Tarsus district of Mersin province and serves both Adana and Mersin. If your booking shows COV, plan a trip of about 35-40 km from central Adana.
Does the transfer price from Adana depend on how many people travel?
Not with EcrinVIP. The price is fixed per vehicle, not per passenger, so the more people share the car, the lower the cost per person. You can see the fixed price for your vehicle on the route page before booking. We do not take online payment; you pay by cash, card or bank transfer, as you choose at booking.
For a side-by-side look at every option, read our guide on how to get to Cukurova Airport, or see Cukurova Airport transport prices for how costs compare. Ready to book? Add your Adana pickup address and flight details in the booking form, and we will take care of the road to the terminal.
