Overview
Erzurum sits high on the eastern Anatolian plateau, around 1,900 metres up, which makes it Turkey's unofficial winter capital. Travellers come for the Palandöken ski slopes on the doorstep, a cluster of superb Seljuk-era monuments in the old centre and a bracing, big-sky landscape far removed from the Mediterranean coast. It is an authentic, good-value base for exploring the north-east, and searches for cheap flights to Erzurum climb every autumn as the ski programme begins.
Best time to fly to Erzurum
The ski season runs roughly December to March, when Palandöken has dependable snow and the city is at its liveliest; expect hard frosts and temperatures well below freezing, so pack properly. For sightseeing and walking, June to September is far more comfortable, with warm, dry days and cool evenings. Fares tend to rise around Christmas and February half-term, so check the When to book chart above before you commit.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Erzurum, so you will connect, almost always through Istanbul. Turkish Airlines has the widest choice, flying from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh to Istanbul Airport before the domestic hop to Erzurum. Pegasus Airlines and AJet route via Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. Reckon on about four hours to Istanbul and just under two on the onward leg, for a total journey of roughly 7–9 hours with a sensible connection.
Things to do in Erzurum
The historic centre is compact and walkable, rewarding a day or two either side of the slopes.
- Çifte Minareli Medrese: the city's emblem, a grand 13th-century Seljuk college with twin fluted minarets.
- Yakutiye Medrese: a finely carved Ilkhanid madrasa, now a museum of Turkish and Islamic arts.
- Erzurum Castle: the inner fortress and its clock-tower minaret, with wide views over the plateau.
- Palandöken: long, steep pistes rising above 3,000 metres, only a short drive from the centre.
- Rüstem Pasha Bazaar: watch craftsmen work Oltu stone, the local black gem, into jewellery.
At Erzurum Airport (ERZ)
The airport is about 10 km north-west of the centre, a 15–20 minute drive. A Havaş shuttle bus is timed to flights and runs into town, while metered taxis wait outside arrivals. Many hotels and ski resorts arrange transfers if you ask when booking — well worth it in deep winter.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Erzurum
- Book around two to four months ahead for winter travel; the best fares usually go before the school holidays.
- Fly midweek and sidestep the Christmas, February and Easter peaks where you can — the price charts on this page show the pattern.
- Keep your dates flexible by a day or two either side, as a Tuesday or Wednesday departure is often noticeably cheaper.
- Compare Turkish Airlines with Pegasus and AJet, and weigh the London hubs against Manchester or Edinburgh.
Travel essentials
British passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period; your passport should have at least 150 days' validity from your date of arrival. The currency is the Turkish lira, with cards widely accepted and ATMs easy to find, though some cash helps for markets and taxis. No special vaccinations are required for most travellers, but check GOV.UK and NHS Fit for Travel before you go, and choose travel insurance that covers winter sports if you plan to ski.
