Kars sits on a plateau at 1,750 metres, and its grid of streets and basalt stone buildings, left from Russian rule between 1878 and 1918, make it unlike any other city in Turkiye. Forty three kilometres east, on the edge of a gorge along the Armenian border, stands the ancient city of Ani, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2016. Turkish Airlines, Pegasus and AJet fly direct from both Istanbul airports and from Ankara, and the flight from Istanbul takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. Winters are severe, which is why Kars works as both a summer plateau route and a ski stop.
Looking for cheap flights or monthly payment flight packages to Kars?
Suso is a travel-planning platform that turns your Kars trip from Turkey into a buy now, pay later flight package: the ticket is issued by travel agencies, booking sites or airlines, and the payment plan runs on consumer credit from partner finance institutions. One click in the basket completes the purchase and the financing together; you pay over 3 to 24 months. No credit card limit needed.
See flights to Kars →When to visit Kars
June to September is the clearest stretch for Ani, Lake Cildir and the highland roads. The ski season at Sarikamis runs from December to March, and Lake Cildir usually freezes in January and February. Night temperatures can fall below minus twenty in winter, and the wind at Ani makes it feel harsher still.
Things to do in Kars
The ancient city of Ani
Walk the abandoned Bagratid capital among its cathedral, walls and the churches perched over the gorge.
The Sarikamis ski centre
Ski runs that cut through a Scots pine forest, on the dry snow the area is known for.
Lake Cildir
Watch birds along the shore in summer, or join a horse-drawn sleigh ride and ice fishing when the surface freezes.
Kars Castle and the Kumbet Mosque
Climb to the castle above the city, then see the stone bridge and the Kumbet Mosque in the old quarter below.
The Russian-era streets
Follow the wide grid avenues left by forty years of Russian rule, past mansions built in basalt stone.
The cheese and honey route
Visit the cheese museum in Bogatepe village and taste Kars kasar and the flower honey of the Caucasian bee.
Flights from Turkey to Kars
Kars is served by Kars Harakani Airport (KSY), about 6 km from the city centre, reached in about 10 minutes by airport shuttle or taxi. There are direct flights from both Istanbul airports and from Ankara. Ani is about 43 km from the centre and Sarikamis about 55 km.
Kars FAQ
How can I get a Kars flight package?
You can split the cost of your Kars flight package with Suso over 3 to 24 months, and no credit card limit is required.
Which airport serves Kars and how do I reach the city?
Flights land at Kars Harakani Airport (KSY), about 6 km from the centre, reached in about 10 minutes by airport shuttle or taxi.
Where in Turkiye are there direct flights to Kars from?
Turkish Airlines, Pegasus and AJet fly direct from both Istanbul airports and from Ankara. The flight from Istanbul takes about 2 hours 5 minutes.
Buy now, pay later flights to Kars
Fly now, pay later. Plan your trip, pay over up to 24 months. One click at checkout sets up the plan, no credit card limit needed.
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