Samsun is Turkey's largest Black Sea port city and the capital of Samsun Province, with a metropolitan population of approximately 1.36 million. The city holds a special place in Turkish history as the landing point of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on May 19, 1919 — the moment that launched the Turkish War of Independence. Today Samsun is a vibrant modern city combining deep patriotic heritage, a long sandy Black Sea coastline, fertile hazelnut and tobacco countryside, and an increasingly lively dining and nightlife scene. The Kıyı Park seafront promenade stretches 7 km along the coast, the replica Bandırma Vapuru museum ship recalls Atatürk's historic arrival, and a modern tramway connects the city's main districts with ease.
Samsun has excellent internal transport for a city of its size. The modern tram system (T1 and T2 lines, operated by SAMULAŞ) connects the otogar through the city centre to Atakum, covering all major attractions. City buses complement the tram. Dolmuş (shared minibuses) serve suburban areas and nearby towns. Taxis are plentiful and metered. Samsun-Çarşamba Airport (SZF) is 25 km east, served by all major Turkish carriers.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
T
h
e
t
r
a
m
i
s
t
h
e
e
a
s
i
e
s
t
a
n
d
c
h
e
a
p
e
s
t
w
a
y
t
o
n
a
v
i
g
a
t
e
S
a
m
s
u
n
—
u
s
e
i
t
f
o
r
a
l
l
m
a
i
n
s
i
g
h
t
s
.
P
u
r
c
h
a
s
e
a
S
a
m
s
u
n
K
a
r
t
(
r
e
l
o
a
d
a
b
l
e
t
r
a
n
s
i
t
c
a
r
d
)
f
r
o
m
S
A
M
U
L
A
Ş
o
f
f
i
c
e
s
n
e
a
r
t
h
e
o
t
o
g
a
r
f
o
r
s
l
i
g
h
t
d
i
s
c
o
u
n
t
o
n
e
a
c
h
r
i
d
e
.
F
o
r
d
a
y
t
r
i
p
s
t
o
A
m
a
s
y
a
a
n
d
S
i
n
o
p
,
b
o
o
k
i
n
t
e
r
c
i
t
y
b
u
s
t
i
c
k
e
t
s
t
h
e
d
a
y
b
e
f
o
r
e
a
t
t
h
e
o
t
o
g
a
r
o
r
o
n
l
i
n
e
v
i
a
o
b
i
l
e
t
.
c
o
m
.