It is not a quick drive from the capital to the Black Sea region. This is a serious journey. The drive takes about nine and a half hours, depending on the route you choose. The distance is about 736-766 kilometers. By bus, the journey takes another 2 hours. That is for 11 hours and 40 minutes. Walking? Forget it. That is 144 hours.
Most travelers travel by car. It offers control. It’s up to you when you stop for a coffee or stretch your legs on a quiet highway. The fastest option is the Amasya-Erzincan route via D100 and E80. This shortens the distance to 736 kilometers and the time to just under 9 hours and 30 minutes. You pass through Kırıkkale, Tokat and Sivas before reaching Erzincann. From there continue towards Giresun and finally towards Gümüşhane. This is a long journey in the heart of Anatolia.
Choose the right route
Not all roads are created equal. The D200/E88 route via Çankırı and Çorum adds about 25 kilometers and 17 minutes to your journey. 761 km, 9 hours and 48 minutes. The third option is to connect the Çorum-Cankur road with the Amasya-Erzincann road, which is up to 766 kilometers long and takes 9 hours and 41 minutes.
Why choose a longer route? You may want to avoid traffic jams near Amasya. Maybe you prefer the view near Çankırı more. However, in terms of efficiency alone, the direct route between Amasya and Erzincann via D100/E80 is the winner. This is the most direct route from Ankara to Gümüşhane.
Bus trips: costs and logistics
If you can’t drive, the bus is the next best option. There are only 4 services per day. There aren’t that many options. Must book early.
The main operators of this route are Giresun, Gümüşhane and Şirin Kent Turizm. They run at specific times of the day. The bus route is slightly longer than the car route, 747 kilometers. This takes into account pick-up and drop-off services in cities along the way.
Price is also a factor. Prices vary according to fuel costs and service quality. You can expect to pay between 300 TL and 380 TL. The cheapest ticket is 300 TL. It’s not expensive, but it’s not cheap either. For this price, you get almost 12 hours of sitting time. Bring a neck pillow.
What to expect on the road
On the way, you will get to different landscapes. Leaving the Central Anatolian plains. Climb the rugged terrain of the Pontic Mountains. The road can be winding. The weather can change quickly. In winter, check for snow closures in the high passes near Erzincann and Giresun are closed.
This route passes through several major provinces:
* Kırıkkale
Tokat
Sivas
*Erzincan
