By Air: Istanbul Airport

Edirne does not have an airport; however, visitors arriving from abroad or distant cities can reach Edirne by road via Istanbul Airport (IST), located 211 kilometers away from the congress venue. The journey from Istanbul Airport to Edirne takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes with rental car, using the O-3 / E80 highways. 

For scheduled shuttle services coordinated with flight times, you can check: İstanbul Seyahat Airport

İstanbul Seyahat Airport Office & Contact Information:
Location: Istanbul Airport, Floor: -2, Platform: 18
Phone: +90 533 209 15 59

Note: While Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) in Istanbul is an alternative arrival point, it is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, approximately 280 kilometers from the conference venue. The journey typically takes at least 3 hours, often longer due to Istanbul's heavy traffic conditions. Direct shuttle services to Edirne are not available from this airport. Participants choosing to arrive at Sabiha Gökçen should plan their journey carefully, including their transportation method to Edirne. This will require either renting a car or combining multiple transfers using public transit (subway and municipal buses) to reach an intercity bus terminal for an Edirne-bound bus. Careful planning is essential to ensure timely arrival at the conference venue.

By Road:

From Balkan Countries:

Bulgaria Route (via Kapitan Andreevo - Kapıkule Border Gate)

• The Kapitan Andreevo - Kapıkule border crossing is the main entry point from Bulgaria
• Distance from border to Edirne city center: 18 km
• Approximate travel time from border: 20-25 minutes
• The route follows D100 highway directly to Edirne
• Border crossing is open 24/7

Bulgaria Route (via Lesovo - Hamzabeyli Border Gate)

• The Lesovo - Hamzabeyli border crossing is another entry point from Bulgaria
• Distance from border to Edirne city center: 40 km
• Approximate travel time from border: 35-40 minutes
• Follow route D535 southbound to reach Edirne
• Border crossing is open 24/7

Greece Route (via Kastanies - Pazarkule Border Gate)

• The Kastanies - Pazarkule border crossing connects Greece directly to Edirne
• Distance from border to Edirne city center: 7 km
• Approximate travel time from border: 10-15 minutes
• Follow route D550 to reach city center
• Border crossing operating hours: 24/7

Greece Route (via Kipoi - İpsala Border Gate)

• The Kipoi - İpsala border crossing is a major entry point from Greece
• Distance from border to Edirne city center: 137 km
• Approximate travel time from border: 1 hour, 35 minutes
• Follow the E84 highway towards Keşan, then take D550 to reach Edirne
• Border crossing is open 24/7

From Istanbul:

• TEM Highway: 228 km from Istanbul/Mahmutbey to Edirne
• E5 (D100) Route: 217 km from Istanbul/Topkapı to Edirne
• The TEM Highway is recommended for its modern infrastructure and direct route. However, the E5 (D100) Route remains a viable alternative, especially for those traveling with their own vehicle.
• Approximate travel time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Important Notes for International Drivers:

• Keep your vehicle documents and insurance ready
• Without an electronic Turkish vehicle vignette (HGS) badge, drivers may need to pay by cash or credit card at highway tolls
• Speed limits: 130 km/h on highways, 90 km/h on state roads, 50 km/h in urban areas.
• Emergency roadside assistance: 159

Bus Companies Serving Edirne from Istanbul Coach Stations:
Metro Turizm
Nilüfer Turizm
Buzlu Turizm
Isparta Petrol Turizm
Çanakkale Truva Turizm

Urban Transportation in Edirne

Public transportation in Edirne is provided by Edirne Public Transportation System (ETUS) through minibuses. Visitors can reach both the Trakya University Balkan Congress Center and the city center via minibuses following the Bus Station - Congress Center (Faculty of Medicine) - City Center route. The relevant minibus lines are: 1, 1A, 3, 3A, 3B, and 3C.

For detailed ETUS route maps and schedules, visit the schedule page prepared by Edirne Central municipality. The closest bus stop to the venue is the "Faculty of Medicine" stop.