Major city · Türkiye (Turkey)
Sivas
Give Sivas one night for the Seljuk madrasas and the 1919 Congress building, or use it as a rail break between Ankara and eastern Turkey.
Sivas sits on a high plain 450 km east of Ankara at 1,278 m, and its reason to stop is a tight cluster of 13th-century Seljuk madrasas around Meydan square, plus the building where Atatürk launched the independence struggle in 1919. It is an industrial city and a transport hub: high-speed trains from Ankara take 2 h 30 min, and the same station sends conventional trains on to Divriği, Erzurum and Kars. Most travellers need one night, or a half day between trains.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- TRY
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Dec–Mar (snow and hard frost); Jul–Aug midday heat
- Airport
- VAS
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 5
- Türkiye (Turkey) ↗Check whether your passport is visa-exempt; if it is not, apply only at evisa.gov.tr — lookalike sites charge extra and some sell nothing.
- Türkiye (Turkey) ↗At mosques cover shoulders and knees, take shoes off at the door, and women carry a headscarf; stay out during prayer times.
- Türkiye (Turkey) ↗Taxis must run the taximeter; refuse flat quotes, or book through BiTaksi or Uber so the ride is logged.
- Türkiye (Turkey) ↗Carry lira in small notes for tea, markets, tips and toilets; prices move with inflation, so treat every printed price as dated.
- Türkiye (Turkey) ↗Do not take stones, coins or tiles from ancient sites, and export no antiques without a museum certificate; travellers have been detained at airport customs.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Sivas112 ▾
- All emergencies (police, ambulance, fire)112
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Sivas, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Turkish lira (₺, TRY).Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckTurkcell, Vodafone and Türk Telekom sell tourist SIMs at airports (passport needed); they are dearer than in town shops — check.Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- Tap waterTap water is treated and chlorinated but tastes of it; locals buy bottled or 19-litre dispenser water.Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- TippingcheckSit-down restaurant: 5–10% in cash, even if the card machine does not offer a tip; check for a 'servis' charge first.Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- SafetySivas is a conservative inland city and feels safe by day and early evening; the practical risks are winter ice…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels, malls and restaurants; squat toilets (alaturka) in older mosques and bus stops.Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All emergencies (police, ambulance, fire) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidayscheckMany museums close Monday (Topkapı closes Tuesday) — check; mosques close to visitors during the five daily prayers and Friday midday…Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportVAS Sivas Nuri Demirağ Airport (Two flights a day from Istanbul IST and SAW, about 90 min; roughly 20 km (12 mi) from the centre…VAS Sivas Nuri Demirağ Airport (Two flights a day from Istanbul IST and SAW, about 90 min; roughly 12 mi (20 km) from the centre…
- Getting aroundThe centre is small enough to walk: Meydan to the Gök Medrese is about 15 minutes on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across the centre2022 rates were ₺6 flagfall plus ₺11/km; check current.₺40–80 (≈ US$1–2)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week₺300–600 (≈ US$8–15)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry₺20–100 (≈ US$1–3)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person₺400 (≈ US$10)
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per room₺1,500 (≈ US$40)
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per room₺2,500 (≈ US$65)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₺900 (≈ US$25) · Mid ₺1,600 (≈ US$40) · High ₺3,000 (≈ US$75)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- VAS Sivas Nuri Demirağ Airport (Two flights a day from Istanbul IST and SAW, about 90 min; roughly 20 km (12 mi) from the centre, taxi about ₺250 at 2022 rates (check current fare))VAS Sivas Nuri Demirağ Airport (Two flights a day from Istanbul IST and SAW, about 90 min; roughly 12 mi (20 km) from the centre, taxi about ₺250 at 2022 rates (check current fare))
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Feb
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Mar
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Apr
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
May
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jul
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Nov
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Dec
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jan (−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C) low), wettest Mar (13 rain days), driest Aug (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Sivas: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
12 rd
Feb
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
12 rd
Mar
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
13 rd
Apr
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
13 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Jun
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
5 rd
Oct
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
8 rd
Nov
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
10 rd
Dec
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is small enough to walk: Meydan to the Gök Medrese is about 15 minutes on foot. City buses cover the railway station, the coach station and Cumhuriyet University; taxis are cheap by European standards (2022: ₺6 flagfall plus ₺11/km, so about ₺30 from the railway station and ₺40 from the bus station — check current rates).
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Divriği
overnightDoor to door: About 3 h each way by train
Train from Sivas station toward Erzincan or Kars; bus also runs
The UNESCO-listed Great Mosque and hospital are the reason to go; the round trip eats a full day, so sleep there or accept a long day.
Kangal
skipDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Bus or car on the Divriği road
Known for the Kangal sheepdog breed rather than a sight; only worth it if you are already driving east.
Soğuk Çermik
cautionDoor to door: About 30 min
Car or taxi east on the D200
A small spa by a lake; limited facilities, so check opening before going.
Yıldız Dağı
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Car north of the city
Ski lifts operate in winter only; check snow and lift status.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Meydan (Cumhuriyet Square) and around
The madrasas, the city museum and most cafés are within a 10-minute walk; best for a one-night stop.
Railway station side (Istasyon Cd)
Walkable to the centre in about 20 min; pick this if you arrive or leave by train with bags.
Highway belt (Çevre Yolu)
Chain hotels with parking, 3 km (1.9 mi) out; only worth it if you are driving.Chain hotels with parking, 1.9 mi (3 km) out; only worth it if you are driving.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₺700–1,200 (≈ US$18–30) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₺1,200–2,200 (≈ US$30–55) excl. bed
- High
- ₺2,200 (≈ US$55)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 1 night × ₺1,500 | ₺1,500 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ₺1,600 | ₺3,200 |
| Hamam entry (Kurşunlu)2 × ₺150 | ₺300 |
| Museum entries, one day2 × ₺100 | ₺200 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ₺400 | ₺800 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₺600 |
| Trip total≈ ₺3,300 per person per day, bed included | ₺6,600≈ US$170 |
2026 estimate in lira; long-distance transport excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Tea (çay) in a café | ₺15–30 (≈ under US$1) |
| Sivas köfte plate | ₺150–250 (≈ US$4–7) |
| Taxi across the centre2022 rates were ₺6 flagfall plus ₺11/km; check current. | ₺40–80 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Museum entry | ₺20–100 (≈ US$1–3) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ₺300–600 (≈ US$8–15) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winters are bitterly cold and snowy at 1,278 m; summer nights can still be chilly, so pack a layer even in July.
- Some museum and madrasa signage is Turkish only; the City Museum has no English labels.
- The castle is essentially a hilltop park with scant remains — do not plan a visit around it.
- Carry small lira notes; card readers fail in small esnaf shops.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies (police, ambulance, fire)
- 112
Pocket card
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SivasSivas
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Bu adrese, lütfenTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergencies112
Embassy
No embassy in Sivas; the US, UK and most others keep embassies in Ankara and consulates in Istanbul.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Ankara → Sivas, YHT high-speed train: about 2 h 30 min, three departures a day (check fare and times)
- Sivas station → Meydan, taxi: about ₺30 (≈ under US$1) at 2022 rates (check)
- Airport → centre, taxi: about ₺250 (≈ US$7) at 2022 rates (check)
Say or show
- Merhaba — Hello (mer-hah-BAH)
- Teşekkürler — Thank you (teh-shek-kewr-LER)
- Ne kadar? — How much is it? (neh kah-DAR)
- Hesap, lütfen — The bill, please (heh-SAHP, lewt-FEN)
- İstasyon nerede? — Where is the station? (ees-tas-YON neh-reh-DEH)
- Domuz eti yemiyorum — I don't eat pork (doh-MOOZ eh-TEE yeh-mee-YOH-room)
Sivas is a conservative city: dress modestly at mosques and during Ramazan, and avoid eating or drinking on the street in daylight during the fast.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Sivas. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Dec–Mar (snow and hard frost); Jul–Aug midday heat · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares