Istanbul to Ankara from $7: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Istanbul to Ankara: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$7 by trainBest price
354.06 kmDistance
3h 1m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Istanbul to Ankara with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
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Compare prices for your selected dates
| Type | Mo 06/01 | Tu 07/01 | We 08/01 | Th 09/01 | Fr 10/01 | Sa 11/01 | Su 12/01 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | $22 | $22 | $22 | $22 | $22 | $22 | $22 |
| Fly | $29 | $27 | $27 | $28 | $29 | $30 | $27 |
Traveling From Istanbul to Ankara
Traveling from Istanbul to Ankara offers a fascinating juxtaposition between the vibrant, bustling atmosphere of Istanbul and the more tranquil, historical charm of Turkey's capital.
Best Neighbourhoods in Ankara
Ankara boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own distinct charm.
Kızılay
• Central hub for shops and restaurants
• Great public transport access
Çankaya
• Home to important government buildings
• Lush parks and cultural venues
Hamamönü
• Restored Ottoman architecture and craft shops
• Vibrant street life and local cuisine
Best Times To Visit Ankara's Attractions
Planning your visit to Ankara's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.
Anıtkabir
Visit early in the morning to enjoy peace and tranquility.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Weekdays are best to avoid crowds and fully appreciate exhibits.
Kocatepe Mosque
Late afternoons provide stunning lighting for photographs and fewer visitors.
Ankara Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Ankara experiences a continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters, making spring and autumn ideal times for a visit. Understanding local weather patterns can help you pack appropriately and plan your activities to maximize enjoyment during your stay.
Dining in Ankara: A Contrast to Istanbul
Try the local specialty, 'Ankara Tava,' a distinctive dish featuring lamb, rice, and vegetables, which showcases the city’s agricultural flavors. Dining in Ankara offers a more laid-back atmosphere, allowing you to savor the authentic tastes of local ingredients that differ significantly from the bustling, diverse culinary scene in Istanbul.
Istanbul - Ankara operators
Explore transport companies operating between Istanbul and Ankara, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
turkishairlines.com
Plane from Istanbul (IST) to Ankara (ESB)
Average Duration
1h 11mEstimated price
$30-85Website
flypgs.com
Plane from Istanbul (IST) to Ankara (ESB)
Average Duration
1h 1mEstimated price
$23-110Contact phone
+90 444 8 233Website
tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr
Train from Istanbul Pendik to Ankara
Average Duration
3h 57mEstimated price
$5-8Train from Yenikapi to Ankara
Average Duration
5h 36mEstimated price
$7-11Contact phone
+90 224 294 55 62Website
flixbus.com.tr
Bus from İstanbul Esenler bus station to Ankara bus station
Average Duration
6h 45mEstimated price
$14-20Contact phone
0850 222 34 55Website
metroturizm.com.tr
Bus from Istanbul Otogari to Ankara
Average Duration
7h 33mEstimated price
$14-21Contact phone
0 850 333 35 35Website
pamukkale.com.tr
Bus from İstanbul Esenler to Ankara
Average Duration
6h 45mEstimated price
$15-21Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228Website
blablacar.com
Other from İstanbul to Ankara
Average Duration
5h 27mEstimated price
$12-12Istanbul to Ankara: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Istanbul and Ankara offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Istanbul to Ankara, covering a distance of 453.8 km in approximately 4 hours and 33 minutes of drive time.
💰 Explore budget-friendly travel options with prices ranging from €46 to €74 for a car journey from Istanbul to Ankara, offering flexibility and cost-effectiveness for your trip.
Average price
€46 - €74
🌄 The picturesque journey from Istanbul to Ankara by train takes approximately 5 hours and 36 minutes, including transfers along the way.
💸 Prices for a train ticket between Istanbul and Ankara typically range from €6 to €10, providing an affordable and convenient travel option for those looking to explore the cultural and historical treasures of Turkey's capital cities.
Departure Point
Istanbul Pendik station
Arrival Point
Ankara station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for the high-speed train from Istanbul to Ankara include a catering service that provides a selection of snacks, beverages, and light meals. You can purchase items from the food trolley, and First Class passengers usually have complimentary options or upgraded choices.
• The train typically offers several classes of seating: First Class, Business Class, and Economy. First Class includes spacious seats with more legroom, Business Class offers comfortable seating with complimentary refreshments, and Economy Class is budget-friendly but still provides a decent level of comfort for the journey.
• The main operators for the Istanbul-Ankara route are Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Devlet Demiryolları (TCDD) and high-speed train services like YHT (Yüksek Hızlı Tren). You can find more information about schedules and ticket bookings on their official website: tcdd.gov.tr for TCDD and yht.gov.tr for high-speed train services.
🛫 Flying from Istanbul to Ankara is quick and convenient, with a direct flight that takes just 1 hour and 10 minutes.
🌍 The average flight duration between Istanbul and Ankara is about 3 hours, and ticket prices can vary from €56 to €100, depending on the airline and time of booking.
Departure Point
Istanbul Airport
Arrival Point
Ankara Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• To ensure a smooth flight experience from Istanbul to Ankara, consider checking in online 24 hours prior and arriving at Istanbul Airport at least 2 hours early, as security lines can get busy, especially during peak travel times.
• Upon arrival at Ankara Esenboğa Airport, follow the signs for baggage claim and customs, but be mindful that taxis are waiting directly outside the arrival hall; expect to pay around 200-300 Turkish Lira for a taxi to the city center, which takes approximately 30 minutes.
• Pegasus Airlines (flypgs.com) and Turkish Airlines (turkishairlines.com) operate direct flights on this route; check their websites for flight schedules and in-flight dining options to choose the best airline for your needs.
🌄 Enjoy a scenic 6-hour and 45-minute bus ride through the beautiful Turkish countryside as you make your way from Istanbul Esenler bus station to Ankara bus station.
💰 Ticket prices for the bus ride between Istanbul and Ankara range from €13 to €19, offering an affordable transportation option for travelers looking to explore more of what Turkey has to offer.
Departure Point
İstanbul Esenler bus station
Arrival Point
Ankara bus station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Book your tickets in advance through reliable operators like Kamil Koç (kamilkoc.com.tr) or Metro Turizm (metroturizm.com.tr), especially during weekends and holidays, as buses tend to fill quickly on this popular route.
• Arrive at İstanbul Esenler bus station at least 30 minutes before your departure, and familiarize yourself with the terminal layout, as it is large and can be overwhelming; look for signs directing you to the Kamil Koç departure area.
• Upon arrival at Ankara bus station, be prepared for the busy atmosphere; use the dedicated taxi stands outside, or check the local bus schedules displayed in the terminal to access various parts of the city like Kızılay or Ulus conveniently.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Istanbul to Ankara.
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The distance between Istanbul and Ankara is approximately 354.1 km by road. Traveling by car, it takes around 4 hours and 33 minutes to reach Ankara from Istanbul. Alternatively, traveling by train takes about 5 hours and 33 minutes, while taking a combination of train and flight takes approximately 4 hours and 27 minutes. If you prefer to travel by plane, the shortest travel time is 2 hours and 48 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Istanbul to Ankara is by train, which takes approximately 5 hours and 33 minutes. This option is affordable with ticket prices ranging from €6 to €10. However, if time is a priority, the quickest option is to fly, with a travel time of 2 hours and 48 minutes and ticket prices ranging from €37 to €83.
The prices for traveling from Istanbul to Ankara by train range from €6 to €10. On the other hand, the prices for traveling by bus between Ankara and Istanbul vary from €7 to €25.
One option to travel from Istanbul to Ankara without using public transportation is to use BlaBlaCar's carpooling service, which offers rideshare options between the two cities. This is a convenient choice for those who don't have a driver's license or prefer to avoid public transport. The driving distance between Istanbul and Ankara is approximately 453.8 km, and the journey usually takes around 4 hours and 33 minutes. Prices for carpooling services can vary but are typically between €46 and €73.
To travel from Istanbul to Ankara without a car, the best options are by train or by plane. By train, the journey takes approximately 5 hours and 33 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from €6-€10. If you prefer to fly, the flight takes around 2 hours and 48 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from €37-€83. Alternatively, you can also consider taking a bus, which takes about 6 hours and 45 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from €7-€25.
Yes, there is a direct link between Istanbul and Ankara, although it varies depending on the mode of transportation chosen. There are direct train services available from Istanbul's Pendik station to Ankara, operated by Turkish Railways, with a journey time of approximately 5 hours and 33 minutes. Additionally, there are regular bus services departing from Istanbul's Esenler bus station and arriving at Ankara bus station, operated by Kamil Koc, with a journey time of around 6 hours and 45 minutes.
The flight between Istanbul and Ankara typically takes 1 hour and 5 minutes. The cost of the flight can range from €38 to €79, depending on the airline and the time of booking.
There are plenty of options for accommodation in Ankara. With over 249 hotels to choose from, travelers can find something to suit their budget and preferences. Prices start as low as €16 per night, making it affordable for budget travelers.
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