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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Central Anatolia, Turkey

Air Travel

Air Travel to Ankara

Esenboğan Airport (ESB) is the main international airport serving Ankara. Located northeast of the city center, it handles both domestic and international flights. It is a modern facility to manage a large volume of passengers.

Airlines and Routes

  • Domestic: Turkish Airlines, its subsidiary AnadoluJet, and Pegasus Airlines have frequent domestic flights.
  • International: Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Pegasus Airlines, and SunExpress are some of the carriers giving direct flights.
  • Long-haul travelers typically connect through Istanbul Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW).

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Esenboğan Airport (ESB) has standard international airport facilities.

Transfer Options

  • Havaş Airport Shuttles: These comfortable bus services operate regularly between Esenboğan Airport and Ankara city center. They are a convenient and cost-effective transfer.
  • EGO Public Buses: Line 442 connects the airport to Kızılay and AŞTİ. This is a more economical option, but it is slower due to more stops. You need an Ankarakart to use this service.
  • Taxis: Available 24/7 outside the terminal. Make sure the driver uses the meter, or agree on a fare before departing. A ride to the city center typically costs 500-800 TRY.

Summer High Season

Flight prices typically increase during June-August and around major holidays, like Eid holidays and New Year.

Shoulder Season Value

The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) often give better value for airfare.

Booking Tip

Book in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure vehicle availability and potentially better rates.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Airport Facilities

  • You find duty-free shops, a range of restaurants and cafes, and car rental agencies.
  • Currency exchange services, and ATMs are on site.
  • Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, letting you stay connected upon arrival or before departure.
  • Lounges have comfortable waiting areas for eligible travelers.

Transfer Options

  • Private Transfers: You can pre-book private transfers for convenience. This option suits groups or for those arriving late at night who prefer a direct, hassle-free journey to their accommodation.

Land Transportation

Train Travel

Ankara is a major hub for Turkey's high-speed rail network, known as YHT (Yüksek Hızlı Tren).

Bus Travel

Turkey has an extensive and highly efficient intercity bus (otobüs) network. Ankara's main bus terminal is AŞTİ (Ankara Şehirlerarası Terminal İşletmesi).

Self-Driving

Renting a car has flexibility for exploring Ankara and its surrounding regions, but it comes with specific considerations.

Getting Around Ankara

Train Connections and Services

Ankara is a major hub for Turkey's high-speed rail network, known as YHT (Yüksek Hızlı Tren).

High-Speed Rail YHT

  • Istanbul: Frequent services connect Ankara to Istanbul (Pendik station), with a journey time of approximately 4.5 hours. This is a popular and comfortable route.
  • Konya: Frequent services to Konya take about 2 hours, making it an easy day trip.
  • Sivas: Services to Sivas take approximately 2.5 hours. Eskişehir: Services to Eskişehir take about 1.5 hours.

Long-Distance Bus Options and Companies

Turkey has an extensive and highly efficient intercity bus (otobüs) network. Ankara's main bus terminal is AŞTİ (Ankara Şehirlerarası Terminal İşletmesi), located southwest of the city center. It is one of the largest bus terminals in Turkey, bustling with activity.

Major Bus Companies

  • Major Companies: Kamil Koç, Metro Turizm, Pamukkale Turizm, and Ulusoy are among the largest and most reputable bus companies.
  • Routes: Buses connect Ankara to virtually every city and town in Turkey.
  • Services are frequent, and modern buses have comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and often on-board service.

Self-Driving Considerations and Requirements

Renting a car has flexibility for exploring Ankara and its surrounding regions, but it has specific considerations.

Requirements

  • You need a valid driver's license from your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended and often required by most rental companies.
  • Also, carry your passport and a credit card for the deposit.
  • The minimum age for car rental is usually 21, sometimes 25 for certain car categories, and you generally need to have held your license for at least 1-2 years.

Driving Laws and Parking

Drive on the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits are enforced. Use of seatbelts is mandatory for all occupants.

Parking

  • Finding parking can be challenging and expensive in the city center.
  • Look for designated parking garages (otopark) or street parking areas, but be prepared to pay.
  • Avoid parking illegally to prevent fines or towing.

Road Conditions and Safety Concerns

  • Road quality varies outside major highways.
  • Be aware of assertive local driving habits.
  • Animal crossings can be a hazard in rural areas, especially at night.
  • A GPS device or a reliable navigation app (e.g., Google Maps) is highly recommended.
  • Exercise caution and defensive driving.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures and Timing Recommendations

Prepare for your departure from Ankara by understanding the necessary procedures and recommendations.

Timing

  • International Flights: For international flights from Esenboğan Airport (ESB), arrive at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time.
  • Domestic Flights: For domestic flights, 1.5-2 hours before departure is usually sufficient.
  • High-Speed Trains: For high-speed trains (YHT), arrive 30-45 minutes before departure. This gives enough time to locate your platform and board.

Airport/Station Facilities for Departing Travelers

There are no specific exit fees or taxes for tourists departing from Turkey. The cost of international flights typically includes any necessary taxes.

Facilities

  • Esenboğan Airport (ESB): Has numerous shops, including duty-free, a variety of restaurants and cafes, and lounges for departing travelers.
  • Ankara YHT Garı (High-Speed Train Station): Also has shops and dining options, giving conveniences before your train journey.
  • AŞTİ (Intercity Bus Terminal): Has various food stalls, cafes, and small shops to cater to travelers awaiting their bus.

Flight Departures

For international flights, arrive 2-3 hours before departure. For domestic flights, 1.5-2 hours.

Train Departures

For high-speed trains (YHT), arrive 30-45 minutes before departure.

Bus Departures

For intercity buses from AŞTİ, arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

Airport & Station Facilities

Esenboğan Airport ESB Facilities

ESB is a modern facility with services for travelers.

Amenities

  • Duty-free shops.
  • Restaurants and cafes.
  • Car rental agencies.

Train and Bus Station Facilities

Both the High-Speed Train Station and the Intercity Bus Terminal have services for passengers.

Amenities

  • Shops.
  • Dining options.
  • Waiting areas.

Airport Transfer Options

Havaş Shuttles

Regular bus services between ESB and city center.

EGO Buses

Line 442 connects the airport to Kızılay and AŞTİ.

Taxis

Available 24/7 outside the terminal. Use the meter.

Departure Readiness

Check the latest travel advisories from your home country and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs before your trip, as requirements change.

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