Turkey: How to Travel From Istanbul to Ankara

Whether your catching the bus or taking the high speed train, here’s everything you need to know about travelling from Istanbul to Ankara.

Turkey’s two most important cities are incredibly well connected by public transport, including regular buses and almost hourly high speed train (YHT) departures. I’ve taken both the bus and the high speed train from Istanbul to Ankara, and again from Ankara to Istanbul.

It’s easy to book buses and trains online and both modes of transport are surprisingly comfy (especially the new high speed trains). I’d recommend taking the train over the bus, purely because it’s faster (and sometimes cheaper) than the bus routes, which are more prone to delays on the roads. Thanks to the upgraded rail network, you can now travel overland from Istanbul to Ankara in just over four hours.

If you’re planning to travel from Istanbul to Ankara, or vice verse, then keep reading, as I explain everything you need to know!

How to travel from Istanbul to Ankara

As the crow flies, the distance between Istanbul and Ankara is approximately 350 kilometres (220 miles). By road, the distance is more like 450 kilometres (280 miles), and by rail, it’s even longer mileage wise due to the circuitous route the trains take (although train is still, by far, the fastest overland option).

Turkey’s high speed rail network is a thing of beauty, with fast trains, modern wagons and an easy to use app that allows for smooth bookings (I use the TCCD App, which you can download through Google Play or Apple App Store). Turkey’s buses are also some of the best I’ve ever travelled on. Again, you can book online (I prefer booking on the Obilet website, where you can see all the bus companies/departures in one place).

Of course, you can also fly between Istanbul and Ankara. However, given the time it often takes to get to the airport (especially the new Istanbul airport, which is at least an hour’s drive, often more, from areas like Sultanahmet or Galata), it’s typically just as quick to take the train.

Here’s a rundown of the main modes of transport between Istanbul and Ankara:

• High-Speed Train: The high-speed train (Yüksek Hızlı Tren, YHT) is a popular choice due to its comfort and efficiency. The journey takes approximately 4.5 hours. Trains depart from Istanbul’s Söğütlüçeşme or Pendik stations and arrive at Ankara’s central train station. Tickets can be purchased online or at the station.
  
• Intercity Bus: Intercity buses are a cost-effective way to travel. Several companies operate routes between Istanbul and Ankara, with buses departing from major bus terminals such as Esenler and Harem in Istanbul. The journey typically takes around 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
  
• Domestic Flight: Flying is the quickest option, with several airlines, including Pegasus and Turkish Airlines offering daily flights from Istanbul’s airports (Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport) to Ankara’s Esenboğa Airport. The flight duration is about 1 hour. However, you should factor in additional time for airport transfers and security checks.
  
• Car: Driving from Istanbul to Ankara is another option, providing flexibility to explore along the way. The distance is roughly 450 km, and the journey can take between 4.5 to 6 hours, depending on the route and traffic. The main route is via the O-4 and E80 motorways.
  
• Carpooling and Ridesharing: Services like BlaBlaCar offer carpooling options, allowing you to share a ride with others travelling the same route. This can be a more economical and social way to travel.

Now, let’s take a look at these options in more detail, including how to book tickets on public transport.

Read more: 14 Best Things to Do in Ankara, Turkey

Istanbul to Ankara by train

Travelling from Istanbul to Ankara on the Turkish rail network is, in my opinion, the most convenient and comfortable option, particularly via the high-speed train service (Yüksek Hızlı Tren, YHT). There’s also a slower overnight train which departs one a day (this is called the Ankara Ekspresi). Here’s a detailed guide on how to make this journey:

1. Pick your departure stations in Istanbul

You have two main departure points for the high-speed train in Istanbul:

• Söğütlüçeşme Station: Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, this station is easily accessible by public transport, including the Marmaray line, metro, and buses.
  
• Pendik Station: Also on the Asian side, Pendik is further out from the city centre but is a primary departure point for high-speed trains.

I recommend purchasing an Istanbulkart for discounted fares on Istanbul’s public transport system. You can also pay with contactless cards, but this more expensive. I should also note that there are in fact four possible departure stations in Istanbul, but the two listed above are the ones you’re most likely to use if you’re staying centrally!

2. Booking tickets

Tickets for the YHT, and all other trains can be purchased in several ways:

• Online: Visit the Turkish State Railways (TCDD) official website or use their mobile app. Both platforms offer English-language options and accept international debit/credit cards.
  
• At the Station: You can buy tickets from the ticket counters or self-service kiosks at the station.
  
• Travel Agencies: Some travel agencies in Istanbul can also book train tickets for you. Expect to pay a commission for this service.

It’s advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, weekends and holidays when the high speed trains can sell out. I travelled in Business Class, as it’s not too expensive to upgrade. You get a nice little lunch box and extra leg room.

As of July 2024, the YHT fares were the following:

• Economy: 540 TL for a one way adult ticket.
• Business: 810 TL for a one way adult ticket.

As of July 2024, the slower, overnight train has the following fares:

• Economy: 440 TL for a one way adult ticket.
• Sleeper cabin: 1845 TL for a one way sleeper berth.

If you’re booking online, you select your date of departure, your time and your individual seats before finalising your purchase. You’ll receive an online ticket which you show to the ticket inspectors at the station, and may also have to show when onboard.

3. Train schedule

High-speed trains operate almost hourly between Istanbul and Ankara. Departure times vary, but trains typically run from early morning until late evening. The earliest departures are around 6am and the latest departure is typically at 19.35pm. The YHT journey takes approximately 4.5 hours. There’s a similar schedule on the journey from Ankara to Istanbul.

The overnight sleeper train has one daily departure at 23.11 pm arriving into Ankara at 06.58 am the next day. This is an excellent option if you’re not in a rush and what to save on a night’s accommodation. The same service also runs in the opposite direction once a day, with the Ankara Ekspresi departing Ankara at 22.00 pm and arriving into Istanbul at 05.56 am the following morning.

See the screenshots below for the current timetables.

Istanbul to Ankara Schedule:

Ankara to Istanbul Schedule:

Check the TCCD booking portal for the most up to date schedules.

4. Facilities and classes

The high-speed trains offer several classes of service:

• Economy Class: Basic seating with comfortable seats and standard amenities.
• Business Class: More spacious seating with additional services such as meals and beverages.
• Sleeper Cabins: Only available on the nightly Ankara Ekspresi departures.

All trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, power outlets, and food and beverage services. I was very impressed with the quality of the trains and the service on board. There was plenty of luggage space for suitcases or backpacks and onboard toilets. I’d recommend arriving early as you have to pass through security when using the YHT trains. You may also need to show ID (such as a passport) alongside your e-Ticket.

5. Arrival station in Ankara

The high-speed trains arrive at Ankara’s central train station, Ankara Gar. This station is centrally located and well-connected to the rest of the city via public transport, including the metro, buses, and taxis. If you’re travelling onwards, you can easily connect to other services such as the Eastern Express.

Upon arrival in Ankara, you can use various modes of transport to reach your final destination:

• Metro: The station is connected to the Ankara Metro, which can take you to various parts of the city.
• Buses: Local and intercity buses are available from the nearby bus terminal.
• Taxis: Taxis are readily available outside the station.

Read more: How To Cross The Border From Sarpi To Batumi (Turkey to Georgia)

Istanbul to Ankara by bus

Travelling from Istanbul to Ankara by bus is just as easy as travelling by train, but be prepared for a longer journey. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make this journey:

1. Choosing a bus company

Several reputable bus companies operate between Istanbul and Ankara. I’ve taken all of the following bus companies at some point during my travels around Turkey:

• Metro Turizm
• Pamukkale Turizm
• Kamil Koç
• Ulusoy

There are many more bus companies also operating on the same route, and your choice may simply come down to your preferred departure time or departure terminal.

Read more: 12 Things to Do in Van, Turkey

2. Booking tickets

You can book bus tickets through several methods:

• Online: Most bus companies have websites and mobile apps where you can book tickets in advance. Aggregator websites like Obilet and Biletall also allow you to compare prices and schedules across different companies.
  
• Bus Terminals: Tickets can be purchased directly at the bus terminals from the respective company counters.
  
• Travel Agencies: Local travel agencies can also assist with booking bus tickets. Expect to pay commissions for this service.

Personally, I prefer using the Obilet website to check schedules and purchase tickets. You can see all the daily departures in one place, book and pay online and then show your e-Ticket to the driver. Easy. Expect to pay between 400TL and 750TL for a one way, adult ticket, depending on the company. The higher the price, the more luxurious the bus will be.

3. Departure points in Istanbul and schedule

Istanbul has several major bus terminals, the most prominent being:

• Esenler Otogarı (Main Bus Terminal): Located on the European side, this is one of the largest and busiest bus terminal in Istanbul. It’s well-connected by public transport, including the metro (M1 line).
  
• Harem Otogarı: Located on the Asian side, this terminal is smaller but still offers numerous departures to Ankara. It’s accessible by buses and ferries from the European side.

Buses from Istanbul to Ankara operate incredibly frequently throughout the day and night. There are departures every twenty minutes or so from the various terminals around Istanbul (and vice versa from Ankara), so I won’t even bother posting the schedule below. The journey typically takes between 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

4. Onboard facilities

Modern intercity buses in Turkey are seriously some of the best I’ve ever travelled on. They’re equipped with an impressive range of amenities:

• Comfortable Seats: Reclining seats with legroom. You can typically select your seat in advance.
• Entertainment: Personal screens with movies, music, and games (on luxury buses).
• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi on most buses.
• Refreshments: Complimentary snacks and drinks served during the journey. This happens on almost all buses.
• Rest Stops: Buses usually make a couple of rest stops for passengers to stretch and use facilities.

5. Arrival in Ankara

Buses from Istanbul typically arrive at:

• AŞTİ (Ankara Şehirlerarası Terminal İşletmesi): The main bus terminal in Ankara, located in the Beşevler district. It’s well-connected to the city centre and other parts of Ankara via public transport.

Upon arrival at AŞTİ, you can use various modes of transport to reach your final destination:

• Metro: The terminal is connected to the Ankara Metro (M1 line), providing easy access to the city centre and other areas.
• Buses: Numerous local buses operate from the terminal to various parts of the city.
• Taxis: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal for direct transport to your destination.

Read more: Is Turkey in Europe or Asia? Everything You Need to Know.

Istanbul to Ankara flight

Travelling from Istanbul to Ankara by air is another option, but given the ease of the train, I’d only take this as a last resort. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make this journey:

1. Airports in Istanbul

Istanbul has two major airports from which you can fly to Ankara:

• Istanbul Airport (IST): Located on the European side, this is the main international airport. It’s quite a long way from the city itself though, which adds to the total time.
  
• Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW): Located on the Asian side, this airport primarily serves domestic and low-cost carriers.

2. Airlines

Several airlines operate daily flights between Istanbul and Ankara, including:

• Turkish Airlines: The national carrier, offering multiple flights daily from both Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
  
• Pegasus Airlines: A low-cost carrier with frequent flights from Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
  
• AnadoluJet: A subsidiary of Turkish Airlines, offering budget-friendly flights from both airports.

3. Booking tickets

You can book flight tickets through:

• Airline Websites and Apps: Directly purchase tickets on the airlines’ official websites or mobile apps.
  
• Online Travel Agencies: Use platforms like Skyscanner, Expedia, or Kayak to compare prices and book tickets.
  
• Travel Agencies: Local travel agencies can assist with booking flights and may offer additional services such as transfers.

4. Getting to the airport

Here’s a quick rundown of the options available when you need to get to the airport in Istanbul:

Istanbul Airport (IST):

• Public Transport: Use the Havaist airport shuttle buses from various locations in the city or the M11 metro line (when completed).
• Taxi: Easily available throughout the city.
• Private Transfer: Booked through travel agencies or ride-hailing apps like Uber.

Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW):

• Public Transport: E10 and E11 buses from Kadıköy or HAVABUS shuttles from Taksim and Kadıköy.
• Taxi: Readily available across the city.
• Private Transfer: Can be arranged through travel agencies or ride-hailing apps.

The flight from Istanbul to Ankara takes approximately 1 hour. However, you should account for additional time for check-in, security screening, and potential delays. Overall, it can take just as long as the YHT train!

6. Arrival at Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB)

Ankara’s Esenboğa Airport is located about 28 kilometres northeast of the city centre. After landing, you have several options to reach the city:

• Airport Shuttle (Havaş): Regular shuttle services to the city centre, with stops at major points such as AŞTİ (the main bus terminal) and Kızılay.
• Public Transport: EGO buses provide economical service to various parts of the city.
• Taxi: Taxis are available outside the terminal, offering a convenient but more expensive option.
• Car Rental: Several car rental agencies operate at the airport if you prefer to drive yourself.

Read more: The Eastern Express: How I Survived Turkey’s Epic 26-Hour Train Ride

Map: How to travel from Istanbul to Ankara

Here’s a map with key departure and arrival points in both Istanbul and Ankara:

That’s how to travel from Istanbul to Ankara! How will you be making the journey?