RouteAnkara

Practical Ankara: Getting Around, Staying and Onward Travel

Ankara is the main transport hub for central Turkey. This guide covers the metro system, the high-speed rail to Istanbul, bus connections to Cappadocia, airport access, neighborhood choices for hotels, and essential tips for navigating the capital.

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1
Esenboga Airport
Ankaras international airport sits 28 km north of the city center. The Havas shuttle bus and taxis connect to the center. Several international and domestic carriers use it as a hub.
2
Ankara Metro
The capital has an expanding metro network with several intersecting lines covering Kizilay, Ulus, the train station and outer districts. Clean, punctual and affordable for city navigation.
3
Ankara High Speed Rail Station
The new underground TCDD high-speed station connects Ankara to Istanbul in about four hours and to Konya in less than two. A comfortable and scenic option for onward travel.
4
Ankara Bus Terminal
The vast ASTI bus terminal serves all regions of Turkey with frequent departures. Night buses to coastal cities, Cappadocia and eastern Anatolia are popular and cost-effective.
5
Kizilay and Kavaklidere Accommodation
Most visitor-friendly hotels cluster in Kizilay for budget options and Kavaklidere for mid-range and upscale. Both neighborhoods are well connected to attractions by metro.
6
Cappadocia Day Trip or Overnight
Cappadocia lies about 4 hours from Ankara by bus or just over an hour by plane. Many visitors combine an Ankara stopover with a Cappadocia extension, making the route particularly efficient.