Ankara: Transportation, Real Estate, Travel Agencies, Tour operators, Moving & Relocation
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From the airport to the city:
Ankara Airport: The airport in Ankara is called: Esenboğa Airport: ( ESB )
Esenboğa Airport: Tel: (0312) 398 0000. The airport is located in the north of the city, approximately 40 to 60 min drive to the city center.
You can get into town on different ways:
From Esenboğa Airport to the Aşti Bus Terminal there is the Havaş Bus. In June 2024, the cost is 100 TL one way and it takes aproximately 50 minutes, but depending on traffic.
Belko Air Bus: Tel: 444 9312. They work between 6am and midnight, leaving every 30 minutes.
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If you take a Taxi from the Airport to the city center (e.g.: Hilton Hotel or Sheraton Hotel) it will take you between 40-50 min and will cost you about 800 TL. (In February 2024)
The following companies do also airport transfer:
- BTO Travel: Tel:(0312) 468 7580. The Owner, Osman: (0532) 323 6180
- Kayra Alan Transfer: Mrs Deniz Gülen Özden, she speaks English and German. Cell: (0535) 688 5198
- Poseidon VIP: Koza Sok. NO: 58 / 3 G.O.P. Tel: (0312) 447 6284. they do Airport transfer, have chauffeur cars, do city tours, VIP transfers and more.
- Yalın Shuttle: Yasamkent Mah. 3158 Cad. No: 43/B Çankaya. Tel: (0312) 280 5555. They do airport transfers and other special transfers.
- Ankara Shuttle:Tel: 222 6888
- Alan Transfer: Tel: 444 1411. They do private, groups or VIP transfers
- Secure drive: Tel: 444 0806
- Mr. Tolga and Mrs Zeynep: Tel: (0533) 293 8760 . Tolga spekas good English.
- TAV transfers: Tel: +90 850 200 7050
Traveling by air:
Airline companies: (flying to Ankara)
Turkish Airlines: Tel: 444 0849
Lufthansa: Tel: 442 9031
Qatar Airways: Tel: 467 0739
Sun Express: Tel: 444 0797
AJet: Tel: 444 2538
Pegasus: Tel: 444 0737
To see all the price options of all flight carriers: Aerobilet, Priceline, Skyscanner, Expedia, Darjeelin.
Here you can see the up-to-date departures and take-offs:
Ankara airport: ( ESB )
Istanbul airport: ( IST ) (Istanbul - European side)
Sabiha Gökçen: ( SAW ) (Istanbul - Asian side)
Munich airport: ( MUC )
From Esenboğa Airport to the Aşti Bus Terminal there is the Havaş Bus. In June 2024, the cost is 100 TL one way
Transportation in Ankara
Driving yourself:
Driving in Ankara can be a bit challenging for some. Many people do not respect rules. For many drivers a rule is just a recommendation, but not often one way streets, red lights or highway rules are respected. You will see soon very ‘creative’ driving. many cameras have been installed since 2011, so it's getting better..but be careful at the beginning. In case of an accident, do not move your car until the police comes. Be aware, that the Police will be doing automatically an alcohol test.
If you want to drive with a foreign driving license, you are only allowed to do so up to 6 months after your last entry stamp in your passport. You are also required to carry your passport all the time with you or you risk to get a big fine
Traffic Fines: If you pay your fine within 15 days, they will give you a 25% discount.
New Terms Regarding Ankara City Traffic Speed Control/ Radar Usage:
Please check the 2016 Trafik Cezalari for latest updates (in Turkish only)
>>NEW>> A new speed detection system has become active as of 1 July 2017 on all highways.
If the detected average speed between the Entry toll gate (HGS/OGS) and the Exit gate is higher than the allowed speed limit (120 km/h on Highways), you will get a fine.
Taxi (Taksi)
Taxis are numerous in all Turkish cities and are recognizable by their yellow color and word “taksi” on top of the car. The fare shown on the meter reads according to distance traveled. The ride will start at 10 TL, and the rate is 8 TL per kilometer (January 2023). They often sound their horns while they look for passengers.
There are lots of Taxi stations around Ankara, but in most of the streets you will find also a small yellow Box attached to the street lamps. By pushing the button you call a taxi based in the nearest station that will reach you in less than 3 minutes.
Public transportation:
> EGO : You can buy the Ankarakart and fill with credit. This card is valid for all Ego buses and metro. You can buy the card on their website or in the metro stations where you see the machines ( looks like an ATM) where is written "mini Banko" or "Smart Banko"
their Website is only available in Turkish for the moment
>Journey Planner: This website will help you to find out what transport you need to take, live timetable and maps
> TRAFI: This website will help you to find out what transport you need to take, live timetable and maps (Also exists in App Form)
Bus (Otobüs)
Buses are cheap, however especially at peak times they are very crowded and they're not comfortable. You will find at the front of the Bus the name of the place where they go.
There are two types of buses in Ankara servicing the whole the city. :
The first type of bus is privately run Halk Otobüsü, which are green or blue. Tickets are not welcome on these buses and only cash is accepted.
It’s about 2 TL the ride.
The green double-decker buses are also privately owned and require cash. Some of them are covered by colorful advertisements.
Another one, is run by the municipality and these are called Belediye Otobüsü. These buses are either red or blue and dark blue striped. Since electronic tickets are required for traveling with these buses the tickets should be bought in advance. They are sold in minimum usage of five in most of the kiosks.
Check from the municipality the timetable and map of the Buses.
Dolmus
Its a minibus, sometimes also a car that waits at the departure point until it gets full or almost full. You pay a flat fee, no matter until where you go. It can be stopped at any point when its on its route and if you want to get out you have to 'shout': "musait bir yerde" (meaning: stop at a convenient place) or "inecek var" (meaning;someone is getting off). If you are a foreigner and not familiar with Turkish, just say 'Dur lütfen", meaning: stop please.
Metro
The metro in Ankara covers 15km and has 12 stations. There are two metro lines in Ankara, working from 6am to midnight. the main one beeing from Kizilay to Batikent. Click here to have a look at the prices and routes;
Rent a car:
In each big Hotel you will find a rent a car company. The most famous ones like Avis, Sixt, Budget, Europcar, etc.. you will find their offices in Tunus Caddesi, off Tunali
A good one is: Arti Rent a Car, Ask for: Mr. Oyku Sahin.Ziaur Rahman Cad. 285.Sok No:4/1 Birlik Mah. Cankaya. Phone: (0312) 442 90 86 or Cell: (0532) 216 07 81
Cars ( buy, sell ):
Non-Diplomatic cars
Diplomatic cars
To do the driving liscence: There is one company who has teachers that speak English:
Travel Agencies:
Tour operators:
Driving in Ankara can be a bit challenging for some. Many people do not respect rules. For many drivers a rule is just a recommendation, but not often one way streets, red lights or highway rules are respected. You will see soon very ‘creative’ driving. many cameras have been installed since 2011, so it's getting better..but be careful at the beginning. In case of an accident, do not move your car until the police comes. Be aware, that the Police will be doing automatically an alcohol test.
If you want to drive with a foreign driving license, you are only allowed to do so up to 6 months after your last entry stamp in your passport. You are also required to carry your passport all the time with you or you risk to get a big fine
Traffic Fines: If you pay your fine within 15 days, they will give you a 25% discount.
New Terms Regarding Ankara City Traffic Speed Control/ Radar Usage:
Please check the 2016 Trafik Cezalari for latest updates (in Turkish only)
>>NEW>> A new speed detection system has become active as of 1 July 2017 on all highways.
If the detected average speed between the Entry toll gate (HGS/OGS) and the Exit gate is higher than the allowed speed limit (120 km/h on Highways), you will get a fine.
Taxi (Taksi)
Taxis are numerous in all Turkish cities and are recognizable by their yellow color and word “taksi” on top of the car. The fare shown on the meter reads according to distance traveled. The ride will start at 10 TL, and the rate is 8 TL per kilometer (January 2023). They often sound their horns while they look for passengers.
There are lots of Taxi stations around Ankara, but in most of the streets you will find also a small yellow Box attached to the street lamps. By pushing the button you call a taxi based in the nearest station that will reach you in less than 3 minutes.
Public transportation:
> EGO : You can buy the Ankarakart and fill with credit. This card is valid for all Ego buses and metro. You can buy the card on their website or in the metro stations where you see the machines ( looks like an ATM) where is written "mini Banko" or "Smart Banko"
their Website is only available in Turkish for the moment
>Journey Planner: This website will help you to find out what transport you need to take, live timetable and maps
> TRAFI: This website will help you to find out what transport you need to take, live timetable and maps (Also exists in App Form)
Bus (Otobüs)
Buses are cheap, however especially at peak times they are very crowded and they're not comfortable. You will find at the front of the Bus the name of the place where they go.
There are two types of buses in Ankara servicing the whole the city. :
The first type of bus is privately run Halk Otobüsü, which are green or blue. Tickets are not welcome on these buses and only cash is accepted.
It’s about 2 TL the ride.
The green double-decker buses are also privately owned and require cash. Some of them are covered by colorful advertisements.
Another one, is run by the municipality and these are called Belediye Otobüsü. These buses are either red or blue and dark blue striped. Since electronic tickets are required for traveling with these buses the tickets should be bought in advance. They are sold in minimum usage of five in most of the kiosks.
Check from the municipality the timetable and map of the Buses.
Dolmus
Its a minibus, sometimes also a car that waits at the departure point until it gets full or almost full. You pay a flat fee, no matter until where you go. It can be stopped at any point when its on its route and if you want to get out you have to 'shout': "musait bir yerde" (meaning: stop at a convenient place) or "inecek var" (meaning;someone is getting off). If you are a foreigner and not familiar with Turkish, just say 'Dur lütfen", meaning: stop please.
Metro
The metro in Ankara covers 15km and has 12 stations. There are two metro lines in Ankara, working from 6am to midnight. the main one beeing from Kizilay to Batikent. Click here to have a look at the prices and routes;
Rent a car:
In each big Hotel you will find a rent a car company. The most famous ones like Avis, Sixt, Budget, Europcar, etc.. you will find their offices in Tunus Caddesi, off Tunali
A good one is: Arti Rent a Car, Ask for: Mr. Oyku Sahin.Ziaur Rahman Cad. 285.Sok No:4/1 Birlik Mah. Cankaya. Phone: (0312) 442 90 86 or Cell: (0532) 216 07 81
Cars ( buy, sell ):
Non-Diplomatic cars
- 2nd Hand cars: To buy or sell have a look at: http://www.expat-ankara.com or http://www.sahibinden.com/en or www.arabam.com
Diplomatic cars
- Diplomatic Plate: Ugur Mumcu Cad. 89/6. GOP. Tel: (0312) 36 20 75. Cell: 0532-5793171.They sell/buy and help you to register Diplomatic Plate cars and they also provide custom services, road inspection, registration of number plate of diplomatic plate cars belong to embassies, consulates, international organisations and their staff.
- you can also check the following webpages: Berkay and Green Plate Cars
To do the driving liscence: There is one company who has teachers that speak English:
- Ehliyet Keyfi Sürücü Kursu: Mihatpaşa Cad.24/4. Kizilay.Tel:(0312) 4341390. You must be minimum 18 years old and have finished a school (min. 9 school years)
- Esat Sürücü Kursu: Esat Cad. No:123/4 Çankaya. Tel: (0312) 437 2291. Azadi is an English speaking teacher.
Travel Agencies:
- BTO Travel: Üsküp Cad.3/A Çankaya. Tel:(0312) 468 7580 Talk to the Owner, Osman: (0532) 323 6180. They organize tours in Ankara and all over Turkey, plane and train tickets, hotel reservations, rent-a-car, airport transfers and much more. Very well known. They also have agencies in Istanbul and Izmir.
- Viking Turizm: In the Hilton Hotel. Tel:(0312) 468 1144. They also have offices in Istanbul and Adana. They always find good prices in airline tickets
- Tanbatur: Farabi Sokak 16/2. Cankaya. Tel:(0312) 428 8334-35,
- Bedel: Ataturk Bulvari 127/213, 2nd floor. Tel:(0312) 419 6802. Talk to Elif, the Manager
- Libra Tourism & Travel Agency: Koza Sok. 65/2 GOP. Tel: (0312) 42 78 44. cell: 0532-292 2888. They organize airport transfers, car rental with or without a driver. Airline tickets and much more.
- Uygar Turizm: Atatürk Blv 151/201,Tel: (0312) 419 4404. Ask for Rabia
- Alan Transfer:Tel.:(0312) 444 1411. This company does private airport service. They will pick you up at home to take you to the airport.
Tour operators:
- Anatolian Tours: Tel: (0312) 480 7968. or Peter at : (0537) 600 1649. They organize very interesting tours
- Tempotur: Binnaz Sokak No:1/4 Kavaklıdere ; Tel:(0312) 428 2096, 466 9191 : tempo@tempotur.com.tr
we recommend:
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Traveling by car:
On Highways: The roads are generally very good and the highways quite empty. On the Highways (specially the Ankara-Istanbul), there is a toll.
You cannot pay the toll in cash, you only can use the highway if you have :
> Foreign license: You are allowed to drive in Turkey with a foreign driving license up to 6 months from your last entry stamp into Turkey. You will need to carry your passport always with you to have the proof of last entry stamp.
1- “OGS"=Otomatik Geçiş Sistemi, (Automatic Passage System) toll transponder only (you must have a toll transponder in your car to pay the toll). Transponders are issued by banks to their account holders.” or
2-The "HGS"=Hizli Geçiş Sistemi: Can only be bought at the Post office (PTT). You can buy it in form of a sticker (5 TL) or as a card (15TL). Both systems you have to recharge at the post office.
To buy the HGS sticker or card you need to present a photocopy of your passport and a copy of the car papers. Each sticker or card is individually linked to ONE vehicle and not transferable.
>On public holidays, the highways are mainly free of charge.
The speed limits in Turkey are:
- Residential area: 50 Km/h
- Two-way intercity roads: 90 Km/h
- Divided roads: 110 Km/h
- Highways: 120 Km/h
>>NEW>> A new speed detection system has become active as of 1 July 2017 on all highways.
If the detected average speed between the Entry toll gate (HGS/OGS) and the Exit gate is higher than the allowed speed limit (120 km/h on Highways), you will get a fine.
Traveling by bus:
There are very good bus services in Turkey that connect the major big cities. They are comfortable, clean. Ankara’s main bus station is adjacent to the Konya highway. Varan and Ulusoy which are the best bus companies, depart from their own terminal on Eskişehir Road.
OBILET and Govego: They provide brokership for bus companies operating in every direction in Turkey.
When you entered the destinations (from/to) and date, it shows you all buses going from and to those destinations you chose on that day.
In addition, it gives you a brief information such as weather forecast, general information of the city, where to go, where to stay, where to eat, what to do, etc., regarding the place that you are going to visit.
Traveling by train:
Official website: Turkish State Railways
Train Station (TCDD), Hipodrom Cad. Tel: (0312) 311 0620,
Train reservation (from 08:30 to 17:00) Tel: (0312) 310 6515 / 311 4994
NOTE: The new High-Speed train between Ankara and Istanbul has been opened ! There are 5 trains a day and the journey takes 3 ½ hours.
Tickets for the High Speed train, click here
Traveling around Turkey: You can find lots of useful Information, Numbers, webpages etc in the Traveling inside Turkey Section
On Highways: The roads are generally very good and the highways quite empty. On the Highways (specially the Ankara-Istanbul), there is a toll.
You cannot pay the toll in cash, you only can use the highway if you have :
> Foreign license: You are allowed to drive in Turkey with a foreign driving license up to 6 months from your last entry stamp into Turkey. You will need to carry your passport always with you to have the proof of last entry stamp.
1- “OGS"=Otomatik Geçiş Sistemi, (Automatic Passage System) toll transponder only (you must have a toll transponder in your car to pay the toll). Transponders are issued by banks to their account holders.” or
2-The "HGS"=Hizli Geçiş Sistemi: Can only be bought at the Post office (PTT). You can buy it in form of a sticker (5 TL) or as a card (15TL). Both systems you have to recharge at the post office.
To buy the HGS sticker or card you need to present a photocopy of your passport and a copy of the car papers. Each sticker or card is individually linked to ONE vehicle and not transferable.
>On public holidays, the highways are mainly free of charge.
The speed limits in Turkey are:
- Residential area: 50 Km/h
- Two-way intercity roads: 90 Km/h
- Divided roads: 110 Km/h
- Highways: 120 Km/h
>>NEW>> A new speed detection system has become active as of 1 July 2017 on all highways.
If the detected average speed between the Entry toll gate (HGS/OGS) and the Exit gate is higher than the allowed speed limit (120 km/h on Highways), you will get a fine.
Traveling by bus:
There are very good bus services in Turkey that connect the major big cities. They are comfortable, clean. Ankara’s main bus station is adjacent to the Konya highway. Varan and Ulusoy which are the best bus companies, depart from their own terminal on Eskişehir Road.
- Aşti: Tel: (0312) 207 10 00 (Main Bus Terminal)
- Varan: Tel: (0312) 426 97 53, 444 89 99,
- Ulusoy: Tel: (0312) 440 14 68
- Kamil Koç: Tel: (0312) 417 39 36
- Metro: Tel: 444 3455
- Anadolu: Tel: (0850) 333 3564
- Pamukkale: Tel: (0850) 333 3535
- Nilüfer: Tel: (0850) 222 0099
OBILET and Govego: They provide brokership for bus companies operating in every direction in Turkey.
When you entered the destinations (from/to) and date, it shows you all buses going from and to those destinations you chose on that day.
In addition, it gives you a brief information such as weather forecast, general information of the city, where to go, where to stay, where to eat, what to do, etc., regarding the place that you are going to visit.
Traveling by train:
Official website: Turkish State Railways
Train Station (TCDD), Hipodrom Cad. Tel: (0312) 311 0620,
Train reservation (from 08:30 to 17:00) Tel: (0312) 310 6515 / 311 4994
NOTE: The new High-Speed train between Ankara and Istanbul has been opened ! There are 5 trains a day and the journey takes 3 ½ hours.
Tickets for the High Speed train, click here
Traveling around Turkey: You can find lots of useful Information, Numbers, webpages etc in the Traveling inside Turkey Section
Real Estate Agencies:
In general the person who rents is the one paying the commission to the agency. In most cases it’s equivalent of 2 months rent. Most of them also offer a “relocation service” by helping you to register the telephone, gas, etc..
- Look Us Real Estate Agency, Cinnah Caddesi Kuloglu Sokak No: 27/6 Çankaya– Tel: (0312) 442 9086 Cell: (0532) 557 7647 Mr.Görkem Şahin speaks well English. German is also spoken.
- Gaye Emlak: Uğur Mumcu Caddesi 72/2. GOP. Tel:(0312) 446 4500. Cell: (0533) 466 0960. Mrs.Evelyn Gültek speaks German.
- Nadin real estate Agency: Uğur Mumcu Caddesi Küpe Sok.10/2. GOP, Çankaya. Tel: (0312) 446 2424
- Diplomatic Real Estate & Relocation: Büyükesat Mahallesi Uğur Mumcu Sokak No: 31/8. GOP, Çankaya. Tel: (0312) 926 6631 or Cell: (0532) 170 3098. You can talk to Buket Sözübir or Umut Sözübir, they speak fluent English and can help also in Spanish.
- A Emlak: Kuzgun Sokak 95/4A, Ayranci. Tel: (0312) 440 3282. Mr. Erim speaks french.
- Sweethome Real Estate: Kazım Özalp, İlkadım Sk. No:21, GOP, Çankaya. Tel: (0312) 447 7130, Cell: (0532) 7475688. You can contact Ms. Yeter Gürsoy, she speaks English.
- Deta emlak: Abdullah Cevdet Sok.No:28/1 Çankaya, Tel: (0312) 440 4816.
- Remax: A well known International company. For rent or sale
- Emlak Center: Filistin Caddesi Kader Sokak No: 6/1-2 GOP, Çankaya. Tel: (0312) 467 9955
- Century 21: Kazım Özalp Mah., Kız Kulesi Sk No: 23.
- Mavi Emlak: Kader Sokak No:11/2 G.O.P. Tel: (0312) 427 6043
- Hürriyet Emlak: For rent or sale, also in other cities in Turkey. Website only in Turkish.
- > You can also check at this websites for renting and buying: www.sahibinden.com and www.hurriyetemlak.com
Moving & Relocation Companies:
Moving:
- Asya Nakliyat: Atatürk Bulvari, No.127, 2nd floor. Bakanlıkar. Tel: (0312) 417 4184. Moving Company.Very efficient and professional. Many Embassies use them.They come, pack and move your items locally or internationally. They have offices in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and Adana.
- P-MAK Uluslararasi Nakliyat: Kuzgun Sokak No:113/3 A.Ayrancı. Tel: (0312) 310 1134. Moving Company. Very efficient and professional. Many Embassies use them. They come, pack and move your items locally or internationally.
- Istanbul Express Nakliyat: Çayyolu Çaycuma Cd. 111.Sokak. Tel: (0312) 384 6690 or 444 6502. very professional.
- Esen Nakliyat:Çetin Emeç Bulvarı, 8.Cadde, No:10/18, Öveçler. Tel: (0312) 472 2090. They have offices in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and Adana.
- Yurtiçi Kargo: Barbaros Mah. Bulten Sok. No:54 Kavaklidere, Tel: (0312) 426 0099. If you are moving inside Turkey
- Sumerman International: Tunus Cad. 40/7. Tel: (0312) 468 5516.
Relocation Companies:
- Atlas - Real Estate & Relocation: Reşit Galip Caddesi Ünye Sokak No:1/1, G.O.P. Tel: (0312) 436 0602.
- Esen: Çetin Emeç Bulvarı, 8.Cadde, No:10/18, Öveçler, Tel: (0312) 472 2090, Fax: (0312) 472 2096.
- Diplomatic Real Estate & Relocation: Büyükesat Mahallesi Uğur Mumcu Sokak No: 31/8. G.O.P. Tel: (0312) 926 6631 or Cell: (0532) 170 3098. You can talk to Buket Sözübir or Umut Sözübir, they speak fluent English and can help also in Spanish.