Transport & Accommodation in Ankara: Essential Tips for Travellers

Practical Information: Transportation in Ankara

Public Transportation

Ankara offers a comprehensive public transportation network, making it easy for residents and visitors to navigate the city.

• Ankara Metro: The Ankara Metro system is efficient and well-connected, with several lines covering key areas of the city. It’s a convenient way to travel between districts, including central hubs like Kızılay, Çankaya, and Söğütözü.
• Ankara EGO Buses: EGO buses provide extensive coverage throughout Ankara, serving neighbourhoods, suburbs, and major landmarks. The buses are reliable and affordable, offering routes that complement the metro system.
• Ankara EGO Minibuses (Dolmuş): Dolmuş services operate on specific routes, providing flexible transportation options for shorter distances within neighbourhoods and suburbs. These minibuses are popular among locals for their accessibility and frequency.
• Ankara Teleferik (Cable Car): The Yenimahalle-Şentepe Teleferik line offers scenic views of Ankara as it connects Şentepe Hill with the city centre. It’s a unique transportation experience for tourists and residents alike.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

• Ride-Sharing Apps: Services like Uber and local ride-sharing apps operate in Ankara, providing additional options for convenient and comfortable travel within the city.

• Taxi Services: Taxis are readily available in Ankara and can be hailed on the street or booked through taxi stands. It’s advisable to use licensed taxis with meters to ensure fair pricing.

Transportation Hubs

• Ankara Railway Station: Ankara Central Station (Ankara Gar) is a major railway hub connecting the city with other regions of Turkey via high-speed trains (YHT) and conventional trains. The station offers convenient connections to cities like Istanbul, Eskişehir, and Konya.

• Ankara Esenboğa Airport: Located about 28 kilometres northeast of Ankara’s city centre, Esenboğa Airport serves domestic and international flights. Airport shuttles, taxis, and private transfers are available for transportation to and from the airport.

Best Times to Visit Ankara

Climate and Weather

Ankara experiences a continental climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters, with distinct seasonal changes.

• Spring (April to June): Spring is a pleasant time to visit Ankara, with mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. It’s ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city’s parks and gardens.
• Summer (July to August): Summers in Ankara are hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching highs. Despite the heat, summer is a popular time for festivals, outdoor events, and cultural activities in the city.
• Autumn (September to November): Autumn offers mild temperatures and colourful foliage, making it a beautiful season to visit Ankara. The weather is comfortable for sightseeing and exploring historical sites.
• Winter (December to February): Winters in Ankara are cold, with occasional snowfall and chilly temperatures. It’s a quieter time for tourism, but visitors can enjoy winter sports near the city and festive celebrations during the holiday season.

Peak Tourist Seasons

• Spring and Autumn: These seasons are also popular among tourists for their mild weather and cultural events, making it a pleasant time to explore Ankara’s attractions.
• Summer (June to August): Despite the heat, summer sees an influx of tourists due to school holidays and favourable weather for outdoor activities.

Events and Festivals

• Ankara International Film Festival: Held annually in March, the film festival showcases a diverse selection of international and Turkish films, attracting film enthusiasts and industry professionals.
• Ankara Jazz Festival: Scheduled in April, the jazz festival features concerts, performances, and workshops by renowned jazz musicians from Turkey and around the world.
• Ankara International Music Festival: Taking place in May, the music festival celebrates classical music with orchestral performances, recitals, and chamber music concerts.

Accommodation Options in Ankara

Whether you're looking for luxury indulgence, boutique charm, mid-range comfort, budget-friendly options, or the flexibility of vacation rentals, Ankara offers diverse accommodation choices to suit every traveller's preferences and budget. In conclusion, Ankara offers a diverse range of accommodation options catering to the varied preferences and budgets of travellers.

Whether you're seeking luxury hotels with top-notch amenities, boutique hotels with unique charm, mid-range accommodations offering comfort and convenience, budget-friendly options for economical stays, or vacation rentals providing flexibility and a home-like experience, Ankara has something to offer for everyone.

Luxury Hotels

Ankara offers a selection of luxurious hotels known for their upscale amenities, exceptional service, and central locations.

• JW Marriott Hotel Ankara: Situated in the heart of Kavaklıdere, JW Marriott Hotel Ankara offers spacious rooms, a rooftop terrace with city views, and upscale dining experiences.
• Hilton Ankara: Overlooking the city skyline, Hilton Ankara boasts stylish rooms, a spa, multiple dining options, and extensive meeting facilities ideal for business travellers.

• Divan Cukurhan: Located near Ankara Castle, Divan Cukurhan blends historic charm with modern luxury. It features elegant rooms, a spa, and fine dining options overlooking the city.

Boutique Hotels

Boutique hotels in Ankara provide intimate settings, personalized service, and unique design elements that cater to discerning travellers.

• Hotel Mithat: Situated in Kavaklıdere, Hotel Mithat features individually decorated rooms, a garden courtyard, and a tranquil ambience perfect for relaxation.
• Ankara Princess Hotel: In the heart of Kızılay, Ankara Princess Hotel combines boutique charm with modern comforts, offering stylish rooms and a rooftop restaurant with city views.

• Hotel Midi Ankara: Located in Çankaya, Hotel Midi Ankara offers boutique-style rooms with modern amenities, a cosy atmosphere, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views.

Mid-Range Hotels

Mid-range hotels in Ankara provide comfortable accommodations, convenient amenities, and value for money.

• Hotel Best: Situated near Kızılay, Hotel Best provides modern rooms, a restaurant serving Turkish cuisine, and easy access to shopping and public transportation.
• City Hotel Ankara: In Ulus, City Hotel Ankara offers affordable rooms, a restaurant, and a central location near historical sites and cultural attractions.

• Ankara HiltonSA: Located in the city centre, Ankara HiltonSA offers spacious rooms, an indoor pool, a fitness centre, and dining options catering to both leisure and business travellers.

Budget Accommodations

For budget-conscious travellers, Ankara offers various options, including budget hotels, hostels, and guesthouses.

• Turkish Hostel Ankara: Situated near Ulus, Turkish Hostel Ankara provides budget-friendly rooms, shared facilities, and a welcoming environment for travellers exploring the city on a budget.
• Guesthouses and Pansiyons: Throughout Ankara, guesthouses and pansiyons (small inns) offer affordable accommodations with basic amenities, often including breakfast, in residential neighbourhoods.

• Ankara Backpackers Hostel: Located in Kızılay, Ankara Backpackers Hostel offers dormitory-style and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a lively atmosphere ideal for backpackers and budget travellers.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals provide flexibility, privacy, and a home-like experience for travellers staying longer or seeking independence.

• Apart Hotels: Many apart-hotels in Ankara provide apartment-style accommodations with hotel services such as housekeeping, reception, and amenities like kitchens or kitchenettes.

• Airbnb: Ankara features a variety of Airbnb listings, including apartments, houses, and studios in different neighbourhoods, offering options for solo travellers, families, and groups.

Luxury hotels such as Divan Cukurhan, JW Marriott Hotel Ankara, and Hilton Ankara provide upscale amenities, excellent service, and prime locations in the heart of the city. Boutique hotels like Hotel Midi Ankara, Hotel Mithat, and Ankara Princess Hotel offer intimate settings, personalized service, and distinctive design elements, appealing to travellers looking for a unique experience.

Mid-range hotels such as Ankara HiltonSA, Hotel Best, and City Hotel Ankara provide comfortable accommodations, convenient amenities, and value for money, suitable for both leisure and business travellers. For budget-conscious travellers, Ankara offers a range of options, including hostels like Ankara Backpackers Hostel and Turkish Hostel Ankara, as well as guesthouses and pansiyons scattered throughout the city.

Moreover, vacation rentals through platforms like Airbnb offer flexibility, privacy, and a local experience, ideal for longer stays or travellers seeking independence. Aparthotels provide a blend of apartment-style living with hotel services, catering to various needs and preferences.

Whether you're visiting Ankara for business, leisure, or exploration of its cultural and historical treasures, the city's diverse accommodation landscape ensures that you can find the perfect place to stay, enhancing your overall experience in the Turkish capital. From luxury indulgence to budget-friendly comfort, Ankara welcomes you with open arms and a wide array of lodging options to suit every traveller's itinerary and budgetary considerations.