Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB) is the capital's sole airport and a hub heavily used by both business travellers and transit passengers. Located 28 km from the city centre, the airport is the subject of frequent questions — especially about how to reach the Kızılay and Çankaya areas.
Transport Options
Private Transfer
A private transfer from Esenboğa to Kızılay or Çankaya takes 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. With a fixed fare, meet-and-greet at the terminal and direct delivery to your address, it is the most popular option — particularly for business trips. Your driver greets you at the terminal with a name board.
BELKOAIR (Airport Bus)
A scheduled bus service running between Esenboğa, AŞTİ and Kızılay. Departures are timed around flight schedules and the journey takes approximately 40–55 minutes. Your top pick if you are looking for an economical alternative.
Taxi
Taxis are available from the ranks outside the terminal. Fares to the city centre range from 600–900 TL. Night-tariff surcharges and motorway tolls may apply on top.
Popular Routes and Travel Times
- Kızılay: 28 km — 25–40 minutes
- Çankaya: 32 km — 30–45 minutes
- Ulus: 30 km — 30–45 minutes
- AŞTİ: 33 km — 35–50 minutes
- ODTÜ / Bilkent: 40 km — 35–50 minutes
- Eryaman / Etimesgut: 50 km — 40–55 minutes
Transfer Tips for Ankara
Ankara-specific advice
- Check road conditions in winter — black ice is common
- Traffic gets heavier when Parliament is in session; allow extra time
- If you are heading to the ODTÜ or Bilkent area, specify your route — there are different options
- For business meetings, plan to leave at least 1 hour early
Why Book in Advance?
Although Ankara traffic is not as heavy as İstanbul's, a single main route connects Esenboğa to the city centre. This corridor can get congested during peak hours. With a pre-booked transfer your fare is locked in, your driver is waiting at the terminal exit, and you avoid any wasted time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there intercity bus connections from Ankara?
Yes — transfer to AŞTİ and you can reach many cities across Turkey by coach. Direct BELKOAIR services run from the airport to AŞTİ.
How do I get to the high-speed rail station?
Ankara Garı (YHT) is approximately 30 km from Esenboğa. You can get there in 30–40 minutes by private transfer or taxi. YHT provides fast connections to İstanbul, Eskişehir and Konya.
