Urban Transportation: Ankara

11.06.2024 -

It’s exciting to visit a city for the first time but it’s even more exhilarating to use that city’s public transportation system. Whether you’re trying to get to a specific destination quickly and efficiently – or just interested in wandering around – public transportation is both useful and fun. And here’s a tip: if you want to enjoy a quick tour around the city, just get on a bus! Keep reading for an overview of Ankara’s transportation system…

Getting around in Ankara

As Türkiye’s capital and a major urban center, Ankara has a highly developed public transportation system that extends into most of the city’s surrounding districts.

About EGO, Ankara’s transportation network

Established in 1942 as the Ankara Electricity and Gas Operations Business, the organization merged with the Bus Operation and Administration Business in 1950, becoming the Ankara Electricity, Gas and Bus Operations Organization (EGO General Directorate). At first, EGO provided electricity and bus services; over the years, both electricity and natural gas provision were transferred to other institutions and, today, EGO operates Ankara’s main bus and rail systems, as well as its transportation planning services.

The AnkaraKart

The AnkaraKart is a contactless smart card used for all public transportation vehicles connected to EGO. You can purchase an AnkaraKart at kiosk devices, dealers and Card Processing Centers throughout the city. Card Processing Centers are located in the Kızılay, Akköprü, Dikimevi and Beşevler neighborhoods, as well as at the EGO Headquarters.

There are various types of AnkaraKarts but, for visitors to the city, the “Full” and “Single Pass” AnkaraKarts are the most useful. The former is a reusable card that can be topped up with Turkish lira at dealer kiosks or at SmartBanko or MiniBanko devices. The latter is a disposable card that is good for a single ride.

Minibuses and taxis

Minibuses and taxis are also available in Ankara. Minibuses, which are not operated by EGO, require cash payments.

Public buses and rail systems

Ankara has an extensive network of EGO-operated public buses. Bus stops have signs indicating the routes and schedules of the buses. The bus network is complemented by the city’s rail systems, which include the metro and commuter trains. Offering fast and comfortable urban transportation, rail systems are frequently preferred by both residents and tourists. We describe the city’s rail system in more detail below, but you can click here to see a map.

Ankara’s metro line

Ankara’s metro system has four routes:

M1: Batıkent- Kızılay

M2: Kızılay- Çayyolu

M3: Batıkent- OSB-Törekent

M4: Kızılay- Şehitler

Ankaray

The Ankaray line originates at the AŞTİ Intercity Bus Terminal and runs through Beşevler, Tandoğan, Maltepe, Kızılay, Kurtuluş and Dikimevi. Transfers are available to the M1 and M2 metro lines at certain stations.

Başkentray Suburban Train

The Başkentray serves the Sincan-Kayaş line. The 36-kilometer line has a total of 24 suburban stops.

Ankara’s cable car

Ankara’s cable car, known as the T1 line, serves the Yenimahalle-Şentepe route, starting from the Yenimahalle metro station and providing transportation from the air all the way to the Şentepe center. Transfers to the M1 Metro line are also available at the Yenimahalle station.

Transportation to Ankara Esenboğa Airport from the city center

Ankara Esenboğa Airport is located approximately 30 kilometers from the Ankara city center, on the borders of the Çubuk and Akyurt districts. The airport is served by EGO-operated bus number 442, as well as the municipality’s BelkoAir buses. The BelkoAir buses operate from 05:30-21:30 hours, with the AŞTİ Intercity Bus Terminal as the first stop. For more information on BelkoAir buses, click here.

Tips for getting around Ankara

An AnkaraKart is necessary for using the EGO buses, the metro and the Ankaray.

Ankara’s metro system operates between 06:00-01:00 on weekdays and weekends.

The working hours of Ankara EGO buses vary according to the line. In addition, 24-hour uninterrupted transportation service, which was interrupted during the pandemic period, has started again.

The Ankaray runs between 06:00 and 01:00.

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