How far is Esenboğa Airport from central Ankara?
Esenboğa Airport (ESB) is roughly 28 km north of central Ankara (some sources say 25–27 km, depending on which point in the centre you measure to). There is currently no direct metro line to the airport — Ankara's metro extension toward Esenboğa has been discussed but was not completed as of October 2026, so travellers connect from a city metro station onto a bus rather than riding the metro the whole way.
Getting from the airport into the city
- HAVAŞ airport bus — runs the Esenboğa–Kızılay–AŞTİ route; current timetables and fares are published on HAVAŞ's own site rather than fixed here, since schedules change.
- EGO public bus (line 442) — connects Esenboğa to Kızılay and AŞTİ (the main bus terminal), the cheaper public-transport option but slower and less frequent than the airport bus.
- Taxi — the roughly 27–30 km trip to Kızılay is metered; expect it to cost noticeably more than the bus, and more again in heavy traffic.
- Private transfer — booked in advance with a fixed price, useful if you're arriving late at night, travelling with a family and luggage, or simply don't want to manage a bus transfer and ticket on arrival.
A practical note for visitors passing through Ankara
Most Gulf visitors to Turkey fly into Istanbul or Antalya rather than Ankara, so this airport is typically relevant if you're visiting the capital specifically — government or business appointments, museums, or a stop on a longer Turkey itinerary. For a broader look at what to do in the city once you've arrived, see our Ankara guide.
FAQ
Is there a metro from Ankara airport to the city?
Not a direct one as of October 2026. You can reach a city metro station by bus and continue from there, but there is no single metro ride from the airport to central Ankara yet.
How long does the trip from Esenboğa to Kızılay take?
Roughly 45–55 minutes by bus or taxi under normal traffic, longer at peak times — budget extra time rather than booking a tight connection.
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