The distance between Ankara and İstanbul is around 449km (279 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the train which takes around 4h 30m.
We've found 3 different ways to get from Ankara to İstanbul by train, taxi and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out İstanbul → Ankara if you're planning a return trip.
Take the train to Istanbul Söğütlüçeşme.
Turkish Railways (TCDD)
Take a taxi to Istanbul.
Yesilyurt Taxi
+ 4 othersThere are several options for getting from Ankara to İstanbul by train, taxi and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around $7 and will take around 4h 30m.
The distance between Ankara and İstanbul is around 449km (279 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 350km (218 miles)
It takes around 4h 30m to get from Ankara and İstanbul by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 4h 30m to drive there.
The quickest way to get from Ankara to İstanbul is to take the train which takes around 4h 30m and will set you back approx $7.
The cheapest way to travel between Ankara and İstanbul, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around $7 for a standard one-way ticket.
Yes there is a train service that runs between Ankara and İstanbul. It typically takes around 4h 30m and departs hourly.
There are no direct train services that runs from Ankara to İstanbul. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Istanbul Söğütlüçeşme. These services run hourly and will take a minimum of 4h 30m.
Turkish Railways (TCDD) run train services between Ankara and İstanbul. Trains depart hourly and will take around 4h 30m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Ankara and İstanbul. We recommend that you take the train to Istanbul Söğütlüçeşme. instead which will take 4h 30m.
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Ankara to İstanbul. We recommend that you take the train to Istanbul Söğütlüçeşme. instead which will take 4h 30m.
The closest major airport to İstanbul is Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) (SAW) which is approximately 31km (19 miles) from İstanbul. Istanbul Airport (IST) (IST) and Balikesir Koca Seyit Airport (EDO) (EDO) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Yes it is possible to drive from Ankara and İstanbul. The distance is around 449km (279 miles) by road and it will take around 4h 30m in normal traffic conditons.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Ankara to İstanbul is to take the train which takes, on average, 4h 30m and will usually cost around $7.
Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Train | 4h 30m | $7($7) | hourly | 498km (310 miles) |
Taxi | 4h 30m | $80($80) | on demand | 449km (279 miles) |
Drive | 4h 30m | $53($53) | on demand | 449km (279 miles) |
Kamil Koc
Pamukkale
MetroTurizm
Turkish Airlines
Pegasus Airlines
Turkish Railways (TCDD)
The following major airports near İstanbul offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Turkey and internationally.