How to get from Ankara to Istanbul

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What is the best way to travel from Ankara to Istanbul?

Looking for a trip? Compare all the available Buses and Carpool for the journey to Istanbul from Ankara. Check between different modes of transportation, look for the cheapest tickets, fastest rides and most popular stations, and see all 63 available companies to find your perfect trip!
Carpool is the cheapest, while Bus is the fastest way on this route
Transport type
Travel time
Cheapest price
Average price
Daily departures
Bus
4h 0m
$9
$12
389
Car
4h 30m
$7
$8
2

What is the cheapest way to reach Istanbul from Ankara?

You can get to Istanbul with just $7 by taking a Carpool from BlaBlaCar, but you can find many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for next few days here for you.

Saturday
from $9
Sunday
from $8
Monday
from $10
Tuesday
from $7
Wednesday
from $11
Thursday
from $10
Friday
from $13

    Cheapest Buses Saturday

  • Lider Elbistan
    8h 0m
    0
    11:00 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    7:00 AM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Lider Elbistan
    Economy
    $9
  • Villa Seyahat
    8h 0m
    0
    11:59 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    7:59 AM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Villa Seyahat
    Economy
    $11
  • Yeni Diyarbakır Seyahat
    8h 0m
    0
    10:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    6:30 PM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Yeni Diyarbakır Seyahat
    Economy
    $11
  • Yeni Aksaray Seyahat
    8h 0m
    0
    11:00 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    7:00 PM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Yeni Aksaray Seyahat
    Economy
    $11
  • İstanbul Seyahat
    8h 0m
    0
    10:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    6:30 PM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    İstanbul Seyahat
    Economy
    $12

    Cheapest Carpool Sunday

  • BlaBlaCar
    5h 20m
    0
    1:40 PM
    Ankara
    7:00 PM
    Istanbul
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from $8
  • BlaBlaCar
    5h 40m
    0
    2:20 PM
    Ankara
    8:00 PM
    Istanbul
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from $10
  • Cheapest Buses Sunday

  • Yeni Diyarbakır Seyahat
    8h 0m
    0
    10:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    6:30 PM
    Istanbul
    Sultanbeyli Bus Stop
    0
    Yeni Diyarbakır Seyahat
    Economy
    $11
  • Nilüfer Turizm
    14h 0m
    0
    10:00 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    12:00 AM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Nilüfer Turizm
    Economy
    $13
  • Metro Turizm
    8h 0m
    0
    12:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    8:30 AM
    Istanbul
    Otogar Bus Station
    0
    Metro Turizm
    Economy
    $13
  • Has Diyarbakir
    4h 0m
    0
    5:14 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    9:14 AM
    Istanbul
    Sultanbeyli Bus Stop
    0
    Has Diyarbakir
    Economy
    $14
  • Pamukkale Turizm
    6h 45m
    0
    1:00 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    7:45 AM
    Istanbul
    Otogar Bus Station
    0
    Pamukkale Turizm
    Economy
    $16

    Cheapest Buses Monday

  • Lider Elbistan
    8h 0m
    0
    11:00 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    7:00 AM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Lider Elbistan
    Economy
    $10
  • Villa Seyahat
    9h 0m
    0
    9:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    6:30 PM
    Istanbul
    Alibeyköy Otogarı
    0
    Villa Seyahat
    Economy
    $11
  • Yeni Aksaray Seyahat
    8h 0m
    0
    11:00 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    7:00 PM
    Istanbul
    Alibeyköy Otogarı
    0
    Yeni Aksaray Seyahat
    Economy
    $11
  • Yeni Diyarbakır Seyahat
    8h 0m
    0
    10:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    6:30 PM
    Istanbul
    Sultanbeyli Bus Stop
    0
    Yeni Diyarbakır Seyahat
    Economy
    $11
  • Elazığ Hazar Turizm
    7h 0m
    0
    11:57 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    6:57 AM
    Istanbul
    Harem central bus station
    0
    Elazığ Hazar Turizm
    Economy
    $11

    Cheapest Carpool Tuesday

  • BlaBlaCar
    4h 30m
    0
    10:00 AM
    Ankara
    2:30 PM
    Istanbul
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from $7
  • Cheapest Buses Tuesday

  • Villa Seyahat
    9h 0m
    0
    9:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    6:30 PM
    Istanbul
    Alibeyköy Otogarı
    0
    Villa Seyahat
    Economy
    $11
  • Yeni Aksaray Seyahat
    8h 0m
    0
    11:00 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    7:00 PM
    Istanbul
    Alibeyköy Otogarı
    0
    Yeni Aksaray Seyahat
    Economy
    $11
  • Yeni Diyarbakır Seyahat
    8h 0m
    0
    10:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    6:30 PM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Yeni Diyarbakır Seyahat
    Economy
    $11
  • Beydağı Turizm
    7h 1m
    0
    11:59 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    7:00 AM
    Istanbul
    Otogar Bus Station
    0
    Beydağı Turizm
    Economy
    $11
  • Köksallar Turizm
    8h 0m
    0
    12:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    8:30 AM
    Istanbul
    Alibeyköy Otogarı
    0
    Köksallar Turizm
    Economy
    $13

    Cheapest Buses Wednesday

  • Villa Seyahat
    9h 0m
    0
    9:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    6:30 PM
    Istanbul
    Alibeyköy Otogarı
    0
    Villa Seyahat
    Economy
    $11
  • Gülnarlılar Mersin Nur Turizm
    8h 0m
    0
    5:30 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    1:30 AM
    Istanbul
    Alibeyköy Otogarı
    0
    Gülnarlılar Mersin Nur Turizm
    Economy
    $13
  • Adıyaman Ünal Turizm
    8h 0m
    0
    12:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    8:30 AM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Adıyaman Ünal Turizm
    Economy
    $13
  • Nilüfer Turizm
    14h 0m
    0
    10:00 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    12:00 AM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Nilüfer Turizm
    Economy
    $13
  • Malatya Kayisi Kent
    9h 0m
    0
    10:30 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    7:30 AM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Malatya Kayisi Kent
    Economy
    $13

    Cheapest Buses Thursday

  • Lider Elbistan
    8h 0m
    0
    11:00 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    7:00 AM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Lider Elbistan
    Economy
    $10
  • Beydağı Turizm
    6h 0m
    0
    2:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    8:30 AM
    Istanbul
    Otogar Bus Station
    0
    Beydağı Turizm
    Economy
    $11
  • Gülnarlılar Mersin Nur Turizm
    7h 0m
    0
    3:30 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    10:30 PM
    Istanbul
    Dudullu Bus Station
    0
    Gülnarlılar Mersin Nur Turizm
    Economy
    $13
  • Nilüfer Turizm
    23h 0m
    0
    1:00 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    12:00 AM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Nilüfer Turizm
    Economy
    $13
  • Niksarkale Turizm
    7h 0m
    0
    3:30 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    10:30 PM
    Istanbul
    Harem central bus station
    0
    Niksarkale Turizm
    Economy
    $13

    Cheapest Buses Friday

  • Köksallar Turizm
    8h 0m
    0
    3:00 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    11:00 PM
    Istanbul
    Alibeyköy Otogarı
    0
    Köksallar Turizm
    Economy
    $13
  • Van Kalesi
    9h 0m
    0
    4:25 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    1:25 PM
    Istanbul
    Alibeyköy Otogarı
    0
    Van Kalesi
    Economy
    $14
  • Yeni Aksaray Seyahat
    8h 0m
    0
    2:30 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    10:30 PM
    Istanbul
    Alibeyköy Otogarı
    0
    Yeni Aksaray Seyahat
    Economy
    $14
  • Kahta Petrol Turizm
    6h 0m
    0
    1:01 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    7:01 AM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Kahta Petrol Turizm
    Economy
    $14
  • Has Diyarbakir
    5h 0m
    0
    5:14 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    10:14 AM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Has Diyarbakir
    Economy
    $14

What are the fastest trips from Ankara to Istanbul?

You can get to Istanbul from Ankara in just 4h 0m with a Bus from Has Diyarbakir. This is not the only option, and you can click on any of the offers below to compare it with the other modes of transportations.

Saturday
from 8h 0m
Sunday
from 4h 0m
Monday
from 7h 0m
Tuesday
from 4h 30m
Wednesday
from 8h 0m
Thursday
from 6h 0m
Friday
from 5h 0m

    Fastest Buses Saturday

  • Lider Elbistan
    8h 0m
    0
    11:00 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    7:00 AM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Lider Elbistan
    Economy
    $9
  • Villa Seyahat
    8h 0m
    0
    11:59 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    7:59 AM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Villa Seyahat
    Economy
    $11
  • Yeni Diyarbakır Seyahat
    8h 0m
    0
    10:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    6:30 PM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Yeni Diyarbakır Seyahat
    Economy
    $11
  • Yeni Aksaray Seyahat
    8h 0m
    0
    11:00 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    7:00 PM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Yeni Aksaray Seyahat
    Economy
    $11
  • İstanbul Seyahat
    8h 0m
    0
    10:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    6:30 PM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    İstanbul Seyahat
    Economy
    $12

    Fastest Buses Sunday

  • Has Diyarbakir
    4h 0m
    0
    5:14 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    9:14 AM
    Istanbul
    Sultanbeyli Bus Stop
    0
    Has Diyarbakir
    Economy
    $14
  • Pamukkale Turizm
    6h 45m
    0
    1:00 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    7:45 AM
    Istanbul
    Otogar Bus Station
    0
    Pamukkale Turizm
    Economy
    $16
  • Yeni Diyarbakır Seyahat
    8h 0m
    0
    10:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    6:30 PM
    Istanbul
    Sultanbeyli Bus Stop
    0
    Yeni Diyarbakır Seyahat
    Economy
    $11
  • Metro Turizm
    8h 0m
    0
    12:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    8:30 AM
    Istanbul
    Otogar Bus Station
    0
    Metro Turizm
    Economy
    $13
  • Nilüfer Turizm
    14h 0m
    0
    10:00 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    12:00 AM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Nilüfer Turizm
    Economy
    $13
  • Fastest Carpool Sunday

  • BlaBlaCar
    5h 20m
    0
    1:40 PM
    Ankara
    7:00 PM
    Istanbul
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from $8
  • BlaBlaCar
    5h 40m
    0
    2:20 PM
    Ankara
    8:00 PM
    Istanbul
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from $10

    Fastest Buses Monday

  • Elazığ Hazar Turizm
    7h 0m
    0
    11:57 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    6:57 AM
    Istanbul
    Harem central bus station
    0
    Elazığ Hazar Turizm
    Economy
    $11
  • Lider Elbistan
    8h 0m
    0
    11:00 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    7:00 AM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Lider Elbistan
    Economy
    $10
  • Yeni Aksaray Seyahat
    8h 0m
    0
    11:00 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    7:00 PM
    Istanbul
    Alibeyköy Otogarı
    0
    Yeni Aksaray Seyahat
    Economy
    $11
  • Yeni Diyarbakır Seyahat
    8h 0m
    0
    10:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    6:30 PM
    Istanbul
    Sultanbeyli Bus Stop
    0
    Yeni Diyarbakır Seyahat
    Economy
    $11
  • Villa Seyahat
    9h 0m
    0
    9:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    6:30 PM
    Istanbul
    Alibeyköy Otogarı
    0
    Villa Seyahat
    Economy
    $11

    Fastest Carpool Tuesday

  • BlaBlaCar
    4h 30m
    0
    10:00 AM
    Ankara
    2:30 PM
    Istanbul
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from $7
  • Fastest Buses Tuesday

  • Beydağı Turizm
    7h 1m
    0
    11:59 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    7:00 AM
    Istanbul
    Otogar Bus Station
    0
    Beydağı Turizm
    Economy
    $11
  • Yeni Aksaray Seyahat
    8h 0m
    0
    11:00 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    7:00 PM
    Istanbul
    Alibeyköy Otogarı
    0
    Yeni Aksaray Seyahat
    Economy
    $11
  • Yeni Diyarbakır Seyahat
    8h 0m
    0
    10:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    6:30 PM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Yeni Diyarbakır Seyahat
    Economy
    $11
  • Köksallar Turizm
    8h 0m
    0
    12:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    8:30 AM
    Istanbul
    Alibeyköy Otogarı
    0
    Köksallar Turizm
    Economy
    $13
  • Villa Seyahat
    9h 0m
    0
    9:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    6:30 PM
    Istanbul
    Alibeyköy Otogarı
    0
    Villa Seyahat
    Economy
    $11

    Fastest Buses Wednesday

  • Gülnarlılar Mersin Nur Turizm
    8h 0m
    0
    5:30 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    1:30 AM
    Istanbul
    Alibeyköy Otogarı
    0
    Gülnarlılar Mersin Nur Turizm
    Economy
    $13
  • Adıyaman Ünal Turizm
    8h 0m
    0
    12:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    8:30 AM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Adıyaman Ünal Turizm
    Economy
    $13
  • Villa Seyahat
    9h 0m
    0
    9:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    6:30 PM
    Istanbul
    Alibeyköy Otogarı
    0
    Villa Seyahat
    Economy
    $11
  • Malatya Kayisi Kent
    9h 0m
    0
    10:30 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    7:30 AM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Malatya Kayisi Kent
    Economy
    $13
  • Nilüfer Turizm
    14h 0m
    0
    10:00 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    12:00 AM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Nilüfer Turizm
    Economy
    $13

    Fastest Buses Thursday

  • Beydağı Turizm
    6h 0m
    0
    2:30 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    8:30 AM
    Istanbul
    Otogar Bus Station
    0
    Beydağı Turizm
    Economy
    $11
  • Gülnarlılar Mersin Nur Turizm
    7h 0m
    0
    3:30 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    10:30 PM
    Istanbul
    Dudullu Bus Station
    0
    Gülnarlılar Mersin Nur Turizm
    Economy
    $13
  • Niksarkale Turizm
    7h 0m
    0
    3:30 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    10:30 PM
    Istanbul
    Harem central bus station
    0
    Niksarkale Turizm
    Economy
    $13
  • Lider Elbistan
    8h 0m
    0
    11:00 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    7:00 AM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Lider Elbistan
    Economy
    $10
  • Nilüfer Turizm
    23h 0m
    0
    1:00 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    12:00 AM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Nilüfer Turizm
    Economy
    $13

    Fastest Buses Friday

  • Has Diyarbakir
    5h 0m
    0
    5:14 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    10:14 AM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Has Diyarbakir
    Economy
    $14
  • Kahta Petrol Turizm
    6h 0m
    0
    1:01 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    7:01 AM
    Istanbul
    Esenler Bus Station
    0
    Kahta Petrol Turizm
    Economy
    $14
  • Köksallar Turizm
    8h 0m
    0
    3:00 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    11:00 PM
    Istanbul
    Alibeyköy Otogarı
    0
    Köksallar Turizm
    Economy
    $13
  • Yeni Aksaray Seyahat
    8h 0m
    0
    2:30 PM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    10:30 PM
    Istanbul
    Alibeyköy Otogarı
    0
    Yeni Aksaray Seyahat
    Economy
    $14
  • Van Kalesi
    9h 0m
    0
    4:25 AM
    Ankara
    Central Bus Station
    1:25 PM
    Istanbul
    Alibeyköy Otogarı
    0
    Van Kalesi
    Economy
    $14
Here you will find all operators and timetables for a Bus from Ankara to Istanbul

What are the most popular stations in Ankara and Istanbul?

In Ankara, you will usually depart from Demirtepe bus station, Yol or Etlik Eski Garajlar, while in Istanbul you will be arriving at Otogar Bus Station, Esenler Bus Station or Dudullu Bus Station, but there are many more stops to explore in both locations.

How do I decide? Some tips and tricks from our experience

Are you having trouble deciding on how to get to Istanbul from Ankara? With 5 connections between 63 Bus and Carpool operators, it can be difficult to find the one ride that will make you happy. But we have some tips that can help you make the best informed decision. First of all, the best trip is always the one that meets all your needs, so make a list of all the things that you want from this journey and look for something that will satisfy all of them. Here we will go through some of the factors mostly commonly taken into consideration.

Look for the lowest price

Ticket price is usually the main concern: even if you can afford to pay more, why do it if there are cheaper options? Saving on the trip means that you can spend more on the vacation itself! Between Ankara and Istanbul, you can pay as low as $7 with a Carpool from BlaBlaCar.

Travel duration

Time is also an important factor. An earlier departure may allow you to see a beautiful sunset or relax before an important event. And remember, time is money, so paying more for a shorter trip may be well worth it. For longer distances, flights are without doubt the best options, but be mindful of airport times and possible delays: a high-speed train may end up cheaper and faster! Here the quicker option is definitely the Bus from Has Diyarbakir: you will get to Istanbul in just 4h 0m.

Comfort makes all the difference

You should always take into account what your personal travelling preferences are. Is one hand luggage enough, or are you trasporting more? Would you like to have a snack during the journey? Can you relax in a busy compartment, or do you need space for yourself? Even among the same mode of transportation, different companies will offer you varying levels of comfort and amenities. The main operators connecting Ankara and Istanbul are Villa Seyahat, Yeni Diyarbakır Seyahat and Yeni Aksaray Seyahat, but be sure to check what they have to offer!

Save money with deals, and always compare

One last tip? Even if you live in Ankara and Istanbul is your only destination, it may be wise to check the offers from and to nearby cities or, if you are flyng, nearby airports. Check the trips from Çankaya or to Üsküdar, and look at flights from Ankara Esenboğa Airport, and landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Comparing different routes may allow you to find deals or promotions you were not aware of. Consider also signing up to CheckMyBus to see even more exclusive promotions!

Which companies offer a trip from Ankara to Istanbul?

The most popular companies between Ankara and Istanbul, are Villa Seyahat, Yeni Diyarbakır Seyahat and Yeni Aksaray Seyahat. Be sure to check their seat class offers and the amenities that they provide.

Bus companies: Villa Seyahat, Yeni Diyarbakır Seyahat, Yeni Aksaray Seyahat and 15 more.

All you need to know when you travel from Ankara to Istanbul

Check all information on comfort and services on all modes of transports from Ankara to Istanbul. See which seat classes are available, and what amenities are other advantages offered by the operators on your journey.

FAQs about the trip from Ankara to Istanbul

How can I reach Istanbul from Ankara?

Every day, there are on average 5 connections between Bus and Carpool, with which you can get to Istanbul from Ankara.

How far is Istanbul from Ankara?

The distance between Ankara and Istanbul is 217.2 miles.

What is the most ecofriendly mode of transport between Ankara and Istanbul?

Trains and buses are by far the greenest options, with trains surpassing buses on longer routes. Planes will always be the worst polluters, especially in shorter flights, were the emissions from the takeoff and landing are less offset by the distance. On this particular route, a bus will emit, per person, a total of 9 kgs of CO2, a train 12 kgs, a car 59 kgs, and a flight 86 kgs.

What is the cheapest mode of transport from Ankara to Istanbul?

You can get to Istanbul with just $7 by taking a Carpool from BlaBlaCar.

What is the fastest way to get from Ankara to Istanbul?

While a plane is travelling fastest boarding and transfer to airport consumes a lot of time. Usually, high speed trains are better than flights if pure train travel time is below 4 hours. For this particular route, you can get to Istanbul in just 4h 0m with a Bus from Has Diyarbakir.

More routes to Ankara and to Istanbul

Looking for more options? Here you can see the most popular routes to Ankara and to Istanbul. Simply click on a connection, and you’ll find all the details about the route!

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