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4.6
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Ankara to Istanbul
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Ankara to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $23 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 23m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the bus is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.4 - 0.9kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, while a flight costs an average of $121.
Distance: 218 miles (352 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$23 Average price Cheapest | $121 Average price | $82 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 32m Average total duration 7h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 23m Average total duration Fastest 1h 23m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 39m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.1 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Compare ways to travel from Ankara to Istanbul
Compare the available ways to get from Ankara to Istanbul, with the key details around price, speed, convenience, and direct service.
This is compared to other travel options from Ankara to Istanbul:
A bus is $98 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ankara to Istanbul costing on average $121.
Other travel options to Istanbul take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 32m.
Tickets start at around $23 compared to roughly $82 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $60. The journey takes 7h 2m versus 4h 39m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Travel optionsfrom Ankara to Istanbul
How to get from Ankara to Istanbul by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Ankara to Istanbul is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
- FlixBus5:45 PM8h15Ankara, D200 (Kayaş - Ateşçi Av Malzemeleri)2:00 AMİstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı$231One-way0 transfers
Cheapest
- FlixBus5:45 PM8h15Ankara, D200 (Kayaş - Ateşçi Av Malzemeleri)2:00 AMİstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı$231One-way0 transfers
Fastest
PC268311:20 PM1h10Ankara Esenboga International Airport12:30 AMIstanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport$381One-way0 transfers
Other options
- FlixBus5:45 PM8h30Ankara, D200 (Kayaş - Ateşçi Av Malzemeleri)2:15 AMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)$231One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus3:45 PM8h45Ankara, D200 (Kayaş - Ateşçi Av Malzemeleri)12:30 AMİstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı$231One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus3:45 PM9h00Ankara, D200 (Kayaş - Ateşçi Av Malzemeleri)12:45 AMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)$231One-way0 transfers
- TK218311:10 PM1h20Ankara Esenboga International Airport12:30 AMIstanbul Airport$711One-way0 transfers
- PC26855:45 AM1h10Ankara Esenboga International Airport6:55 AMIstanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport$751One-way0 transfers
- TK218511:55 PM1h15Ankara Esenboga International Airport1:10 AMIstanbul Airport$861One-way0 transfers
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, buses and flights
Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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FAQs: Travel from Ankara to Istanbul
Travel to Istanbul easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Ankara to Istanbul.
This is compared to other travel options from Ankara to Istanbul:
A bus is $98 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ankara to Istanbul costing on average $121.
Other travel options to Istanbul take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 32m.
- Around 37 buses per day.
- Around 25 flights per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Ankara and Istanbul as scheduled services by bus and flight can vary by season or day of the week.
- Flights mostly depart from Ankara Esenboga International Airport and arrive in Istanbul Airport.
- Buses mostly depart from Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ and arrive in İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı.
- Travel with FlixBus to go to Istanbul by bus.
- Travel with Pegasus, Turkish Airlines, AJet to go to Istanbul by flight.
- 37 direct buses per day with FlixBus.
- 22 direct flights per day with Pegasus, Turkish Airlines, AJet.
Travelling from Ankara to Istanbul: related information
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
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