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Travel Information
Compare coach and flight for Ankara to Istanbul
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Ankara to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £17 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 coach is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.4 - 0.9kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £17, while a flight costs an average of £89.
Distance: 352 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£17 Average Price Cheapest | £89 Average Price | £61 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Ankara to Istanbul is a coach with an average price of £17.
This is compared to other travel options from Ankara to Istanbul:
A coach is £72 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ankara to Istanbul costing on average £89.
The fastest way to travel from Ankara to Istanbul is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 23m.
Other travel options to Istanbul take longer:
Coach takes on average 7h 32m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ankara and Istanbul including taking a coach and flight.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £17 compared to roughly £61 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £44. 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 to Istanbul from Ankara by train, bus, flight or ferry.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Ankara to Istanbul is by taking a coach because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
- FlixBus
13:45 7h45 Ankara, D200 (Kayaş - Ateşçi Av Malzemeleri) 21:30 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı £17 1 One-way 0 changes
Cheapest
- FlixBus
13:45 7h45 Ankara, D200 (Kayaş - Ateşçi Av Malzemeleri) 21:30 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı £17 1 One-way 0 changes
Fastest
PC268323:55 1h10 Ankara Esenboga International Airport 1:05 Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport £28 1 One-way 0 changes
Other options
Coach
Flight
- FlixBus
13:45 8h00 Ankara, D200 (Kayaş - Ateşçi Av Malzemeleri) 21:45 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) £17 1 One-way 0 changes - FlixBus
15:45 8h45 Ankara, D200 (Kayaş - Ateşçi Av Malzemeleri) 0:30 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı £17 1 One-way 0 changes - FlixBus
17:45 9h00 Ankara, D200 (Kayaş - Ateşçi Av Malzemeleri) 2:45 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı £17 1 One-way 0 changes
- PC2685
5:45 1h10 Ankara Esenboga International Airport 6:55 Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport £28 1 One-way 0 changes - PC2681
21:05 1h10 Ankara Esenboga International Airport 22:15 Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport £29 1 One-way 0 changes - PC2661
8:40 1h10 Ankara Esenboga International Airport 9:50 Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport £29 1 One-way 0 changes
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, coaches, flights and ferries
Compare coach 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.
Best day trips from Istanbul by train
The most popular day trips by train from Istanbul are İzmit, Bursa, Adapazarı, Yalova and Edirne. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Istanbul on Omio.
Day trip from Istanbul to Bursa by train
Why visit Bursa for the day?
Bursa is known for its Ottoman heritage, silk trade and Iskender kebab, with grand mosques and historic bazaars shaping the city’s character. Between fertile lowlands and Uludağ’s slopes, it feels traditional, green and industrious.
Day trip from Istanbul to Adapazarı by train
Day trip from Istanbul to Yalova by train
Day trip from Istanbul to Edirne by train
Why visit Edirne for the day?
Edirne was the Ottoman capital before Istanbul and is known for the striking Selimiye Mosque. Bridges, bazaars and Balkan influences give the city a lively borderland character.
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FAQs: 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.
There are 2 options to travel between Ankara and Istanbul including taking a coach and flight.
The cheapest way to travel from Ankara to Istanbul is a coach with an average price of £17.
This is compared to other travel options from Ankara to Istanbul:
A coach is £72 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ankara to Istanbul costing on average £89.
The fastest way to travel from Ankara to Istanbul is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 23m.
Other travel options to Istanbul take longer:
Coach takes on average 7h 32m.
The Ankara to Istanbul distance is approximately 352 km.
The average frequency per day from Ankara to Istanbul is:
- Around 37 coaches 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 coach and flight can vary by season or day of the week.
These are the most popular departure and arrival points from Ankara to Istanbul:
- Flights mostly depart from Ankara Esenboga International Airport and arrive in Istanbul Airport.
- Coaches mostly depart from Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ and arrive in İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı.
If finding a good deal is your main consideration for your trip from Ankara to Istanbul, then we'll help you find the best value travel companies for you:
- Travel with FlixBus to go to Istanbul by coach.
- Travel with Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, AJet to go to Istanbul by flight.
Yes, there are direct services available from Ankara to Istanbul with the following travel companies:
- 37 direct coaches per day with FlixBus.
- 22 direct flights per day with Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, AJet.
Omio customers who travel from Ankara to Istanbul often also extend their vacation to go to Göreme, Sofia, Antalya, Athens, İzmir. Omio can help you plan your trip by finding the best connections between Istanbul and these popular destinations at a great price.
To get from Ankara to Istanbul, you can choose from several travel options including coach and flight.
In Istanbul, you can explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets, or take a Bosphorus Cruise for scenic views of the city's skyline and historic landmarks. Visit the Spice Bazaar for exotic spices and local delicacies, or relax in a traditional Turkish Bath. Discover Istiklal Avenue, a lively street for shopping and entertainment. For sightseeing, don't miss the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Galata Tower for a mix of history, architecture, and stunning views.
Three to four days in Istanbul is ideal to explore its rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
Travelling from Ankara to Istanbul: related information
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
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