Getting there and around

By Air
The International Esenboga Airport is 30km north of the city centre. Transportation is provided by HAVAS shuttle buses, as well as taxis. There are flights to all major cities within Turkey and is linked internationally to a large number of destinations.

Useful Contacts:
Turkish Airlines (THY) at Esenboga Airport:
Tel: (+90 312) 398 0000 / 1517 or (+90 312) 398 0550.
THY City Offices Tel: (+90 312) 419 1492; (+90 312) 428 0200.
Fax: (+90 312) 428 1681
HAVAS Esenboga Airport:
Tel: (+90 312) 398 0000 ext. 1649
www.turkishairlines.com

By Road/Bus
It is possible to get to any point in Turkey from Ankara by bus, and even further afield with services to surrounding countries. The main bus station is 5km west of Kizilay, with over 100 bus companies operating from there. Many local buses and companies are operating to and from the city centre.

A bus ride from Istanbul takes roughly five hours and costs about 35 TL.

By Train
There are direct railway services to a large number of destinations nationwide. The train trip from Istanbul to Ankara takes around 5 hours and 36 minutes and there is an excellent and very reasonably priced overnight train. Tickets are cheaper than the bus and the journey is more comfortable. As with all reservations in Turkey, the fast trains get booked up quickly, as do sleepers, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.

Information: (+90 312) 311 0620/23
Reservations: (+90 312)311 4994 and 310 6515

Within Ankara
The city has a dense public bus network, a two-line metro/subway line (Ankara Metrosu) and a single line suburban railway called Ankara Banliyö Treni.

For foreign tourists, the bus system of Ankara might be difficult to figure out since the information is in Turkish. As a consequence of this the subway system which is  faster, easier and informative enough can be the ideal way for tourists for long distances. For short distances taxis are the fastest, easiest and the cheapest way to get around.

The most proper way for disabled people is the subway system, too. By the way, for disabled basketball fans Ankara Sports Hall maintains every possible convenience.


Dangers and annoyances

Turkey is considered to be a safe country, with a low overall crime rate. However, as in other large
metropolitan areas throughout the world, it is always useful to pay attention to your valuables.
Common street crime, especially in touristic areas, includes pickpocketing, purse snatching and mugging.

Electricity
Turkey uses a 50 Hz and 220 V power system. The power plugs are identical to those used in most of Europe (CEE 7/4 compatible type power plugs).

Tap Water
Safe to drink in all cities. However, bottled water is generally used and highly recommended.