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World Travel Guide > Guides > Europe > Turkey > Ankara

Local time Ankara

Currency

YTL

Getting around Ankara

Public transport

Ankara's public transport options range from buses and taxis to the dolmuş (shared minibus) and the subway - all but taxis are operated by EGO (tel: +90 312 507 1000; www.ego.gov.tr). Services are frequent and reliable, with the subway in particular a highly preferable alternative to navigating the traffic of the city by car. There's also a free cable car connecting Şentepe with Yenimahalle.

Ankara's buses are cheap and frequent, yet crowded and sluggish at peak times. Red or blue Belediye Otobüsü buses are run by the municipality. Passengers board using a prepaid book of electronic tickets as this service is aimed squarely at the daily commuter. The privately run Halk Otobüsü service is cash-only (with a comparable price) and either green or blue in colour. 

Ankara's underground network consists of four lines, Ankaray (light rail), M1, M2 and M3. A fifth is under construction.

Dolmuş, Turkey's inexpensive shared minibus, follows specific routes in Ankara. Payment is fixed by the city municipality and calculated according to the distance travelled with a choice of standard or requested stops (call out 'inecek var' meaning 'someone is getting off here' and the van will screech to a halt). The word dolmuş means stuffed so expect conditions to be cramped.

Taxis

In Ankara, you'll see the city's distinctive bright-yellow taxis (taksis) everywhere you look. All are signed and have the letter T in their licence plates. Fares are metered according to a set tariff and distance travelled (per km). Reliable companies include Elhamra Taksi (tel: +90 312 312 5343), Dikmen Taksi (tel: +90 312 483 1585) and Dikimevi Taksi (tel: +90 312 362 2248).

Driving

While driving to the city and hotels from the airport is relatively straightforward, braving central Ankara itself is not for anyone without nerves of steel. One-way streets, congestion, impatient commuters and sparse parking can make navigating the city a real chore. So if you were planning on driving in the city or hiring a car, consider using public transport instead.

Car hire

Many major car hire companies are represented at Ankara Airport, including Proper Cars (tel: +90 252 316 9540; www.propercar.com), Rent-a-Car Turkey (tel: +90 242 311 8212; www.rentacarturkey.com) and Car Rental Turkey (tel: +90 544 227 2880; www.carrentalturkey.com). You can book online to save money.

Bicycle hire

Ankara enjoys a lengthy association with cycling and there are many popular routes in and around the city. However, traffic in central Ankara is fast and furious: a major turnoff for cyclists.

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Divan Çukurhan

One of Ankara's most atmospheric hotels, this luxury property is set inside the restored Çukurhan caravanserai building which dates back to the 16th century. Rooms boldly fuse Turkish and Asian decoration with contemporary, colourful design, while the central courtyard holds onto its historic features but has a glass roof.

Sheraton Ankara Towers

This prominent landmark hotel soars high above the central city and offers unrivalled views of Ankara's bustling Kavaklıdere district. Rooms are classically styled in earthy tones and come with full modern amenities, while the hotel has bars and restaurants, a pool and fitness centre.

Otel Mithat

Neat and tidy (though small) rooms, friendly staff who speak some English and a central location are the major bonuses at this downtown Ulus hotel, just off the main road. The included breakfast is very good and unlike a lot of hotels in the Ulus district, rooms aren't too noisy.

Murat Bey Konağı

Nestled amongst the alleyways of the citadel district, this charming small hotel delivers oodles of cosy appeal, wrapped up in a restored, wooden Ottoman mansion. The outdoor courtyard is a tranquil escape from the city, while the smallish rooms have original Ottoman features but are decorated in a modern style.

Grand Sera Hotel

This is a solid budget choice in downtown Ulus which punches above its weight, offering decent-sized rooms freshly decorated in light colours, comfortable beds and modern amenities. Staff don't speak much English but are very friendly and helpful.

Hotel Abro

For a mid-range, comfortable option, this place takes some beating. Highly popular with both business and leisure travellers, Abro's minimalist-style, spacious rooms are fitted out with modern amenities and are in a prime Kızılay location, close to Ankara's vibrant cafe and restaurant scene.