There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Ankara into a quick city adventure. From ESB, the local transport can get you into town in around 100 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at ESB:
First, verify that you can enter Turkey — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the local transport takes about 100 minutes into Ankara, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — local currency is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Ankara from the Airport
From ESB, the local transport gets you to Ankara in around 100 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 120 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
How Much Money You’ll Need
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Ankara:
Transport to the city and back runs about $10 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $20 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $40 USD total.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Ankara, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
What to Do With Your Bags
Luggage storage options at ESB can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Ankara for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
How to Spend Your Time in Ankara
For a layover visit to Ankara, we’d suggest Anıtkabir and Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi). Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Worth checking out if your schedule allows. History buffs will appreciate this, and it doesn’t take long to explore the grounds.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at ESB, check out Primeclass Lounge or ATU Duty Free to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Eat
- In the city: Zenger PaÅa KonaÄı and Trilye Restaurant are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Ankara.
- At the airport: Burger King and Starbucks will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Sleep & Lounge Options at ESB
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, ESB has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and ESB is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Ankara and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Ankara count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave ESB. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.