Overview

Ankara is the capital city of Turkey and the second largest city in the country after Istanbul. It is located at the heart of both Turkey and Central Anatolia. The population is around 3.5 million.
The locals are generally helpful to tourists, and many young people can communicate in English. Although most people will try to speak English with you, it´s a good idea to bring a Turkish phrasebook or dictionary.

Distance from Airport

Esenboga International Airport is located 28 km (17 mi) northeast of Ankara
International flights are rather low in frequency and scope - apart from Turkish Airlines (THY), only Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and British Airways offer direct flights to their respective European hubs. Iran Air also has two weekly flights to Tehran. For other carriers flying into Turkey, a flight into Istanbul is necessary, followed by an air transfer to Ankara by Turkish Airlines or Anadolu Jet (a low cost brand of Turkish Airlines).

Getting Downtown Ankara

The city has a two-line subway and a dense public bus network. Transportation to the city center is by taxi (around TRY 45 one way, metered) and through the Havas bus line (approximately TRY 11 one way).

When to Fly to Ankara

Peak Season:
As any other part of the Anatolian highland, the winters are cold and usually snowy. Temperature is regularly below the freezing point during this season, but it rarely drops below -15° C. Thanks to the low levels of relative humidity, the hot and dry summers are more comfortable than coastal regions of Turkey. Summer nights are cool, though, so be sure to bring at least a cardigan with you to Wear outdoors. Spring and autumn are the wettest seasons, but with an annual rainfall amount of 415 mm (i.e., a semi-arid climate), you are unlikely to get much wet during your trip to Ankara, anyway.
The peak season is the national holiday time from July to mid-September. Note Ramadan is from 20th July to 18th August 2012. As with much of Turkey, the climate of Ankara is relatively mild and continental in character, with the annual seasons remaining quite distinctive and easy to spot.

Off Season:
The winter weather in Ankara is quite short, although often quite cold, frosty and at times, a little on the snowy side.

Flying time