Overview
The Ankara Metro (Ankara Metrosu) is the rapid transit system serving the capital of Turkey. As a visitor, you can navigate the city using a unified network where most lines are integrated into a single service. You can ride the metro and light rail systems to reach major hubs like Kızılay, which serves as a central interchange for various lines and connections.
The network
The transit network in Ankara includes several distinct types of rail and road transport:
- Metro: The main metro system consists of three integrated lines (M1, M2, and M3) providing continuous service between Koru and OSB-Törekent. These pass through the city center at stations like Ulus, Kızılay, and Sıhhiye. A fourth line, the M4, runs from Kızılay to Keçiören.
- Ankaray (Ankara ray): This is a light rail transit system (Hafif Raylı Sistem) that operates as a "light metro" line. It runs east-west between Dikimevi and the AŞTİ intercity bus terminal via Kızılay.
- Suburban Rail: The Başkentray is an east-west suburban railway serving the Ankara area.
- Buses: The city features a dense network of buses operated by EGO (toplu taşıma). These are typically white, blue, or red.
- Minibuses and Dolmuş: Privately operated minibuses and dolmuş operate primarily in the Kızılay and Ulus areas.
Tickets & fares
To navigate the system, you should use a Başkent Kart travel card, which can be purchased at kiosks or metro stations. This card is used for both the Metro and EGO buses. A single trip on these services allows for a transfer between a bus and the Metro if completed within 45 minutes.
Please note the following regarding payments:
- Bus Payments: Bus fares cannot be paid in cash; you must use a contactless card or the EGO Cep'te mobile app (where you can scan a QR code). Note that foreign bank cards may not work reliably for these transactions.
- Student/Resident Discounts: The Ankarakart is a discounted card reserved for Turkish students, teachers, and elderly residents; it is not available for tourists.
- Prices: Specific ticket prices are not listed in the source material but are subject to change.
From the airport
There are several options for traveling from Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB) into the city center:
- Express Coaches: Two companies, Ankara Air and Havaş, operate express coaches to the city. Havaş runs from both Kızılay and the main AŞTİ terminal; Ankara Air operates from Kızılay. These services typically cost 200 TL per person.
- EGO Bus: Route 442 runs from the airport arrivals level to Kızılay, taking approximately 40-50 minutes. This is a more affordable option than the private coaches but takes longer.
Etiquette & customs
While specific local etiquette rules regarding escalator positioning or seating are not detailed in the source material, you should be aware that there is no provision by any mode of public transport for travelers with restricted mobility.
Survival terms
- Metro: Metro
- Ticket: Bilet
- Line: Hat
- Entrance: Giriş
- Exit: Çıkış
- Transfer: Aktarma
- Single fare: Tek geçiş
- Day pass: Günlük kart
If you need to reach the intercity bus terminal, take the metro to Kızılay and follow the signs for "Ankaray" to reach AŞTİ.