Ankara Esenboğa Layover Guide (ESB)

What are you looking for in ESB?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Ankara Airport (ESB) is an international airport located in Akyurt, about 28 km (17 miles) from downtown Ankara. The airport officially opened in 1955 and serves as a major hub for domestic and international travel. Ankara is the capital of Türkiye and the country’s second-largest city. It is known for its government institutions, historical landmarks, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a significant center for politics, history, and education.

Can you leave Ankara Airport (ESB) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes, you can leave Ankara Airport (ESB) during a layover if you have enough time. Most travelers need a visa to enter Türkiye. Check if you need an e-Visa or are eligible for visa-free entry based on your nationality (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Ankara: Private Tour with a Local

Make the most of a short Ankara stop with a customizable private tour led by a passionate local. Choose two-to-six hours and focus on landmarks, hidden neighborhoods, markets, or cafés. Your guide tailors pacing, stories, and tips to your interests, helping you navigate efficiently and return to the airport relaxed. » book this tour

Ankara: Private Guided Walking Tour

Stretch your legs during an Ankara layover on this walking exploration. Meet your guide downtown or arrange hotel pickup, then trace history from Roman ruins to modern boulevards, sampling snacks en route. Tours last two-to-eight hours, are wheelchair-friendly, and adjust timings so you can glide back through security comfortably again. » book this tour

Ankara Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide

Capture Ankara’s essential highlights in just two hours, perfect for a tight layover schedule. Follow your guide through Haci Bayram Mosque, Augustus Temple, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and panoramic Ankara Castle. Stories weave ancient Anatolia with today’s capital culture, leaving time to savor quick coffee before your return flight. » book this tour

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

  • Anıtkabir Anıtkabir is a majestic mausoleum dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, featuring grand architecture, memorial museum exhibits, landscaped grounds, ceremonial guard changes, panoramic city views, and thoughtful design. Official site: https://www.anitkabir.tsk.tr (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Havaş shuttle to Kızılay (45 min), then metro M2 to Ulus (5 min) or taxi (30 min).)
  • Museum of Anatolian Civilizations Museum of Anatolian Civilizations showcases artifacts spanning Paleolithic to Ottoman eras, interactive displays, guided tours, educational workshops, restored architecture, archaeological galleries in reconstructed Bedesten, and informative signage. Official site: https://www.muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?SectionId=ANM01&DistId=MRK (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Havaş shuttle to Kızılay (45 min), then tram T1 to Ulus (15 min) or taxi (30 min).)
  • Ankara Castle Ankara Castle crowns the old city skyline with fortified walls, Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, narrow streets, artisan shops, panoramic vantage points, cozy cafes, cultural events, and evening light shows annually. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Havaş shuttle to Kızılay (45 min), then metro M2 to Ulus (5 min) or taxi (30 min).)
  • Kızılay Square Kızılay Square buzzes with vibrant shops, modern cafes, art galleries, street performances, lively markets, political demonstrations, and nightlife hubs. It’s Ankara’s commercial heart and social gathering spot with year-round attractions. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Havaş shuttle to Kızılay (45 min) or taxi (30 min).)
  • Hamamönü Hamamönü is a restored Ottoman neighborhood featuring colorful wooden houses, artisan workshops, traditional hammams, boutique hotels, cozy teahouses, cultural festivals, and authentic handicraft shopping and daily guided heritage walking tours. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Havaş shuttle to Kızılay (45 min), then bus 527 to Ulus (15 min) or taxi (35 min).)
  • Etnography Museum of Ankara Etnography Museum of Ankara presents Turkish folk art, traditional costumes, carpets, ceremonial attire, ethnographic artifacts, immersive exhibits, Ottoman-era jewelry, architectural design, and year-round interactive cultural workshops. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Havaş shuttle to Kızılay (45 min), then metro M2 to Sıhhiye (10 min) or taxi (30 min).)
  • CerModern CerModern is a contemporary arts center housed in a renovated locomotive factory, offering exhibitions, performances, workshops, café, bookstore, creative labs, educational programs, and vibrant year-round cultural programming. Official site: https://www.cermodern.org.tr (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Havaş shuttle to Kızılay (45 min) then bus 522 to Anadolu Bulvarı (20 min) plus 5 min walk or taxi (35 min).)
  • Göksu Park Göksu Park features a scenic lake, paddle boats, jogging trails, picnic areas, children’s playgrounds, outdoor cafes, concerts, seasonal festivals, and serene green landscapes perfect for relaxation and photography, family-friendly ambiance. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Havaş shuttle to Kızılay (45 min), then EGO bus 511 to Göksu Park (60 min) or taxi (45 min).)

Things to Do in Ankara Airport (ESB)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB) features several lounges, including the Primeclass Lounge and Turkish Airlines Lounge, offering travelers comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, Wi-Fi, and flight information. Access is available for business class passengers or through paid entry, providing a quiet environment to relax or work before flights. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There is no hotel directly inside Ankara Airport, but nearby accommodations such as Esenboğa Airport Hotel and ibis Ankara Airport are just a short drive away. These hotels offer airport shuttle services and cater to travelers with early departures or layovers, providing convenient and restful overnight stays near the terminal. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport Sleeping inside Ankara Airport is possible, though options are basic. Some seating areas in the terminal offer armrest-free benches suitable for rest, especially during quieter nighttime hours. However, noise and lighting may be a challenge, so travelers should bring eye masks and earplugs for more comfort.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available at Ankara Esenboğa Airport for a limited time. After the free period, continued access may require registration or payment. Connection speeds are generally suitable for basic browsing and messaging. Paid options or business lounges may offer faster, more stable internet for work or streaming.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM cards from major Turkish providers like Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom can be purchased at shops or kiosks in the arrivals area. These include prepaid plans with data, calls, and texts. For added convenience, eSIM options are available online before arrival, ideal for travelers with eSIM-compatible devices. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxis are readily available 24/7 at Ankara Airport. The ride to the city center typically takes 30–40 minutes depending on traffic and costs around 300–400 TRY. Official taxis operate with meters and are located just outside the arrivals terminal. Ride-hailing apps are limited but sometimes available.

Train: Ankara Esenboğa Airport does not have a direct train connection. The nearest railway stations are in central Ankara, accessible via bus or taxi from the airport. Travelers can connect to high-speed and regional trains there. more info.

Bus: Several public and private buses connect Ankara Airport to different parts of the city. The BelkoAir shuttle service runs between the airport and key locations like Kızılay and AŞTİ bus terminal. Buses are economical and depart frequently, offering a reliable option for reaching downtown. more info.

Shuttle: Private airport shuttle services operate between Ankara Airport and central hotels or major districts. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak travel periods. Shuttles are a more affordable and comfortable alternative to taxis, especially for groups or those with large luggage, and may offer door-to-door service.

Car rentals: Ankara Airport hosts numerous car rental agencies including Avis, Europcar, Enterprise, and local providers. Rental desks are located in the arrivals area. Booking in advance is advised, especially during high travel seasons. Car rental is ideal for exploring Ankara and nearby regions at your own pace. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Ankara Airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options in its multi-story parking garage near the terminal. The facility is secure and accessible 24/7, with clear signage and payment kiosks. Special spaces are available for disabled passengers. Prices vary by duration of stay.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage services are available at Ankara Airport for travelers needing to store bags temporarily. The facility is located in the arrivals area and offers hourly and daily rates. This service is useful for layovers or day trips into the city without carrying heavy luggage. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Ankara Airport (ESB) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks