Travel to Ankara Turkey

Travel to Ankara Turkey

It has been said that the best view of Ankara can only be had when you are leaving it.

Under these circumstances, I suppose it was to my benefit that I arrived after nightfall.

Turkey’s capital city does not have a flowery reputation, and after entering through the bus terminal, a metro ride, and a decent length walk to our new couchsurfing host’s apartment it is clear that Ankara’s repute resonates from the obvious: this city is beat.

I like beat places.
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Wade from Vagabond Journey.com
in Ankara, Turkey- March 21, 2009
Travelogue —Travel Photos –Travel Guide
Click on map to view route.

Chaya and I walked into the bus terminal in Eskisehir yesterday, and were immediately feasted upon by a gaggle of insidious vultures. Bus company men from every direction were pulling and poking at my arms, yelling to us – “Where you go? where you go?” – and doing anything they could to pressure us into purchasing our tickets to Ankara from their company.

But I do not mind this attention when it comes to purchasing something when traveling. In fact, I welcome it. The more attention that a gang of vendors pays towards me, they more aggressive people are when trying to sell me something, means that I can acquire that which I want for less of a price. The first rule of capitalism is that competition keeps prices regulated. By the amount of attention that we were being shown at the bus terminal I could tell that there was a decent amount of competition between the bus companies.

This is good.

Chaya and I walked down through the gauntlet of bus company offices with bus company representatives calling to us from all sides. We asked each company how much they charge to get to Ankara, and were quoted prices of: 17, 16, 15, and 13 Lira. Though it was obvious that there was room for negotiation.

I then named my price: 10 Lira ($6.50) per person. I wanted to pay 10 Lira to get to Ankara from Eskisehir, and a bus company quickly took up my offer.

Within ten minutes, Chaya and I were riding out the 230 km through wide open countryside to Turkey’s capital city.

It is looking as if Chaya and I should be leaving Ankara tomorrow to begin making our way to Sanliurfa.

Maps of Ankara, Turkey

Map of Ankara and suburbs. Ankara, Turkey is at an elevation of 850 meters above sea level and has a population of nearly four million people. The city previously was referred to by the following names: Ankuwash, Ancyra, Ánkyra, and Angora.

Travel from Eskisehir to Ankara: 230 km, 3 hrs, 10 Lira, comfortable ride.

Travel to Ankara Turkey