Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB) is located approximately 28 km north of Kızılay, Ankara's city centre. Official metered taxis operate 24 hours from the rank outside the arrivals exit. This guide gives you the complete fare table so you know exactly what to expect before you travel — and how to avoid being overcharged.
All fares calculated using the official Ankara meter tariff (May 2026): 200 TRY flag-fall + 40 TRY/km. Prices are estimates — actual fare depends on traffic.
Estimated Taxi Fares from Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB)
| Destination | Distance | Est. Fare | Journey Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kızılay (City Centre) | ~28 km | ~1,350 TRY | ~25–35 min |
| AŞTİ (Coach Terminal) | ~30 km | ~1,450 TRY | ~30–40 min |
| Ulus (Old City) | ~32 km | ~1,500 TRY | ~30–40 min |
| Ankara Train Station (Garı) | ~33 km | ~1,550 TRY | ~35–45 min |
| Çankaya / Tunalı Hilmi | ~35 km | ~1,650 TRY | ~35–45 min |
Fares are estimates: 200 TRY flag-fall + 40 TRY/km × distance. Traffic can affect journey time.
How the Ankara Taxi Meter Works
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Flag-fall | 200 TRY |
| Per km | 40 TRY |
| Night surcharge | None |
Example — Kızılay (~28 km): 200 + (28 × 40) = 200 + 1,120 = ~1,320 TRY (est. ~1,350 TRY with small deviations)
Example — Çankaya (~35 km): 200 + (35 × 40) = 200 + 1,400 = ~1,600 TRY
Where to Find Taxis at ESB
The official taxi rank is directly outside the arrivals exit, ground floor. Taxis are available 24 hours. Always use the meter — fixed-price offers from touts inside the terminal are typically far above the metered rate.
Safety tips:
- Only use taxis from the official rank outside arrivals
- Ask the driver to start the meter immediately
- A receipt is available on request
- All licensed Ankara airport taxis display a digital taximeter
Taxi vs Shuttle — When Each Makes Sense
For solo travellers and couples, the Havaş shuttle or AnkaraAir bus to Kızılay (200 TRY) saves over 1,100 TRY vs a taxi. The EGO 442 public bus costs just 130 TRY. Taxi becomes competitive for groups of 3–4 heading to the same address.
| Destination | Taxi | Shuttle | Break-even group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kızılay | ~1,350 TRY | 200 TRY (Havaş/AnkaraAir) | 4+ people |
| AŞTİ | ~1,450 TRY | 200 TRY (Havaş) | 4+ people |
| Kızılay (budget) | ~1,350 TRY | 130 TRY (EGO 442 bus) | 5+ people |
Choose taxi when:
- Travelling with 3–4 people splitting the fare
- Arriving late at night when shuttle service is limited
- Your hotel is far from Kızılay or AŞTİ shuttle stops
- Heading to a destination not on the shuttle route (Çankaya, Tunalı Hilmi, Ulus)
Choose Havaş/AnkaraAir when:
- Travelling solo or as a couple
- Going to Kızılay or AŞTİ — both are well-served by shuttle
- Budget is a priority — shuttle saves 1,100+ TRY per person
See the Ankara Esenboğa shuttle page for all shuttle routes and times.
Related Guides
- Ankara Airport to City Center — full comparison: Havaş, EGO bus, taxi
- Ankara Esenboğa Parking Guide 2026
- Ankara Esenboğa shuttle page — Havaş, AnkaraAir and EGO 442 schedules
- Ankara Airport overview — all transport options
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from Ankara Esenboğa Airport to the city centre? Approximately 1,350 TRY by metered taxi from ESB to Kızılay (~28 km, 25–35 minutes). The Havaş shuttle and AnkaraAir bus cost 200 TRY — much cheaper for solo travellers.
How much is a taxi from ESB to AŞTİ (bus terminal)? Approximately 1,450 TRY by metered taxi (~30 km, 30–40 minutes). Havaş also serves AŞTİ directly for 200 TRY.
How much is a taxi from Esenboğa Airport to Çankaya? Approximately 1,650 TRY by metered taxi (~35 km, 35–45 minutes). Shuttle buses don't serve Çankaya directly — if your hotel is in Çankaya, taxi is the most practical option.
Are taxis 24 hours at Ankara Esenboğa Airport? Yes. The official taxi rank outside the arrivals exit operates around the clock.
Do Ankara Airport taxis use a meter? Yes. All licensed Ankara taxis use the official meter — 200 TRY flag-fall + 40 TRY/km. There is no night surcharge. Always insist the meter is running before departure.
Is there a cheaper way from ESB than taxi? Yes — the Havaş shuttle and AnkaraAir bus both cost 200 TRY to Kızılay. The EGO 442 city bus costs just 130 TRY but takes longer. See the full shuttle guide.
