The road from Ankara to Van is long. Travel across much of Anatolia from the political center of Turkey to the rugged highlands of the east.
If you’re planning this trip, you’ll want to understand the logistics before you pack your luggage. Distance is more than just a number on a map. It requires time, energy and attention.
How long does it take to get from Ankara to Van?
There is no single answer. The time depends entirely on how you move.
If you drive your own car, the most common route of the D300 highway covers 1,243 km. Taking into account rest stops, traffic conditions and the quality of different road sections, the estimated driving time at average speed is 14 hours 48 minutes.
There are other road options. The D200/E88 route is slightly shorter 1171 km, but the terrain is more challenging. The Ankara-Tarsus highway route takes 1374 km and 15 hours 21 minutes.
Public transport changes the situation. The bus journey is 1,222 km, but takes 18 hours and 24 minutes. Why is there a difference? Stops. Security checks. Passenger pickup. In fact, buses are not designed to maintain highway speeds during this time.
Trains are a whole other story. 1245 km 25 hours and 17 minutes. This is the slowest of the mechanical options listed, but some find the rhythmic click of the rails better than the separation of the car.
“For time-poor travelers, flights can fly 955 kilometers in just 1 hour and 30 minutes, But you lose the journey.”
Walking is possible in theory, but not possible in practice. This takes 213 hours. It took almost nine days of continuous walking. Do not do so unless you are making a pilgrimage or making a statement.
How much is a bus ticket from Ankara to Van?
Price sensitivity is real. Currently, the cheapest bus ticket costs about 500 TL.
Prices vary depending on the carrier, service level (standard or luxury bus) and current fuel costs. 20 daily departures gives you flexibility. You are not locked in a window.
Compare this to flying. Flights start at around 927 TL. If time is of the essence, you may be able to save yourself a 14-hour drive, even at an additional cost. However, remember that airport transfers, security and boarding add hidden time costs that are not reflected in flight time alone.
Which cities do you pass through?
A route is more than just a straight line on a map. It passes through certain corridors in Eastern and Central Anatolia.
When you drive from Ankara to Van, you pass through or near several large provinces. The itinerary usually takes you through:
Kırşehir
Kayseri
Malatya
Elazığ
* Bingöl
*Muş
Each site offers a glimpse into an ever-changing landscape. The rolling green hills of central Turkey gradually give way to drier hills.
