Express Bus Service Between Istanbul and Ankara Starts in 2026

Express Buses Between Istanbul and Ankara to Launch in November

Türkiye is preparing to introduce a new format for intercity bus travel. Beginning in November 2026, express buses will start operating between Istanbul and Ankara, travelling directly without stopping in intermediate cities.

The model has already been successfully introduced on the Istanbul–Izmir route and will now be expanded to one of Türkiye's busiest intercity corridors.

Faster Travel Between Türkiye's Two Largest Cities

The main objective of the new service is to reduce travel time and provide passengers with a faster alternative that can better compete with Türkiye's high-speed rail network.

Unlike standard intercity buses, the new express services will operate non-stop between Istanbul and Ankara.

Cities That Will Be Skipped

Express buses will no longer stop in the following cities:

• Kocaeli;
• Sakarya;
• Düzce;
• Bolu;
• Beypazarı;
• Polatlı.

This direct service is expected to significantly shorten journey times for passengers travelling between Istanbul and Ankara.

Two Types of Bus Services

Following the launch, transport companies will offer two categories of routes:

• Standard services – stopping in intermediate cities;
• Express services – travelling directly without stops.

According to Turkish media reports, around half of all Istanbul–Ankara bus departures are expected to be converted into express services.

Ticket Prices Expected to Be Higher

Official fares have not yet been announced. However, industry sources expect express tickets to cost more than standard services due to the shorter travel time and direct route.

Transport operators are expected to publish final details, including schedules, fares and the exact launch date, in the coming weeks.

If the project proves successful, similar express bus services could be introduced on other popular intercity routes across Türkiye.