Ankara to Erzincan isn’t just a line on a map. It’s a crossing of Turkey’s interior, moving from the capital’s bustle into the rugged, snow-capped landscapes of Eastern Anatolia. The distance feels longer than it is on paper. You’re looking at roughly 685 kilometers. Most people choose to drive or take a bus.
The drive takes about eight hours and thirteen minutes. That is if you stick to the D200/E88 route. There is an alternative via the Amasya-Erzurum road. That one is slightly shorter at 676 kilometers but takes eight hours and eighteen minutes. The difference is negligible. The terrain is what matters.
Driving the Route: Logistics and Timing
If you are planning an Ankara Erzincan car trip, you need to account for fatigue. The route passes through Sivas and Erbaa. These are not scenic coastlines. They are straight highways cutting through plains and mountains.
The primary route is the D200/E88 highway. It is the standard for a reason. It is well-maintained but can be busy with truck traffic. Winter driving is a different beast entirely. Snow and ice are real risks from November to April. If you are driving in colder months, check the weather before you leave Ankara.
“The drive takes about eight hours and thirteen minutes. That is if you stick to the D200/E88 route.”
Key driving details:
– Distance: 685 km via D200/E88.
– Time: 8 hours 13 minutes.
– Alternative Route: Via Amasya-Erzurum (676 km, 8 hours 18 minutes).
– Vehicle: Private car.
Bus Travel: The Practical Choice
Most travelers between these two cities do not drive. They take a bus. It is cheaper, less stressful, and frequent.
The journey by bus takes 10 hours and 11 minutes. The distance covered is 689 kilometers. Why is it longer than the car route? Stops. Breaks. Traffic variations. The bus companies are well-established. You have options like Kamil Koç, Aras, Barış, Esadaş, Erzincan Başak, and Metro Turizm.
Seats fill up quickly on weekends. Book in advance.
Bus Costs and Schedules
How much does an Ankara to Erzincan bus ticket cost? Prices fluctuate based on fuel costs, service quality, and the specific company.
- Average Cheapest Fare: 250 TL.
- Average Highest Fare: 400 TL.
- Daily Departures: 36 trips.
This means you are not stuck with a single departure time. There are options throughout the day. Early morning buses are popular for those who want to arrive in Erzincan by late afternoon.
Flying: Speed Over Scenery
If time is your only metric, flying wins.
Ankara to Erzincan flight time is just 1 hour and 20 minutes. The distance through the air is 568 kilometers. But here is the catch. You have to get to the airport in Ankara. You have to check in. You have to wait on the tarmac. Then, in Erzincan, you have to get from the airport into the city.
When you add that up, the total door-to-door time might only save you two or three hours compared to the bus. And the cost?
Flight Pricing
- **Average
