Stops along the way
Stops between İstanbul and Ankara
509 km, roughly 5 hours of driving. The stops below are ordered as you pass them — the same road in both directions.
In short
The drive between İstanbul and Ankara is 509 km and takes roughly 5 hours. There are 849 described places within 20 km of this route; it crosses 6 provinces, and the densest stretch is in Ankara (122 places).
There are 849 places within 20 km of this corridor; the 55 below are spread evenly along the drive.
1
Avrupa Kültür Başkenti Mübadele Müzesi
Çatalca, İstanbul
The European Capital of Culture Exchange Museum is Turkey's first migration-themed museum, providing an important space for those nostalgic about the past.
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2
Arnavutköy Yeniköy Halk Plajı
Arnavutköy, İstanbul
Arnavutköy Yeniköy Public Beach is a public beach candidate included in the official 2025 Blue Flag list.
3
Sadberk Hanim Müzesi
Sarıyer, İstanbul
Sadberk Hanım Museum is located in a 19th-century building and hosts a rich collection of artifacts.
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4
Rumeli Feneri
Sarıyer, İstanbul
Rumeli Feneri is a historic lighthouse located at the point where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea.
5
Beylerbeyi Sarayı
Üsküdar, İstanbul
Beylerbeyi Palace was built as a summer residence for Ottoman sultans and served to host foreign heads of state.
6
Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü Müzesi
Kadıköy, İstanbul
The Fenerbahçe Sports Club Museum showcases the 100 years of achievements and awards of Fenerbahçe, an essential part of Turkish sports.
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7
Polonezköy
Beykoz, İstanbul
Polonezköy is a village located 30 km away from Istanbul, immersed in nature. It is a peaceful getaway with walking paths and cycling trails.
8
İstanbul Oyuncak Müzesi
Kadıköy, İstanbul
The Istanbul Toy Museum, founded by poet-writer Sunay Akın, opened its doors in 2005. The museum showcases over 4,000 toys acquired from various parts of the world.
9
Bayramoğlu Adası
Darıca, Kocaeli
Bayramoğlu Island is a peninsula known for its historical background and natural beauty. It is an ideal place for walking during the summer months.
10
HünkÂr Çeşmesi Ve Çayiri
Gebze, Kocaeli
Hünkâr Çeşmesi and Çayırı is a historical site dedicated to Fatih Sultan Mehmet, featuring a fountain and hosting traditional wrestling festivals annually.
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11
Ballikayalar
Gebze, Kocaeli
Ballıkayalar is a nature park located in Gebze, offering an ideal area for mountaineering.
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12
Çerkeşli Kayalitepe
Dilovası, Kocaeli
This route, which goes from Çerkeşli village to the summit of Kayalıtepe, is the longest of Kocaeli'nin natural hiking routes. In addition to the length of the distance, the steep ascent and descent should be taken into consideration. Çerkeşli Village forms the starting point of this route.
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13
Taşköprü Çobangeçidi Kanyonu
Körfez, Kocaeli
Taşköprü Çobangeçidi Canyon is an area notable for its historical and archaeological richness.
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14
Sultan Baba Türbesi
Gölcük, Kocaeli
It is the only tomb structure from the Ottoman Period, located on a raised platform on a hill surrounded by cypress trees in Örcün Village, Değirmendere, Gölcük District. Inside, there is a wooden sarcophagus belonging to Sultan Baba and a decree dating from the years 1787 from the time of Selim III. He is a member of the Şemsi Branch of the Halveti Order. In the graveyard located to the right of the tomb entrance, there is an Ottoman Grave dated 1879.
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15
Sarayli Köyü Yukarı Değirmendere
Gölcük, Kocaeli
Saraylı Village is attractive for its cultural heritage houses, its cemetery dating from the Ottoman Period, and the Çavuş grape. This route is of a kind where one can enjoy walking through a historic village in the Samanlı Mountains and within the Değirmendere Valley. A short section of the route is a steep ascent, and then another short section continues flat. Since the other sections continue as steep descents, the use of poles is absolutely necessary.
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16
Pertev Mehmet Paşa (Yeni Cuma) Camii ve Külliyesi
İzmit, Kocaeli
It was commissioned in the name of Pertev Mehmet Paşa, the 2nd vizier of Sultan Selim II, after his death upon his will by his steward Sinan ağa, and according to the mosque inscription it was completed in 1579. Together with the mosque, the sıbyan school and the remains of the bath are still standing. The mosque and the külliye are works of Mimar Sinan. Of the külliye, only the mosque and fountain have survived to the present day preserving their features.
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17
İzmit Elektronik Kent Müzesi
İzmit, Kocaeli
The Electronic City Museum introduces the city's history, economy, culture and tourism, historical artifacts and municipal services to all local and foreign visitors in an electronic environment. In the museum's sections, there are models of 10 important historical structures integrated with an audio system.
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18
Aytepe Değirmen Düzü
Başiskele, Kocaeli
A large part of this route, which is visually perfect and has a geography where everyone can walk comfortably, consists of descents. Therefore, it is especially useful to use a walking stick throughout the hike. The last flat stretch on the road descending from Aytepe to soğuk su is the point we prefer as the starting place of this trail. This route, consisting of a dirt forest road and occasional paths, can be walked in all four seasons, although the most ideal times are the seasons excluding the winter period.
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19
Cami Düzü Yuvacik Baraji
Başiskele, Kocaeli
This route consists of a traffic-free dirt vehicle road located just across from the main highway around Yuvacık Barajı. Rest areas have been created within the route by the Metropolitan Municipality. We recommend Cami Düzü village as the starting point of the route. The end point of the route is the area where the body of Yuvacık Barajı is located. A 5 km section of the route consists of a flat dirt vehicle road.
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20
Kuzu Yaylası
Kartepe, Kocaeli
When you arrive at Kuzu Yaylası by roads surrounded by pine, beech and linden trees and colorful flowers, the panoramic view and nature create a very impressive atmosphere. If you want to lose yourself in an endless whiteness, rise above the clouds, in short, live a snow-white dream, Kartepe is the owner of this impressive beauty. Its ارتفاع is 1602 m.
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21
Haciyakup Çayiri Kartepe Zirvesi
Sapanca, Sakarya
Kartepe, the Samanlı Mountains and Kocaeli's highest point (1602 m.), it is possible to observe Bursa Uludağ and the entire Samanlı range from the Summit Point and to watch the Gulf of İzmit and Lake Sapanca from a bird's-eye view. Kartepe has become a center of attraction in terms of ski tourism in recent years. The journey, which begins after passing Kuzu Yayla located just below the summit point of Kartepe, ends within the borders of Sakarya.
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22
Altıoluk Eskiyayla
Sapanca, Sakarya
The route, which starts from a place near the summit of Kartepe, ends at Eski Yayla (Öküzyatağı), located within the borders of Sakarya's Pamukova district, after Altıoluk Yaylası. Thus, we walk the Samanlı Mountains from the northern direction (İzmit Gulf) toward the southern direction (Sakarya Valley). The journey, which begins after passing Kuzu Yayla, located just below the summit point on Kartepe, ends within the borders of Sakarya.
23
Akarsu Kanosu (mudurnu Çayi)
Adapazarı, Sakarya
It is a 2-stage activity area starting from Dokurcun Town of Akyazı District and continuing to Kuzuluk Town. Course 1: 20 km between Akyazı Dokurcun and Beldibi village. Course 2: 12 km between Beldibi and Kuzuluk town. Course Features: It is a suitable and safe environment with a beautiful natural texture for those new to this sport.
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24
Kuzuluk Orman İÇİ Dinlenme Yeri
Akyazı, Sakarya
It is located on the Adapazarı-Akyazı-Mudurnu road, 8 kilometers from Akyazı and 34 kilometers from Adapazarı. It has an area of 11,85 hectares. It was established in 1996. In the area; there are facilities such as a countryside casino, toilet, fountain, entrance control booth, and children's playground. The forest recreation area, covered with beech and oak forest, has a development plan.
25
Akyazi Akbalik Yariş Alanı
Akyazı, Sakarya
Features of Akyazı Akbalık Race Area: These are organizations held together with competitors invited from surrounding provinces in order to observe and evaluate the latest condition of the horses bred by horse breeders in the region. Track: It is the race area prepared in advance according to the breed of the horses and the distance they will run. (1000/2000 Meters) In addition, the Akbalık Oil Wrestling is also held in this area.
26
Keremali Türbesi
Akyazı, Sakarya
Keremali Tomb is located on Keramali Plateau in the Akyazı district. Various legends are told about Keremali Tomb: When four of the seven saintly brothers who rendered great services in the Islamization of Anatolia died, the remaining Kerem, Ali and Hasan came by boat to the foot of present-day Keremali Hill. Although Kerem and Ali got off the boat, Hasan did not. The others shouted after him, “Stop Hasan,” but Hasan did not stop and disappeared into the water.
27
Çiğdem Yaylası
Hendek, Sakarya
Çiğdem Yaylası, where houses notable for their structure are located, has been listed among Turkey’s ten most beautiful plateaus by a large jury consisting of tourism professionals, travelers and writers. With its wide area covered with grass called topukotu, and its small and gently sloping hills, the plateau has a very pleasant view. Plateau festivals are held on the plateau every year in the second week of July.
28
Tarihi Uğurlu Köyü Yeni Meze Cami
Akçakoca, Düzce
It is located in Uğurlu Köyü, 16km from Akçakoca. The mosque, which is a fine example of stone workmanship, was built in 1885. The mosque, which contains inscriptions dating back to the Ottomans, is one of the important values of the province.
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29
Sarıyayla Şelalesi
Akçakoca, Düzce
Aktaş Waterfall is located within the borders of Aktaş Village, 11km. from Akçakoca city center. With its nature and the rich vegetation around it, it is one of Akçakoca’s natural beauties worth seeing. Aktaş Waterfall, one of the places that tourists coming to the region for sea tourism have only recently begun to discover, is quite suitable for nature sports such as trekking and photo safari among the sound of the water falling from 50mt. and the greenery surrounding it.
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30
Antik Tiyatro
Düzce merkez, Düzce
The Konuralp Ancient City, whose history dates back to the 3rd century BC, contains the historical and cultural values of Düzce province with the Konuralp Museum, Roman Bridge, Aqueducts and Ancient Theatre.
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31
Saz Köy
Kaynaşlı, Düzce
For those looking for an alternative holiday with a traditional lifestyle and wanting to experience village life, the 90-year-old Tekir Village House, located in the village and built according to the Abhaz Culture tradition, serves those who wish to stay. Its nature and the farm animals in its garden, the wood stove burning in winter, dinners eaten by the fireplace, and its authentic atmosphere win the appreciation of visitors.
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32
Hasanlar Barajı
Yığılca, Düzce
The lake, of a size and beauty too great to fit in the eye, attracts people by offering pastoral delights in all its exuberance and beauty from every curve and every height. While the road running parallel to the lake occasionally allows descent all the way to the lakeshore, it offers the chance to picnic on the shore.
33
Hayreddin-i Tokadı Türbesi
Bolu Merkez, Bolu
It is located 13 km. west of Bolu city center, within the borders of Elmalık Village, 4 km. from the Abant road junction on the northern side, on a hill known by its own name, within a forested area. The graves belonging to Hayrettin-i Tokadi, a member of the Halvetiyye order, and his disciples have been enclosed within a concrete frame. The grave belonging to Hayrettin-i Tokadi, who died in 1524, is located within an iron cage.
34
Bolu Müzesi
Bolu Merkez, Bolu
In the museum located in the Cultural Center belonging to the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, as of 2018, there are a total of 17083 works, including 3351 archaeological works, 1627 ethnographic works and 12105 coins. The Museum, located on the ground floor of the Cultural Center building, consists of 2 sections: the archaeology hall and the ethnography hall.
35
İmaret Cami
Bolu Merkez, Bolu
According to foundation records, the mosque, understood to have been built in the 16th century by Şemsi Ahmet Paşa, a descendant of Kızıl Ahmed Bey, has largely lost its originality through the repairs it has undergone over time.
36
Aktaş Cami
Bolu Merkez, Bolu
The mosque, with a rectangular plan and a flat wooden ceiling, has an enclosed last congregation area. There is a women's gallery with wooden railings and latticework. To the right of the entrance is the muezzin's gallery. It has a muqarnas mihrab and a wooden minbar. In the mosque, rectangular windows with wooden jambs were used. There is a tomb adjoining the left facade of the mosque and a fountain to its north. It is covered externally with a hipped roof. It has wide wooden eaves.
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37
Gölcük Tabiat Parkı
Bolu Merkez, Bolu
It is an artificial barrier lake built 13 km. south of Bolu. The lake, surrounded by pine and fir trees, has a magnificent view in every season. The lake and its surroundings are under protection by the National Parks as a “Forest Recreation Area”. Vehicles are not allowed into the surroundings of this very charming and small lake.
38
Yedigöller Milli Parkı
Bolu Merkez, Bolu
Yedigöller National Park, located north of Bolu, is a national park known for its natural beauty. This area, consisting of seven lakes, is ideal for activities such as hiking and picnicking.
39
Kartalkaya Kayak Merkezi
Bolu Merkez, Bolu
Bolu, which is famous throughout our country for its green nature, forests, natural beauties, lakes, mountains and plateaus, has a very important place nationwide especially in winter tourism. Kartalkaya Ski Center, which is the most important winter tourism center of our country, is located 38 kilometers southeast of Bolu city center. Kartalkaya Ski Center is located within the "Bolu - Köroğlu Mountain Culture and Tourism Protection and Development Region" declared by the Council of Ministers.
40
Köroğlu Şelalesi
Dörtdivan, Bolu
The waterfall, located a short distance from the forest road branching off from the Dörtdivan Kartalkaya road to Köroğlu Tourism Area, has a captivating beauty. The waterfall can be reached by off-road vehicle. There is no access in the winter season.
41
Yeniçağa Gölü
Yeniçağa, Bolu
Located in the center of Yeniçağa district, 37 km east of Bolu on the Bolu - Ankara Highway, the lake is a basin lake. The lake, at an altitude of 989 meters, covers an area of 2780 decares. Its deepest point is 12 meters. On the shore of the lake, where various water birds can be found, there is a bird observation tower. Yeniçağa Gölü is an important location during the migration period, especially for bird species such as the European honey buzzard, osprey and ruddy shelduck.
42
Gerede Esentepe Mesire Alanı
Gerede, Bolu
Esentepe Recreation Area is located north of Gerede at an altitude of 1,300 meters, noted for its panoramic district views and centuries-old pine trees. In winter, the area offers opportunities for winter sports, skiing, and cross-country skiing nearby.
43
Gerede Arkut Dağı Kayak Merkezi
Gerede, Bolu
Arkut Mountain Ski Center is located 4 km north of Gerede at an altitude of 1,800 meters and offers slopes suitable especially for beginners, cross-country skiing, and alpine skiing. In winter it is used for skiing from January to March, while in summer the area supports camping, trekking, mountain biking, and off-road activities.
44
Gerede
Gerede, Bolu
Yukarı Tekke Mosque: The mosque located in Gerede District was built by Abdullah Efendi in 1844, according to its inscription. A mausoleum of cut stone is located at the eastern corner of the rectangular-planned mosque built of adobe. Yukarı Tekke Tomb: It is next to the mosque known by the same name in Gerede district. It was built in 1900. Hacı Halil Efendi Tomb: It was built in 1843 in Gerede Seviller Neighborhood with an octagonal plan and a dome. Inside the tomb, II.
45
Gerede Aşağı Tekke Camii Ve Türbesi
Gerede, Bolu
In Bolu Province, in Gerede District, in Seviller Neighborhood, Aşağı Tekke Camii and its Tomb and a small graveyard are located within the mosque courtyard. The exact construction date of Aşağı Tekke Camii is not known. The mosque, which was completely destroyed in the 1944 earthquake, was rebuilt with local means and opened for worship in 1957. The rectangular-planned mosque is covered with a dome. The railings of the women's gallery on its north side feature wood craftsmanship.
46
Asar Kalesi
Gerede, Bolu
It is located in Cuma Mahallesi of Göynük District. After Akşemseddin, the teacher of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, the spiritual conqueror of Istanbul and a great scholar, died in 1459, his tomb was built in H. 864 / A.D. 1464. Inside the tomb are the sarcophagi of Akşemseddin and his sons.
47
Kızılcahamam Termal Tesisleri
Kızılcahamam, Ankara
It is thought that the history of the Kızılcahamam hot springs dates back to the glorious periods of the Roman Empire. This idea was reached because of the ruins of the old bath next to the large hot spring, which are known to have belonged to the Romans.
48
Hocali Anıt Park Müze
Kızılcahamam, Ankara
The Hocalı Memorial Park Museum, built in cooperation with Kızılcahamam Municipality and the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Turkey, contains an exhibition area and library with panels, books, magazines, etc. describing the massacre carried out by Armenians in 1992 in the town of Hocalı in Azerbaijan, while in the outdoor courtyard there are a monument, sculptures and urban furniture.
49
Kahramankazan 15 Temmuz Şehitleri Ve Demokrası Müzesi
Kahramankazan, Ankara
As part of 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day; in order not to let the coup attempt and the heroic struggle of the people against it be forgotten, “Kahramankazan 15 Temmuz Şehitleri ve Demokrasi Müzesi” was opened to visitors on 16 July 2019.
50
Kurtboğazi Baraji
Kahramankazan, Ankara
It is located at the 56th kilometer on the İstanbul road. The lake of the dam, which has a picnic area, swimming pool and restaurant, is suitable for water sports.
51
Kurtuluş Savaşı Müzesi
Altındağ, Ankara
War of Independence Museum (First TBMM Building) History of the First Grand National Assembly of Turkey Building The building used as the First Grand National Assembly of Turkey building was constructed in its time as a party building. In 1916, it was decided to build it as the Committee of Union and Progress building. By order of Minister of War Enver Pasha, the building was designed by Architect Salim Bey, and the construction work of the project was assigned to Military Architect Hasip Bey.
52
Atatürk Konutu Ve Demiryollari Müzesi
Altındağ, Ankara
One of the few state buildings in Ankara during the War of Independence, the “Direksiyon Binası” continues to be a living witness to the national struggle. When you visit this building, where important historical decisions were made, you will take a journey through time to the years of struggle and witness the spirit of the years when the Republic was founded.
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53
Türk Hava Kurumu Müzesi
Altındağ, Ankara
This museum was planned with the aim of showing the stages of progress of Turkish Aviation and passing this on to future generations. In the Türk Hava Kurumu Müzesi, built next to the historic parachute tower, in addition to the history section where the firsts of Turkish Aviation are explained, extensive information about THK is also included. This information is supported by historical documents, photographs and various models.
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54
Prof. Dr. Ülker Muncuk Müzesi
Yenimahalle, Ankara
It was established in 1974 within the aforementioned school under the leadership of a group of idealist teachers of the Girls' Technical Higher Teachers' School and Ülker Muncuk. The museum began operating on 02.07.1982 as a private museum under the supervision of the Directorate of the Ethnography Museum.
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55
Seğmenler Parkı
Çankaya, Ankara
The park, opened in 1983 in the Kavaklıdere district, has a large amphitheater. The park, located in the valley between Atatürk Bulvarı and İran Caddesi, has a 40 thousand square meter lawn area and a 250 square meter children's playground area, and totals 57 thousand 250 square meters. It contains pools, a children's garden, واسعة walking areas, and the Seymenler Monument, which is the symbol of Ankara folklore.
Move the stops into your own plan, split them across days, and add places to sleep and eat.
Frequently asked
- How far is it between İstanbul and Ankara, and how long does it take?
- Driving between İstanbul and Ankara is roughly 509 kilometres and takes about 5 hours without stops.
- Where is it worth stopping between İstanbul and Ankara?
- There are 849 described places within 20 km of the road between İstanbul and Ankara. toroti lists 55 of them spread evenly along the drive, in the order you pass them; Avrupa Kültür Başkenti Mübadele Müzesi comes early on, and Seğmenler Parkı sits near the end.
- Which provinces does the İstanbul to Ankara route cross?
- The route between İstanbul and Ankara crosses İstanbul → Kocaeli → Sakarya → Düzce → Bolu → Ankara. The stretch richest in places to visit is in Ankara.
- Should I take the toll highway or traditional route between İstanbul and Ankara?
- Toll motorways save driving time between İstanbul and Ankara, whereas traditional state roads pass directly through historic town centers, local culinary stops, and scenic nature viewpoints.
- How should breaks be scheduled between İstanbul and Ankara?
- For a drive of around 5 hours, taking a break every 2 to 2.5 hours is recommended. The catalogued attractions in Ankara and neighboring provinces offer memorable stopovers compared to generic highway rest areas.