Weekend Getaways: Places Within 2 Hours of Ankara
Leaving work on Friday evening and hitting the road, then heading home on Sunday evening rested and refreshed, that's exactly what a weekend getaway is about. Ankara's geographic position is a real advantage here; within a two-hour drive lie lakeside towns, ancient cities, highland plateaus, and thermal resorts. Exploring these routes freely with a rental car is the most practical option in terms of both transport and time. Here are the finest weekend getaway spots within two hours of Ankara.
Why a Rental Car?
Reaching places with limited public transport links, changing your route on a whim, and setting off without luggage restrictions are all possible with a rental car. When planning a weekend getaway, car rental is also an advantageous option in terms of cost per person, especially for couples or small groups. You can pick up a car from Ankara Esenboğa Airport or a city-centre office and head straight out.
1. Beypazarı — A Breath Within History
Just 80 kilometres from Ankara and reached in about 1 hour 10 minutes of driving, Beypazarı is the weekend getaway that Ankara residents choose most often. Its Ottoman-era mansion houses, narrow stone streets, and a bazaar known for its carrot-flavoured Turkish delight and pastırma are enough to leave the noise of the city behind. The Beypazarı thermal springs and the highland roads around them make a car even more valuable here.
2. Lake Abant — Tailor-Made for a Weekend
Part of Bolu province, Abant can be reached from Ankara in about 1 hour 45 minutes. Its forest-framed lake views, walking trails, and nature that shifts with all four seasons keep this route worthwhile year-round. Snowy vistas in the winter months and flowering plateaus in spring make Abant a route worth visiting again and again.
3. Kızılcahamam — Thermal and Nature Together
Only 80 kilometres from Ankara, Kızılcahamam is one of the classic weekend getaway addresses, with its thermal waters and Soğuksu National Park. Setting off on Friday evening, taking a morning walk through the park, and then unwinding at a thermal resort is the natural plan for this route. The journey of roughly an hour from central Ankara also makes the planning easier.
4. Çorum and the Hittite Lands — A Journey into History
About two hours from Ankara, Çorum is a special route for history enthusiasts, home to Hattuşaş, the centre of the Hittite civilisation, and Yazılıkaya. Hattuşaş, on the UNESCO World Heritage list, can be explored in an open-air visit format over half a day to a full day. Given the distances between the historic sites, a rental car becomes essential on this route.
5. Nallıhan — Bird Sanctuary and Nature
About 1 hour 30 minutes from Ankara, Nallıhan stands out for the lake created by the Sarıyar Dam and the bird sanctuary along its shore. Photographers and nature lovers are particularly well represented among those who come to the area to observe migratory bird species in autumn and spring. Since public transport to the area is limited, car rental is a practical necessity on this route.
6. Sivrihisar — A Little-Explored Stop
Part of Eskişehir province, Sivrihisar is a town the crowds haven't yet discovered, reached from Ankara in about 1 hour 45 minutes of driving. The historic Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), traditional houses, and views over the Porsuk Stream valley offer a quiet, distinctive alternative for those looking to escape the city. As it sits on the route toward Eskişehir, stopping by Eskişehir on the way back enriches the trip too.
7. Lake Tuz — Nature's Extraordinary Palette
Located close to Konya province, Lake Tuz can be reached from Ankara in about 1 hour 45 minutes. In the summer months, the white surface formed by the salt and the flocks of flamingos around it make this landscape one of Turkey's most distinctive nature experiences. The pleasure of driving across a wide, open expanse is a further advantage of car rental on this route.
What to Keep in Mind When Planning a Weekend Getaway from Ankara
Most of these routes offer limited options when it comes to public transport. While there are regular bus services to some spots, car rental provides a decisive advantage for flexibility along the route and for getting around within the area. Since demand rises during weekends and long holiday periods, creating your booking in advance is recommended for both price and vehicle availability.
The nature of the route is decisive when choosing a vehicle segment: for spots like Nallıhan and Lake Tuz, with their dirt or uneven surfaces, a high-clearance SUV is the way to go; for asphalt routes like Beypazarı and Kızılcahamam, a mid-size car is plenty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the closest weekend getaway to Ankara? Kızılcahamam and Beypazarı, at about 1 hour 10 minutes, are among the closest options.
When is the best time to see Lake Tuz? July and August are when the salt forms most distinctly and the flamingos are in the area. Early-morning hours are ideal, both for staying out of the heat and for photo quality.
How many hours should I set aside for visiting Hattuşaş? Hattuşaş and Yazılıkaya together require about 3–4 hours. With an early start, you can finish in the course of the day and return to Ankara.
Will the mileage limit be a problem on a weekend trip with a rental car? With rental packages that have a daily mileage limit, the cap can be exceeded on long routes. Choosing the unlimited-mileage option at the time of booking is more advantageous for trips like these.
Your Weekend Plan Is Ready; Next Comes the Car
These routes around Ankara are open to exploration year-round; the only thing missing is the right car. For a wide vehicle fleet ranging from economy class to SUVs, flexible pickup points, and a transparent booking process, visit Europcar Turkey.
Start planning your weekend right away, and reserve your car now. 👉 Europcar Turkey