Driving from Ankara to Bingöl is not a quick commute. This is a long journey through the interior of Turkey, covering approximately 918 kilometers (918 miles) depending on the route chosen. If you’re planning this trip, there’s more to consider than just the odometer. You are looking at a time, fuel and patience. Most drivers spend around 10 hours and 14 minutes on the D300 motorway. This is the standard route. This is the most direct path, passing directly through the heart of Central Anatolia and heading east towards the eastern Black Sea region.
But let’s be realistic. 10 hours of driving is a long day. Fatigue sets in. The initially flat plains gradually turn into steep hills and mountains. You should plan accordingly.
Choose a route: Compare D300 with other routes
Standard D300 route
The main route used by most passengers is the D300. The total length is 918 kilometers. When you leave Ankara, head to Kırıkkale, pass through Yozgat towards Çankırı and finally towards Bingöl. This is the most logical route in logistics.
“The D300 is the backbone of this trip. It is well-maintained, but very demanding.”
There are other options. You can take the D200 or E88. This route is slightly shorter, 899 kilometers. But don’t let the short numbers fool you. The time difference is negligible. You are looking at 10 hours and 42 minutes. Roads can be more complex with more intersections and different speed limits. Unless you have a good reason to avoid the D300, stick to the main artery.
Next is the highway. Take the Ankara-Tarsus highway (O-21) and turn onto E90. Total length 1153 km. This increases the travel time by a little over an hour, to about 11 hours and 47 minutes. Why are you doing this? Maybe you’re avoiding a certain traffic jam or road construction. But overall, this is an ineffective workaround. It adds distance and time, but it’s not worth it.
Bus options: slower but less stressful
If you don’t want to drive, intercity bus are the main option. The distance has increased slightly to 927 kilometers. Bus roads are not necessarily the same as the fastest car routes and require stops.
Travel time is 14 hours and 7 minutes. This is an important part of the day. You can leave Ankara in the morning and arrive in Bingöl in the evening or vice versa. It is a long haul.
Costs and frequency
Prices fluctuate. You should expect to pay 500 TL for the cheapest ticket and up to 750 TL for the premium service. Often the difference is in seat comfort, Wi-Fi availability and the specific company running the bus.
19 departures are planned daily. This frequency helps. This means you are not locked into a single time slot. You can choose a morning departure to get the most out of your day in Bingöl
