Konya sits on the high Anatolian plain at about 1,000 metres, roughly in the middle of Türkiye. It was the capital of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum, and today it is one of the easiest historic cities to reach: a fast train from Ankara, direct flights from Istanbul, and good roads in every direction.
At a glance
| From | Best way | Roughly |
|---|---|---|
| Ankara | High-speed train (YHT) | under 2 hours |
| Istanbul | Flight, or high-speed train via Eskişehir | about 1 hour 15 minutes by air; about 4.5 hours by train |
| Cappadocia | Car or tour transfer | about 3 hours |
| Antalya | Car or intercity bus | about 4 to 5 hours |
Journey times are approximate and change with the timetable and traffic.
By high-speed train
The YHT is the most comfortable way to arrive. Trains from Ankara run several times a day and cover the 260 km in under two hours, with wide seats and a view of the steppe. From Istanbul, trains run via Eskişehir and take around four and a half hours. Book ahead on weekends and holidays; seats sell out. Tickets are sold on the TCDD website and app.
Tip: from the station, the city tram and taxis take you to the centre in minutes. Ask your hotel which tram stop is closest.
By air
Konya Airport (KYA) is about 18 km from the centre. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus connect it with Istanbul, and routes change by season, so check the current schedule. Taxis and airport shuttles take about 20 to 30 minutes to the city centre. If you are flying in from abroad, Ankara Esenboğa is the other good gateway: land, then take the train.
By bus
Konya's intercity bus terminal is served by companies from every major Turkish city. It is the cheapest option and the most flexible for places the train does not reach. Ankara is about 3.5 hours away, Istanbul about 10, and the Mediterranean coast roughly 5. Night buses leave Istanbul in the evening and arrive early the next morning.
By car
Konya is a natural stop on a Central Anatolia road trip. The motorway from Ankara is fast and well signed; the road from Cappadocia crosses open farmland. Parking in the old centre around Alaaddin Hill and the Mevlana Museum is limited, so it is easiest to leave the car at your hotel and walk or take the tram.
Getting around Konya
Tram: a tram line runs through the historic centre and is the easiest way to move between Alaaddin Hill, the Mevlana area and the newer districts.
On foot: the main sights around Mevlana and Alaaddin are close together. Wear comfortable shoes; you will do a lot of walking.
Taxis: plentiful and inexpensive. Ask for the meter.
Day trips: Sille, Çatalhöyük and Beyşehir Lake are easiest by taxi, a rented car or a local tour.
When to go
Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the most pleasant. Summers are hot and dry; winters are cold and often snowy. The most special time is 7 to 17 December, when the Şeb-i Arûs commemorations mark the anniversary of Rumi's death with Sema ceremonies and events across the city. Book trains and hotels well in advance if you plan to attend.
Last updated October 2026. Timetables, prices and opening hours change, so please confirm them before you travel.
