Open Travel Guide
Day trips from Eskişehir

Best Day Trips from Eskişehir 2026

Where a single day out of Eskişehir can take you, and exactly how to make each trip work.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

The short answer: start with Phrygian Valley (Frig Vadisi), Kütahya — Tiles, Pottery and Ottoman History and Afyonkarahisar — Thermal Spas and Poppy Fields. This guide profiles 9+ day trips in Eskişehir, with prices, timing, and the practical notes that decide whether each one earns a place in your plan.

Eskişehir is a vibrant university city in western Anatolia, known as Turkey's "student capital" and the birthplace of meerschaum carving. The Porsuk River winds through the city centre past Venetian-style canals, gondola rides, and colourful bridges. The historic Odunpazarı district preserves beautifully restored Ottoman timber houses and is on Turkey's tentative UNESCO World Heritage list. Eskişehir hosts two major universities — Anadolu University and Eskişehir Technical University — whose combined enrolment of over 100,000 students gives the city a youthful, progressive energy unusual for inner Anatolia.

Top day trips

Handpicked excursions within easy reach.

70 km southeast of Eskişehir

Phrygian Valley (Frig Vadisi)

Private car or taxi (~800–1000 TRY / ~$24–30 USD round trip with 3-hour wait); no regular public transport
80 km southwest

Kütahya — Tiles, Pottery and Ottoman History

Bus from Eskişehir Otogar ~80–130 TRY (~$2.40–3.90 USD) one way; departs hourly
130 km south

Afyonkarahisar — Thermal Spas and Poppy Fields

Bus from Eskişehir Otogar ~120–180 TRY (~$3.60–5.50 USD) one way; multiple daily departures
60 km northwest

Sarıcakaya Hot Springs

Car, or bus to Sarıcakaya from Eskişehir Otogar (~70 TRY / ~$2.10 USD) then short taxi to thermal facility
235 km east

Ankara Day Trip

YHT high-speed train from Eskişehir Garı, 140–260 TRY (~$4.25–7.90 USD) one way; book at tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr
65 km southeast

Sivrihisar — Medieval Town and Nasreddin Hoca

Bus from Eskişehir Otogar ~70–100 TRY (~$2.10–3 USD) one way; several daily departures
200 km northwest

Bursa — Ottoman Capital and Uludağ

Bus from Eskişehir Otogar ~200–280 TRY (~$6–8.50 USD) one way; multiple daily departures (Uludağ Ekspres, Metro Turizm)
130 km east (en route Ankara)

Gordion Archaeological Site

Private car only (no direct public transport from Eskişehir to Gordion); or YHT to Ankara (1h10m) then bus to Polatlı (~30 min)
30 km east

İnönü Town and Battlefield

Dolmuş from Eskişehir city centre ~30–50 TRY (~$0.90–1.50 USD) one way; departs from Otogar

Day trip tips

Make the most of your excursions.

Tip

Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.

Tip

Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.

Tip

Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.

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