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.
Eskişehir is one of Turkey's best-connected mid-size cities. The city's modern tram network (EGO) runs from the train station through the city centre to the university districts. High-speed rail (YHT) provides the fastest intercity connections: 1h40m to Istanbul and 1h10m to Ankara. The city is compact and largely walkable in the central area.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Purchase a Kentkart tram card on arrival at the train station; saves time and money vs single tickets
The train station (Garı) is the city's transport hub — trams, buses, taxis, and intercity coaches all accessible here
Hasan Polatkan Airport serves mainly domestic routes via Istanbul — for direct international travel, Istanbul airports are 1h40m away by YHT
Parking is difficult in Odunpazarı; use the main car parks near the train station and take the tram
Cyclists will find flat riverside paths along Porsuk ideal; Bisim bike-share stations at major intersections