TCDD (Turkish Republic State Railways) operate passenger trains all over the country.
On long distances, like Istanbul to Ankara or Pamukkale, the train is a comfortable way of transport.
Pass validity
The Eurail Global Pass and the Eurail Select Pass are valid on all trains operated by TCDD (Turkish Republic State Railways).
Visit the national railway company TCDD.
On the website of the Turkish State Railways you can find useful information about:
Domestic trains
The Istanbul – Ankara rail line is the most popular connection. There are several daily trains on this line.
Other major cities or tourist spots that can be reached by rail from Istanbul directly are Edirne, Eskisehir, Denizli (near Pamukkale), Konya, Adana, Kayseri, Gaziantep, Diyarbakir, Erzurum, Kars, and Tatvan on the shore of Lake Van.
How to get there
Due to the building of a new high-speed line there are no trains between Istanbul and the Bulgarian border. There's a replacement bus connecting Kapikule (bordering station) with Istanbul. Eurail passes are valid for this journey. Read more about the bus connection.
From Istanbul there is an international connection to Iran (Trans-Asya Ekspresi).
Reservations
Reservations are not compulsory on national trains in Turkey. For long-distance trains reservations are possible. You can make free reservations locally at Turkish train stations up to 15 days in advance.
Bicycles
Bikes are allowed, but check locally if a special ticket is required.
Train types:
- Süper Ekspresler (intercity trains)
- Mavi Trenler and Ekspresler (interregional trains)
- Bölgesel Ekspresler (interregional express trains), Ray Otobüsü ve Mototrenler and Normal Yolcu Trenleri (regional trains)
- Banliyö Treni (commuter trains)
