Turkey Train Travel & Things to Do in Turkey

Places to visit in Turkey

Library od Celsus in Ephesus

Ancient Turkey

Ephesus should be your first stop if you’re in search of ancient Roman remains – along with Pompeii it’s the best-preserved ancient settlement in the Mediterranean. Although just one column of the Temple of Artemis remains (this Seventh Wonder was destroyed in 401 BC) there are plenty of great excavated splendours to see, including the Library of Celsus and the Odeon amphitheatre. For more recent historical beauty head to mythical Amasya, with its enchanting Ottoman houses and impressive offering of mosques.

To reach Esphesus take the train to Selçuk and from there take a mini-bus from the main bus station to the site. Amasya is a 15-minute walk from the main train station.

Pamukkale hot springs in the Denizli Province

Far-out land formations

Buried in the heart of this huge country is Turkey’s splendid treasure: Cappadocia. An amalgamation of weird and intricate landforms – deep canyons, fairy chimney rock formations, as well as the highest peak Uçhisar and the ancient ruins of Mount Golgoli. Göreme – a small town and one of the only remaining Cappadocian settlements is a good base from which to explore this fascinating place. Pamukkale – a terrace of hot spring in the Denizli Province – is another absolute must-see . Take a dip in the mineral-rich 35°C waters, while marvelling at nature’s unique work.

To reach Göreme in Cappadocia take the train to Kayseri and from there take a bus. To reach the Pamukkale take the train to Denizli and from there take a bus.

Inside the Blue Mosque in Istanbul

Istanbul: Magnificent monumental city

Visit Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul and you’ll be blown away by sense-sparking monuments in every direction. Sultan Ahmet’s Ottoman Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most epic structures. The interior of this six minaret mosque is emblazoned with over 20,000 exquisite blue tiles. Another must is to test your haggling mastery at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar – one of the oldest and largest of its type. It houses over 4,000 shops, offering jewellery, pottery, spice and carpet – you’re guaranteed to find whatever weird and wonderful souvenirs you could imagine.

The Blue Mosque is a 20-minute walk from Istanbul’s Sirkeci Garı train station and the Grand Bazaar is a 15-minute walk from there.

Scubadiving in Turkey

Sports for every taste

For adrenaline-fueled fun hit Kaş – a pretty little fishing town, where you’re invited to try out mountain biking and paragliding. And for marine-lovers indulge in Turkey’s most breathtaking scuba-diving within sapphire waters. During snowy climes hit one of Turkey’s top ski resorts. Uludaǧ – just 1.5 hours from Istanbul is popular with locals and tourists alike. The resort has beginner slopes to giant slaloms, plus great facilities and a very lively night scene. In summer, this national park offers good hiking and camping opportunities.

To reach Kaş take the train to Denizli and then connect to a bus. From Istanbul it takes about 1,5 hours to reach Uludaǧ by bus.

Alanya coast

Tempting Turkish riviera

Alanya on the Turkish Riviera is a beach resort city that has it all: a Mediterranean climate, historical attractions, natural sights and frisky nightlife. During the day visit Alanya’s magnificent castle dating back to 1226, followed by some beach action at the pristine Ulaş beach. By night Alanya is one of the most happening places in Turkey. The area around the harbour is where the most spirited bars and clubs can be found. Be warned, you may find it hard to leave this all-encompassing Mediterranean jewel.

Take the train to Karaman and then connect to a bus to Alanya.

Events in Turkey

International Izmir Festival

March 3 - March 22, 2018

The International Izmir Festival reaching an audience expressed in millions has been proudly providing opportunities to numerous world renowned artists to perform at unique historical venues. As a festival of great prestige and high artistic standards, it has been organised in Izmir, a city located on the Aegean Coast and right in the middle of several historical places and popular touristic resorts of Turkey. The festival covering a wide spectrum of classical, traditional and contemporary works in music, ballet, theatre and opera including both international and national performances, has proved itself to be one of the cultural and intellectual corner stones of Turkey, attracting great attendance from locals and foreigners visiting Turkey alike.

Find more information here
Find this event on Facebook

Benefits in Turkey

Ferry Lake Van

More about Turkey

rail pass options for Turkey

Turkey in images

The Blue Mosque, Istanbul

Pin it

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Mausoleum in Ankara

Pin it

Travertine pools and terraces in Pamukkale

Pin it

Old fort in Alanya

Pin it

Ancient ruins in Ephesus

Pin it

Train types in Turkey

Rail network

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 for info on types of trains and connections between Turkey and Europe.

Domestic trains

The Istanbul – Ankara rail line is the most popular connection. There are several daily trains on this line. Since July 2014, the two cities are connected by a high-speed train, allowing you to make the journey in less than 4 hours.

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. For the most up-to-date information, check out this page.

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)

Your order

Turkey by train

Places to visit in Turkey

Ancient Turkey

Far-out land formations

Istanbul: Magnificent monumental city

Sports for every taste

Tempting Turkish riviera

Events in Turkey

International Izmir Festival

Benefits in Turkey

Cross Turkey's biggest lake

More about Turkey

Quick facts

Rail passes for Turkey

rail pass options for Turkey

Turkey Pass

Select Pass

Global Pass

Turkey in images

Train types in Turkey

Rail network

Pass validity

Domestic trains

How to get there

Reservations

Reservations

Bicycles

Train types:

Related pages

Turkey by train

Places to visit in Turkey

Ancient Turkey

Far-out land formations

Istanbul: Magnificent monumental city

Sports for every taste

Tempting Turkish riviera

Events in Turkey

International Izmir Festival

Benefits in Turkey

Cross Turkey's biggest lake

More about Turkey

Quick facts

Rail passes for Turkey

rail pass options for Turkey

Turkey Pass

Select Pass

Global Pass

Turkey in images

Train types in Turkey

Rail network

Pass validity

Domestic trains

How to get there

Reservations

Reservations

Bicycles

Train types:

Related pages

Greece by train

Bulgaria by train

Italy by train

Romania by train

Get on board!