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Turkey by Train

Discover Turkey by train - a patchwork of cultures combined with a tradition of hospitality. With your Eurail pass you can explore the diversity of Istanbul, experience one of the many action-packed outdoor adventures in Cappadocia or relax on the pristine beaches of Antalya. Turkey is a box of goodies for any travel enthusiast.

 

Train types in Turkey

The train network in Turkey is run by TCDD (Turkish Republic State Railways). Their trains cover a large part of the country, and connect all the major cities. Turkish train times aren't always easy to find online. Your best bet is to check the Turkish version of the TCDD timetable.

Map with main train connections in Turkey

Domestic Trains

Regional trains (Bölgesel)

  • Various routes throughout Turkey

 

Main line train (Anahat)

  • Faster connections between major cities

Bikes are sometimes allowed on trains. Please check at the station if a special ticket is required.

International Trains

Bosphorus Express

  • International train to Sofia, Bulgaria and Bucharest, Romania

  • Reservations are mandatory

 

High-speed train (Yüksek Hızlı)

  • Modern train that travels up to 250 km/h

  • Connects Istanbul, Konya and Ankara

Night Trains

Blue night train (Mavi Tren)

  • Travels from Ankara and Konya to Izmir

 

Popular connections

Here are the average travel times between the bigger cities in Turkey. Reservation are recommended for all of these train journeys.

 

Route Travel time
Ankara to Izmir
(Night train)
15hr 20min
Istanbul to Ankara 4 hr 20min
Istanbul to Izmir* 9 hours
Istanbul to Konya 4hr 30min
Route Which train? Travel time Reservations
Istanbul (via Dimitrovgrad, Serbia) to Bucharest (Romania) Bosphorus Express 14hr 10min Required
Istanbul (via Dimitrovgrad, Serbia) to Sofia (Bulgaria)

 

Bosphorus Express 5hr 13min Required

*You'll need to take a ferry from Istanbul to Bandirma (across the Sea of Marmara). From there, the train will take you to Izmir in 6 hours.

 

Reservations

Which trains in Turkey require reservations?

Reservations on Turkish trains are not mandatory. However, we do recommend making reservations for the high-speed train between Istanbul and Ankara, and other long-distance trains. 

 

How can I make reservations for trains in Turkey?

  • At a ticket desk or self-service machine at Turkish train stations

  • You can make your reservations up to 15 days in advance

 

Get your Pass for Turkey

Turkey Pass

 

Spend your whole vacation exploring Turkey by rail.

 

Standard prices from $ 64

Global Pass

 

Be free to visit Turkey along with the other 32 Eurail countries.


Standard prices from $ 185

 

Tips and tricks for Turkey

Cross Turkey's biggest lake

 

With a Eurail pass valid in Turkey, you can take a ferry crossing for €2 on the following route (no reservation necessary):

  • Tatvan – Van (Tuesdays and Fridays only)


See all Pass benefits for Turkey

Quick facts

  • Capital: Ankara

  • Population: 75.6 million

  • Language: Turkish

  • Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)

  • Dialing code: +90

 

Go the last mile

avis-car-rental-girl-looking-out-of-car-window

Found yourself at the end of the line, but not at your destination? When public transportation ends, it's time to take matters into your own hands: rent a car for the last miles!

 

Eurailers get up to a 15% discount on all Avis retail prices. 

 

You can find more information in the Terms & Conditions

 

Get inspired

 

  • Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey
    1 week in Turkey Spend 1 week in Turkey with a Eurail Pass! Within 7 days you can visit fascinating places like Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Besiktas and Cappadocia.