Turkey
Read about experiencing Turkey by train, including information about places to visit, train information, extra pass benefits and search for accommodation.
Trains in Turkey
TCDD (Turkish Republic State Railways) operates passenger trains all over the country. The train is the comfortable way to travel between cities like Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.
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.
- Route Map
- Domestic Trains
- International Trains
- High-Speed
- Night Trains
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 Bulgaria and Romania
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
- Domestic routes
- International routes
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
Interrail Global Pass
Travel by train as much as you like in up to 33 European countries including Turkey.
Discounts available for youth, seniors and families.
Prices from € 185
Tips and tricks for Turkey
Turkey main train station
Istanbul is the main hub in Turkey for Interrail travellers.
Istanbul is the gateway to Europe, but ongoing constructions have decreased the city's accessibility.
High-speed trains to Ankara leave from Istanbul Pendik.
Historic Haydarpasa station is closed, but worth a visit!
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