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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.

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 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

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 Turkey Pass

 
  • See all there is to see in Turkey by rail.

  • Youth discounts, as well as family and senior discounts.

  • Prices from € 51

 

View Turkey Passes 

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

 

View Global Passes 

 

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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