Best train journeys in Turkey: You need to Experience
Those wishing to see the best of Turkey, here’s your chance, try the incredible Train Journey in Turkey, taking you through some of the enchanting places. Turkey’s railway network is one of the best kept secrets, letting you enjoy scenic day trips to long distance journeys.
Anybody visiting Turkey should definitely try the train journey, which is one of the best-kept tourism secrets, and few tourists know about it. The train route not only connects the cities, but passes through the countryside, which is blessed with stunning landscape, beautiful hills, old houses, rivers, lakes, cave forms, snow-capped mountains, etc.
How many days in advance do you need to book your Turkey train journeys?
It is advised to book 15 to 30 days in advance, for confirmed tickets. Most of the train routes are fully booked, so tourists wishing to have a train journey in Turkey should book in advance.
Which train journeys should you choose?
Based on the routes you want to take, there are different trains available, perfect for letting you relax and immerse in the naturally beautiful places of Turkey. Taking a train ride through any of the routes in Turkey, you will have a chance to encounter the stunning landscape, historical landmarks, and enchanting scenic views that will woo your senses. Here is a list of the best train routes to choose, to explore the incredible beauty of Turkey:
Anatolian Express (Anadolu Ekspresi): Ankara to Kars
The train route starts from the capital city of Turkey, Ankara to Kars which is located in the northeastern part of the city. Promising an incredible experience, as you pass through Cappadocia, enjoy the sights of the unique rock formations and the amazing cave dwellings, admire the scenic views of the serene and peaceful Lake Van or have a glimpse of the snow-covered mountain peak, Mount Ararat.
Train tickets from Ankara to Kars: Starting from 459 TRY
What to do in Kars?
Once you reach Kars you can explore the architectural wonders, learn about medieval history, delve into the beauty of the enchanting landscape, learn about the culture and tradition of the region, and if you want to have some fun, enjoy adventurous activities.
Roses Express: Izmir to Isparta
For the classical history lovers, hop on to the Roses Expresses, which operates from Izmir to Isparta on a daily basis. This is a 10 hour journey route, which starts from Izmir and passes through captivating Aegean plains and into Turkey’s hilly region, the western Anatoli. The beauty of the region makes you simply awe-strike, and lets you explore the ancient ruins and know about its rich history.
Train tickets from Izmir to Isparta: Starting from 320 TRY
The highlights of this train journey:
The train has a stoppage at Selçuk station, which is three miles east of Ephesus ruins (a UNESCO-listed) and Denizli station. Then there is the famous Pamukkale’s travertine terraces, offering a breathtaking site, and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, offering a historical experience. The last stoppage, i.e. Isparta is renowned for the mountain top ruins of Sagalassos.
Karaelmas Tourism Express: Ankara to Zonguldak
It started its operations in April 2024, with the intention of blooming the tourism industry of Zonguldak, offering an invigorating experience, as the train passes through scenic routes, providing an overwhelming experience.
The train journey starts from Ankara, and has stoppage at popular destinations like Ankara, Kalecik, Cankiri, Cerkes, Eskipazar, Yenice, Safranbolu, Filyos, Bartın, Amasra and finally the last stop Zonguldak.
What to expect in Zonguldak?
Get thrilled by the views, the amazing scenery that showcases Western Black Sea region's natural beauty and cultural treasures. History lovers will love to know about the ancient history of Turkey’s flourishing regions and its rich culture. Explore all the lesser-known places, which provides an immersive experience.
Eastern Express: Ankara to Kars
The Eastern Express train route is filled with natural wonders and historical sites to visit. It starts from Ankara to Kars, running for 814 miles, across the majestic mountain region of northeast Anatolia and high plateaus. During the winter season, the region is covered with snow, making it a winter wonderland, offering a different experience.
For the convenience of the tourists there are two train options available in this route: the touristic and the non-touristic. The Touristic Eastern Express starts from Ankara and arrives in Kars after 32 hours, providing ample time to explore this part of Turkey.
Ticket price:
- Eastern Express: Starts from 400 TRY (£9.50)
- Touristic Eastern Express: Starts from 6,000 TRY (£143)
What are the important places to visit along this route?
- Denizli (famous for enthralling scenes of Pamukkale, commonly called the Cotton Castle)
- Aydin (it is the Ancient City of Nysa)
- Isparta (famous spots to visit include lavender village, Egirdir Lake, Salda Lake, etc.)
- Burdur (it is the Ancient City of Sagalassos)
- Kars (explore the famous spots like Lake Cildir, ancient Armenian city of Ani which is also referred to as the City of 1,001 Churches and many other historical and scenic spots).
South Express: Ankara to Diyarbakir
The South Express connects Ankara to Diyarbakir, which is home to ancient monuments, historic bridges, Tigris River and Kurdish culture. This is one of the best routes to know about the ancient culture and tradition of the region.
It runs five-times in a week and the journey takes around 22-hours to be completed, from Ankara to Diyarbakir. There is another train called Touristic Diyarbakır Express which runs once in a month and is quite costly with stops for excursions. Tourists can on the way visit historical places like the city of Malatya (in the east), the city of Kayseri (in the west) and Yolçatı (to visit Harput Castle).
Ticket price:
- Touristic Diyarbakir Express tickets: Starting from 8,000 TRY (£191) for a two-bed private sleeper compartment.
- South Express train tickets from Ankara to Diyarbakir: Starting from 355 TRY (£8.45) for regular seats, and 1,525 TRY (£36) for a two-bed private sleeper compartment.
Pamukkale Express: Eskişehir to Denizli
It connects the vibrant city of Eskişehir to Denizli which is famous for Pamukkale’s travertine terraces, offering a breathtaking site, and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis (places to visit include the 3 gates of Hierapolis, Cleopatra's Pool, Temple of Apollo and Pluto's gate), offering a historical experience.
Train tickets from Eskişehir to Denizli : Starting from 280 TRY (£6.70)
What to expect?
The train runs on a daily basis in the morning, and takes nine hours to cover the distance from Eskişehir to Denizli. It covers some of the stunning valleys (which were ruled by the Iron Age Phrygian kings), and further south comprising farmlands with fir-forested hills.
Taurus Express: Konya to Adana
This is a passenger train, so the train fare is reasonable, it passes through the iconic route, the Taurus Mountains (the route was blasted and constructed between 1904 and 1918), and across Cilician Gates mountain pass, which was used by Alexander the Great. It comprises steep slopes, dense forests, deep gorges, multiple tunnels and passes through 320 ft-high stone Varda Viaduct. This was originally built as a part of the northern railway line of the Baghdad Railway.
Train tickets from Konya to Adana: Starting from 200 TRY (£4.80).
What to expect?
The train journey takes around seven hours to cover the distance from Konya to Adana. It runs on a daily basis and covers some of the breathtaking destinations, the majestic fairytale castles and ancient ruins of Turkey’s eastern Mediterranean.
Lake Van Express: Ankara to Tatvan
It connects the enchanting places of Ankara to Tatvan which is famous for raw beauty, rocky plateaus, high and low hills, charming lakes and vast acres of orchards and farmlands. The train route crosses the majestic 2,030-metre-long Euphrates Railway Bridge located in the Karakaya Dam of the Euphrates River.
What to expect?
It runs twice in a week and the journey takes around 26-hours to be completed, from Ankara to Tatvan, which is situated on the western side of Lake Van. This beautiful lake is the largest lake of Turkey and spreads across 1,435 square miles. Here visit the famous Akdamar Church, located near Lake Van.
Train tickets from Ankara to Tatvan: Starting from 420-1,590 TRY (£10-38)
Sivas-Samsun Railway: Sivas to Samsun
This is a eight-hour train route and connects Sivas to Samsun and is home to grand 13th century Seljuk-era architectural monuments, and Black Sea port of Samsun (comprises of the tombs of the Pontic kings which seems like as if they are watching over the Ottoman houses lining the Yesilirmak River below).
Train tickets from Sivas to Samsun: Starting from 275 TRY (£6.50)
It runs three -times in a week and lets you have a wonderful experience passing through winding hills, farmlands, and the Canık Mountains.
Karabuk-Zonguldak
For nature lovers, it is one of the must travel routes that runs from Karabuk to Zonguldak. The old town of Karabuk is famous for the Safranbolu houses , designated as a UNESCO's World Heritage Site, and is surrounded by the enchanting forests like the Yenice Forest, Şeker Canyon and many highlands. It is one of the best ways to immerse in the natural beauty of the region.
Goller Express: Izmir to Isparta
Another train to opt for is the Goller Express route, which starts its journey from Izmir to Isparta. The train gets its name because the final destination of this route is famous for many breathtakingly beautiful lakes. To complete the entire train journey it takes around 8 hours and 30 minutes, from Izmir to Isparta.