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Turkish State Railways Route Map

Last Updated on August 29, 2023

Trains have been a long part of Turkish history for transportation between major cities, and there are many reasons for it. Train service in Turkey is much more affordable, reliable, and provides a comfortable journey between cities compared to other transportation methods.

You can use the Turkish State Railways (TCDD, DDY) route system to travel between major cities in Turkey.

Here's a train map of the Turkish State Railways (TCDD, DDY) route system. Notice there is no train service to the western or central Mediterranean coasts and very little service to the Black Sea Coast. This is because of the formation of mountains in these regions, making it difficult to reach by train. However, you can go by bus, plane, or rental car to those regions.

How to Buy a Train Ticket in Turkey? 

Buying a train ticket in Turkey can impose some challenges. First of all, it is advisable to buy your ticket a minimum of 15 days before to ensure you will find a suitable train ticket. Note that you can make a reservation maximum before 15 days or 30 days, depending on the train line for Turkish trains. There are two choices for buying a train ticket in Turkey.

How to Buy Online Train Tickets in Turkey?

You can buy train tickets using the Turkish State Railways website and the EYBİS computerized reservation system. The website has an option to use in English, so tourists can also use it. However, it can come with its challenges. We have a full-on detailed guide here on How to Buy Train Tickets in Turkey.

What is the Easier Way of Buying Train Tickets in Turkey?

You can buy train tickets at many train stations from a ticket agent or a Trenmatik ticket machine. You can also go to an authorized Turkish post office (PTT). However, it is possible you will not be able to find a ticket for popular train routes in Turkey. It is wise to make a reservation through a good travel agency to ensure you have a train ticket before you come to Turkey. 

We recommend connecting with Efendi Travel in Istanbul, who will be happy to make the train reservation for you and any other travel services you may need.

Check here to learn more about Buying and Making a Train Reservation in Turkey.

How Much are Train Tickets in Turkey?

Train ticket prices in Turkey will range from train routes. However, the general cost of the ticket will be between 150TL to 450TL. There is also a 50% discount for individuals over 65 years old and 15% for those aged between 13-26. 

Learn more about Train Ticket Prices in Turkey.

Where Can I Go with Trains in Turkey?

You have two options to use in Turkey when it comes to traveling with trains; high-speed trains, also called YHT, and mainline trains, which are slower.

Izmir Mavi Train: Ankara - İzmir (Basmane)

Konya Mavi Train: Konya - İzmir (Basmane)

Ege Express: Eskişehir - İzmir (Basmane)

4 Eylül Mavi Treni: Ankara - Malatya

Pamukkale Express: Denizli - Eskişehir

Doğu Express: Ankara - Kars

Van Gölü Express: Ankara - Tatvan

Güney Kurtalan Express: Ankara - Kurtalan

Fırat Express: Elazığ - Adana

Erciyes Express: Kayseri - Adana

Ankara Express: Ankara - Halkalı

Göller Express: İzmir ( Basmane ) - Isparta

6 Eylül Express: İzmir (Basmane ) - Bandırma

17 Eylül Express: Bandırma - İzmir (Basmane)

Toros Express: Konya - Adana

Adana Nurdağı Line: Adana - Nurdağı

Samsun Sivas Line: Samsun-Sivas

High-Speed YHT Train Lines in Turkey:

Ankara-Istanbul-Ankara YHT

Ankara-Istanbul High-Speed Train departing from Ankara stops at Eryaman, Polatlı, Eskişehir, Bozüyük, Bilecik, Arifiye, Izmit, Gebze, Pendik, Bostancı, Söğütlüçeşme, Bakırköy and Halkalı stops.

Travel Time:  4.30- 5 hours.

Ankara-Eskisehir-Ankara YHT

Trains on the Ankara-Eskişehir route stop at Eryaman and Polatlı stops.

Travel Time : 1 hour 26 minutes

Ankara-Konya-Ankara YHT

Trains on the Ankara-Konya-Ankara line stop at Eryaman, Polatlı, and Selçuklu stops.

Travel Time : Ankara-Konya: 1 hour 49 minutes

Ankara-Karaman-Ankara YHT

Trains on the Ankara-Karaman-Ankara line stop at Eryaman, Polatlı, Selçuklu, Konya and Cumra stops.

Travel Time : Ankara-Karaman: 2 hours 49 minutes

Istanbul-Konya-Istanbul YHT

Trains on the Istanbul-Konya-Istanbul High-Speed Train stop at Halkalı, Bakırköy, Söğütlüçeşme, Bostancı, Pendik, Gebze, Izmit, Arifiye, Bilecik, Bozüyük, Eskişehir, Selçuklu, and Konya stops.

Travel Time: Konya-Istanbul (Sogutluçeşme): About 5 hours.

Istanbul-Karaman-Istanbul YHT

Trains on the Istanbul-Karaman-Istanbul High-Speed Train stop at Söğütlüçeşme, Bostancı, Pendik, Gebze, Izmit, Arifiye, Bilecik, Bozüyük, Eskişehir, Selçuklu, Konya, Cumra and Karaman stops.

Travel Time : Istanbul-Karaman: About 6 hours.

Eskisehir-Istanbul-Eskisehir YHT

Trains on the Eskişehir-Istanbul-Eskişehir High-Speed Train stop at Bozüyük, Bilecik, Arifiye, Izmit, Gebze, Pendik, Bostancı and Söğütlüçeşme stops.

Travel Time: Eskişehir-Istanbul: About 3 hours.

Turkish Railways Map

What are Turkish Trains Like?

Trains in Turkey are reliable and punctual. They provide ample leg and luggage space and come with amenities such as Wi-Fi, air conditioner, and curtains. Some trains will have minibars/restaurants inside to buy snacks, food, and drinks. Also, there are sleeper trains in Turkey, but they are rare.

High-speed trains (THY) are fast and reliable. They are on par with bullet trains in Europe, and you can travel between cities within hours. Mainline trains are slower compared to THYs, but still comfortable and safe. They offer a more scenic view through Turkey.

Conclusion

Trains in Turkey offer a fast and reliable way of transportation between cities. It is a perfect way to experience Turkey's local life. Train tickets are affordable and come with many amenities such as Wi-Fi, air conditioner, ample space, etc.

FAQ

Is there any train from Turkey to Europe?

There's only one train daily between Turkey and Europe, the Istanbul - Sofia Express to Sofia, Bulgaria, and Bucharest, Romania. However, there are no direct connections.

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