Izmir is a well-developed city where you can use numerous transportation methods, connecting to major cities throughout Turkey. Railways are no exception, and there are two train stations in Izmir: Alsancak Gar and Basmane Gar.
Alsancak Gar
Alsancak Gar (Alsancak Station) is located north of the city center (map). However intercity trains only depart and arrive from Basmane Gar.
Alsancak Gar operates commuter rail routes connecting Selçuk, Tepeköy, Menemen, Adnan Menderes Airport, and other nearby destinations.
Basmane Gar
Basmane Gar, located east of the city center, serves intercity trains such as those to Balıkesir, Konya, Isparta, Eskişehir, Ankara, and Bandırma, the port for fast ferries to Istanbul.
Basmana Gar also operates most regional trains south and east to Izmir, such as Adnan Menderes Airport, Uşak, Manisa, Ödemiş, Selçuk (for Ephesus & Şirince), Söke, Aydın, Nazilli and Denizli (for Pamukkale).
Both stations connect to the IZBAN suburban train line with frequent trains to Adnan Menderes Airport.
Major Train Routes From Basmane Gar in Izmir
Basmane Gar is the major train station in Izmir, providing many routes to both local and intercity destinations. Let's look at the major train routes from Basmane Gar:
Regional Train Routes
Regional train lines connect Izmir with nearby locations, such as Uşak, Denizli, and Manisa. These trains are generally slower compared to long-distance intercity(express) trains.
Izmir - Manisa - Uşak Regional Trains
These trains operate between Izmir and Uşak, connecting Alaşehir, Manisa, and other minor destinations along the way.
Izmir - Aydın - Denizli Regional Trains
Izmir - Ödemiş Regional Trains
These trains operate between Izmir and Ödemiş, connecting the airport, Bayındır and Ödemiş.
Izmir - Tire Regional Trains
These trains run between Izmir and Tire, connecting the airport, Bayındır, and Tire.
Main Line Train Routes
Mainline train lines connect Izmir with major cities within Turkey. You can also easily connect to high-speed trains using these routes. They are fast, yet generally travel overnight.
Ege Express Train Line
Ege Express Train runs between Izmir and Eskişehir, connecting Ayvacık, Balıkesir, Manisa, and Kütahya along the way. At Eskişehir, you can connect with high-speed trains to Istanbul and Ankara.
Izmir Blue Train Line
The Izmir Mavi(Blue) Train Line is an overnight train hauling Pullman cars, a sleeping car, and a dining car. It runs between Izmir and Ankara, connecting Manisa, Kütahya, Eskişehir, and Balıkesir along the way.
Izmir-Konya Blue Train Line
The Konya Mavi Tren (Konya Blue Train), connecting Izmir, Konya, Uşak, and Manisa, departs Izmir (Basmane) nightly at 20:05 (8:05 pm), and Konya nightly at 19:00 (7:00 pm), hauling Pullman, couchette, and sleeping cars, and a dining car, and arrives in the opposite station at breakfast-time.
Göller Express Train
Göller Express Train runs between Izmir and Isparta, connecting Selçuk, Aydın, Denizli, and Burdur along the way.
How to Buy Train Tickets in Izmir?
Buying a train ticket method differs based on the train station you will use. If you want to buy a train departing from Basmane Station, you can use the official website of Turkish Railways. We also have an article to guide you through the steps.
If you want to use Alsancak Station, there is no online purchase option. You will need to go to the train station and buy your ticket there.
Travel to Izmir by Train
Izmir is a special destination in Turkey, popular among local and international tourists. The city's infrastructure is well-developed, and numerous transportation methods connect Izmir to cities throughout Turkey.
The main thing to keep in mind is that Izmir has two train stations, each serving a different purpose: Basmane Gar serves regional and intercity trains, while Alsancak Gar serves commuter trains to local destinations.
—by Tom Brosnahan, updated by Can Turan
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