RAIL TRAVEL IN TURKEY
Travel Turkey by Train
Compare rail routes, journey times and stations, then check current fares and schedules.
Search ticketsSTART EXPLORING
Top train routes in Turkey
Choose a route to see the journey, stations and booking options right here.
Istanbul Konya
🕒 Around 5–5½ hoursDirect YHT💳 Check current fareExplore route ↓Check tickets ↗Ankara Konya
🕒 Around 1¾–2½ hoursDirect YHT💳 Check current fareExplore route ↓Check tickets ↗Istanbul Eskişehir
🕒 Around 3–3½ hoursDirect YHT💳 Check current fareExplore route ↓Check tickets ↗Ankara Sivas
🕒 Around 2 hours 40 minutesDirect YHT💳 Check current fareExplore route ↓Check tickets ↗Istanbul Sivas
🕒 Around 6 hours 55 minutesDirect YHT on listed services💳 Check current fareExplore route ↓Check tickets ↗Ankara Kars
🕒 Long overnight journey; tourist train about 33 hoursDirect on available services💳 Check current fareExplore route ↓Check tickets ↗Istanbul Cappadocia
🕒 Varies by rail and road connectionConnection required💳 Check current fareExplore route ↓Check tickets ↗Istanbul İzmir
🕒 Varies by connectionConnection required💳 Check current fareExplore route ↓Check tickets ↗İzmir Selçuk
🕒 Check current journey timeDirect on selected regional trains💳 Check current fareExplore route ↓Check tickets ↗Istanbul Karaman
🕒 Around 6½ hoursDirect YHT on listed services💳 Check current fareExplore route ↓Check tickets ↗İzmir Denizli
🕒 Check current journey timeDirect regional service💳 Check current fareExplore route ↓Check tickets ↗Durations are published corridor estimates where available; exact departures and fares vary by date, train and class.
THE NETWORK AT A GLANCE
One country. Many ways to ride.
YHT high-speed trains connect the main western and central corridors. Mainline trains carry you farther east and west; regional trains fill in shorter trips. Some destinations need a bus or road transfer after the rail leg.
Get to know the trains →IstanbulEskişehirAnkaraSivas
EskişehirKonya
AnkaraErzurumKars
İzmirSelçukDenizli
KonyaKaraman
Illustrative corridor diagram · not a geographic mapTHE ROUTE GUIDES
Know the journey before you book
Each route has a simple station plan, typical service pattern and practical travel comparison.
ROUTE 01 / 12Book this route ↗
Istanbul to Ankara by Train #
YHT high-speed trains link Istanbul with Ankara Gar. Check whether your service starts at Söğütlüçeşme or another listed Istanbul stop.
TRAINYHT high-speed
TYPICAL TIMEAround 4½–5¼ hours
ROUTEDirect YHT
FARECheck current fare
Stations for this route
Check the exact station on your ticket. Map links open a station-name search.
THE ROUTE
IstanbulEskişehirAnkara
01 / PLAN
Stations & service
Service: Direct YHT · YHT high-speed
Typical schedule: Multiple direct YHT departures normally run through the day. Check the date and Istanbul boarding station; Ankara Ekspresi is a separate overnight service.
Class: Economy; business on selected trains
02 / COMPARE
Train, bus, flight or car?
Train is a convenient city-to-city choice; buses take longer on the road, flights add airport transfers, and a private car is flexible but costly.
🚆 Train Around 4½–5¼ hours🚌 Bus Check live time & fare✈️ Flight Allow airport time🚕 Car Flexible · higher cost
03 / ARRIVE
Why visit Ankara?
Anıtkabir, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the old citadel.
When to go: Spring and autumn are comfortable for walking around the capital.
Fares vary by date, train and class.Check current schedule & prices ↗
ROUTE 02 / 12Book this route ↗
Istanbul to Konya by Train #
Direct YHT services run from Istanbul to Konya through Eskişehir. Confirm your Istanbul boarding station and Konya arrival station before travel.
TRAINYHT high-speed
TYPICAL TIMEAround 5–5½ hours
ROUTEDirect YHT
FARECheck current fare
Stations for this route
Check the exact station on your ticket. Map links open a station-name search.
Arrival
📍 Konya Gar
Konya
Central Konya station; check the train’s listed stop.
View on Google Maps ↗
Arrival
📍 Selçuklu YHT
Konya
Another Konya YHT stop; confirm which one is on your ticket.
View on Google Maps ↗THE ROUTE
IstanbulEskişehirKonya
01 / PLAN
Stations & service
Service: Direct YHT · YHT high-speed
Typical schedule: Direct YHT trains run by day. Check the operating day and Istanbul stop for the departure you choose.
Class: Economy; business on selected trains
02 / COMPARE
Train, bus, flight or car?
Train keeps the journey on rail; buses are another overland choice, while flying adds airport time at both ends.
🚆 Train Around 5–5½ hours🚌 Bus Check live time & fare✈️ Flight Allow airport time🚕 Car Flexible · higher cost
03 / ARRIVE
Why visit Konya?
The Mevlana Museum, Seljuk architecture and traditional Konya food.
When to go: Spring and autumn suit city walks; summers can be hot.
Fares vary by date, train and class.Check current schedule & prices ↗
ROUTE 03 / 12Book this route ↗
Ankara to Konya by Train #
Direct daytime YHT trains connect Ankara with Konya. Check whether your service uses Konya Gar or Selçuklu YHT.
TRAINYHT high-speed
TYPICAL TIMEAround 1¾–2½ hours
ROUTEDirect YHT
FARECheck current fare
Stations for this route
Check the exact station on your ticket. Map links open a station-name search.
Arrival
📍 Konya Gar
Konya
Central Konya station; check the train’s listed stop.
View on Google Maps ↗
Arrival
📍 Selçuklu YHT
Konya
Another Konya YHT stop; confirm which one is on your ticket.
View on Google Maps ↗THE ROUTE
AnkaraPolatlıKonya
01 / PLAN
Stations & service
Service: Direct YHT · YHT high-speed
Typical schedule: Several direct YHT services normally run during the day. Exact times depend on the travel date.
Class: Economy; business on selected trains
02 / COMPARE
Train, bus, flight or car?
Train is the simplest city-centre link for many visitors; bus and car give road flexibility, while a flight rarely helps on such a short corridor.
🚆 Train Around 1¾–2½ hours🚌 Bus Check live time & fare✈️ Flight Usually impractical🚕 Car Flexible · higher cost
03 / ARRIVE
Why visit Konya?
Visit the Mevlana Museum and explore the old Seljuk capital.
When to go: Spring and autumn are pleasant for exploring on foot.
Fares vary by date, train and class.Check current schedule & prices ↗
ROUTE 04 / 12Book this route ↗
Istanbul to Eskişehir by Train #
Direct YHT trains reach Eskişehir from Istanbul’s Asian-side stops. The station is close to the city centre.
TRAINYHT high-speed
TYPICAL TIMEAround 3–3½ hours
ROUTEDirect YHT
FARECheck current fare
Stations for this route
Check the exact station on your ticket. Map links open a station-name search.
THE ROUTE
IstanbulBilecikEskişehir
01 / PLAN
Stations & service
Service: Direct YHT · YHT high-speed
Typical schedule: Daytime direct YHT services use this corridor. Check which Istanbul stop your train serves.
Class: Economy; business on selected trains
02 / COMPARE
Train, bus, flight or car?
Train arrives close to the centre; buses can be useful for different departure points, while flights are usually impractical.
🚆 Train Around 3–3½ hours🚌 Bus Check live time & fare✈️ Flight Usually impractical🚕 Car Flexible · higher cost
03 / ARRIVE
Why visit Eskişehir?
Odunpazarı’s historic streets, museums and the Porsuk riverside.
When to go: Spring through autumn is well suited to walking; winter is colder.
Fares vary by date, train and class.Check current schedule & prices ↗
ROUTE 05 / 12Book this route ↗
Ankara to Sivas by Train #
Direct YHT trains run between Ankara Gar and Sivas Gar through the central Anatolian plateau.
TRAINYHT high-speed
TYPICAL TIMEAround 2 hours 40 minutes
ROUTEDirect YHT
FARECheck current fare
Stations for this route
Check the exact station on your ticket. Map links open a station-name search.
THE ROUTE
AnkaraYozgatSivas
01 / PLAN
Stations & service
Service: Direct YHT · YHT high-speed
Typical schedule: Direct YHT services run by day. Check the current departure pattern for your travel date.
Class: Economy; business on selected trains
02 / COMPARE
Train, bus, flight or car?
Train is the fast overland option; buses may offer more hours, and flying brings airport transfer time.
🚆 Train Around 2 hours 40 minutes🚌 Bus Check live time & fare✈️ Flight Allow airport time🚕 Car Flexible · higher cost
03 / ARRIVE
Why visit Sivas?
Explore the old medreses, Sivas Congress heritage and local cuisine.
When to go: Late spring to early autumn brings milder sightseeing weather.
Fares vary by date, train and class.Check current schedule & prices ↗
ROUTE 06 / 12Book this route ↗
Istanbul to Sivas by Train #
A direct YHT service links Istanbul with Sivas through Ankara. Check the available departures before choosing a travel day.
TRAINYHT high-speed
TYPICAL TIMEAround 6 hours 55 minutes
ROUTEDirect YHT on listed services
FARECheck current fare
Stations for this route
Check the exact station on your ticket. Map links open a station-name search.
THE ROUTE
IstanbulAnkaraSivas
01 / PLAN
Stations & service
Service: Direct YHT on listed services · YHT high-speed
Typical schedule: Direct daytime YHT service is listed, but choices are fewer than on shorter corridors. Check the exact travel date.
Class: Economy; business on selected trains
02 / COMPARE
Train, bus, flight or car?
Rail offers a city-to-city journey; coach and flight alternatives depend on departure time and airport transfers.
🚆 Train Around 6 hours 55 minutes🚌 Bus Check live time & fare✈️ Flight Allow airport time🚕 Car Flexible · higher cost
03 / ARRIVE
Why visit Sivas?
Historic medreses and the story of the Sivas Congress.
When to go: Late spring to early autumn is mildest for a city visit.
Fares vary by date, train and class.Check current schedule & prices ↗
ROUTE 07 / 12Book this route ↗
Ankara to Kars by Train #
The regular Eastern Express and the seasonal tourist train both use the Ankara–Kars corridor. The tourist train adds long sightseeing stops.
TRAINEastern Express / tourist train
TYPICAL TIMELong overnight journey; tourist train about 33 hours
ROUTEDirect on available services
FARECheck current fare
Stations for this route
Check the exact station on your ticket. Map links open a station-name search.
THE ROUTE
AnkaraErzincanErzurumKars
01 / PLAN
Stations & service
Service: Direct on available services · Eastern Express / tourist train
Typical schedule: The regular train is a long overnight journey. The separate tourist train runs on selected seasonal dates with sightseeing stops; confirm the exact product.
Class: Tourist train: sleeper rooms; check regular-train accommodation separately
02 / COMPARE
Train, bus, flight or car?
The train is a journey in its own right; a bus is long and a flight is much quicker when only arrival time matters.
🚆 Train Long overnight journey; tourist train about 33 hours🚌 Bus Check live time & fare✈️ Flight Allow airport time🚕 Car Flexible · higher cost
03 / ARRIVE
Why visit Kars?
Kars Castle, Russian-era streets and trips to Ani.
When to go: Winter brings snow scenery; late spring to autumn is easier for outdoor visits.
Fares vary by date, train and class.Check current schedule & prices ↗
ROUTE 08 / 12Book this route ↗
Istanbul to Cappadocia by Train #
There is no train into Göreme or the central Cappadocia towns. Travel by rail toward Kayseri, then continue by road and leave time between legs.
TRAINTrain + road transfer
TYPICAL TIMEVaries by rail and road connection
ROUTEConnection required
FARECheck current fare
Stations for this route
Check the exact station on your ticket. Map links open a station-name search.
Change / onward
📍 Kayseri Gar
Kayseri
Rail stop before a separate road trip to Cappadocia.
View on Google Maps ↗Cappadocia has no central rail station. Book the road leg from Kayseri separately.
THE ROUTE
IstanbulAnkaraKayseriCappadocia
01 / PLAN
Stations & service
Service: Connection required · Train + road transfer
Typical schedule: No direct train reaches central Cappadocia. Check YHT and any onward rail leg separately, then book a road transfer.
Class: Depends on the chosen rail legs
02 / COMPARE
Train, bus, flight or car?
Train plus road is scenic but takes planning; a direct bus is simpler, a flight to a regional airport is faster, and a private transfer is flexible.
🚆 Train Varies by rail and road connection🚌 Bus Check live time & fare✈️ Flight Allow airport time🚕 Car Flexible · higher cost
03 / ARRIVE
Why visit Cappadocia?
Göreme’s valleys, cave heritage and sunrise views.
When to go: Spring and autumn are popular for outdoor exploring; balloon flights depend on weather.
Fares vary by date, train and class.Check current schedule & prices ↗
ROUTE 09 / 12Book this route ↗
Istanbul to İzmir by Train #
Istanbul–İzmir requires a change of trains. YHT reaches Eskişehir; a mainline service can continue toward İzmir Basmane if timings align.
TRAINTrain + connection
TYPICAL TIMEVaries by connection
ROUTEConnection required
FARECheck current fare
Stations for this route
Check the exact station on your ticket. Map links open a station-name search.
Change / onward
📍 Eskişehir Gar
Eskişehir
City station and rail connection point.
View on Google Maps ↗THE ROUTE
IstanbulEskişehirİzmir
01 / PLAN
Stations & service
Service: Connection required · Train + connection
Typical schedule: There is no direct train. Check the YHT leg to Eskişehir and the onward mainline service on the same travel date.
Class: YHT seating, then mainline seating; check the exact coach
02 / COMPARE
Train, bus, flight or car?
Rail suits travelers who enjoy the journey; bus and flight may be simpler or quicker for a direct Istanbul–İzmir trip.
🚆 Train Varies by connection🚌 Bus Check live time & fare✈️ Flight Allow airport time🚕 Car Flexible · higher cost
03 / ARRIVE
Why visit İzmir?
Konak Square, the Kordon waterfront and easy onward Aegean excursions.
When to go: Spring and autumn are warm without peak summer heat.
Fares vary by date, train and class.Check current schedule & prices ↗
ROUTE 10 / 12Book this route ↗
İzmir to Selçuk by Train #
Regional trains link İzmir Basmane with Selçuk. Ephesus is a separate local trip from Selçuk station.
TRAINRegional train
TYPICAL TIMECheck current journey time
ROUTEDirect on selected regional trains
FARECheck current fare
Stations for this route
Check the exact station on your ticket. Map links open a station-name search.
THE ROUTE
İzmirTorbalıSelçuk
01 / PLAN
Stations & service
Service: Direct on selected regional trains · Regional train
Typical schedule: Regional services normally run during the day. Check current departures and the Selçuk stop.
Class: Regional seated service
02 / COMPARE
Train, bus, flight or car?
Train and bus both reach Selçuk; a private car helps if combining several archaeological sites. Flying is irrelevant for this short trip.
🚆 Train Check current journey time🚌 Bus Check live time & fare✈️ Flight Usually impractical🚕 Car Flexible · higher cost
03 / ARRIVE
Why visit Selçuk?
Ephesus, the Selçuk museum and St John’s Basilica.
When to go: Spring and autumn help avoid the hottest hours at the exposed ruins.
Fares vary by date, train and class.Check current schedule & prices ↗
ROUTE 11 / 12Book this route ↗
Istanbul to Karaman by Train #
A direct YHT runs through Eskişehir and Konya before continuing to Karaman. Check which Istanbul station your departure uses.
TRAINYHT high-speed
TYPICAL TIMEAround 6½ hours
ROUTEDirect YHT on listed services
FARECheck current fare
Stations for this route
Check the exact station on your ticket. Map links open a station-name search.
THE ROUTE
IstanbulEskişehirKonyaKaraman
01 / PLAN
Stations & service
Service: Direct YHT on listed services · YHT high-speed
Typical schedule: Direct daytime YHT services are listed for this corridor. Check your date and Istanbul departure station.
Class: Economy; business where offered
02 / COMPARE
Train, bus, flight or car?
The train avoids a change on this corridor; buses offer other departure times, while flights require a road leg from a nearby airport.
🚆 Train Around 6½ hours🚌 Bus Check live time & fare✈️ Flight Allow airport time🚕 Car Flexible · higher cost
03 / ARRIVE
Why visit Karaman?
Karaman Castle, old mosques and access to central Anatolian towns.
When to go: Spring and autumn are comfortable for walking around Karaman.
Fares vary by date, train and class.Check current schedule & prices ↗
ROUTE 12 / 12Book this route ↗
İzmir to Denizli by Train #
Take a regional train inland to Denizli, then use a local bus or transfer to reach Pamukkale.
TRAINRegional train
TYPICAL TIMECheck current journey time
ROUTEDirect regional service
FARECheck current fare
Stations for this route
Check the exact station on your ticket. Map links open a station-name search.
Arrival
📍 Denizli Gar
Denizli
Rail arrival point for onward travel to Pamukkale.
View on Google Maps ↗THE ROUTE
İzmirSelçukDenizli
01 / PLAN
Stations & service
Service: Direct regional service · Regional train
Typical schedule: Several regional trains are listed on the Basmane–Denizli corridor; confirm today’s departure and stops.
Class: Regional seated service
02 / COMPARE
Train, bus, flight or car?
Train and bus both reach Denizli; a car gives more flexibility for Pamukkale and nearby sites. A flight adds airport travel to this overland trip.
🚆 Train Check current journey time🚌 Bus Check live time & fare✈️ Flight Allow airport time🚕 Car Flexible · higher cost
03 / ARRIVE
Why visit Denizli?
Denizli is the rail gateway for Pamukkale and Hierapolis.
When to go: Spring and autumn are milder for walking at the exposed terraces.
Fares vary by date, train and class.Check current schedule & prices ↗
CHOOSING A TRAIN
Train types in Turkey
Check the named service on your ticket. The route and accommodation can differ even when two trains use the same line.
01 / DAYTIME
YHT high-speed
Reserved-seat trains on the Istanbul, Ankara, Eskişehir, Konya, Karaman and Sivas corridors. Choose YHT for a direct daytime trip between major cities. Economy is standard; business is offered on selected services.
02 / LONG DISTANCE
Mainline trains
Conventional trains reach places beyond the YHT network. They usually take longer, and some run overnight. Check the exact train name, intermediate stops and accommodation before booking.
03 / LOCAL CORRIDORS
Regional trains
Seated services link nearby cities and towns. The İzmir–Selçuk and İzmir–Denizli corridors are useful examples. Check the stopping pattern and whether you need local transport after arrival.
04 / OVERNIGHT
Night trains
Long-distance trains can save a daytime travel slot. A seat, couchette and sleeper are different products; availability depends on the named service. Check the coach type before paying.
Doğu Ekspresi
The regular Eastern Express serves the Ankara–Kars corridor. It is a long-distance train, with accommodation and travel time shown for each departure.
Turistik Doğu Ekspresi
A separate seasonal train on the Ankara–Kars route. It has extended sightseeing stops and strong winter demand, so check its dates and availability early.
Ankara Ekspresi
An overnight Ankara–Halkalı service for travelers who prefer to arrive the next morning. TCDD lists seated and sleeping accommodation.
International rail
The Istanbul–Sofia Express links Halkalı with Sofia. Cross-border schedules and ticket rules need a separate check before travel.
ON BOARD
Train classes & comfort
Choose the accommodation shown for your actual departure. A class offered on one train may not exist on another.
EconomyStandard reserved seating on YHT services.
BusinessUpgraded seating on selected YHT trains.
SleeperPrivate sleeping accommodation on eligible overnight services.
CouchetteShared berth accommodation where offered.
CHOOSE YOUR WAY
Train vs bus vs flight
The best option depends on distance, station location, comfort and your travel date.
🚆
Train
City-to-city stations, room to move and a view of the journey. Check whether the route is direct.
🚌
Bus
Broad coverage and many road departures, including places the railway does not reach.
✈️
Flight
Fast in the air for long distances; add airport transfers, check-in and security time.
🚕
Private transfer
Door-to-door flexibility, usually at a higher cost than shared transport.
We do not publish fixed fare comparisons: live prices change by operator, date and class.
BOOKING BASICS
How tickets work
Four checks make a train booking easier to use on travel day.
01Search your route
Choose your departure city, destination and travel date.
02Compare the services
Check train type, departure station, duration and class.
03Confirm station and class
Istanbul has several rail stops. Use the station printed on your ticket.
04Keep your ticket ready
Have your ticket and required identification available before boarding.
AFTER THE TRAIN
Things to do in Turkey
Find experiences across Turkey after you settle on a route.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to common rail planning questions.
Can I buy Turkey train tickets online?
Yes. Search your route and date online, then check the operator, station and ticket conditions before paying.
How early should I book a YHT ticket?
Book once the service you want is available, especially for busy weekends and holidays. Sale windows and remaining seats can change.
Which Istanbul station do high-speed trains use?
Söğütlüçeşme is a common YHT stop. Some services also use Halkalı or Pendik. Your ticket names the station for your specific train.
Are train tickets cheaper than flights?
There is no fixed answer. Compare the live fare for your date and add airport transfers when comparing total cost and time.
Can I travel directly to Cappadocia by train?
No. The central Cappadocia towns do not have a direct train station. Use rail toward Ankara or Kayseri, then arrange a separate road transfer.
Is there a direct train from Istanbul to İzmir?
No direct service is listed here. A rail itinerary can use YHT to Eskişehir and a mainline train toward İzmir Basmane if the schedules align. Compare a bus or flight if timing matters.
How do Doğu Ekspresi and Turistik Doğu Ekspresi differ?
The regular Eastern Express is a long-distance service. The separate tourist train is seasonal and has extended sightseeing stops. Check which one your ticket names.
Are sleeper trains available in Turkey?
Yes, on selected mainline and tourist trains. Confirm the accommodation type and availability for the exact departure.
Can I take luggage on Turkish trains?
Check the current operator rules for your train and ticket. Keep bags manageable and leave aisles and doors clear.
Do Turkish trains have business class?
Selected YHT trains offer business seating. Regional and overnight trains use different accommodation types.
READY TO GO?
Your next journey starts on the rails.
Search live options, compare your route and check the stations before you book.
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