Train
About 4½–5¼ hoursCity-to-city seated rail. Confirm your exact station and service.
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ROUTE OVERVIEW
Plan the trip at a glance
A direct YHT journey from the capital toward Istanbul. Your destination station matters: the service may continue beyond Söğütlüçeşme.
📍 OriginAnkara
📍 DestinationIstanbul
🕒 Typical durationAbout 4½–5¼ hours
🚆 Train typeYHT
💳 Typical fareVaries by date
🎟️ BookingCheck tickets ↗
ORIENTATION
Route map
A simple city-to-city diagram. It does not show the exact track alignment or every station stop.
●STARTAnkara
YHT · Direct rail corridor
●ARRIVEIstanbul
TRANSPORT OPTIONS
Compare ways to travel
Choose the mode that fits your time, comfort and station or terminal plans. Confirm live options before booking.
Bus
Check serviceIntercity coaches use separate terminals; journey times and stops vary.
Compare transportFlight
Check serviceAllow for airport travel, check-in and security beyond the flight itself.
Compare transportPrivate transfer
Request a quoteDoor-to-door road travel; time and price depend on pickup and traffic.
Compare transportThe 12Go route page may show different available modes on different dates. A card above does not guarantee inventory.
Typical departures
Services operate on this corridor. Exact departure times vary by date. We do not list fixed departure times here because they can change.
Check today's trains ↗Duration context: TCDD Taşımacılık. Checked October 2026.Ticket prices
Prices vary by service, class and travel date. Check current prices before booking. No current fare is shown until a reliable source supplies one for the chosen departure.
Check current prices ↗BOOKING
Check Ankara → Istanbul tickets
12Go provides the booking search. Confirm the transport mode, train, date, station and fare on its site.
ANKARA → ISTANBUL
Check trains & prices Continue to live booking
Current departures and fares are not displayed by TurkeyByTrain. The partner page may offer train and other transport options.
STATIONS & ON BOARD
What to know for this route
01 / DEPARTURE
Leaving from Ankara Gar
Ankara Gar is the central starting point for Ankara–Istanbul YHT services. Some trains also call at Eryaman YHT after departure; choose the station printed on your ticket.
Allow time for the station entrance, platform information and boarding.
Ankara Gar station guide →
02 / ARRIVAL
Which Istanbul station?
The corridor includes Pendik, Bostancı and Söğütlüçeşme; some services continue to Bakırköy and Halkalı. Choose the stop that works for your onward trip.
Check the exact Istanbul destination on your booking before arranging local transport.
Söğütlüçeşme station guide →
03 / ONBOARD
On board the YHT
This is a seated high-speed intercity service. Economy and other class choices depend on the train and ticket shown during booking.
Compare seat and change conditions before you pay.
ON THE WAY
The journey experience
After leaving Ankara, the YHT runs across central Anatolia and through the Eskişehir and northwestern corridor toward the Istanbul metropolitan area. The journey is daytime seated travel. The final approach and local connection depend on which Istanbul station you selected.
Why visit Istanbul?
Istanbul has distinct areas on both sides of the Bosphorus. A short stay can combine the Historic Peninsula’s museums and monuments with a ferry crossing or a neighbourhood walk around Kadıköy or Karaköy.
Istanbul city guide →When to visit
Spring and autumn are comfortable choices for long walks and ferry trips. Summers can be busy; in winter, allow for rain and shorter daylight when planning outdoor time.
DESTINATION IDEAS
Things to do in Istanbul
Choose a few activities near your arrival city before planning onward travel.
Historic Peninsula museums and monumentsA Bosphorus ferry crossingKadıköy streets and foodA neighbourhood walk in Karaköy
Partner suggestions below are automatic and may include the departure city. Check the activity location before booking.
BEFORE YOU GO
Booking advice
Check the details for the exact service you select.
- 01Choose the right Istanbul destination station before booking.
- 02Check departure time and boarding instructions at Ankara Gar.
- 03Compare class, seat and ticket conditions for the exact train.
- 04Plan the local connection from your Istanbul arrival stop.
- 05Review luggage and change policies with the booking provider.
HELPFUL ANSWERS
Ankara–Istanbul FAQs
Is the Ankara to Istanbul train direct?
Yes. TCDD Taşımacılık lists direct YHT services on this corridor.
Does every train end at Söğütlüçeşme?
No. TCDD lists services that continue to Bakırköy and Halkalı. Check your specific train and destination.
How long does the journey take?
TCDD lists approximately four and a half hours to Söğütlüçeşme and about five hours ten minutes to Halkalı, depending on stops. Verify your chosen service.
Which Ankara station should I use?
Use the station on your ticket. Ankara Gar is the central departure point; some services also call at Eryaman YHT.