Turkey has invested heavily in rail in recent decades, building a growing high-speed network alongside its classic long-distance expresses. The national operator TCDD Taşımacılık now runs fast trains between Ankara and Istanbul in around 4 hours, while legendary named overnight expresses still wind slowly through Anatolia to cities like Kars, Van and Kurtalan — drawing a devoted following of slow-travel enthusiasts. Turkish rail is diverse, sometimes wonderful, and different in character from European networks.
Istanbul: the unusual rail entry point
Istanbul's rail geography is worth understanding before you plan. The city straddles two continents, and its main rail hubs are on different sides:
- Halkalı and Pendik stations (European and Asian sides respectively) are the termini for high-speed trains. The new Marmaray tunnel under the Bosphorus connects them via a suburban rail line, making cross-city transit possible.
- Sirkeci Station in the old city was the historic terminus of the Orient Express, though it now handles suburban trains rather than long-distance services.
- Haydarpaşa Station on the Asian shore is the iconic neoclassical terminus built in the German imperial style — it is undergoing restoration and may or may not be in service when you visit.
High-speed trains between Istanbul and Ankara depart from Pendik (Asian side) and terminate at Ankara Gar. Plan the cross-city transfer accordingly.
The high-speed network: Ankara to everywhere
Turkey's high-speed rail (YHT — Yüksek Hızlı Tren) lines centre on Ankara, the capital. Key routes:
- Istanbul to Ankara — about 4 hours on YHT services running between Pendik and Ankara Gar. Multiple departures throughout the day. This is the flagship service and thoroughly modern — a reservation is required.
- Ankara to Konya — about 1 hour 45 minutes on YHT; Konya is the city of Rumi and the whirling dervishes.
- Ankara to Eskişehir — about 1 hour 30 minutes; an intermediate stop on many Istanbul–Ankara services.
- Ankara to Sivas — a newer high-speed extension heading east; the journey takes around 2 hours 15 minutes.
The YHT network is expanding, with further lines planned toward the east and southeast. Current route maps should always be checked on the TCDD booking system.
The Doğu Express: Turkey's most famous slow train
No guide to Turkish rail is complete without the Doğu Express (Eastern Express), which runs between Ankara and Kars in northeastern Turkey — a journey of roughly 24 hours covering around 1,310 km through the heart of Anatolia. It passes through Sivas, Erzincan and Erzurum, climbing into high plateau country and approaching the Armenian border before terminating near the ruins of the ancient city of Ani.
The Doğu Express became unexpectedly famous in Turkish popular culture and social media in the late 2010s, and demand for sleeping compartments now significantly exceeds supply. Booking as early as possible — weeks or even a couple of months in advance for weekend departures or holiday periods — is essential. The train offers couchettes and sleeping compartments; the on-board tea service (çay) is mandatory.
Other named long-distance expresses operate to Tatvan/Van (the Vangölü Express), Kurtalan (the Güney Kurtalan Express) and other eastern destinations. These are slower, less famous and often easier to book. They offer an immersive experience of rural Turkey that faster transport cannot replicate.
The Istanbul to Sofia connection
An international rail service connects Istanbul with Sofia in Bulgaria and onward to Belgrade and beyond — the route of the historical Orient Express and later the Bosphorus Express. The journey from Istanbul to Sofia takes around 9 to 11 hours. Cross-border formalities (Turkish and Bulgarian border controls) can add time. Check current timetables, as international services on this corridor have varied in frequency and reliability.
For the Bulgarian perspective, see our Bulgaria by train guide.
Booking TCDD trains
Tickets are sold through the TCDD e-bilet website (ebilet.tcdd.gov.tr) and at station windows. The website accepts foreign cards on most occasions, though some travellers report difficulties — having a backup (Visa or Mastercard works better than Amex) or buying at the station is sensible for first-time users. A reservation is required on all YHT (high-speed) services. For sleeping accommodation on the Doğu Express and other overnight trains, book as early as the system allows.
Practical notes
- Announcements on YHT trains are in Turkish and usually English. Older Ankara-based expresses may be Turkish only.
- Turkish train fares are denominated in Turkish lira (TL), which has experienced significant inflation; fares in TL terms can seem high, but at current exchange rates the journeys remain affordable.
- Interrail and Eurail passes are not valid in Turkey — Turkey is not a member country. All fares must be paid.
- The Marmaray commuter tunnel under the Bosphorus connects the European and Asian rail networks; a separate token or Istanbulkart smart card is needed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the train from Istanbul to Ankara take?
The YHT high-speed service takes about 4 hours from Pendik (Asian Istanbul) to Ankara Gar. Multiple services run throughout the day; a reservation is required.
How do I book the Doğu Express?
Book via the TCDD e-bilet website (ebilet.tcdd.gov.tr) or at Ankara station. Sleeping compartments and couchettes on the Doğu Express sell out quickly — especially for weekends and public holidays. Book as far in advance as the system allows, which is typically 10 days to 30 days before departure.
Are Interrail or Eurail passes valid in Turkey?
No. Turkey is not part of the Interrail or Eurail network. You must buy tickets directly from TCDD for all journeys in Turkey.
Can I take the train from Istanbul to Sofia or Athens?
There is an international service to Sofia (about 9 to 11 hours), which connects onward to the European network. A direct service to Athens does not currently exist; the route involves a change in Sofia or Thessaloniki. Check current timetables as international services in this region are subject to change.
Sources and further reading:
- Timetables and booking: TCDD e-bilet (ebilet.tcdd.gov.tr).
- Long-distance train detail including the Doğu Express: The Man in Seat 61.