Turkey Railway Information
Your InterRail Pass is valid on trains operated by the TCDD (Turkish Republic State Railways), which run passenger trains through the country.
Important Travel Update: |
| Engineering works in Turkey (Istanbul - Bulgarian Border): |
|
Due the the construction of a new high-speed train line, there are engineering works on the train route between Istanbul and the Bulgarian border. The Turkish Railway (TCDD) is operating a direct replacement bus which connects Istanbul and Kapikule at the Bulgarian border. Duration: Engineering works are due to last at least 1 year. |
Train Service:
On long distances, like Istanbul to Ankara or Pamukkale, trains are a comfortable means of transport within the country.
The different types of trains that operate in Turkey are:
- Süper Ekspresler (intercity trains)
- Mavi Trenler and Ekspresler (interregional trains)
- Bölgesel Ekspresler (interregional express trains), Ray Otobüsü ve Mototrenler and Normal Yolcu Trenleri (regional trains)
- Banliyö Treni (commuter trains)
Domestic connections
Istanbul-Ankara route:
The Istanbul – Ankara rail line is the most popular connection. There are several daily trains on this line.
Istanbul-other domestic destinations:
Other major cities or tourist spots that can be reached by rail from Istanbul directly are:
- Edirne
- Eskisehir
- Denizli (near Pamukkale)
- Konya
- Adana
- Kayseri
- Gaziantep
- Diyarbakir
- Erzurum
- Kars
- Tatvan on the shore of Lake Van
International train connections:
The Bosphorus Express which operates daily provides international rail connections to the following locations in Europe:
- Bucharest (Romania)
- Sofia (Bulgaria)
- Plovdiv (Bulgaria)
Facilities and services on trains:
Bikes on trains:
You will able to take your bike on most trains, but please check locally if a special ticket is required.