turkey train travel

• Travel recommendations The world is a big place – not sure where to go? Get recommendations on destinations, the best times to go there, and what to do.
• Travel in the UK How much have you really travelled within the UK? There are so many local hidden gems waiting to be discovered – be inspired here.
• The taste of travel For some, the best way to experience a place is through its food. See the best places to go for dining and local dishes around the world.
• Tips & tricks Hack your way to the most amazing trips ever with tips on everything from how to pack your carry-on to how to eat dumplings.
• Travel experiences What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re travelling? Find the best things to see and do based on your interests or type of travel.
• News Read the latest news about the travel industry, our products and services, and what’s happening at KAYAK.

A complete guide to exploring Turkey by train

Turkey is widely considered to be one of the most exotic countries in the world, and despite being a city that’s steeped in history, what makes Turkey even more alluring is the visibly modern vibe it displays in the major cities. Turkey is the only city in the world built on two separate continents – Asia and Europe. One of the most comfortable and affordable ways to travel around the country is to purchase one of the rail passes available and experience Turkey by train.

Turkey by train: what you need to know

Experiencing Turkey by train is an absolute adventure. There are various options to choose from, including comfortable sleeper trains, overnight trains, high-speed connections, long-distance trains winding through exquisite landscapes and even a couple of old diesel trains. Train travel in Turkey mimics how the country itself is, a mixture of traditional and modern experiences that’ll keep you coming back for more. Let’s tackle a couple of questions you might have about train travel in Turkey.

Which train providers operate in Turkey?

Outside of Izmir, if you’re travelling around Turkey by train, your trip will always be operated by the same company: Turkish State Railways, or Turkiye Cumhuriyeti Devlet Demiryollari (TCDD) in Turkish. This government-owned railway company is responsible for the ownership, maintenance, planning and construction of the railway infrastructure in Turkey and operates all routes within the country.

Turkish State Railways operates a range of passenger services, including their premier high-speed railway service, intercity trains between major cities, trains going to Europe or the Middle East, regional trains within specific districts and commuter trains in Ankara and Istanbul.

High-speed trains

Travelling around Turkey by train on a high-speed rail is the most common way to travel, especially between the major metropolitan cities. These trains typically move on private lines at speeds of up to 250 km/h. These lines run between Ankara, Istanbul, Konya and Eskisehir, though there are new lines under construction at the moment.

There are up to 10 departures in each direction every day, and the trains are very punctual and reliable. They offer both economy and business-class seats, with some trains even having business compartments in them.

Mainline trains

Mainline trains are also known as long-distance trains. These operate less frequently than high-speed trains on a day-to-day basis, though you will usually find at least one train per day to your required destination, depending on how remote it is. Mainline trains connect the main metropolis to far-away destinations, and there are few exceptions to where they reach. Unfortunately, if you’re trying to get to the Black Sea, you’ll need to make your way to Ankara and catch a bus from there. These long-distance trains all have Pulman wagons, which are cabins with rows made up of one double seat and one single seat, both reclining and comfortable.

If you’re on an overnight long-distance train, your train will have a couchette, sleeper or both. Couchettes have four seats that are replaced by four beds in the evening and you’re given pillows and blankets at night. These compartments are gender-specific. Sleepers offer two beds, air conditioning, a basin and an electrical socket. If a single passenger reserves a compartment, the other bed is not for sale, so the initial passenger will incur surcharges.

Regional trains

Regional trains run between some neighbouring cities like Adana and Mersin and usually run up to 20 times per day at varying intervals in both directions. These tickets are generally only available at stations and do not include seat reservations.

Buying train tickets

If you’re looking for high-speed trains or mainline trains, these tickets are on sale online through KAYAK. Scroll to the left-hand side of the page and click on the “Trains and Buses” link to navigate to the page and then input your departure/arrival cities and dates. High-speed train tickets typically go on sale 15 days before the departure date, while mainline tickets are available up to a month prior. International tickets from outside Turkey may be found online, but international train tickets from Turkey to outside destinations are usually only available at the stations.

Gender declaration

Don’t be surprised if you’re asked for your gender when booking the ticket. Turkish State Railways do not allow different genders to be seated alongside each other or even in the same compartment. Only when tickets are bought together will this be allowed, under certain circumstances. If you declare the wrong gender, you may be asked to leave the train, pay a fine or change seats at the discretion of the inspector.

Popular trains and routes in Turkey

There are a wide variety of routes offered throughout Turkey along various lines, but there are a few that are special and well worth a trip while you’re in the country.

Izmir to Konya

There is one train operating every day in each direction, departing from Konya at roughly 19:30 each evening and from Izmir at about 21:05. These are nightly sleeper trains called the Konya Mavi Tren and usually act as a link between Izmir and Cappadocia or Ephesus.

Each train offers Pullman cars, couchettes and sleepers, as well as a dining car. They also function as a convenient and budget overnight stay en route to either Ephesus or Cappadocia. If you’re heading to Cappadocia, you’ll need to take a bus or hire car from Konya to get there.

Pamukkale Ekspresi Train

The Pamukkale Ekspresi Train is a rail route operating as a daytime link between Denizli and Istanbul via Eskisehir. The train departs Denizli at about 08:00 and heads to Ayfon, where more passengers can climb on before the around 12:33 departure. From there, it heads to Kutahya for a brief stop before making its way to Eskisehir at roughly 14:38. Once you’ve arrived in Eskisehir, you’ll be just in time for the roughly 16:40 departure of the high-speed train from there to Istanbul.

One of the biggest advantages of taking the train rather than other modes of transport, despite the whole trip being around 12 hours, is the beautiful scenery of the flourishing Aegean region you’ll pass through along the way. The Aegean shores are some of the most beautiful in the whole world – a magnificent coastline teeming with exquisite beaches, pine trees and rocky crags, surrounded by olive groves.

Istanbul to Ankara

This route is worth it for the sheer pace and the distance covered. There are four classes featured on the high-speed trains between major regions, including economy, economy plus, business and business plus. There’s also a cafeteria car included. If you’re riding on a plus ticket, you’ll receive dinner on evening trains and breakfast on morning trains. Comfort on the train is higher than on planes, and tickets are cheaper.

The fastest train between Istanbul and Ankara covers a distance of around 534 km generally in under 4 hours, which isn’t a lot slower than the total travel time of taking a flight (if you include the plane’s taxi time on the runway, security, baggage collection and getting to the city).

Benefits of travelling by train

Travelling by train has some obvious benefits to car travel or taking a plane. Air travel is sought-after because of the time efficiency, but you miss out on so much of the scenery and comfort offered by train travel.

No weather delays

The weather in Turkey can be unpredictable: sunny on one day and rainy or cold on the next. Airlines frequently ground planes due to storms. Trains, however, can run during any type of weather.

There is no comparison between train travel and any other form of transport. You’re afforded a lot more space and freedom to move around on a train than in a car or plane.

Sustainability

Outside of bicycles and walking, train travel is the most sustainable way to travel, often decreasing your carbon footprint by as much as 70% compared to planes and cars. Trains also provide more efficient use of space and they contribute less to noise pollution.

About the author

Explore more articles

• Living In Croatia
• Croatian Recipes
• Balkan Recipes

Home > Turkish Train Travel – Turkey Train Tickets, Options & More

Turkish Train Travel – Turkey Train Tickets, Options & More

Written by our local expert Nicky

Nicky, originally from the UK, is now a local in Turkey. She moved to Marmaris, Türkiye for love 12 years ago and is now your Turkey travel planner.

Here is all you need to know about Turkish train travel. We have information on Turkey train ticket options & more.

Your options are: driving, bus, domestic flights, private transfers , and of course, Turkish railways.

Now, Turkish trains are the lesser-known option as most people love to travel by bus, but the railway system in Turkey is very high quality and is expanding all the time. So, it’s possible that in the coming years, there will be more train connections between major towns and cities.

The beauty of traveling by train in Turkey is that you get to see so much of the country’s stunning landscapes as you travel. You also save time because you’re not going to get stuck in traffic – which is the big cities can be a gigantic time waster. However, do be aware that some rail journeys can take longer than driving, yet prices tend to be a little less or at least comparable.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

About The Turkish Rail Network

TCDD is the company responsible for train travel in Turkey, and this covers regular trains and the high-speed train network. Both are still developing, so as before, the hope is that in a few years, more places will be connected by train.

At the moment, the high-speed Turkish railways network only connects eight major cities in Türkiye:

Regular trains also connect other cities, such as Izmir to Denizli, which passes the must-see stops of Ephesus and Pamukkale. This could be a useful connection if you’re planning on visiting either of these very famous touristic spots.

• Your Guide To Ephesus
• Your Guide To Pamukkale

On a high-speed train, you can pre-book the carriage you want at the time of paying for your ticket (more on that shortly). Carriages vary according to comfort level and luxury.

Standard Carriage

The most basic choice is the standard carriage, which is still very comfortable and offers plenty of legroom. These tickets are obviously lower in price.

Business Carriage

You can then choose a business carriage, which has more legroom and slightly more luxury

First-Class Ticket

Or, you can opt for a first-class ticket, which really does what it says on the tin.

All these train options have food carts available for snacks and refreshments.

Brands We Use And Trust

How to buy turkey train tickets.

Due to the fact that the train network in Türkiye isn’t as extensive as it could be and it’s still developing, that means there are only so many tickets available. Add to that the high comfort level and convenience of traveling by train, and you can imagine that most tickets sell out in advance.

The best starting point is to research train times on the TCDD website. You can purchase your ticket directly on the site, or you can go to the nearest train station and book your ticket in person by paying with a card or cash.

It’s not the best idea to purchase your ticket on the day; as before, tickets sell out, especially if you’re going for a high-demand route. So, try to book at least a few days before for peace of mind.

What Types Of Turkey Train Tickets Are There

There are two ticket types – standard and flexible.

• A standard ticket: is paid in full at the time of booking and cannot be refunded. However, you can change or cancel your ticket up to three times before your journey.
• A flexible ticket: offers you the option to be refunded, make changes, or even suspend your ticket up to three times. This is a good option if you want to book your ticket ahead of time to avoid disappointment, but your travel plans aren’t set in stone yet. Remember, you will pay a little more for a flexible ticket as a result.

Costs Of Trains In Turkey

We’ll skip this as by the time you read it, the prices will be outdated – the price increases in Turkey get higher by the day sadly.

Is It Worth Travelling By Train In Turkey

There are many reasons to consider traveling by train in Turkey. The scenery is beautiful, the experience is unique, and it can be a great way to save money . The first thing to consider is the scenery. Train travel in Turkey offers some of the most stunning views in the world. The landscapes vary from snow-capped mountains to sandy beaches , and there is always something new to see. This is one of the main reasons that people choose to travel by train – it’s a great way to see the country .

Another reason to take the train is for the experience. It’s not like any other mode of transportation, and it can be a lot of fun. You get to meet new people, see new places, and learn about different cultures without having to drive. It’s an adventure that you won’t soon forget.

Finally, traveling by train can be a great way to save money . If you plan ahead, you can often find discounts on tickets and accommodation. This means that you can explore more of Türkiye without breaking the bank.

All things considered, yes. If you can find a train service that runs between destinations close to where you are and where you want to go, traveling by train is a great idea. Costs are relatively low, comfort is high, and you’ll get to see so much scenery as you’re passing by.

• Car Rental & Driving In Turkey
• Guide To Toll Roads In Turkey
• Turkey Bus Travel Guide
• Getting Around Istanbul – Transport Guide & Tips
• How To Road Trip In Turkey

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Move This Adventure To Your Inbox & Get An Instant Freebie

Subscribe To Unlock Your FREE Customizable Travel Packing List & All Our Best Tips!

Unlock Your FREE Customizable Travel Packing List!

Subscribe Now For Instant Access To Stress-Free Packing

Travels Around the World

Ultimate Train Travel Guide for Turkey

This guide provides all the information you need to know about train travel in Turkey, including details about the country’s railway network, international trains, and night trains.

Trains in Turkey

It’s a real pleasure to travel by train across Turkey thanks to the country’s rapidly expanding high-speed rail network and the availability of highly convenient sleeper trains.

A decade or two ago, it was not uncommon for locals and travel guides to suggest buses and domestic flights over the train, as the Turkish railway network had a reputation for its slow speeds, delays, and old trains at that time.

Although that reputation has always been a bit unfair, train travel in Turkey has made remarkable progress, and the Turkish railway network continues to grow larger and more efficient every day.

That being said, while trains can be a fantastic way to travel across Turkey, rail connections to neighbouring countries aren’t always great.

Therefore, you might still need to incorporate a flight or a bus or two into your Turkish itinerary.

The Turkish railway network

Turkey is a vast and mountainous country, which means that its railway network isn’t as dense as in other countries across Europe and beyond.

Although there are quite a few railway lines that are more useful for Turkish locals than they are for the average international tourist, and there are some important tourist destinations across the country which are not connected by train, the national rail network does connect most regions and major cities across Turkey.

The tourist destinations on Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline such as Antalya, as well as Trabzon on the Black Sea coast, are perhaps the primary destinations that aren’t served by the Turkish rail network.

Considering the sheer size of Turkey and the often challenging terrain which the railway lines traverse, travel times by train can be long, unless you opt for a high-speed train operating on a dedicated high-speed line.

That isn’t necessarily a bad thing though, as the scenic views from the window ensure that train travel in Turkey is far from boring.

Turkey has rail connections to all its neighbouring countries, but only a few of these cross-border lines see passenger traffic, with some even being entirely closed.

You can find more details about the current status of Turkey’s cross-border rail connections in the dedicated chapter below.

The Turkish high speed rail network

Turkey has a rapidly growing high-speed rail network, with new lines either under construction or in the planning stage.

High-speed trains in Turkey are known as Yüksek Hızlı Tren (YHT), with the Turkish capital of Ankara being the main hub of the high-speed rail network.

Where conventional railway lines often wind through river gorges with many curves, high-speed lines are constructed as straight as possible, incorporating numerous tunnels and bridges to allow the trains to reach speeds of up to 250 kilometres per hour (160 mph).

These are the dedicated high-speed railway lines currently operational in Turkey:

– Istanbul-Eskişehir-Ankara – Ankara-Yozgat-Sivas – Ankara-Konya-Karaman – Istanbul-Eskişehir-Konya-Karaman

Currently, the Turkish State Railways operates both Spanish-built high-speed trains (the TCDD HT65000) and German-built trains (TCDD HT80000), the latter commonly known as the Siemens Velaro and identical to the ICE high-speed trains you’d find in Germany.

Train operators

Almost all passenger trains in Turkey, including the high-speed trains, are operated by TCDD Taşımacılık, with TCDD standing for Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Devlet Demiryolları, or simply the Turkish State Railways.

The only exception is İZBAN, the suburban rail network around the city of Izmir , which operates as a separate entity and is partly owned by TCDD and the local municipality.

Train types

Trains in Turkey can broadly be categorised into four different types, namely:

– YHT trains – Express trains – Regional trains – Local trains

Top of the pecking order are the YHT trains, which refers to high-speed rail services.

Next up are the express trains (Ekspresi Trenler), which are the premium cross-country train services operating on the conventional railway lines.

These express trains can refer to both daytime trains, as well as night trains with berths in shared couchettes or private sleepers.

All Turkish express trains are named services, meaning that each train service has its own special name.

For example, the Doğu Ekspresi (Eastern Express) refers to the night train linking Ankara with Kars, while the ’17 Eylül Ekspresi’ (17 September Express) is the morning service from Bandırma to Izmir Basmane station.

Regional trains (Bölgesel Trenler) are the next highest train category, typically covering shorter trips across the country.

However, given the size of Turkey, some of these trains can still traverse railway lines of a few hundred kilometres long, taking many hours to cover the distance.

These trains are all named after the routes they traverse, with for example the Basmane-Denizli service referring to the regional trains between Izmir Basmane station and Denizli, stopping en-route in places such as Selçuk (the station closest to both Ephesus and Kuşadası).

Local trains are the lowest category, with these services referring to the suburban trains in cities such as Istanbul and Izmir.

They are typically known by the name of the city’s suburban rail network or a specific local line.

For example, İZBAN trains traverse the suburban rail network in Izmir, while the Marmaray trains are the commuter trains in Istanbul that run on the Marmaray Line from the European side of Istanbul to the Asian side via the tunnel under the Bosphorus.

Seat reservations

On Turkish YHT high-speed trains, as well as express trains, seat reservations are compulsory and included for free within the price of your ticket.

The same counts for night trains, although you need to pay a supplement if you want to reserve a couchette or sleeper instead of a standard seat.

Depending on the exact service, Turkish regional trains can have carriages with reserved seats, carriages with unreserved seating, or a mixture of both.

Numbered train carriage on a regional service indicate reserved seating only, while unnumbered cars offer free-for-all seating for passengers who bought a ticket without seat reservation.

On local trains, seat reservations are never possible, so you can simply take any available seat.

How to book Turkish trains

Tickets for Turkish high-speed trains, express trains, as well as regional services with reserved seating, can be booked online through the TCDD website .

Make sure you select “sales” and not “booking” when you perform a search, as the latter refers to tickets that still need to be paid for and picked up in person at a Turkish railway station within a few days after you make the reservation.

It is possible to select your exact seat on the train from a handy seat map during the online booking process.

When you have completed the online transaction, you will be issued an e-ticket in PDF form, which you can either display on your mobile phone to the train conductor, or print out at home.

Of course, you can also buy your train ticket at the railway station in Turkey on the day of travel, though it’s worth noting that tickets can sell out in advance, especially those for night trains and high-speed services at peak times.

Note that regional trains with unreserved seating cannot be booked online (nor do they feature in the online search tool), as tickets are for these trains are only sold at the station on the day of travel.

Buying tickets for local trains

Local (suburban) trains in cities such as Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara cannot be booked online.

For these trains, you need to purchase a special contactless transport card from a machine or ticket booth at a local station, which you can then top up and use to open the barriers at the platform.

In Istanbul, you need to buy an Istanbulkart to travel on the city’s suburban trains, while the card for local transport in Izmir is called the İzmirim Kart, and AnkaraKart is used for transportation in the Turkish capital of Ankara.

In addition to trains, you can use these cards as well for the metro, trams, buses, and ferry boats within each city.

Booking tips

While the TCDD website does have an English version, it isn’t the most user-friendly for foreign tourists, and it has a few quirks that you need to be aware of.

It’s important to note that if no trains appear in your search request, it typically means that bookings have not yet opened.

Turkish trains usually go on sale either 30 or 15 days before the day of travel, so don’t stress out if trains on a date in summer do not yet show up in the online search system when you check in winter.

Also note that for some routes, tickets can only be purchased at the station at the day of travel, which is the case for Turkish regional trains with unreserved seating, so that could be another reason why no trains show in your search results.

When traveling to or from Istanbul, you should be aware that the city has multiple railway stations, and some trains may only stop at a few of them, thus not showing up if you search for departures from another Istanbul station.

Take for example the high-speed trains between Istanbul and Ankara, as the stations in the Asian part of Istanbul such as Söğütlüçeşme and Pendik have the greatest choice of train departures, while only a handful of services are extended across the Bosphorus to serve Bakırköy and Halkali in the European side of Istanbul.

If you are staying in the European part of Istanbul and need to travel to Ankara, the most convenient option is likely to book a train from Istanbul Söğütlüçeşme to Ankara, and to use one of the frequent local trains on the Marmaray line to travel from the historic heart of Istanbul to get to Söğütlüçeşme.

Ticket prices

Most foreign tourists will find that train ticket prices in Turkey are highly affordable, and even opting for a first-class Pullman seat on a high-speed train or a private sleeper compartment on a night train won’t break your budget.

For example, at the time of writing, a one-way ticket on a YHT high-speed train from Istanbul to Ankara costs 430 Turkish lira (€12.39) in second class and 645 lira (€18.59) in first class.

A private sleeper on the night train between Izmir and Konya costs 1,215 Turkish lira (€35).

Note that discounts are available for children aged 7 to 12, youths aged 13 to 26, as well as passengers older than 60 years.

Children up to 6 years old can travel for free on unnumbered cars with free-for-all seating on regional trains, but they would require a ticket on any other train if they occupy their own seat, while when seated on your lap they can travel for free, regardless of the type of train.

How are Turkish trains like

Turkish high-speed trains, along with express and night trains, offer high levels of comfort and modern amenities.

Regional trains can also be modern and comfortable, although on these services you could easily end up in older, less-impressive carriages as well.

Local trains are generally similar to those you find in metropolises around the world – with Istanbul’s Marmaray or Izmir’s İZBAN comparable to urban lines in cities like London or Tokyo.

On daytime express trains, as well as high-speed trains in Turkey, the travel classes are usually categorised as ‘2+2 Pulman Ekonomi’ and ‘2+1 Pulman Business’.

Pulman Ekonomi is equivalent to second class, with seats arranged in a 2+2 configuration, while Pulman Business is comparable to first class, offering more comfortable seating in a spacious 2+1 configuration.

On regional trains, you typically find seats designated as ‘DMU 2+2’, which also indicates 2nd class seats in a 2+2 configuration.

You’ll find more details about night trains in Turkey in the dedicated chapter below.

Although Turkish high-speed trains are equipped with Western-style sit-down toilets, express trains typically offer both Western-style and squat toilets (one of each in every carriage), whereas older regional trains may only have squat toilets.

Dining cars on Turkish trains

Turkey’s YHT high-speed trains all feature a dining car where passengers can buy non-alcoholic beverages like coffee, tea, and soft drinks, along with a basic selection of snacks such as sandwiches, crisps, and sweets.

If you travel in first class on a high-speed train, you will be served a complimentary light meal at your seat, consisting of a sandwich, some cake, a bottle of water, and some juice.

Some express and night train services in Turkey also feature a dining car, which resembles more of a proper sit-down restaurant wagon.

In these dining cars, you can also buy hot food items such as chicken kebab and köfte, along with a selection of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.

They will also serve you a traditional Turkish breakfast.

Of course, you are free to bring your own supply of food and drinks, which is advisable on long-distance trains, especially if you’re unsure whether there will be a functioning dining car.

Unlike trains in Europe, consuming your own alcohol on Turkish trains is not permitted, unless done so discreetly within the privacy of your own compartment on a night train.

How are Turkish night trains like

On Turkish night trains, the following travel classes are available:

– First class Pullman seats – Couchettes – Sleepers

Travelling in a sleeper compartment is by far the most comfortable option, as you have all the comfort and privacy you could want.

Turkish sleeper wagons only have 2-bed compartments, which can be booked as a double or single sleeper.

If you travel solo and choose a sleeper on a Turkish night train, the second bed will automatically be blocked for sale by the booking system, ensuring that you always have the compartment for private use without needing to pay for both beds.

When you are travelling with a companion, you can of course use both beds in a sleeper compartment, but make sure you book your tickets together in one transaction.

Each sleeper compartment has a washbasin and a fridge, which doubles as a complimentary minibar stocked with water, juice, chocolates, and other snacks – all included in the price of your ticket.

Next in the pecking order are couchettes, which feature 4 berths per compartment.

Solo travellers are always allocated to compartments with passengers of the same sex, meaning that you will always share their compartment with other female passengers as a woman.

As a mixed-gender group or family, it is of course possible to sleep together in one couchette compartment, provided that all tickets are purchased in a single booking.

During the online booking process, you can select your couchette or sleeper berths on a handy seat map, ensuring that you are all travelling in the same compartment.

Turkish night trains also feature 1st class Pullman seats just like those found on daytime express trains.

These Pullman seats do slightly recline and have a spacious 1+2 configuration, still making it a better option than bus travel, although they don’t quite match the comfort of a bed in a couchette or sleeper compartment.

You can also self-assign these seats from a seat map during the booking process.

Turkish night train routes

The following domestic night trains are currently operating in Turkey:

– Ankara Ekspresi (Istanbul-Ankara, daily) – Izmir Mavi Tren (Izmir-Eskişehir-Ankara, daily) – Konya Mavi Tren (Izmir-Konya, daily) – Doğu Ekspresi (Ankara-Erzurum-Kars, daily) – Güney Ekspresi (Ankara-Diyarbakir-Kurtalan, five days a week) – Van Gölü Ekspresi (Ankara-Elazig-Tatvan, two days a week) – 4 Eylül Mavi Tren (Ankara-Sivas-Malatya, two days a week)

There is no real difference between Express and Mavi Tren night train services, as Mavi Train (which means ‘Blue Train’ in Turkish) is simply the historic name given to Turkey’s premium sleeper train services.

The Ankara Express, Izmir Mavi Tren, and the Konya Mavi Tren all offer sleeper compartments with one or two beds, as well as 1st class Pullman seats.

On the other hand, the Doğu Express and 4 Eylül Mavi Tren only feature 4-bed couchettes alongside carriages with 1st class Pullman seats.

The Van Gölü Express and Güney Express have the full range of travel classes, as you’ll find sleeper compartments with one or two beds, 4-bed couchettes, as well as 1st class Pullman seats.

Besides the Doğu Express , there is also the Turistik Doğu Ekspresi which runs on the Ankara-Erzurum-Kars railway line.

The Turkish State Railways introduced the Turistik Doğu Express in response to the overwhelming popularity of the regular Doğu Express among Turkish travellers, as travel agencies began purchasing all available tickets as soon as the booking window opened.

The Turistik Doğu Express runs three times a week in each direction and has sleeping cars only, with tickets being sold by travel agencies using dynamic pricing.

All other night trains can simply be booked online through the TCDD website or at a railway station in Turkey.

Travelling by train to and from Turkey

Although Turkey has railway links to all its neighbouring countries, a lot of international train services are currently suspended, which makes overland travel a bit of a challenge.

Due to ongoing conflicts and a volatile political situation in some of Turkey’s neighbouring countries, it remains unclear when international trains to destinations such as Damascus, Baghdad, and Tehran will resume.

Below, you can find a country-by-country overview detailing the current status of rail connections between Turkey and all its neighbouring countries.

Turkey to Armenia

While there is a railway line connecting Kars in Turkey with Gyumri and Yerevan across the border in Armenia, it has been closed for decades due to strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Indeed, not only is the rail border closed, but the entire land border between Turkey and Armenia is shut.

With Turkey and Armenia still at odds over the Armenian Genocide and Turkey’s support of Azerbaijan in the Karabakh War and some smaller border conflicts, the prospects of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Armenia thawing appear slim.

If you want to travel between Turkey and Armenia, you therefore must travel via Georgia or Iran, the former being the most convenient option by far.

Turkey to Austria

During the extended summer season (mid-April to mid-November), a weekly sleeper train operated by Optima Tours connects the city of Edirne in the far-western part of Turkey with Villach in Austria.

The Optima Express, as this train is called, is a so-called motorail service, which means that this train also carries cars and motorbikes on special vehicle transporter wagons.

However, you don’t necessarily need to bring your car to use this train, as also passengers travelling without their own vehicle are more than welcome to travel on the Optima Express.

Passengers can choose between a place in a 4-berth couchette or a sleeper compartment, both of which can be booked on a shared basis or for private use.

Each sleeper compartment can be occupied by up to two adults and a child.

The Optima Express also has its own dining car, although you are of course free t o bring your own food an drinks on board as well.

Note that the Optima Express only carries passengers travelling between Austria and Turkey – it is not possible to get on or off the train at an intermediate point on its epic route across Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, or Bulgaria.

Turkey to Azerbaijan

The historic railway line linking Turkey with Azerbaijan runs through Armenia, but given the conflicts Armenia has with both Turkey and Azerbaijan, this route hasn’t seen any cross-border train traffic for a long time.

Therefore, Turkey decided to build a new railway line linking Kars with Akhalkalaki across the border in Georgia, thus connecting the Turkish railway network with Georgia.

With the completion of that railway line, trains can now run all the way from Istanbul and Ankara to the Georgian capital of Tbilisi and the Azerbaijani capital of Baku.

Although a night train linking Ankara with Baku was supposed to start running in 2019 and brand new sleeper carriages for this new link have already been acquired by Azerbaijan Railways (ADY), there is no sign yet of this service to finally commence as of May 2024.

If you want to travel from Turkey to Azerbaijan, it’s therefore easiest to travel via Georgia – see the Turkey to Georgia chapter for more details.

Turkey to Bulgaria

Although there are no daytime trains linking Turkey with Bulgaria, there is a year-round, daily night train which links Istanbul (Halkali station) with Sofia.

This night train, which is operated by the Turkish State Railways (TCDD), features both 4-berth couchettes, as well as 1 an 2 bed sleeper compartments.

Between Istanbul Halkali and Sofia, this night train also calls at Edirne in Turkey, as well as at a couple of Bulgarian stations such as Dimitrovgrad and Plovdiv.

There is also a seasonal night train (daily from mid-June to mid-October) linking Istanbul Halkali with Bucharest in Romania, which stops at the Bulgarian stations of Veliko Tarnovo and Ruse.

If you want to travel from Istanbul to Veliko Tarnovo or Ruse outside these summer months, you will need to take the Istanbul-Sofia night train until Dimitrovgrad, and change there to a domestic Bulgarian train on the railway line north to Veliko Tarnovo and Ruse.

The Istanbul-Bucharest night train only features 4-berth couchettes.

Tickets for the Istanbul-Sofia night train, as well as for the Istanbul-Bucharest night train, cannot be booked online, so you need to buy your ticket at a railway station in Bulgaria or in Istanbul.

Especially tickets for the sleeper carriages to Sofia sell out fast, so don’t rely on getting a same-day ticket at the station during peak travel months.

However, Andy Brabin from the reliable booking agency Discover by Rail can arrange these tickets in advance for a small fee and will deliver them to your hotel in Sofia, Bucharest, or Istanbul, or arrange a personal handover at the station in these cities.

You can inquire about this service by e-mailing Andy at [email protected].

If you plan to take the train between Turkey and Bulgaria, make sure you also read our guide about train travel in Bulgaria .

Turkey to Cyprus

Although there is obviously no railway line across the Mediterranean Sea between Turkey and Cyprus, you can travel by train across Turkey towards the port from where you can catch a ferry to reach Cyprus.

To get to Cyprus, you must first travel by train across Turkey to the regional hub of Karaman, where you have to switch to a bus to reach Silifke.

Once you arrive at the bus station of Silifke, you change transport mode again, this time to a dolmus (minibus) to the small Turkish port of Taşucu.

The ferry company Akgünler Denizcilik operates both a fast catamaran and a slower conventional ferry between Taşucu and Girne (Kyrenia) in Northern Cyprus.

Do note that the Cypriot Government considers Girne an illegal entry point, as it is located in the northern (Turkish occupied) part of the island.

If your goal is simply to visit Northern Cyprus, this will likely not have any direct consequencess, but if you also intend to cross into Southern Cyprus, you could potentially face fines, refusal of entry, or be prevented from crossing back into Northern Cyprus

Make sure that you read the official travel advisories issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus and the British Foreign Office (or those of your own country) before planning to enter Cyprus through a point of entry on the northern half of the island.

Turkey to Georgia

In 2017, a new railway line was completed between Kars in Turkey and Akhalkalaki in Georgia, fully linking the Turkish railway network with the Georgian one.

Although an Ankara-Tbilisi-Baku night train was supposed to start running across this new railway line in 2019, there is no sign yet of this service to finally commence as of May 2024.

If you want to travel by train between Turkey and Georgia, there is still a gap that you have to bridge by bus.

As Turkey and Georgia have deep economic and touristic ties, it is of course possible to take a direct bus from cities in Turkey such as Trabzon to Batumi or Tbilisi in Georgia, as there are frequent connections.

Even Ankara and Istanbul have direct buses to Georgia, although you would then be in for a very long (and uncomfortable) bus ride!

If you want to travel overland between Turkey and Georgia, it’s therefore a much better option to take the Doğu Express from Ankara to Kars, which is a highly scenic train ride.

Kars itself is a pleasant and interesting city to break up your journey – make sure you also visit the stunning ruins of the ancient Armenian capital of Ani just outside of town while you are there.

From Kars, you can then take a bus to the town of Hopa just a few miles away from the Turkish-Georgian border, where you can change to a dolmus that will take you to the Georgian border at Sarp, and on to Batumi.

Read our article on travelling from Batumi to Kars by bus for more information on what the trip is like (spoiler: A highly scenic ride as well!).

Turkey to Greece

Although there is a railway line linking Turkey with Greece, there are currently no train services operating across it.

There used to be a night train (called the Dostluk Ekspresi – or Friendship Express) between Istanbul and Thessaloniki – a slow but epic ride through the scenic river valleys of Thrace – although this service has been sadly suspended.

If you want to travel overland between Turkey and Greece, you can of course take the bus, with companies such as Ozikizler , Arda Tur and Alpar Turizm offering multiple departures each day between Istanbul and Thessaloniki.

However, there are also multiple ferry links between Turkey and Greece that are worth considering.

Almost every Greek island located close to the Turkish coastline has a ferry link with Turkey, although many of these ferries are seasonal and only operate in the summer season.

The possibilities are nearly endless, as you can t ake a ferry from Bodrum to the Greek island of Kos, between Kaş and Kastellorizo , from Marmaris or Fethiye to Rhodes , or from Ayvalik to Lesbos, just to name a few options.

However, from a railway point of view, it’s best to take a ferry from Izmir or the nearby port of Çeşme to Greece, as Izmir boasts excellent rail connections to destinations all over Turkey, thus saving you from a long bus journey.

There is a twice weekly seasonal ferry (summer only) operated by Levante Ferries linking Izmir with Mytilene on the Greek island of Lesbos and Thessaloniki.

From Çeşme , which is an 80-kilometre bus trip away from Izmir, there is a daily, year-round ferry to the Greek island of Chios.

If you take the morning ferry from Çeşme to Chios, you can easily connect there to the daily overnight ferry to Piraeus (the port city serving Athens), although the island of Chios is well worth a longer stay than just a few hours!

The ferry between Çeşme and Chios is operated by Erturk , while the Chios-Piraeus route is operate by Blue Star Ferries .

Turkey to Iran

Ankara used to be linked with Tehran by the weekly Trans-Asia Express Train.

In fact, this service comprises two separate night trains: A Turkish sleeper train linking Ankara with Tatvan, where you would embark on a ferry to cross Lake Van to the city of Van on its eastern shore, and then board an Iranian night train to reach Tabriz and Tehran.

Sadly, this international rail link has been suspended during the pandemic and has not been resumed since.

You therefore have no choice but to take a bus or minibus if you want to travel from Turkey to Iran.

Turkey to Iraq

In the glory days of train travel, Istanbul and Baghdad were linked by a direct sleeper train called the Toros Ekspresi (Taurus Express).

This train was routed via Adana, Nusaybin, and Mosul, traversing a line that was part of the famous Berlin to Baghdad railway.

Sadly, train services between Turkey and Iraq have been suspended for nearly two decades due to security reasons, with no signs of traffic on this railway line being restored any time soon.

Turkey to Romania

In the summer months, there is a direct sleeper train linking Istanbul (Halkali station) with Bucharest in Romania.

This night train is called the Bosfor Ekspresi (Bosphorus Express), and is operated by the Turkish State Railways (TCDD).

On its long but scenic trip from Istanbul to Bucharest, the Bosphorus Express stops in Bulgarian cities such as Veliko Tarnovo and Ruse, making it not only a convenient train for those traveling between Turkey and Romania but also for travel to Bulgaria.

It is possible to book the Bucharest-Istanbul night train online on the website of the Romanian Railways – but remember that you have to collect your ticket at the international ticket desk at Bucharest Gara de Nord or another station in Romania.

Buying your ticket online therefore only works if you travel from Romania to Turkey, as it won’t be an option if you take the train one-way from Istanbul to Bucharest.

In that situation, you will have to buy your tickets from the station in Istanbul.

However, Andy Brabin from the reliable booking agency Discover by Rail can arrange tickets for the Bosphorus Express in advance for a small fee and will deliver them to your hotel in Sofia, Bucharest, or Istanbul, or arrange a personal handover at the station in these cities.

If you plan to take the train between Turkey and Romania, make sure you also read our guide about train travel in Romania , as it will tell you all you need to know about onward rail connections from Bucharest.

Turkey to Syria

There used to be a direct sleeper train linking Istanbul with Aleppo in Syria, which in fact were through carriages attached to the weekly Istanbul-Baghdad Toros Ekspresi (Taurus Express).

Sadly, this train connection has been discontinued, and with the security situation in Northern Syria still far from great, it is unlikely to be restarted any time in the near future.

If you want to travel overland between Turkey and Syria, your best bet is to try to catch a bus or minibus from cities such as Adana and Antakya to Aleppo, from where you can catch an onward train to Damascus.

Interrail and Eurail in Turkey

Interrail and Eurail passes are valid for train travel in Turkey.

On YHT high-speed trains, as well as on express trains, a seat reservation is required for Interrail and Eurail pass holders.

Although a seat reservation is free of charge, you can’t book it online, so you have to get it at a railway station in Turkey.

For night trains, you need to pay a supplement to get a couchette or a sleeper, which can only be booked in person at the station.

For regional trains, seat reservations are not required for unnumbered cars with free-for-all seating, but they are necessary if you travel in numbered carriages with reserved seating.

It’s best to inquire at the station beforehand whether or not you require one when taking a regional train.

Note that you can’t use Interrail or Eurail passes for commuter trains in cities like Istanbul or Izmir, as you need a local transport card to pass through the ticket barriers.

Scenic railway lines in Turkey

Given the rugged and mountainous nature of most of the Turkish landscape, it’s no surprise that train travel in Turkey offers highly scenic views.

The rolling hills you see when you take a train in the European part of Turkey make for the least interesting views, while the most stunning railway lines can be found in the Anatolian heartland of the country.

The Doğu Ekspresi (Eastern Express), which traverses the railway line from Ankara to Kars, is considered to be the most beautiful of all railway lines in Turkey, making this train a must for rail travel enthusiasts.

However, there are many other railway lines in Turkey known for their stunning scenery, such as Konya to Adana, Sivas to Samsun, or Ankara to Van.

Turkish railway stations

Turkish railway stations vary greatly in form and size, ranging from hypermodern glass structures like Ankara’s high-speed railway station to smaller, classic provincial stations such as those in Erzincan or Kars.

Istanbul’s railway stations deserve special mention, as ongoing construction works have created a somewhat peculiar situation.

Historically, Istanbul used to have two great terminus stations, with Sirkeci serving as the railway terminus on the European side of the city, and Haydarpaşa as the primary train station across the Bosphorus on the Asian side.

However, when construction started on the Marmaray project – the railway tunnel underneath the Bosphorus Strait – both of these historic termini lost their status as the primary train stations of Istanbul.

Both Sirkeci and Haydarpaşa were closed for reconstruction and renovation works, and while Sirkeci has reopened for some local services, Haydarpaşa remains closed.

At the moment, Halkali on the European side and Söğütlüçeşme on the Asian side are Istanbul’s most important stations, both of them being rather basic and inconveniently located, lacking the big city grandeur of Sirkeci and Haydarpaşa.

Tips for train travel in Turkey

In general, you shouldn’t expect much in terms of facilities at Turkish railway stations, so it’s best not to rely on station shops if you want to buy supplies before your trip.

Please note that security personnel at Turkish railway stations conduct a security check before allowing access to the platform level, requiring passengers to put their bags through an X-ray scanner and present their train tickets.

These checks are much quicker than those at an airport – there’s no need to take anything out of your luggage, and there are no rules for liquids – so there’s absolutely no need to arrive early, as they likely won’t even open the checkpoint until about 20 minutes before departure.

However, you are still well-advised not to leave it to the very last minute!

It’s also advisable to bring along some toilet paper on longer train journeys, especially on night trains or older regional trains.

Although toilets on Turkish trains are generally kept clean, it is not uncommon for them to run out of toilet paper about halfway through the journey.

It’s a real pleasure to travel by train across Turkey, as the country has a good rail network and some amazingly scenic railway lines.

The Turkish railway network is rapidly modernising, and the country now boasts some dedicated high-speed lines that are up to all modern standards, with fast and comfortable trains.

Given the size of the country, taking a night train is a highly convenient way to travel long distances across Turkey.

Turkish night trains offer comfortable beds in Pullman seats, shared couchette compartments, or private sleepers.

Whatever route you choose to travel, Turkish train ticket prices are inexpensive.

For instance, a high-speed train from Istanbul to Ankara costs just €12 in second class, while even a private sleeper compartment on a night train is perfectly affordable at around €35.

However, there are still some challenges when it comes to travelling by train across Turkey.

Apart from Izmir, almost all major tourist destinations on both the Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts of Turkey are not yet connected to the railway network.

Rail links with neighbouring countries, especially towards the Middle East and the Caucasus, are poor or even non-existent.

As great as train travel can be in Turkey, you are therefore still likely to require a bus or two when visiting the country.

• ← Thirsty in Tyburnia: Spending a Sunny Afternoon in London
• Egypt: Safety and How to Deal With Street Hassle →

Koen works as a freelance journalist covering south-eastern Europe and is the founding father and editor-in-chief of Paliparan. As a contributor to some major Fleet Street newspapers and some lesser known publications in the Balkans, he travels thousands of miles each year for work as well as on his personal holidays. Whether it is horse riding in Kyrgyzstan’s Tian Shan mountains, exploring the backstreets of Bogotá, or sipping a glass of moschofilero in a Greek beachside taverna, Koen loves to immerse himself into the local culture, explore new places and eat and drink himself around the world. If you enjoyed this travel article and found the information provided useful, please consider supporting us. Although we gladly share all information for free at Paliparan.com, a one-time donation is a great way to help out an independent publisher! You can support Paliparan by buying us a coffee for €5 , or by making a donation through PayPal . Thank you for your support!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Trains in Turkey

Known for its exotic mix of religions, culture, and food, Turkey is a must-see destination, its far-flung sights easily linked by the government-owned Turkish State Railways , known as the TCDD . The TCDD was formed in 1927 by the Turkish government after the suspension of the Ottoman Empire, with its headquarters in Ankara. Turkey is currently reinvesting in the system, building more newfangled high-speed lines throughout the country. 

Train Types in Turkey The high-speed Ankara-Istanbul line is the most used and popular connection for travelers, connecting the cities in as little as four hours.

The Süper Ekspresler are Turkey’s InterCity trains, Mavi Trenler and Ekspresler are interregional trains, and Bölgesel Ekspresler is an interregional express line. 

Regional trains include the Ray Otobüsü ve Mototrenler and Normal Yolcu Trenleri lines, which are aging but being improved by the TCDD.

Banliyö Treni operate as commuter trains throughout the major cities in Turkey.

International Trains Until the new high-speed link is finished, there are at present no complete train lines between Turkey and Europe. In the meantime, the missing rail links on the routes are being covered by buses (which are, in turn, covered by rail passes) to get you from Istanbul into Romania (and on to Bucharest) or Bulgaria (and on to Plovdiv or Sofia).

(The Trans-Asya Ekspresi , or Trans-Asia Express, between Istanbul and Tehran, Iran, was indefinitely suspended in August, 2015.)

Reservations on Trains in Turkey Reservations on trains are not necessary for regional trains according the the TCDD. However, reservations are recommended for high-speed lines, and must be made fifteen days in advance.

Single Country Passes

Eurail Austria Pass

Eurail Benelux Pass

Eurail Bulgaria Pass

Eurail Croatia Pass

Eurail Czech Republic Pass

Eurail Denmark Pass

Eurail Finland Pass

Eurail France Pass

Eurail Germany Pass

Eurail Greece Pass

Eurail Hungary Pass

Eurail Ireland Pass

Eurail Italy Pass

Eurail Lithuania Pass

Eurail Macedonia Pass

Eurail Norway Pass

Eurail Poland Pass

Eurail Portugal Pass

Eurail Romania Pass

Eurail Scandinavia Pass

Eurail Slovakia Pass

Eurail Slovenia Pass

Eurail Spain Pass

Eurail Sweden Pass

Eurail Turkey Pass

Rail travel in Turkey

• 1 Understand
• 2 International routes
• 3.1 YHT high speed trains
• 3.2 Principal conventional mainline trains
• 3.3 Overnight trains
• 3.4 Regional trains
• 4 Using the train

You can reach Turkey by train , and fast trains span half the country. Turkey nowadays has a better high-speed railway network than many western countries including Britain and Italy.

Mainline rail services in Turkey fall into three categories: i) very fast and modern; ii) slow and scenic; and iii) suspended long-term for rebuilding or for other reasons. The train operator is TCDD Transport [dead link] , visit their website for timetables, fares and reservations. The trains are inexpensive but often sell out. See below for how to buy tickets.

You can reach Istanbul by overnight train from Bucharest or Sofia . Most cities in Turkey have a rail connection of some sort, but not the Mediterranean and Aegean holiday resorts, which were only built from the late 20th century and are hemmed in by mountains ( Kuşadası is the exception, being close to Selçuk on the line between Izmir and Pamukkale ). For some destinations, connecting buses meet the trains, e.g. at Eskişehir for Bursa , and at Konya for Antalya and Alanya . The larger cities also have metro and suburban lines, described on those cities’ "get around" pages.

YHT ( yüksek hızlı tren ) are the very fast trains. These connect Istanbul, Eskişehir, Ankara , Konya, Karaman and Sivas . They are clean, comfortable and modern; fares are modest and reservations are compulsory. They run on new, dedicated track at up to 300 km/h so they keep to time. Thus from Istanbul it’s under 5 hours to Ankara, with 8 per day. Because journey times are short, YHT trains only run daytime, and have only snack-catering. On-train announcements in English forbid “smoking, alcohol, smelly food and peanuts.” The smoke-free and alcohol-free rules are enforced, it’s unclear how zealous they are about peanuts.

YHT routes under construction are from Karaman towards Adana , from Istanbul towards Edirne , from Eskişehir towards Bursa, and from Ankara towards Kayseri . The long-term strategy is to create a high-speed, high-capacity passenger and freight route from Edirne on the western border through to Kars in the east.

Conventional trains ( anahat trenleri ) are slow and scenic, with the emphasis on slow: most run overnight, with journeys from Ankara to eastern cities taking 24 hours. They are infrequent, at best daily, sometimes only one or two per week. The typical train set has a sleeping car ( yataklı vagon ), a couchette car ( kuşetli ), and three open saloons (layout is single row - aisle - double row), plus a buffet that may or may not have any food and may or may not accept payment cards, so bring cash and your own food. How clean and comfortable the trains are depends on how busy: at quiet times they are fine, but when crowded they soon become filthy (always carry your own toilet-roll and hand-wipes). They are difficult for anyone with impaired mobility to use, and station re-building makes access worse. Nominally these trains are non-smoking, but there’s often a smell of tobacco smoke aboard. They are diesel-hauled and run on single tracks: on straight level sections they can rattle along at 100 km/h, but in the mountains they plod up steep gradients and squeal around tight bends. So they start on time but become delayed along the route — often for several hours on long-haul routes; settle on a relaxed schedule for the successive steps of your trip.

Tourist trains are primarily scenic but just as slow. Several were planned, but as of 2024 only Ankara to Kars and return is running and only in the winter. It may be the model for others, for instance to Cappadocia . It costs twice the normal fare and makes a few 2-3 hour stops for sight-seeing, so the total running time is a little longer. You're tied to the tourist itinerary without flexibility of stopover. The accommodation is similar to conventional trains: indeed the rolling stock was provided by pulling sleeping cars off the conventional trains, so the travel experience on those has been degraded.

Once a year, the Venice Simplon Orient Express runs across the Balkans to Halkalı, reckon €13,000.

International routes

As of 2023, the only international passenger service is from Bucharest or Sofia: these overnight trains combine at the Turkish border and continue to Istanbul. There’s no regular service from further west, you travel from Budapest or Belgrade on trains which don’t connect, so you need to spend a night in either Sofia or Bucharest. The latter is the better route because of interminable track works in the Balkans disrupting the route via Sofia.

The sleeper train departs Sofia around 21:00 nightly, running via Plovdiv , Kapıkule on the border, and Edirne, to terminate at Istanbul Halkalı at (theoretically) 07:40. From June to September the Bosphor Express departs Bucharest at 12:45, running via Ruse to Dimitrovgrad, where it is coupled to the train from Sofia. At Kapıkule all passengers have to get out for Turkish border procedures, before continuing to Halkalı. The westbound train leaves Halkalı at 21:40 to reach Sofia by 09:00 and Bucharest by 19:00 next day. From October to May the through-train from Bucharest doesn't run, so you change at Ruse then again at Kapıkule, with a similar timetable. The standard of accommodation aboard is similar to the Turkish domestic conventional trains. Bring your own food and drink. Romania to Turkey tickets can be bought online from CFR but have to be picked up at the station. As couchettes sell out quickly buying online is probably wise. Turkey to Romania tickets cannot be bought online from TCDD but can be bought at Istanbul Sirkeci.

Istanbul railways are being rebuilt, it feels like since Ottoman times. The international trains terminate at Halkalı 30 km west of the city centre, change here to the frequent Marmaray cross-city suburban train . Haydarpaşa, the Asia-side terminus, is closed during the rebuilding, so for onward travel take the Marmaray to the temporary Asia terminus at Istanbul Söğütlüçeşme.

Optima Express runs a car-train between Villach in Austria and Edirne about twice a week April-November (but suspended in 2023), taking 33 hours. Departure days vary. This train enables motorists to avoid the tricky, tiring roads through the Balkans; however it is also open for passengers without cars with the caveat that you can't get on or off at any of the intermediate stations such as Zagreb .

From Greece no train crosses the border, but you can take a local train from Alexandroupolis to the border post near Edirne. From Georgia the international railway opened in 2017 but to date only carries freight. From Tehran and Tabriz in Iran a weekly train ran to Van : this remains suspended in 2023. From Van you take a ferry across the lake to Tatvan (or a dolmuş round the lake shore in a fraction of the time) to join the train to Sivas and Ankara. There are no plans to build a connecting railway around the lake. From Damascus and Aleppo in Syria and from Baghdad and Mosul in Iraq the lines are wrecked. The line from Gyumri in Armenia has not been used since the border was closed in 1993, and there is no railway from the Azerbaijan exclave of Nakhchivan .

Domestic routes

YHT high speed trains

• Ankara - Istanbul: 5 hours, eight trains per day
• Istanbul - Konya: 4:45 h, three per day with one continuing to Karaman
• Ankara - Konya: 1:45 h, six per day
• Ankara - Sivas: 2:30 h, three per day

Principal conventional mainline trains

• Izmir - Eskişehir: Once per day, 10 h
• Izmir - Bandirma: Once per day, 6 h
• Eskişehir - Denizli: Once per day, 8 h
• Konya - Adana: Once per day, 6 h
• Adana - Elâzığ: Once per day, 10 h
• Adana - Kayseri: Once per day, 6 h
• Sivas - Samsun: Three times a week, 8 h

Overnight trains

It is expected that overnight trains east of Ankara will eventually be re-routed to terminate at Sivas, which since 2023 is the eastern terminus of the YHT network. However there's been no announcement about this.

• Ankara Express between Istanbul and Ankara, 9 h
• Doğu Express between Ankara and Kars, 26 h
• Güney Kurtalan Express between Ankara and Kurtalan, 27 h
• İzmir Mavi between Ankara and İzmir, 13 h
• Konya Mavi between İzmir and Konya, 12 hr
• 4 Eylül Mavi between Ankara and Malatya, 15 h
• Vangölü Express between Ankara and Tatvan, 26 h

Regional trains

Regional trains you might use are from Istanbul to Edirne, and between Amasya and Samsun . Regionals running between Zonguldak and Karabük are of little use to the average traveller as the line is cut off from the rest of the network as of 2023, but their route is among the most scenic in the country, amidst mountainous and densely forested landscapes with the added bonus of sea-views for the initial 25 km between Zonguldak and Filyos.

Using the train

Reservations are essential for YHT trains and recommended for other mainline services. YHT and conventional mainline ( anahat ) trains are best booked via the TCDD website. International trains ( uluslararası ) can be booked by other methods (below) but not via the website; and some regional ( bölgesel ) trains are not bookable and may not even be shown on the website. TCDD connecting buses are considered trains, and booked in the same way. Consult the timetable [dead link] first, for the latest on timings and disruptions.

Then to buy your ticket, move to the reservation system, but this only opens 15 to 30 days in advance – look further ahead and it will seem like there aren’t any trains. Pick your preferred train service and seat or berth, whereupon the system will display the price and give you the choice of immediate purchase, or of holding the option for a few days. Immediately note your confirmation number, and print your ticket at home whenever convenient: it doesn’t need validating at the station. Alternatively install the TCDD app on your phone and buy the ticket on that so railway officials can scan it on request.

The Inter Rail Global Pass and Balkan Flexipass are valid for all trains within Turkey (but as of 2023 you may find domestic Turkish trains so cheap that it is not worth using a day of your pass) and the trains to and from Europe, but you may still need a seat reservation. TCDD also offer discounts for those under 26 ( genç bilet , whether or not you’re a student) and for those over 60 ( yaşlı bilet ). Check their website for other discount offers, but usually these are aimed at commuters and others making multiple repeat journeys.

Tickets can also be bought from the stations (either at the counter, or from self-service kiosks), from travel agents, or from PTT post offices. The main stations (including the trainless Sirkeci) accept credit cards and can book you onto any bookable train, but they won’t accept non-Turkish cash. And nowadays you may struggle to find a money-changer, as they’re replaced by ATMs. If you have just got off the train from Bulgaria you will be glad to know there is a Marmaray ticket machine at Halkalı which will probably accept your card.

Advance reservations are strongly recommended during summer, on Fridays and Sundays, and around public holidays and religious festivals. Of course you may be able to get a reservation for immediate departure, and conventional trains usually have non-bookable seats, and a scrummage on the platform to claim them. Bear in mind that the main stations may involve a queue for security just to get into the station hall, another queue for tickets, then a further queue for security and document-check to get onto the platform. You can’t just rock up and jump on.

Old locomotives stand outside several stations, and Ankara, Istanbul Sirkeci and Çamlık (south of Selçuk ) stations have railway museums. But for the most part, riding the conventional trains is an immersive heritage experience in itself. Atatürk took one look at the sorry state of the railways and declared that what Turkey urgently needed was an air service.

The old jibe is that the railway constructors were paid by the mile, hence the convoluted routes. The reality (as elsewhere in the Balkans) is that they were built by a poor nation with rugged terrain and limited engineering capability, but with inexpensive materials and dirt-cheap labour. The lines necessarily followed the contours instead of drilling through mountains or soaring across valleys. The workforce navvied under blizzards and baking sun, and no sooner done than they were packed off in troop trains to some Ottoman battlefield; the Taurus crossing built under World War I conditions between Karaisalı and Pozantı is a case in point. Raise a non-alcoholic toast to them as your YHT flashes high above Kırıkkale: Allah'a ısmarladık .

The best-known piece of Turkish railway heritage is Murder on the Orient Express – the fictional action is westbound in the Balkans, but it was inspired by an incident at Çerkezköy in 1929, when the Orient Express from Paris really did get stuck in the snow for five days. Agatha Christie was not aboard that train but often travelled that way to Turkey and beyond. She had ample time, as Thrace and Anatolia slid by outside the window, to think of grisly fictional fates for her fellow-passengers.

• Turkey: Get in – most visitors arrive by air.
• Bucharest for accommodation, as by train you probably have to stay there overnight, and it has several sights worth taking in.

• Has custom banner
• Articles with dead external links
• Usable topics
• Usable articles
• Rail travel in Europe
• Topic articles

Navigation menu

Aug 15, 2020 | Countries

Turkey by Train

A Travel Guide For Train Travel In Turkey.

Here you will find information for how to travel Turkey by train. All info about trains, where to buy train tickets in Turkey and Turkey itinerarys.

Useful Information

Population: 80.82 million

Currency: Turkish Lira

Language: Turkish

Capital: Ankara

Country Code: +90

Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET)

Train Companies Turkey

Railway Map Turkey

Train Tickets Turkey

Train Pass Turkey

Trains in Turkey

Itinerary Turkey

Istanbul to Ankara train

Istanbul to Cappadocia train

Istanbul to Izmir train

Izmir Pamukkale train

Ankara to Kars train

Istanbul to Bucharest train

Istanbul to Sofia train

Edirne to Villach train

Train Stations in Turkey

Travelogues Turkey

Travel Guide for Turkey

Best time to travel to Turkey

Train Companies in Turkey

The trains are operated by Turkish Republic State Railways (TCDD) .

Rail Map Turkey

The rail system in Turkey is relatively well developed and covers almost the entire country. On this Turkey railroad map you will see all train lines in Turkey.

Copyright: RAILWAYHERO

Where can I buy train tickets for Turkey?

1. Train Station: You can buy your turkish railway tickets and reservations at the counter of any train station in turkey.

2. Online: Buy your train tickets for Turkey online on the Turkish Republic State Railways (TCDD) official website.

How to buy train tickets for turkey online? Click here and get to the online ticket booking. Switch the language to english. Now you can type in the cities where you like to go. Choose your connection and the coach type. Behind the type it will show you a number how many seats are available. A new window will open where you can choose your seat and you have to type in your Name, date of birth and passport number. Finish the booking process by paying with credit card. You will recieve your tickets via e-mail.

Note that you cannot book transfer connections. You must book all routes separately. For example if you want to go to from Istanbul to Izmir you must book a train ticket to Eskişehir and another train ticket from Eskişehir to Izmir.

There is also a app where you can book your turkey train tickets. E-Bilet (Appel Store) TCDD Taşımacılık Eybis (Google Play Store)

Buy your train tickets for Turkey online on the Turkish Republic State Railways (TCDD) official homepage.

Buy your train tickets online at OMIO and compare trains, buses & flights.

Rail Passes Turkey

You can travel to Turkey with a train pass. There are three rail passes available in Turkey. A train pass makes train travel in Turkey more convinient and flexible.

Interrail / Eurail Turkey Pass

With the Interrail / Eurail Turkey Pass you can travel in turkey on 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8 days by train. Choose as many trains on your travel day as you want and visit the beautiful country. The Interrail / Eurail Turkey Pass starts from 54€.

Interrail / Eurail Pass Global Pass

Travel to Turkey with an Interrail / Eurail Global Pass. With the Global Pass you can travel flexible by train through more than 33 countries un Europe.

Balkan Flexi Pass

With the Balkan Flexi Pass, you can travel by train through 8 countries in Eastern Europe. This pass allows you to travel by train in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Romania.

TRains in Turkey

Dogu express.

Night Train Sofia to Istanbul

• National Trains
• International Trains
• Night Trains
• Special Trains

The major rail network in Turkey is composed of the following trains:

Regional Trains

Commuter / Banliyö are commuter trains between Istanbul and Ankara.

• 1st and 2nd Class offered

Regional / Bölgesel are trains operating within their individual regions in the west

• On some services, power sockets are located at your seat and a bistro car is available

Mainline / Anahat are Intercity trains offering quick connections between main Turkish cities

• 1st Class: Rows of three seats (2+1)
• 2nd Class: Rows of four seats (2+2)
• Trains are equipped with air conditioning and most trains are equipped with a dining car offering a range of food and drinks.

Yuksek Hizli Tren (YHT ) quickly connects Ankara, Istanbul, and Konya

• 1st Class (Business): Rows of three seats (2+1)
• 2nd Class (Economy): Rows of four seats (2+2)
• Discounts available for those 26 and under, as well as 60 and over.

There are several night trains connecting Turkey and Austria , Romania and Bulgaria .

Ankara Express

• Ankara – Istanbul
• Ankara – Izmir
• Ankara – Adana
• Reservations required
• Private 1 & 2 bed compartments
• Air-conditioned and inclusive of a washbasin and bed linens.
• Bathrooms are located in the coach carriage
• Shared 4 bed compartment
• Air-conditioned and inclusive of bed linens.
• Toilets are located in the coach carriage
• 1st Class reclining seats
• Bistro car available with snacks, cold meals, and beverages

Izmir Mavi Tren

Routes: Eskisehir – Izmir  (or pair with day train Istanbul to Eskisehir, to reach Izmir from Istanbul overnight)

• Most services have a bistro car available with snacks, cold meals, and beverages

Bosphorus Express

Routes: stanbul* – Dimitrovgrad, Bulgaria** – Russe, Bulgaria –  Bucharest, Romania

• Shared 4 or 6-bed couchette ( kuşet) or
• 1 and 2-bed private sleeper compartment
• Tickets can only be bought at the train station or through a travel agency

* Departs from Halkali, which is on the outskirts of the city; however shuttles run frequently between Halkali and Sirkeci, the main station in Istanbul.

** Switch to Balkan Express to continue to Sofia, Bulgaria: Dimitrovgrad, Bulgaria – Plovdiv, Bulgaria – Sofia, Bulgaria

Optima Express

Routes: Edirne, Turkey – Serbia – Croatia – Slovenia – Villach, Austria

• 2nd Class only, compartments of 6 seats which can be converted to 6 beds at night
• Toilets and a washbasin are located at the end of the car
• Most services have a dining car
• Vehicle transport is possible
• The train runs from April to November and offers 2 – 6 trips per month, depending on the month.

Trans Anatolia Express Trans Asia Express Eastern Express Van Lake Express Taurus Express Karabuk-Zonguldak Train Danube Express Golden Eagle Venice Simplon-Orient Express

Turkey Itinerary

Get inspired by our own designed train itinerarys for Turkey.

The Mystical Orient Express

Turkish Delight

Train connections in turkey, istanbul to ankara by train.

How to travel from Istanbul to Ankara by train? There are several daily direct train connections from Istanbuls train stations to Ankara. The fastest way is to take the train from Pendik train station on the asian side of Istanbul. The journey takes between 3:45 and 4:02 hours. But you can also take a train from the other train stations like Istanbul Halkali or İstanbul Söğütlüçeşme. There is also a daily night train leaving Istanbul Pendik at 11:51pm and arrives in Ankara at 06:54 in the morning.

Istanbul to Cappadocia (Göreme)

How to travel from Istanbul to Cappadocia by train? Take the train from any Istanbul train statin to Ankara and change to a train to Kayseri.  The train journey will take around 12 hours and the tickets cost  15 €.  From Kayseri you can take a bus to Göreme (Cappadocia). Flixbus offers daily busses from 4 €. The bus takes around 1:15h.

Istanbul to Izmir by train

How to travel from Istanbul to Izmir by train? Take the train from Istanbul Söğütlüçeşme train statin to Eskişehir. In Eskişehir you can take the night train to Izmir.  The night train from Ankara will stop in Eskişehir and leaves at 11:16 in the night. You can choose between a seat or a berth. A seat will cost you 13 € and a berth will cost 31 €.

Railwayhero Tip: Book the night train in advance. If there is no berth available you can try to book the train from Ankara and get on the train in Eskisehir. It will cost only 2 € extra.

Ankara to Kars by train

How to travel from Ankara to Kars by train? The train that runs from Ankara to Kars is called “Doğu Ekspresi” (Eastern Express). The train’s route runs from Ankara, the capital of Turkey, via Erzurum to Kars. The Dogu Express leaves Ankara daily at 5.55 pm and arrives in Kars on the next day at 8.27 pm. The train has sleeping cars and seating cars, which provide comfort to passengers during the long journey. There is also a dining car, which offers meals and drinks. The tickets cost 212 Türkiche Lira (8 €) only. The price is the same for a seat and a berth.

Izmir to Pamukkale by train

How to travel from Izmir to Pamukkale by train? Take the train from Izmir Basame train station to Denizli. In Denizli you have to change to a Minibus to Pamukkale. The bus station in Denizli is almost opposite of the train station. Cross the big street and walk left until you see the bus terminal. Ask for the minibu to Pamukkale. The bus will start when all seats are sold. It cost 20 Turkish Lira (less than 1€).

International train connections from Turkey

Istanbul to bucharest by train.

How to travel from Istanbul to Bucharest by train? There is a daily night train connection between Istanbul and Bucharest during summer season. The train will start at Istanbul Halkali train station at 8.00 pm and will arrive in Bucharest, Romania on the next day at 5.08 pm. The journey takes 21 hours. You can see the timetable and book tickets online on the website of the Romanian rail company CFR . The tickets starts from 55 €. You can also buy tickets at the train station in Istanbul if it has an international ticket sales counter.

Here you can find out more information by clicking on the link: Night train from Bucharest to Istanbul

Istanbul to Sofia by train

How to travel from Istanbul to Sofia by train? Every day a night train departs from Istanbul Halkali to Sofia the capital of Bulgaria. The train start at 8.00 pm and arrives in Sofia in the morning at 9.20 am. The ticket cost 19 € for a 4-berth compartment and additional 10 € for the reservation. You cannot buy tickets online. You have to go to Istanbul Halkali or Istanbul Sirkeci train station.

Here you can find out more information by clicking on the link: Night train from Sofia to Istanbul

Edirne to Villach by train

How to travel from Edirne to Villach by train? You can travel by train from Turkey to Austria by taking the Optima Express. The Optima Express is a car train that runs from Edirne, Turkey to Villach, Austria. You can take your car with you or book a seat only. The train operates between June and November. The tickets starts at 207 € for a berth one way. Buy tickets online at Optima Tours in advance. The journey lasts over 37 hours.

Here you can find out more information by clicking on the link: Optima Express

Main Train Stations in Turkey

• Istanbul Kalkali
• Istanbul Sirkeci
• Istanbul Söğütlüçeşme
• Istanbul Pendik
• Eskişehir TCDD  Tren Garı on
• Izmir Basmane Gari
• Adana Railway Station
• Ankara Railway Station
• Gaziantep İslahiye Railway Station
• Kayseri TCDD Train Station
• Denizli Railway Station
• Afyon A Çetinkaya
• Konya TCDD Gari
• Kars Railway Station
• Erzurum Train Station
• Edirne TCDD Train Staion

Turkey Travelogues

Turkey train travelogue

Discover Istanbul by train. The vibrant metropolis on the Bosphorus. Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace to experience our rich history. Stroll the Spice Bazaar and Istiklal Caddesi to enjoy the lively hustle and bustle. Don’t miss a boat ride on the Bosphorus to admire our breathtaking skyline. Istanbul is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. Come and discover the beauty of our city!

Izmir, a charming city on the Turkish Aegean Sea. Stroll along the famous promenade Kordon and enjoy the view of the sparkling sea. Visit the ancient city of Ephesus and marvel at its well-preserved ruins. Explore the historical district of Konak and marvel at the clock tower and the magnificent agora. Don’t forget to visit the bazaar of Kemeraltı and taste the delicious Turkish cuisine. Izmir is a true treasure of history, culture and culinary delights.

Antalya! A fascinating mix of sun, beach and historical charm awaits you here. Immerse yourself in history and explore the well-preserved old town of Kaleiçi with its narrow streets and the magnificent Hadrian’s Gate. Visit the impressive ancient ruins of Perge and Side. Relax at the beautiful beaches like Konyaaltı and Lara. Don’t miss the breathtaking Düden waterfall. Antalya will inspire you with its beauty and diversity!

Cappadocia is a magical place full of natural wonders. Explore the unique landscape with its bizarre rock formations and famous fairy chimneys. Take a balloon ride and enjoy the breathtaking view over the valley. Visit the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı to discover the mysterious past. Don’t miss the sunset in Göreme, where the rock formations shine in warm colors. Cappadocia is a place you will never forget.

Pamukkale awaits you with extraordinary beauty. Explore the impressive limestone terraces filled with thermal water that look like flowing cotton clouds. Take a refreshing dip in the hot springs and be pampered by the healing waters. Also visit the ancient city of Hierapolis with its well-preserved ruins and impressive theater. Pamukkale is an absolute must-see that will inspire you with its unique nature and history.

Bodrum, located on Turkey’s Aegean Sea, is a true paradise. Explore the impressive Bodrum Castle and enjoy the view over the city and the sea. Experience the vibrant nightlife in Bar Street and the Marina. Discover the ancient theater of Halicarnassus and stroll through the charming old town. Don’t miss the beautiful beaches like Gümüşlük and Bitez. Bodrum will enchant you with its diversity and beauty!

Best Time To Travel To Turkey

Turkey is a year-round destination so we recommend traveling here any time of year. The country is quite large and has different climates throughout due to its location on the Aegean and the Black Sea, proximity to the Mediterranean, and plenty of mountains.

Summers can be mild and dry to hot and humid depending on where you’re headed and winters can be mild and cool to cold and snowy. Check out Istanbul any time of year but if you want to see the hot air balloons in Cappadocia than its best to visit in shoulder seasons or the beginning or end of high season. The crowds are thinner and it’s not too hot.

• High Season : May to September
• Low Season : November to March

Accommodation In Turkey

The best place to find cheap hotels for is to book by www.booking.com . There you will find a large selection of cheap hotels, hostels, and apartments. > BOOK HERE

Hostelworld

If you are looking for a low budget accommodation, then go on www.hostelworld.com . They have the best choice of cheap hostels for backpackers and low budget travelers. > BOOK HERE

Back to Top

• Deutsch ( German )

• Travel Guide
• train travel in ...

Turkey by train

How to travel in Turkey by train: information, connections, blog and travel reports. Help in our forum to buy train tickets.

Our recommendation! Buy your train ticket or bus ticket at 12go. Compare ticket prices from different companies on this travel connection.

Cheap train tickets! Buy your train ticket online on Omio. The easy to use booking system with very good prices and e-tickets.

Buy your train ticket for connections within Turkey here.

• train types
• Optima Express(OPEX)
• Standard(TCDD)
• Yüksek Hızlı Tren(YHT)
• night train
• Bosfor Bucharest - Istanbul
• Bosfor Istanbul - Bucharest
• D 1490 Belgrade - Istanbul
• D 493 Sofia - Istanbul
• D 81032 Istanbul - Belgrade
• D 81032 Istanbul - Sofia

train connections

popular connections travelled by other users

• Istanbul - Ankara
• Istanbul - Izmir
• Istanbul - Kars
• Istanbul - Samsun
• Istanbul - Edirne
• Ankara - Istanbul
• Ankara - Izmir
• Ankara - Kars
• Izmir - Ankara
• Izmir - Istanbul

Turkey - Bulgaria

Travel from Turkey to Bulgaria by direct overnight train. The daily overnight train from Istanbul to Sofia has a journey time of 12 hours. Train tickets start from 29 EUR. Istanbul is well connected by train with other Turkish cities. If you travel from Istanbul in direction of Varna or Burgas, a direct bus might be the faster travel option for you. The direct overnight train Istanbul to Sofia departs at Istanbul Halkali station at 21:40 and arrives in Sofia at 08:40. Buy your train ticket locally at the Istanbul Sirkeci train station (ticket window 4). This is not the departure station Istanbul Halkali. The ticket price is 19 EUR plus a supplement of 10 EUR for a 4-berth couchette or 15 EUR for a 2-bed sleeper. The private sleeper compartment for one single traveller is 28 EUR plus a supplement of 35 EUR. In the middle of the night there is a control at the border. The departure station Istanbul Halkali is located 25 kilometres outside of the historic city centre. Buy your ticket at Istanbul Sirkeci railway station and get by Marmaray suburban train directly to Istanbul Halkali. These suburban trains run every 15 minutes with a ticket fare of less than 2 EUR. The journey time is 35 minutes.

• Istanbul - Sofia
• Istanbul - Plovdiv
• Istanbul - Varna
• Istanbul - Burgas
• Ankara - Sofia

Turkey - Georgia

Travel from Turkey to Georgia by train. For the border crossing you have to use a bus. First travel by train to Erzurum or Kars. There is an overnight train available from Ankara with a journey time of 22 hours (Erzurum) or 27:30 hours (Kars). This overnight train called "Doğu Express" is comfortable and it is a very scenic journey. The train ticket fares start from 60 TRY (7 EUR) in a seat and from 80 TRY (9 EUR) in a 4-bed sleeper-wagon. From Erzurum or Kars take a bus to the border at Sarp. The journey time is 5 hours. The bus ticket fare is about 10 EUR. Cross the border by foot. And continue by bus to Batumi. Other options by bus are as follows: the bus line from Trabzon (Turkey) to Batumi (Georgia). At least four connections daily for about EUR 15. From Istanbul (Turkey) to Batumi (Georgia) at least two connections daily for about EUR 25. Trabzon (Turkey) is not connected to the railway network of Turkey. Therefore the easiest way is to take a bus directly from Istanbul or Ankara (Turkey) to Batumi (Georgia). Buy your bus ticket for Metro Turizm online. In Batumi (Georgia) change to a train to continue to Tbilisi (Georgia). Border crossing is currently: you leave the bus with the luggage before the border, cross the border by foot (easy) and after the border the bus picks you up again. In future there will be a train connection from Turkey to Georgia. But it is still under construction.

• Trabzon - Batumi
• Istanbul - Batumi
• Ankara - Batumi
• Istanbul - Tbilisi
• Ankara - Tbilisi
• Izmir - Tbilisi
• Adana - Tbilisi

Turkey - Greece

Travel from Turkey to Greece by bus. There exists no direct train connection anymore. If you want to travel by train, travel from Istanbul to Sofia (Bulgaria) and from there to Thessaloniki. But it takes a lot more time than by bus. There are several direct (overnight) bus connections available from Istanbul (Turkey) to bigger Greek cities (Athens, Thessaloniki, ...). Find bus and train schedules via the booking links provided. The bus journey time from Istanbul to Thessaloniki is 10 hours. Buy your bus ticket for this travel route from 45 EUR. To book your ticket, use the following city names to find connections. Istanbul = Istanbul Avrupa Thessaloniki = Selanik Athens = Atina

• Istanbul - Athens
• Istanbul - Thessaloniki
• Istanbul - Alexandroupoli
• Istanbul - Igoumenitsa
• Istanbul - Iraklion
• Istanbul - Larissa
• Istanbul - Patras
• Ankara - Athens
• Ankara - Thebes
• Izmir - Athens

Turkey - Iran

Travel from Turkey to Iran by "Trans-Asia Express" on the route from Ankara via Tatvan, Van and Tabriz to Tehran. The travel distance is 3.000 kilometres with a total travel time of 80 hours. The train ticket price is 55 EUR in a 4-bed compartment. The journey starts in Ankara by a train of Turkish railway. The train offers 4-bed compartments with fours seats in day-position and four beds at night. You get a pillow, sheet and blanket to make your bed by yourself. Toilets and washrooms are available at the end of the corridor of the wagon. A train restaurant is available. In Tatvan the train ends and you change to the ferry to Van. The journey time of the ferry is six hours and included in your train ticket. The train directly arrives at the ferry pier of Tatvan and departs as well directly from the ferry pier in Van. No need to walk or have transfers by bus or taxi. From Van you continue by a train of Iranian railways which also offers 4-bed compartments including pillow, sheet and blanket. You get free water, juice and cake. You can order meals which are served to your compartment. The train schedules from Ankara to Tehran is as follows. - Ankara departure at 14:25 on Wednesday - Tatvan ferry pier arrival at 14:25 on Thursday - Ferry crossing to Van ferry pier - Van ferry pier departure at 21:00 on Thursday - Kapıköy (border station in Turkey) arrival at 23:30 on Thursday - Razi (border station in Iran) arrival at 02:00 on Friday - Tabriz arrival at 09:50 on Friday - Tehran arrival at 23:20 on Friday Find train schedules and buy your tickets via the given booking links.

• Ankara - Tehran
• Istanbul - Tehran
• Izmir - Tehran
• Ankara - Tabriz
• Istanbul - Tabriz
• Tatvan - Tabriz

Turkey - Romania

Travel from Turkey to Romania by direct overnight train. The daily overnight train from Istanbul to Bucharest has a journey time of 20:30 hours. Train tickets start from 49 EUR. At off-season (October to May) you have to leave the overnight train in Dimitrovgrad (Bulgaria) at 04:30 in the morning and continue your journey via Gorna Oryahovitsa and Ruse. The direct overnight train Istanbul to Bucharest departs at Istanbul Halkali station at 21:40 and arrives in Bucharest at 17:00. Buy your train ticket locally at the Istanbul Sirkeci train station (ticket window 4). This is not the departure station Istanbul Halkali. The ticket price is 38 EUR plus a supplement of 10 EUR for a berth in a 4 person compartment. In off-season buy a ticket Istanbul to Dimitrovgrad. And the other tickets locally at the stations where you have enough time, at least one hour in Dimitrovgrad, Gorna Oryahovitsa and Ruse. It is also possible to buy the ticket in the train from the conductor. The departure station Istanbul Halkali is located 25 kilometres outside of the historic city centre. Buy your ticket at Istanbul Sirkeci railway station and get by Marmaray suburban train directly to Istanbul Halkali railway station. These suburban trains run every 15 minutes with a ticket fare of less than 2 EUR. The journey time is 35 minutes.

• Istanbul - Bucharest
• Ankara - Bucharest
• Istanbul - Arad
• Istanbul - Sibiu
• Ankara - Arad
• Istanbul - Timișoara
• Ankara - Brașov
• Istanbul - Brașov
• Istanbul - Constanța
• Izmir - Bucharest

Turkey - Serbia

To travel from Turkey to Serbia by train, make use of the direct overnight train from Istanbul (Turkey) via Sofia (Bulgaria) to Belgrade (Serbia). Train tickets are available at train stations only.

• Istanbul - Belgrade
• Istanbul - Novi Sad
• Ankara - Belgrade
• Ankara - Novi Sad
• Izmir - Belgrade
• Izmir - Novi Sad

Turkey - Ukraine

To travel from Turkey to Ukraine, first travel to Istanbul Haydarpaşa ferry and rail terminal. From there take the ferry to Chornomorsk (Ukraine). The journey time is about 30 hours. Ticket price starts from USD 80. In Chornomorsk which is located 20 kilometres south of Odessa, take a taxi, mini-bus or bus from the port to the railway station of Odessa.

• Istanbul - Kyiv
• Istanbul - Chornomorsk
• Istanbul - Dnipro
• Istanbul - Lviv
• Istanbul - Odesa
• Ankara - Kyiv
• Ankara - Lviv
• Ankara - Odesa
• Izmir - Kyiv
• Trabzon - Kyiv

The most popular train route in Turkey!?

One of the longest night trains in europe, the train travel options to istanbul, turkey., an adventurous rail trip through turkey., train routes.

• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

about railcc : We are real travellers and offer honest and well-grounded tips and tricks for your train journey.

Train tickets

• search train route

Rail passes

• Britrail Pass
• German Rail Pass
• Swiss Travel Pass
• Renfe Spain Pass
• Balkan Flexi Pass

Travel guide

• travel tours
• ferry connections
• bus tickets
• Interrail Global Pass
• Interrail One Country Pass
• first time Interrail
• how to Interrail
• Interrail train reservations
• Interrail night trains
• Interrail ferries
• Interrail buses
• Interrail country overview
• Interrail offers and discounts
• Eurail Global Pass
• Eurail Select Pass
• Eurail ONE Country Pass
• how to Eurail
• first time Eurail
• Eurail train reservations
• Eurail night trains
• Eurail ferries
• Eurail buses
• Eurail in ...
• Eurail offers and discounts
• about railcc

We speak more than 30 languages

rail.cc is partner and friend of

Get our Rail Planner app

Plan your trip, get extra discounts, and show your Pass as you go.

Our favourite spring routes

Celebrate spring with these 7 off-the-beaten-path train routes

All about seat reservations

Everything you need to know about booking your seats

Alternatives to Busy Routes

Travel between popular European cities without seat reservations

Through our Chatbot in the bottom right corner.

Ask the Community

Browse questions from fellow Interrail travellers, or ask your own!

• Plan your trip
• Tips & tricks
• Trains in Europe
• Trains per country

Trains in Turkey

• Order overview
• Reservations overview
• My Trips & Travelers
• {{translatedTraveler}} {{#promotional}} {{currencySign}} {{standardPrice}} {{/promotional}} {{quantity}}x {{currencySign}} {{finalPrice}}
• Child {{childPasses}}x FREE
• {{translatedPassType}}
• {{translatedValidityPeriodDescription}}
• {{translatedClass}}
• Remove Pass(es)
• {{variant.localizedTravelPackDescription}} {{quantity}}x Free
• {{variant.localizedPassUpgradeDescription}} {{quantity}}x {{currency}} {{price}}
• Your order will arrive by {{expectedDeliveryDate}} 1 x {{currency}} {{price}}

Your cart is empty

Discover Turkey by train – a patchwork of cultures combined with a tradition of hospitality. With your Interrail pass you can explore the diversity of Istanbul, experience one of the many action-packed outdoor adventures in Cappadocia or relax on the pristine beaches of Antalya. Turkey is a box of goodies for any travel enthusiast. TCDD (Turkish Republic State Railways) operates passenger trains all over the country. The train is a comfortable way to travel between cities like Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir .

Train types in Turkey

The train network in Turkey is run by  TCDD  (Turkish Republic State Railways). Their trains cover a large part of the country, and connect all the major cities.  Turkish train times aren't always easy to find online. Your best bet is to check the Turkish version of the  TCDD timetable .

Domestic Trains

International trains, night trains.

Regional trains   (Bölgesel)

Various routes throughout Turkey

Main line train (Anahat)

Faster connections between major cities

Bikes are sometimes allowed on trains. Please check at the station if a special ticket is required.

Turkey has daily international trains from Istanbul to Bulgaria and Romania, offering a comfortable connection to the rest of the Interrail network.

Bosphorus Express

• Runs daily all year round
• Comfortable modern Turkish couchette and sleeping cars
• Reservations are mandatory
• Runs daily only during summer season (June 21st till October 9th)

The train from Istanbul to Bucharest and Sofia starts at Istanbul Halkali station. The best way to get here is by metro/Marmaray train. It runs from the Eastern side, underneath the Bosphorus strait, to the Western side of the city and terminates at Halkali. Interrail Passes are not valid on Marmaray trains.

High-speed train YHT (Yüksek Hızlı)

• A growing network of high speed lines
• Modern train that travels up to 250 km/h
• Istanbul – Eskişehir – Ankara
• Istanbul – Eskişehir – Konya – Karaman
• Ankara – Konya – Karaman
• Ankara – Sivas

YHT trains currently serve five stations in the Istanbul metro area: Halkalı, Bakırköy, Söğütlüçeşme, Bostancı and Pendik. Bakırköy and Söğütlüçeşme are closest to the city centre and well connected by metro and suburban (Marmaray) trains

Turkey has an extensive network of night trains, stretching out to all corners of the country. Trains consist of modern airconditioned carriages with comfortable pullman seats, sleepers and couchettes. Make sure to arrange your reservations in advance, trains generally sell out.

• Istanbul – Eskişehir - Ankara
• Good alternative when High Speed Trains (YHT) sell out
• Ankara – Kayseri – Sivas – Erzincan – Erzurum – Kars
• Highly scenic route along the Eufrates river
• Ankara – Kayseri – Sivas – Malatya – Elazig – Tatvan
• Take a ferry to Van across the enormous lake Van
• Twice a week 
• Ankara – Kayseri – Sivas – Malatya – Diyarbakir – Batman – Kurtalan
• 5 times a week 
• Ankara – Izmir
• Konya – Izmir

*Next to the Doğu Ekspresi, there is another train called the ‘Turistik Doğu Ekspresi’. This train is not valid for passholders

Popular connections

• Domestic routes
• International routes

Here are the average travel times between the bigger cities in Turkey. Reservations are recommended for all of these train journeys.

*You'll need to take a ferry from Istanbul to Bandirma (across the Sea of Marmara). From there, the train will take you to Izmir in 6 hours.

Reservations

Not possible through Interrail reservation self-service system

Locally at the train station

Good to know

High speed (YHT) and night trains require reservations that can only be booked at railway stations in Turkey. They generally sell out, so make sure to make a reservation a few days in advance.

Get your Pass for Turkey

Interrail turkey pass.

See all there is to see in  Turkey  by rail.

Youth discounts, as well as family and senior discounts.

Prices from € 58

View Turkey Passes   →

Interrail Global Pass

Travel by train as much as you like in up to  33 European countries  including  Turkey .

Discounts available for youth, seniors and families.

Prices from € 212

View Global Passes   →

Tips and tricks for Turkey

Turkey main train station.

Istanbul is the main hub in Turkey for Interrail travellers.

Istanbul  is the gateway to Europe, but ongoing constructions have decreased the city's accessibility.

High-speed trains to Ankara leave from  Istanbul Pendik .

Historic  Haydarpasa station  is closed, but worth a visit!

Get inspired

Change of currency

You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header.

The Man in Seat 61

How to travel from

London to istanbul by train.

• Buy train tickets
• Buy ferry tickets
• Book a hotel
• Privacy & cookies
•   Home

Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, london to istanbul in 4 days by train.

Istanbul is Europe's most exotic city, at the very edge of Europe where east meets west.  Can you still travel from London to Istanbul by train?  Of course!  The journey is pretty straightforward, safe & comfortable, see the video guide .  Yet it's also an epic 2,000 mile 4-night adventure, rediscovering some of the mystery, intrigue and romance of long-distance train travel through the Balkans.

On this page you'll find an easy step-by-step guide to planning, booking & making a train journey between London or Paris and Istanbul, one-way or return, eastbound or westbound, using an Interrail pass or normal tickets, with schedules, fares, what the journey is like, suggested stopovers and how to book.

Train times, fares & tickets

On other pages

Route map:   london to istanbul by train.

Useful country information

Which route to choose.

There are two basic route strategies:  Through Budapest & Bucharest, and through Zagreb, Belgrade & Sofia.

Unfortunately, the Zagreb-Belgrade train was suspended during the pandemic and is still suspended due to general Balkan incompetence.  Belgrade's other link with western Europe, the Budapest-Belgrade line, is closed for reconstruction and won't reopen until at least 2025.  Meanwhile, a combination of track reconstruction and similar incompetence has buggered the Belgrade-Sofia line.  So Zagreb-Belgrade-Sofia is currently a dead loss.  Serbia is becoming a travel black hole.

So at the moment it's a no-brainer, you should travel from London or Paris to Istanbul via Budapest and Bucharest as shown below.  On this page I show arguably the most obvious combination of trains via this route, but there are endless permutations, I show a few possible variations here .

Istanbul Sirkeci closed to mainline trains

Sadly, Istanbul's historic Sirkeci station closed to mainline trains in March 2013.  The suburban trains now call at Sirkeci's new underground platforms before passing through the Marmaray tunnel under the Bosphorus to the Asian side of Istanbul.  The one daily international train now terminates at Halkali, a suburban station some 25km west of Sirkeci station from where you can take a Marmaray suburban train to Sirkeci in the city centre.

Sirkeci station's long-term future is not clear.  It may become a museum, it's just possible that a single-track connection to one or two platforms will be restored and the international train will once again reach the shores of the Bosphorus at Sirkeci.  Or they may continue to use Halkali permanently.  We shall see.

Back to top

London to Istanbul via Bucharest

This section explains the train times, the cost, what the trains and the journey are like, and how to arrange tickets.  If you'd prefer to travel via Brussels rather than Paris & Stuttgart, or would prefer to take a ferry via Harwich-Hoek van Holland instead of Eurostar, no problem, see the suggested variations heres .

London ► Istanbul

The Kalman Imre has a modern air-conditioned Hungarian sleeping-car (1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin), a modern Hungarian couchette car (4 & 6 berth compartments) and ordinary seats (not recommended). 

You now have a day to explore Budapest.  Luggage lockers are available .  Map of Budapest showing Keleti station .

Day 3 , stay overnight in Bucharest .  A same-day connection is too tight, so stay overnight in Bucharest and continue to Istanbul on day 4, as shown below.  In Bucharest, the Hotel MyContinental Bucuresti Gara de Nord is walking distance from the station, inexpensive and gets great reviews.  Search for other hotels in Bucharest .

For full details of this journey with timings, photos & tips, see the Bucharest to Istanbul page .

When the direct couchette car isn't running, travel from Bucharest to Istanbul as follows:

Travel from Bucharest to Dimitrovgrad on a series of connecting trains, leaving Bucharest Nord at 10:47 & arriving Dimitrovgrad at 22:12.

Times may vary, but it should all go like clockwork, it's a lovely scenic journey across Romania & Bulgaria via the Shipka Pass.  Bring your own supplies of food and beer as there's no catering car.  Tip:   The train calls at Veliko Tarnovo in late afternoon, the ancient Bulgarian capital.  It's well worth a 24 hour stopover.

Then travel from Dimitrovgrad to Istanbul by Sofia-Istanbul Express , leaving Dimitrovgrad at 23:03 arriving Istanbul Halkali at 06:34.

This train has comfortable Turkish TVS2000 air-conditioned sleeping-cars with 1 & 2 bed compartments and a Turkish TVS2000 air-conditioned couchette car with 4-berth compartments, see the photos below .

Be prepared to get off the train with your bags at the Turkish border at Kapikule late at night to put your luggage through an X-ray machine and get your passport stamped.

For full details of this journey with timings, photos & tips, see the Bucharest to Istanbul page

Istanbul ► London

Day 1, travel overnight from Istanbul to Bucharest

In summer from 8 June to 7 October 2023 (similar dates expected in 2024), travel from Istanbul to Bucharest by direct couchette car.

In the off-season whenever the direct couchette car isn't running, travel from Istanbul to Bucharest as follows

Then travel from Istanbul to Dimitrovgrad in Bulgaria on the Istanbul-Sofia Express , leaving Istanbul Halkali station every night at 20:00 arriving Dimitrovgrad in Bulgaria at 04:17.  This train has comfortable Turkish TVS2000 air-conditioned sleeping-cars with 1 & 2 bed compartments and a Turkish TVS2000 air-conditioned couchette car with 4-berth compartments, see the photos below .

Be prepared to get off the train at the Turkish border at Kapikule late at night to get your passport stamped.

Then, travel from Dimitrovgrad to Bucharest on a series of connecting trains, leaving Dimitrovgrad at 06:00 & arriving Bucharest Nord 17:17.

Day 2, spend the night in Bucharest.  Spend day 3 exploring Bucharest

Travel from Budapest to Stuttgart by EuroNight sleeper train Kalman Imre leaving Budapest Keleti at 20:40 & arriving Stuttgart Hbf 08:38.

The Kalman Imre has a modern air-conditioned Hungarian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, an air-conditioned Hungarian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A restaurant car is available from departure until after midnight.  More about this sleeper train .

Travel from Stuttgart to Paris by ICE train , leaving Stuttgart at 10:52 & arriving Paris Gare de l'Est at 14:13. 

The high-speed ICE train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Do not risk earlier connections.

Can I stop off on the way?

Of course.  As each train is ticketed separately and runs daily, you can book each train for whatever date you want.  So feel free to spend time in Paris, Stuttgart, Munich, Vienna, Budapest, Sighisoara or Brasov (for Dracula's castle ) in Transylvania, Bucharest or Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgaria's ancient capital) on the way, it makes no difference to the cost.  Just remember that most of these trains are reservation compulsory , so you need to have made a seat, couchette or sleeper reservation before you board each train, you can't just hop on without a reservation.

You make all the reservations in advance in the UK, or you can stay flexible and make reservations at stations as you go, it's up to you.  If you choose to make reservations as you go, you'll hardly ever find these trains fully booked, places are normally available even on the day of travel.

There is only one daily train from Bucharest to Istanbul, but on most of the other stages (for example, London-Paris, Paris-Stuttgart-Munich-Vienna-Budapest & Budapest-Bucharest) there are other trains as well as the ones suggested above.  You can check train times for each stage using int.bahn.de , although the timetable data is not always 100% reliable for trains east of Bucharest.

How much does it cost?

There are two different ways to ticket a London to Istanbul train journey: (a) Normal point-to-point tickets for each train or (b) an Interrail pass .

Point-to-point tickets are cheapest, if you buy cheap advance-purchase tickets for each train several months ahead at the cheapest prices.

But advance-purchase tickets commit you to a specific train with limited or no refunds or changes allowed.  I recommend using an Interrail pass because of the extra flexibility it offers.  With a pass you can simply reschedule or re-route if fire, flood, or missed connections affect your journey.  If you live outside Europe, you qualify for a Eurail pass rather than Interrail , but pricing & reservations are exactly the same as for an Interrail.  Here is a rough summary of the total costs:

Cost if you use point-to-point tickets

Calculating the cost of a London to Istanbul train journey is a black art.  You're not buying a London to Istanbul ticket, there's no such thing.  You're buying a separate ticket for each train, and the price varies depending how far ahead you book.  So get a calculator and add up the fare for your chosen class or sleeper or couchette for each leg of the journey.  Fares for Eurostar, TGV, Kalman Imre & Railjet are dynamic like air fares, varying depending on how popular that date & train is and how far ahead you book.  Budapest to Bucharest also has some limited-availability offers if you book online direct with Hungarian Railways.  From Bucharest to Istanbul, the price shown below is fixed and is what you pay even at the station on the day.

Cost if you use an Interrail pass

Using an Interrail pass is the most flexible way to travel from London or Paris to Istanbul.  It costs almost the same as point-to-point tickets if you're under 28 years old, it costs a bit more than point-to-point tickets if you're over 28, but the extra flexibility is worth it, especially for a round trip.  After buying the pass, you still need to pay for a Eurostar passholder fare & sleeper or couchette reservations.  More about Interrail passes & how they work .  Here's the breakdown:

1)  The Interrail pass itself

For a one-way trip to Istanbul , a 5-days-in-1-month pass costs £195 if you're under 28, £260 if you're 28-59, or £234 if you're over 60.

A 5-days-in-1-month flexi Interrail pass gives 5 days of unlimited train travel in all the countries you pass through on any 5 dates you choose within an overall period of 1 month, plenty for an eastbound journey even with a day or two in Vienna, Budapest & Bucharest if you want (eastbound, you could get away with a 4-days-in-1-month pass).  Children 4-11 inclusive get a free £0 Interrail pass if accompanied by an adult.

For a return trip to Istanbul , a 10-days-in-2-months pass costs £277 if you're under 28, £369 if you're 28-59, £332 if you're over 60.

This gives 10 days of unlimited train travel in all the countries you pass through on any dates you choose within an overall period of 2 months, enough to make the outward & return journeys, even with a day or two in Vienna and Budapest or Bucharest, as long as you complete both outward & return journeys within 2 months.  Children 4-11 inclusive get a free pass if accompanied by an adult.

It's not usually worth buying a 1st class pass as only a 2nd class pass is needed for most sleepers & couchettes on the Stuttgart-Budapest & Budapest-Bucharest trains, and the Balkan trains are often 2nd class only, so a 1st class pass only makes any difference on the London-Paris-Stuttgart sectors.

3)  Paris-Stuttgart TGV reservation fee

This costs around €18 one-way in 2nd class.

4)  Stuttgart to Budapest sleeper reservation

Passholders pay the following supplements for the Stuttgart-Budapest sleeper train, per person per bed:  Couchette in  6-berth compartment €20, couchette in a 4-berth compartment €25, bed in a 2-berth sleeper €50, bed in a single-berth sleeper €100.  Information from int.bahn.de .

5)  Budapest to Bucharest couchette reservation

Couchette in 6-berth €15, couchette in 4-berth €22, bed in 3-bed sleeper €28, bed in 2-bed sleeper €42.  Bed in single-bed sleeper (1st class ticket or pass required) €98.  Information from www.cfrcalatori.ro .

6)  Bucharest to Istanbul couchette reservation

Couchette in 4-berth €14.  Information from www.cfrcalatori.ro .

Remember the new rule for using Interrail flexi passes on overnight trains:   As from 2019, overnight trains only require one day of a flexi pass to be dated, the date it leaves, as long as you don't change trains after midnight.  See the more detailed explanation here .

How to book using an Interrail pass

Now make the Stuttgart to Budapest sleeper reservation .  Don't use the Interrail reservations service for this as they have to post hard copy tickets to you at extra cost with the risk of tickets going astray, you should book this at the Austrian Railways website, following the same instructions for booking Nightjet sleepers .  Then you can simply print the reservation out or even show it on your phone.

Now make the Budapest to Bucharest reservation , again using the Interrail reservations service at www.interrail.eu .  This time it's not automated, and a hard copy ticket has to be sent to you, so you have to allow time (maybe 2 weeks) for this to happen reliably.

Tip:   You could consider buying a normal advance-purchase sleeper ticket from Budapest to Bucharest online at bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro and printing it out.  If you book a month or so in advance and get a cheap deal, the difference between this cost and reservation-only booking to go with a pass isn't that great.

The final reservation, Bucharest to Istanbul by summer-only direct couchette car , can be made at the station or by emailing Andy as shown here .  If going when the direct couchette car doesn't run, book from Bucharest to Ruse at the station in Bucharest, and book the sleeper from Dimitrovgrad to Istanbul when you change trains at Gorna Orjahovitsa, there's no way to book from outside Bulgaria.

Tip:   There's a minor irritation when using your Interrail pass from Bucharest or Dimitrovgrad to Istanbul.  You are of course using a direct overnight train so the Interrail night train rule applies and only one pass day (the date of departure) is used.  However, the Railplanner app incorrectly thinks it's a separate train from Kapikule to Istanbul, therefore if you add it to your pass directly from the Railplanner timetable it will trigger the use of a second pass day to cover what it thinks is a second train leaving after midnight.  The solution is to add the Bucharest or Dimitrovgrad to Istanbul train to your pass manually.

How to book using point-to-point tickets

You can buy tickets online for the London-Bucharest part of the journey in either direction, it's the cheapest way to book because you can see all the cheap deals direct from the train operators and don't pay any booking fees.  However, you'll still need to book the Bucharest-Istanbul train by phone or at the station as this can't be booked online.

If you don't live in London, see the advice on buying connecting tickets from other UK towns & cities here .

You can also book at the Hungarian Railways website www.mav-start.hu .  Read my tips & advice for using mav-start.hu and how your tickets are collected .  For Bucharest type Bucuresti .

Step 5, now book the Bucharest to Istanbul journey

...from early June until September when the direct couchette car operates:

You can normally buy tickets for the direct Bucharest to Istanbul couchette car at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro .  Click EN top right for English.  Booking usually opens 60 days ahead, but much less than this at the start of the season.  For Bucharest enter Bucuresti (Romania) and for Istanbul enter Halkali (Turkey).   Tickets must be collected from a CFR station ticket office in Romania such as Bucharest Nord , so only use this site for one-ways or round trips starting in Romania.  Feedback would be appreciated.

Or book at the station in Bucharest, the direct couchette car usually has sleeping berths available even on the day, although not always.  For international tickets go to ticket window 1 in a room marked Case de Bilete with a large blue sign, not far from the information kiosk in the centre of the station, see photos of this ticket office so you know what to look for .

In the westbound direction, you can buy tickets for this direct couchette car at the international ticket window at Istanbul Sirkeci station, or try contacting Amber Travel, www.ambertravel.com , a reliable and experienced agency who can arrange tickets if you email them.

...In the off-season when there's no direct couchette car :

Step 1, book the train from Bucharest to Ruse (in winter) or to Gorna Orjahovitsa (in the spring/autumn shoulder periods, see the timetable above for dates) using at the Romanian Railways international website, bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro .

You need to collect hard-copy tickets from the ticket office at Bucharest Gara de Nord (or other main station in Romania), so only use this site for one-way or round trip journeys starting in Romania.  Booking usually opens 60 days before departure .

Step 2, now book the Bulgarian train from Ruse or Gorna to Dimitrovgrad at the Bulgarian Railways website www.bdz.bg .  You need to register, tickets can be printed out.  Booking usually opens 60 days before departure .  If you don't manage to book this sector online, don't worry, you can buy a ticket at the station when you get to Ruse (or Gorna) or (if necessary) buy one on the train.

Step 3, book a sleeper or couchette from Dimitrovgrad to Istanbul at Gorna Orjahovitsa station, you have enough time between trains to do so, and Gorna ticket office is (obviously) equipped with the Bulgarian Railways ticketing system so can do this.  However, the international ticket window may not be open weekends and holidays.  The train is busy, berths are often available on the day but not always.  There is no easy way round this.

Tip:   if there are no berths tonight, but berths are available tomorrow, book tomorrow and stop off at Veliko Tarnovo, it's well worth the stop!)

Or you can buy in person at Bucharest Nord, from the international ticket window in the booking hall, see the Bucharest Nord station page .  In the off-season they can only sell you a ticket as far as Ruse (or at times, Gorna Orjahovitsa), don't worry, buy that, then buy an onward ticket from Ruse or Gorna to Dimitrovgrad at the station when you get to Ruse or Gorna or (if necessary) buy one on the train.  When you change trains at Gorna, book the Dimitrovgrad to Istanbul sleeper train at the ticket office there, you have time between trains.

In the westbound direction , you can buy tickets from Istanbul to Dimitrovgrad at the international ticket window at Istanbul Sirkeci station.  You'll then need to buy a ticket from Dimitrovgrad to Ruse at the station when you get to Dimitrovgrad, or if necessary just pay on the train.  Then buy a ticket from Ruse to Bucharest at the station when you get to Ruse.  This is no problem, there are almost always places available.

Let Tailor Made Rail arrange it for you

The easiest, most hassle-free and secure option is to let a professional organise all your train & hotel bookings.  Tailor Made Rail can create a London to Istanbul tour package to your exact specification, complete with stopovers.  As it's then a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens on one part of the trip (for example, a national strike) and they're TTA-protected (like ATOL, but not only for agencies that sell air travel).

They have a suggested 9-night London to Istanbul package with stopovers, see www.tailormaderail.com/itinerary/london-to-istanbul-epic-journey , but of course they can arrange a journey with any stopovers you want, one-way or round trip, via Bucharest or via Sofia, or out one way back the other.

Call their dedicated seat61 phone line 020 3778 1461 and quote seat 61 when booking.  From outside the UK call +44 20 3778 1461.  Lines open 09:00-17:30 Monday-Friday.

Let Byway.travel arrange it for you

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating . 

They offer several packages from London to Istanbul one-way or round trip, with trains and overnight hotels booked for you as a package.  Go to Byway.travel , click Destinations and then Turkey .  Please say you heard about them from Seat 61.

Or they can build a trip to your requirements, email them or use the contact form .  Byway includes package protection, 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption & re-planning and WhatsApp support while you're away.

Or buy tickets by phone

You can buy all your London-Istanbul tickets by phone, but please don't phone up a ticketing agency, say "I want to book a train ticket from London to Istanbul" and expect them to know which route and trains you want and to work it all out for you.  You aren't buying a ticket from London to Istanbul as such tickets no longer exist, you're buying 5 separate tickets for 5 different trains.  So use the train times on this webpage to list the specific trains you want to book between specific cities on specific dates (you may find How to plan an itinerary & budget helpful).  When you're ready to book, call one of these agencies:

International Rail on 0844 248 248 3, lines open 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday.  Overseas callers call +44 844 2482483.  Unlike some other agencies, International Rail are equipped with the French, German & Italian rail ticketing systems, so can sell the cheapest fares for all these trains from the UK to Italy and within Italy.  They charge a £10 booking fee for bookings under £100, £20 for £100-£300, £30 above £300. 

Deutsche Bahn's English-speaking line on 00 49 (0)30 311 68 29 04, lines open 08:30-20:00 Monday-Friday, 09:00-13:00 Saturday & Sunday UK time, 1.5% fee for phone bookings.  Tickets can be sent to  any address worldwide for a small fee.  Just be aware that their staff aren't always familiar with complex bookings like this and may need gentle persuasion.  You will need to talk them through exactly what train bookings you want, and be polite but persistent if necessary.

If you're in Istanbul, how to buy tickets to western Europe

There are occasions when you might want to buy train tickets from Istanbul to western Europe, including Amsterdam, Paris or London, when you're already in Istanbul (perhaps just arrived from Iran, say).

What's the journey like?

1. London to Paris by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .  Gare du Nord station guide .

2. Paris to Stuttgart by TGV Duplex   See the video guide

In Paris it's an easy 7 minute 500m walk from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de l'Est for the TGV to Germany.  Sit back with a glass of red and enjoy the ride - book an upper deck seat for the best views.  The train is equipped with power sockets for laptops & mobiles at all seats in both classes, and a cafe-bar serves drinks, snacks & microwaved hot dishes.  The train soon leaves the Paris suburbs behind and speeds across a vast wide open plateau of woods & farmland at up to 320 km/h (199 mph), past picturesque French villages of the Champagne region.  An hour or two later, the train leaves the high-speed line and slowly meanders through pretty wooded hills, the countryside eventually flattening out towards Strasbourg.  On leaving Strasbourg, look out for Strasbourg cathedral on the left with its famously missing second tower.  Minutes afterwards you rumble across the river Rhine into Germany, before heading on to Stuttgart.  Paris Gare de l'Est station guide .

3. Stuttgart to Budapest by sleeper train Kalman Imre

Cosy & inviting, the photo below shows the modern air-conditioned Hungarian sleeping-car of the Kalman Imre at Munich.  The sleeping-car has 11 compartments with washbasin, each of which can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth room, with toilets at the end of the corridor.  The fare includes a light breakfast of coffee, juice & croissant .  More about the sleeper train Kalman Imre .

4. Budapest to Bucharest by sleeper train Ister

The Ister from Budapest to Bucharest has a modern air-conditioned Romanian sleeping-car with carpeted 1, 2 or 3-berth compartments with proper beds & washbasin, plus several deluxe 1, 2 or 3 bed compartments with private toilet & shower, see the photos below.  Travelling in the sleeping-car is safe, comfortable & civilised.  The Ister also has a Romanian couchette car with 6-berth & 4-berth compartments, each berth with rug, sheet & pillow, berths converting to seats by day.  Couchettes are fairly basic, and a proper bed in the sleeper is much more comfortable and secure yet costs very little extra, so is the recommended option.  There's a Romanian bar-bistro car attached in Romania serving a cooked breakfast eastbound and dinner westbound, but taking some supplies of your own is always a good idea.  The Ister also has air-conditioned seats cars, but a mere seat is not recommended.

Traveller Philip Dyer-Perry reports:   "Budapest to Bucharest on the Ister is an absolute pleasure. I booked online with MAV and travelled in the new sleeping car, which was comfortable, smooth, and clean. There is a shower, but obviously not intended for use as most of the hose assembly was missing.  There was a dining car, and if you ask you can get a menu, but it's better to ask the man what he's got and negotiate a price.  If you have hard (non-Romanian) currency there is a certain amount of flexibility.  In the evening it was chicken & potatoes, next morning it was a rather tasty omelette.  Just be aware that the main purpose of the dining car is as a place for the traincrew to smoke!  It's good though, and a world away from Western Europe.  The Ister was around 20 minutes late on arrival in Bucharest, but the sleeping car attendant assured a fellow traveller that he would make the connection to Istanbul. In fact he even phoned his colleague on that train.  Once we pulled in we both ran, he to the Istanbul car, me to the Sofia portion, and we made it..."

5. Bucharest to Istanbul

In summer between June & early October, an air-conditioned Turkish couchette car with 4-berth compartments operates direct from Bucharest to Istanbul Halkali.  In winter between October & June you travel in seats cars on a series of connecting trains from Bucharest to Dimitrovgrad, then in the sleeping-cars or couchettes of the Sofia-Istanbul Express to Istanbul.  The route and scenery are the same.

A few hours after leaving Bucharest the train reaches the Romanian border point, Giurgiu.  It then crosses the Danube into Bulgaria on a 2.5 km long steel bridge, the longest steel bridge in Europe, built in 1954 and now fitted with a road deck above the railway.  The Bosfor then spends a lazy afternoon meandering along pleasant river valleys across rural Bulgaria.  Pour yourself a beer or glass of wine (remember to bring your own food & drink as there's no catering), read away the hours & enjoy the trip.

After a late-night passport check at the Bulgarian border at Svilengrad, the train reaches the Turkish frontier at Kapikule well after midnight.  Here you will need to leave the train briefly to get your bags X-rayed then your passport stamped.

The train used to make a dramatic entry into Istanbul, passing through the Byzantine Walls of Theodosius and skirting the Sea of Marmara underneath the very walls of the Topkapi Palace, but now it terminates at Halkali and you take a Marmaray suburban train for the last bit into Istanbul.  However, you still arrive at Istanbul's historic Sirkeci station built in 1888 in the heart of the city, albeit at the new Marmaray platforms which are underground.  Sirkeci station is walking distance from all the sights, or you can hop into a taxi to the famous Pera Palas Hotel .  Expect an arrival an hour or two late, so allow for this and enjoy the ride.  Map of Istanbul showing Sirkeci station .  For more about this journey, see the Bucharest to Istanbul page .

Possible variations

Variation via the harwich-hoek ferry.

This is worth knowing about if you need to travel at short notice when Eurostar is expensive, or if there are any problems affecting the Channel Tunnel or Eurostar, if you want to avoid the Tunnel, if you live in East Anglia, or simply want to travel via Amsterdam.

Simply book an overnight journey from London (or any Greater Anglia station such as Norwich or Cambridge) to Hoek van Holland by Stena Line Rail & Sail service as shown on the Stena Line Rail & Sail page and continue to either Amsterdam or Utrecht as shown.  Then take trains to Munich, or the sleeper to Vienna. 

In Munich or Vienna you can pick up the route via Bucharest shown above .

Variation via Paris/Brussels & Vienna

You can travel London-Paris/Brussels-Vienna-Budapest instead of London-Paris-Munich-Budapest, it makes relatively little difference to the time or cost, see the London to Hungary page for details of train times, fares & how to buy tickets. 

You take Eurostar from London to Brussels or Paris then the excellent Nightjet sleeper train from Paris or Brussels to Vienna for a connecting railjet train to Budapest.  From Budapest onwards you join the route via Bucharest shown above .

Variation via Sofia

This adds an extra day and night, but you may want to stop off in the Bulgarian capital with the advantage that there's a direct Sofia-Istanbul sleeper train with proper sleeping-cars all year round, not just a summer-only couchette car and off-season multi-train combo as from Bucharest to Istanbul.

You take the daily train from Bucharest to Sofia as shown here , it's direct in summer, change at Ruse off-season, and spend a night and next day in Sofia.  You then take the Sofia-Istanbul sleeper, as shown here .

London to Istanbul by Orient Express cruise train

The Venice Simplon Orient Express runs from Paris to Istanbul once a year, usually in August, with vintage 1920s Wagons-Lits sleeping-cars, restaurant cars and lounge.  The journey costs around £5,000 per person, but it's very popular and normally leaves fully-booked, so buy tickets as soon as you can.  To find out more about this train, see the Seat 61 Venice Simplon Orient Express page .  To check prices & to book online, go to www.belmond.com/venice-simplon-orient-express .

Train travel within Turkey

There are some excellent train services in Turkey.  For train travel within Turkey, including onwards express trains from Istanbul to Ankara, Konya, Izmir, Cappadocia and Pamukkale, see the Train travel in Turkey page .

European Rail Timetable & maps

Rail Map Europe is the map I recommend, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily & Athens in the south.  Scenic routes & high-speed lines are highlighted.  See an extract from the map .  Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide) or at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses).

To get the most out of your trip, definitely take a good guidebook - I'd recommend the Lonely Planets guides as about the best out there for independent travellers.  The Middle East guide is less detailed, but covers Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iran, Israel and other countries as well as Turkey.

Click the images to buy online at Amazon.co.uk

Hotels in istanbul & turkey.

Without a doubt, the historic Pera Palas Hotel is the most interesting place to stay, see the section below.  It wasn't that expensive, by grand hotel standards, although prices have risen after refurbishment.  The nearby Grand Hotel de Londres offers similar affordable grandeur, www.londrahotel.net , it's apparently a favourite with archaeologists working in Turkey!  Alternatively, the Yasmak Sultan is a good choice.  For a good cheap hotel in the Sultanahmet travellers' area, try the Park Hotel .

Pera Palas Hotel, Istanbul.    Check prices

Easily the most famous and historic hotel in Istanbul is the Pera Palas, built in 1892 by the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits to accommodate the passengers arriving by train on the Orient Express from London and Paris.  Agatha Christie, Mustafa Kemal Attaturk and even King George V have stayed here.  It was completely refurbished in 2010 with its delightfully faded grandeur fully restored.  If your budget will stretch, it's a wonderful and historic place to stay.  One of it's rooms has been kept as a museum to Turkish leader Ataturk, another room (411) was regularly used by Agatha Christie, and can actually be booked by guests.  Check prices & book the Pera Palace .

The Man in Seat 61 says:   "Istanbul's famous Pera Palas hotel is a classic, one of my favourite hotels anywhere - admittedly much pricier after its refurbishment, but now a true 5 star hotel with helpful & friendly staff.  It's a special place for my wife and I, it just happens to be where I told my wife she was pregnant with our first child, after the hotel's duty manager translated a certain Turkish word..."

    Back to top

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here .  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  There's no need to buy a physical SIM card!  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone.  You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or Buy from Amazon.com .

Touring cities?  Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa.  They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities.  My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

Back to home page

Best Travel Agencies

Search turkeytravelplanner.com, what cities.

• Aegean Coastal Cities
• Mediterranean Coastal Cities

Travel & Transport in Turkey

Last Updated on May 14, 2024

Turkey is a well-developed country with 81 cities and seven regions , which are connected to each other through many transportation methods the country has to offer. Moreover, Turkey has one of the highest road quality ratings in the EU, and there are many options for traveling by public transportation in Turkey, such as planes , buses , cars , trains , ships & ferries . 

We have to mention while Turkey is a large country (see maps ), it’s fairly easy to get around. You can find distances and travel times, in both kilometers and miles, for all major and many minor destinations on our Where to Go in Turkey page . However, take into consideration that there’s more congestion during major holidays so it’s advisable to book further in advance during those times. 

Read more about how to compare costs for various means of transport.

For transportation methods from other countries to Turkey, see Flights to & in Turkey

Transportation Methods in Turkey

As we mentioned, Turkey is a well-developed country, especially when it comes to reaching your destination through the wide variety of traveling options the country has to offer. In Turkey, you can find a number of transport options, ranging from planes , buses , cars , and trains to ships & ferries , and weighing the pros and cons of each mode of transportation can help you decide which is the best for your vacation.

While average fare prices can vary depending on the season , flights in Turkey are available and fairly inexpensive. There are a vast number of choices when it comes to choosing an airline company, with many reputable airlines operating in the country, such as Turkish Airlines , Anadolujet , Pegasus Air , and Sun Express . Turkish Airlines is the national carrier and offers the best service but at higher fares, but for short domestic flights, there are many options.

When it comes to traveling larger distances, flying is generally preferable. Additionally, many airports in Turkey offer various services to make your journey more comfortable. From shops and restaurants to lounges and WiFi access, you'll find what you need to relax before or after your flight. While booking your flights, it's advisable to compare prices from different airlines as you might get a better deal. Find more information about Major Airports and Airport/City Codes . 

Buses and dolmushes are another mode of public transport one can choose when traveling between cities in Turkey. You can find a bus terminal in all towns and cities (within or just outside of the city centre) and the fares are very affordable. In fact, using local buses will be the most budget-friendly option when traveling in Turkey. 

This is also how most Turks travel, and as a result, thousands of modern and luxurious buses travel between Turkish cities and towns daily. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to get fares and schedule information about bus services from outside the country, but you can make arrangements easily when you arrive in Turkey at the bus station. Moreover, most of the time, departures from bus stations are so frequent that you won't need advance reservations for most routes. However, many bus companies also provide ticketing services through their website or other sites like Obilet, but this is often in Turkish. In addition to intercity buses, you can easily take a city bus to visit many popular tourist destinations.

Find more information about how to buy bus tickets , bus routes from Istanbul , and a list of popular bus companies .

Rental Cars

Traveling with a car in Turkey is a great option if you prioritize privacy and flexibility while traveling. Moreover, rural areas and regions such as the Black Sea and Anatolia can only be explored fully with a car. So, if you are an experienced driver and want to have more freedom when traveling, consider renting a car in Turkey. 

Getting a rental car is also very straightforward with reputable rental agencies and hassle-free legal processes the country has to boost tourism. However, you might want to check the cost of a rental car and the extra fees that might come up to compare your options before making any decisions. For example, if you are not traveling in a group, flying could be a cheaper option than car rental due to petrol costs . 

When choosing a rental car , consider the size and features you might need. Small cars can be more convenient for navigating the narrow streets of city centers, and air conditioning is a must for the hot Turkish summers. If you plan on exploring rural areas, check the locations and working hours of service stations along your route to avoid any fuel-related inconveniences. 

Moreover, make sure to learn more about the driving rules and safety steps to ensure a better driving experience. For example, people drive on the right side of the road in Turkey, and Turkish driver s tend to drive aggressively. 

Trains and Railways

Trains are a great choice if you want to take in the vast scenery of the country without the hassle of the roads and the high prices of planes. Turkish State Railways are well-developed and connect most major destinations in the country. So, while the Orient Express is long gone, Turkey is hard at work building an impressive network of high-speed trains that will link 15 cities holding half the country's population. A number of useful routes are already in operation.

These high-speed trains, known as " Yüksek Hızlı Tren " or "YHT", provide a comfortable and efficient travel option. They are equipped with modern amenities like reclining seats, air conditioning, power outlets for your devices, and sometimes even Wi-Fi. Moreover, trains in Turkey usually have a dining car where you can grab a meal or a snack. The high speed train routes through the YHT network connect major cities such as Istanbul , Ankara , Konya , and Izmir .

Older, conventional trains can also be useful on some routes (here's a map). They may be slower than the buses but offer more seating-room and comfort for less money, though the train station and the train itself may not be as modern. Taking a train with high speed service is a fast and economical way to travel.

Ships & Ferries

Turkey is surrounded by water, so ships and ferries play a significant part in the Turkish transport picture. The seaway is especially important and integrated into day-to-day travel in the cities of Istanbul , Izmir , and Çanakkale (Dardanelles). The ferries in Istanbul are famed for their picturesque views, offering another perspective to the famous sites along the coast and connecting Europe and Asia in one stride. So, if you ever wind up in one of these cities, take advantage of your time and experience the charm of the sea. 

Cruise Ships

Cruise ships   from other countries dock in Turkey at  Istanbul ,  Kuşadası  (for  Ephesus ), and other ports. Getting on a cruise ship to explore the popular coastal towns is always a great idea.

Here's information on the ports and docks .

• Sea of Marmara ferry services  run between  Istanbul  on the north shore and  Yalova  and  Bandırma  on the south shore ( map ). Locals use these ferryboats to commute daily, and tourists take advantage of them to cruise the Bosphorus Strait practically for free.
• Dardanelles ferries  connect Europe with Asia, Çanakkale, and Troy with the Gallipoli battlefields, which once the whole destiny and defense line of Turkey depended on.
• Greek Island—Turkey ferries  connect the islands with the Turkish coast. These ferries are especially popular during the summer, with ferry lines operating almost daily along the route. Look up ports, dates, times, and fares on Feribot.net .
• Island-to-Island ferries in Greece  help you travel between Athens, the Islands, and Turkey, a perfect way to combine your visit to Turkey with a short trip to Greece.
• Cyprus—Turkey ferries  connect Girne (Kyrenia) in the Turkish section of the Cyprus island and Taşucu/Silifke all year and  Alanya in summer.

All in all, ferries and ships in Turkey can offer a unique and relaxing travel experience. You can enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and the beautiful coastal views and even spot some marine life along the way. There are many different ferry types and lines in Turkey.

Private Transfers

Getting around Turkey can be tricky, especially if you don't know the language . It can feel stressful trying to navigate from city to city or from the airport to your hotel. Taxis can end up being quite expensive due to traffic and distance, so taking a private transfer can become an excellent alternative. 

When using a private transfer service, not only is there plenty of room for luggage, but it can also be a very affordable option if traveling with others or as a family. You can easily book a transfer by filling out the form below.

—by Tom Brosnahan , updated by Can Turan

Rental Cars in Turkey

Related articles, compare travel costs in turkey, is turkey safe is it safe to travel to turkey in 2024, when to travel in turkey, map of turkey: where to go, hotels in istanbul & turkey, how to go to istanbul & turkey, trip to turkey: tour itineraries, maps of turkey & istanbul, visit our facebook group:, you’re forwarded to tekce.com.

Please wait to continue or Cancel

• Maps of Turkey
• Best Guided Tours
• Travel Agents
• Private Tour Guides
• Turkish Money
• What it Costs
• Photo Gallery
• Special Interests
• Trip Consulations
• Travel Details FAQs
• WordPress.org
• Documentation
• Learn WordPress

Get our Rail Planner app

Plan your trip, get extra discounts, and show your Pass as you go.

Our favorite spring routes

Celebrate spring with these 7 off-the-beaten-path train routes

All about seat reservations

Everything you need to know about booking your seats

Alternatives to Busy Routes

Travel between popular European cities without seat reservations

Through our Chatbot in the bottom right corner.

Ask the Community

Browse questions from fellow Eurail travellers, or ask your own!

• Order overview
• Reservations overview
• My Trips & Travelers
• {{translatedTraveler}} {{#promotional}} {{currencySign}} {{standardPrice}} {{/promotional}} {{quantity}}x {{currencySign}} {{finalPrice}}
• Child {{childPasses}}x FREE
• {{translatedPassType}}
• {{translatedValidityPeriodDescription}}
• {{translatedClass}}
• Remove Pass(es)
• {{variant.localizedTravelPackDescription}} {{quantity}}x Free
• {{variant.localizedPassUpgradeDescription}} {{quantity}}x {{currency}} {{price}}
• Your order will arrive by {{expectedDeliveryDate}} 1 x {{currency}} {{price}}

Your cart is empty

Tour Europe with 1 rail Pass

Follow your curiosity around up to 33 countries, traveling at your own pace by train

Tour Europe by train

with 1 Pass

Create the itinerary

for your perfect trip

Travel flexibly on trains

that don’t need reservations

Stay conscious

and travel sustainably

Build your Eurail adventure in 4 easy steps

1 plan your route.

Plan where you’re going and which trains will take you there.

2 Find your Pass

Travel with a Global Pass or a One Country Pass - It’s up to you.

3 Reserve your seats

Do your trains need seat reservations? Book them early!

4 Activate your Pass

Add your Pass to the app, activate it, and jump on a train!

Secure your plans by reserving seats

Most popular rail passes.

Global Pass

7 travel days

• Travel any 7 days within 1 month
• Perfect for visiting 6-8 destinations
• Change your mind? 85% refundable

10 travel days

• Travel any 10 days within 2 months
• Perfect for visiting 9–11 destinations

“We were on the road for two months and traveled to 16 cities and 10 countries. Through Eurail you get the chance to create your own individual route.” Tamara and Natalie

“I had the freedom to go at my own pace and find unexpected adventures, enjoying spectacular landscapes and discovering natural beauty. In short, a unique and unforgettable adventure." Lucas

“I loved Eurailing! It was cool to see how trains operate in different countries, and how the European network is interlinked. I can’t wait for more international trains and for international rail travel to become the new norm!” Floris

“I loved exploring Europe with my Eurail Pass! It was the perfect complement to my study abroad program and a valuable resource! I was able to visit so many places, and I can’t wait to come back to visit more!” Taylor

“Traveling by train is more than just going from A to B. Your trip already starts at the station, and the experiences and encounters are priceless.” Bram

Ready to travel?

Download our Rail Planner app

Plan your trip and show your Pass as you go.

Change of currency

You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header.

• Best overall
• Best for cruises
• Best for reputation
• Best for preexisting conditions
• Best for digital nomads
• Best low-cost
• Best for road trips
• How we reviewed travel insurance companies

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Insurance in June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Traveling is an adventure, a leap into the unknown, a story waiting to unfold. But every story needs a safety net, and that's where travel insurance comes in. In this guide to the best travel insurance, we'll embark on a journey to help you better understand travel insurance and uncover the benefits that make it an indispensable companion for any traveler.

Our Picks for the Best Travel Insurance Companies

Best overall: nationwide travel insurance.

• Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA
• Best for Cruises: Travel Guard
• Best Reputation:  C&F Travel Insured
• Best for Pre-existing Conditions:   Tin Leg Travel Insurance
• Best for Digital Nomads:   WorldTrips Travel Insurance
• Best Low-Cost Option:   Trawick International Travel Insurance

Best for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance

How we rate travel insurance »

Compare the Best Travel Insurance Companies

The best travel insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage options for a wide range of people and needs. For this guide, we looked at coverage options, customizability, and the best companies for specific situations, such as pre-existing conditions.

Here are Business Insider's picks for the best travel insurance companies in 2024. 

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

Nationwide Travel Insurance is of the largest players in the travel insurance space, offering nearly endless options for any customer on the travel spectrum, including annual travel insurance plans which can offer frequent travelers the flexibility to "set it and forget it" on their travel insurance coverage.

Nationwide Essential also offers some of the most affordable policies in the market compared to similar plans from competitors, which makes it a great pick for just about anyone. Buyers can discuss bundling options as Nationwide also sells homeowners, auto, pet, and other insurance products. Its travel insurance quoting is just as easy as it has been with other Nationwide insurance products.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Travel Insurance Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

AXA Assistance USA  offers consumers a great option for no-stress travel insurance: low-priced plans, generous coverage limits on key categories including primary insurance on lost luggage, and up to 150% reimbursement for qualifying trip cancellations.

While add-ons are limited and rental car coverage is not included by default on cheaper plans, AXA is a perfect fit for travelers who don't plan to drive (or who already hold a travel credit card with rental car coverage), and don't need any additional bells and whistles.

Read our AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Cruises: AIG Travel Guard

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard is well-known insurance provider, and a great fit for travelers who want to ensure that they can get their money back in the event of canceled or interrupted travel plans.

While the company's policies can be pricey compared to its competitors, the high medical and evacuation limits make AIG a solid choice for older travelers who value peace of mind and simplicity over highly customizable plans that may be bolstered with medical upgrades.

Read our AIG Travel Guard review here.

Best for Reputation: C&F Travel Insured

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 2 major plans including CFAR coverage on the more expensive option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancellation for job loss included as a covered reason for trip cancellation/interruption (does not require CFAR coverage to qualify)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Frequent traveler reward included in both policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is only $100,000
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews on claims processing indicate ongoing issues
• C&F's Travel Insured policies allow travelers customize travel insurance to fit their specific needs. Frequent travelers may benefit from purchasing an annual travel insurance plan, then adding on CFAR coverage for any portions of travel that may incur greater risk.

While every travel insurance company has negative reviews about its claims process, C&F Travel Insured 's claims process has a consistent stream of positive reviews. One customer wrote that C&F processed a claim within 48 hours. Additionally, C&F regularly responds to customer reviews within one business week, making reviews a consistent way to reach the company.

Additionally, in C&F's fine print, it mentions that any claims that take more than 30 days to pay out will begin to accrue interest at 9% APY.

C&F's reputation isn't the only thing to speak highly of. It offers an array of add-ons uncommon in the travel insurance industry, such as Interruption for Any Reason insurance and CFAR coverage for annual plans. C&F also offers discounts for children on its Protector Edge plan and free coverage on its Protector plan.  

Read our C&F Travel Insured review here. 

Best for Pre-Existing Conditions: Tin Leg Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policy coverage includes most pre-existing health conditions
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical and evacuation amounts for peace of mind
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. COVID coverage included by default on all insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers a wide range of plans for various budgets and travel needs
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans offer CFAR, “cancel for work reasons,” financial default, and unemployment coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited add-on coverage options
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage loss and delay coverage is low compared to competitors

Tin Leg travel insurance offers eight travel insurance plans to meet the unique needs of travelers.

• Tin Leg was founded in 2014 by the travel insurance industry experts at Squaremouth. Designed to meet the most common needs of travelers, these policies offer comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits, and a range of Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation limits.

Tin Leg Travel Insurance is a great fit for travelers with medical issues in particular. Seven of Tin Leg's eight travel plans include coverage for pre-existing conditions as long as you purchase your policy within 15 days of your initial trip payment.

Thanks to coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as well as for potential COVID-19 infection while traveling, this company offers some of the best financial investment options for travelers who are or will be exposed to higher health risks and issues.

Read our Tin Leg Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Digital Nomads: WorldTrips Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable base plans that can be customized with add-ons including rental car, pet care, hunting and fishing, and vacation rental coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Insurance plans available for international student travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage benefit that kicks in after just five hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Pre-existing conditions waiver can be purchased within 21 days of initial trip payment
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lower medical, evacuation and accidental death limits
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited, secondary baggage loss coverage although baggage protection can be upgraded at a low cost
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc.

WorldTrips has been a reputable travel insurance provider for more than 20 years. Unsurprisingly, it boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and positive reviews from thousands of customers.

• Travel medical insurance (Premium, Group, Annual, and International Student options)
• Trip cancellation insurance
• Trip protection insurance

WorldTrips Travel Insurance has affordable premiums, highly customizable add-ons, and generous coverage for core categories of travel insurance. All this makes it a great option for digital nomads, students studying abroad and backpackers.

However, travelers should keep in mind that plans are not particularly flexible, and coverage amounts are limited unless you plan ahead to pay for the areas and amounts that you need.

Read our WorldTrips Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Affordability: Trawick International Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Useful for adventurous travelers headed to higher-risk destinations
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable plans with varying levels of coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 10-day free look option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage loss replacement policy
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some policies allow a CFAR add-on
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million medical evacuation coverage limit
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage and trip delay coverages don’t kick in until after the 12-hour mark
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. International student policies available for temporary stints abroad
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complaints about claims not being paid or involving an intermediary to resolve claims

Trawick International travel insurance offers plans customized to diverse travelers' needs. We look at coverage options, claims processing, pricing, and other important factors for savvy travelers.

• Travel medical insurance
• Trip protection and cancellation
• International student insurance
• Visitor medical insurance (for traveling to the US)

Trawick International Travel Insurance is another insurance provider with robust medical travel insurance  that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company offers one of the most generous medical evacuation policies in the market, although travelers will need to remember to add on rental car coverage if they need it.

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review here.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

• Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
• Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
• Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

Travelex Travel Insurance  offers three plans:

• Travel Basic
• Travel Select
• Travel America

The Travelex America plan is meant for trips limited to the U.S., but it has the highest coverage limits in many areas compared to its other programs. If you're flying somewhere, the lost baggage limits are higher. Its natural strengths shine for road trippers, though. Travelex America adds coverage for roadside service and rental car coverage for unexpected accidents. It also covers pets should you be involved in an accident while on the road.

While your standard auto insurance does extend to car rentals within the U.S. for a limited time, any accident would affect future rates. Travelex would eliminate the risk of reporting to your auto insurance provider for minor incidents within its purview.

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review here.

Introduction to Travel Insurance

Why travel insurance is a must-have.

The unpredictable nature of traveling – from flight cancellations to medical emergencies – can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance acts as a personal safeguard, ensuring that unexpected events don't drain your wallet or ruin your trip.

Understanding Different Types of Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. From single-trip travel insurance policies to annual travel insurance plans , from minimal coverage to comprehensive protection, understanding the spectrum of options is your first step in finding the right fit for your journey.

Key Features to Look for in Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance for medical emergencies.

Imagine falling ill in a foreign country; daunting, right? A robust travel insurance plan ensures you don't have to worry about how much emergency medical care while traveling will cost, even in the most remote corners of the globe. This coverage will often come in tandem with emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits

Life is full of surprises, some less pleasant than others. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you're not left out of pocket if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short. You may also look for cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason options, which will reimburse you for a percentage of your nonrefundable fees, but expands the covered reasons you can cancel a trip. You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance companies here.

Coverage for Personal Belongings and Baggage Loss

Losing your belongings is more than an inconvenience; it's losing a piece of your world. Insurance that covers personal belongings and baggage loss ensures that you're compensated for your loss, helping you to rebound and continue your adventure.

Support and Assistance Services

In times of trouble, having a lifeline can make all the difference. Look for insurance that offers 24/7 support and assistance services, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away. Also, check websites that field customer reviews like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and InsureMyTrip , to see how well a company responds to customer requests.

Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Reputation and reliability of the travel insurance provider.

A provider's reputation is not just about being well-known; it's about reliability, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver on promises. Researching and choosing a reputable provider is a cornerstone in ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

Understanding the Policy's Fine Print

The devil is in the details, and understanding the fine print of what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Be aware of coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

In the age of information, customer reviews and feedback are goldmines of insight. Learn from the experiences of others to gauge the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider you're considering. While the ratings are important, you should also look at whether or not a company responds to customer complaints.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Insurance

Knowing your policy inside out.

Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your policy – what it covers, what it doesn't, how to file a claim, and who to contact in an emergency. Being informed means being prepared. 

Steps to Take When a Problem Arises

If you face an issue during your travels, knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Keep important contacts and your policy details handy, and remember, your insurance provider is there to assist you.

How to Pick the Best Travel Insurance Company for You

There isn't a one-size-fits-all policy that works perfectly for every traveler. Young, healthy solo travelers can opt for much cheaper plans that offer bare-bones coverage, while families juggling complex itineraries will do best by investing in a robust policy that can help defray any costs associated with lost baggage, delayed transportation or other trip-impeding obstacles.

That being said, you can't go wrong with a travel insurance provider that boasts a reputable history and offers a wide range of customizable plans. In some cases, you may be comparing plans that are only a few dollars' apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers the strongest customer service. It's also worth considering whether or not the travel insurance provider has been reviewed by other travelers with similar itineraries to your own. 

An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth is one of the best tools for searching travel insurance policies. Once you input the specifics of your travel itinerary, you'll be able to see hundreds of search results to compare the ones that catch your eye. If the options are too overwhelming, use the filters to the left of your search page to eliminate as many irrelevant plans as possible.

How We Reviewed the Best Travel Insurance Companies

To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, we evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:

Guide Methodology: What We Considered

Policy Types

Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. Business Insider's 2023 travel study showed 10.65% of travelers surveyed bought cancel for any reason insurance. Cost may be a factor, but in many cases, the coverage is more affordable than you might think. Regardless, companies must offer a diverse range of coverage options. We award five stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.

Our 2023 travel study indicated the majority of purchases were made through the travel provider (ex: flight protection insurance when you're purchasing your airline tickets). While these may be sufficient for some customers, we look for companies offering a more comprehensive range of services.

According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, the average cost of travel insurance will be between 4% and 8% of total travel expenses. Anything beyond that price point should include additional benefits beyond the standard inclusions, such as CFAR protection or upgraded medical coverage. Anything below that 4% threshold may leave you lacking important or sufficient coverage in an emergency.

Convenience and Flexibility

Whether you're an infrequent traveler or a suitcase warrior, a good travel insurance company should have you covered. In many cases, you might not even have to talk to a person in order to purchase your policy.

Many people think of travel insurance in context with specific trips, but most of these top contenders sell both single-trip and multi-trip policies, also known as annual travel insurance. Some companies also offer plans specifically designed for cruisers, students abroad, and business travelers. (Read our guide to the best cruise travel insurance companies for more details.) Finally, all of these providers offer multiple options for getting the specific areas and amounts of coverage that you want.

Claims Handling

Most travelers never have a large claim. Premiums are low, and it provides peace of mind for the just in case situations. So they leave reviews based on their reduced stress levels. But what happens if you lose your luggage or have to stay a few extra days due to an unexpected accident? Will your insurance carrier cover your claim without all the hassle? We check real customer reviews to sort this out for you.

Ease of Use and Support

When purchasing, during your trip, and throughout the claims process, you may need extra support. Does the company have a 24/7 help line? Does it have an online or mobile system allowing you to self-manage? Essentially, what are the options when you need help? We look at the big picture to evaluate the average customer experience with each company.

You can read our full insurance rating methodology for even more details.

Best Travel Insurance FAQs

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for every traveler. Determine the benefits that are most important to you, like baggage delay coverage, medical coverage, and trip delay coverage, then look for a company with solid customer ratings, especially when it comes to processing claims.

Travel insurance will pay out if you experience a covered event, such as a travel delay or delayed or lost baggage. If you're looking to get travel insurance for a specific reason, such as needing to potentially cancel your trip due to work reasons, make sure your policy will cover you in that situation before purchasing it. You should also check customer reviews to see other travelers' claims experiences, as it varies wildly from company to company.

The average cost of travel insurance is 4% to 8% of your total trip cost, so it could vary widely depending on where you're traveling and the length of your trip. Your age, the number of people in your group, and other factors can also influence how much you'll pay.

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include travel medical coverage that can come in handy if an emergency occurs and you need medical evacuation. Some travel insurance plans offer more specialized coverage for travelers with pre-existing conditions , so shop around if medical coverage is a top priority for you. 

$100,000 should be a sufficient medical coverage limit for travel insurance. If you're planning on doing extreme sports or anything particularly risky on your trip, you may want to increase your coverage level. A high medical coverage limit is especially useful when you're purchasing cruise travel insurance, since medical evacuations are more involved at sea.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

• Main content

Rail Turkey En

Turkish railway journal and review.

How possible to travel with bike on train?

Train or bus, which dogu express: classic or touristic, turkish cities you can travel to by train, turkish railway map.

Türkiye 10 bin kilometrenin üzerinde bir demiryolu ağına sahip. Büyük bir kısmında tek hat işletmeciliği yapılan konvansiyonel ağın yanı sıra çift hatlı hızlı tren ağı da genişlemekte.

High speed trains have become very popular in recent years. HSTs are giving service with a speed upto 250 km/h on 4 routes.

All high speed trains

Main line trains are long distance trains no routes upto 1400 km long. Overnight trains are very popular in Turkey, tickets are sold out very quickly.

All main line trains

Regional trains are giving service between neighbour cities and towns, reaching to several destinations that cannot be reached by main line trains.

All regional trains

There are very few international train services between Turkey and other countries.

All international trains

Suburban trains are giving service in Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara. They are well integrated with other modals and being used very effectively.

All suburban trains

Though they are slow and become less and less in Turkey and whole world, long distance trains offer a very comfortable and pleasent way of travel especially with sleepers, couchettes and dining cars.

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

Ukraine-Russia war: Biden and Zelenskyy sign 10-year security deal; Putin's plan 'has failed', Germany says; Russia tells West not to 'worry' as its warships arrive in Cuba

Russia reassures the West as its warships arrive in Cuba - while its troops elsewhere practise the electronic launch of missiles in tactical nuclear drills. Meanwhile, world leaders gather in Italy today for a G7 meeting - with the US and Ukraine signing a 10-year security deal.

Thursday 13 June 2024 23:59, UK

• US and Ukraine sign 10-year security agreement
• Putin's plan to wait for world's support to stop has failed, Germany says
• No reason for West to worry about Russian warships in Cuba, Kremlin insists
• Moscow warns France it is getting too deeply involved in conflict
• Russia practises electronic missile launches during tactical nuclear drills
• Sunak to set out £240m Ukraine aid package as G7 to focus on Russia
• NATO to crack down on Russian spies after sabotage
• Big picture: Everything you need to know about the war right now
• Your questions answered:  Are there any signs of an underground resistance in Russia?
• Live reporting by  Emily Mee

That's all for our coverage for this evening. 

Scroll back through this blog to see the day's updates. 

A high-profile Ukrainian combat brigade has allegedly captured dozens of Russian soldiers amid fighting in the Kharkiv region. 

Footage shared by Ukraine's 3rd Assault Brigade appeared to show the soldiers sitting in a school conference room. 

The Ukrainian brigade said the troops were taken prisoner during combat operations around the northern Ukrainian town of Vovchansk. 

Social media figures had previously reported substantial numbers of Russian troops surrendering in the area last week after counterattacks by Ukrainian infantry assault units. 

The Khortitsiya Regional Command also claimed more than 60 Russian soldiers had been captured in the area in less than a week. 

The Euros begin tomorrow, and for most teams the tournament is the first thing on their mind. 

But for Ukraine's national team, they are also focused on their country's fight for freedom. 

Thirteen players from the team have taken part in a video calling for the world to support Ukraine. 

As each state where they were from, images of destruction in each city flash up. 

"Our hometowns would like to host the Euros, but now they are fighting not for the tournament but for freedom," the video says. 

The Russian advance on Kharkiv came at a "high price" for its troops, a NATO official has told European Pravda. 

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: "Russia likely suffered losses of almost 1,000 people a day in May, which is quite an astronomical figure." 

They were referring specifically to fatalities. 

Russian forces have advanced less than 10km into Ukrainian territory and have not taken control of the city of Vovchansk. 

The US defence secretary earlier said Russia's advance was slowing and the frontline stabilising, partly thanks to countries lifting restrictions on Ukraine's use of donated weapons on Russian territory. 

The US president will skip the planned G7 dinner tonight, diplomatic sources have told our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn . 

The official dinner is being held by Italian President Sergio Mattarella in the Swabian Castle of Brindisi.

Joe Biden is skipping due to "a busy schedule and tiredness", according to Italian news outlet la Repubblica. 

He will return to the US tomorrow for an event in Los Angeles.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Joe Biden are now addressing the issue of Chinese and Russian cooperation.

The US earlier expanded sanctions against companies and individuals accused of helping Russia's war effort, including entities in China. 

Beijing has repeatedly denied it is supplying Russia with weapons, however it has been accused of providing critical components for Russia's war. 

Mr Zelenskyy says he was told by President Xi Jinping that China would not sell weapons to Russia. 

It's not clear when this conversation took place. 

Meanwhile, Mr Biden says China is helping Russia in the war through technology and production.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledges the impact of the months-long delay to US weapons support, which was caused by Republicans blocking a major aid bill. 

He says the pause in supplies had allowed Russia to conduct an offensive on the northeastern region of Kharkiv, but Ukraine had managed to stop it. 

Meanwhile, Joe Biden made clear the US had not changed its position on allowing Ukraine to use American weapons to strike inside Russia. 

The US recently said it would allow Kyiv to use such weapons to strike Russia only for the purpose of stopping the attack on Kharkiv. 

We're hearing now from Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who are holding a joint news conference after it was revealed the US and Ukraine have signed a major 10-year security agreement. 

The US president repeats his message that he will "stand with Ukraine" and says it is a "reminder to Putin that we are not backing down".

Mr Biden says lasting peace for Ukraine must be underwritten by Ukraine's ability to defend itself.

The agreement includes major commitments from Ukraine to implement reforms required by both the EU and NATO in order for Kyiv to join. 

Steps taken by the G7 today will help Ukraine to succeed in its war against Russia, Mr Biden says, and leaders also discussed concerns about China supplying Moscow with "materials for its war machine". 

Mr Zelenskyy says today is a "truly historic day" and that the security deal is the strongest agreement since Ukraine's independence. 

He thanks Mr Biden for his leadership and says the deal will create jobs in both the US and Ukraine. 

A Russian journalist covering the war has been killed by Ukrainian shelling on a village in eastern Ukraine, according to a local mayor.

Valery Kozhin, who worked for Russia's NTV television channel, was reportedly among a group of journalists hit in the strike on Holmivskyi. 

NTV earlier reported three of its staff, including Mr Kozhin, had been injured and taken to hospital. 

Holmivskyi is in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. 

The $50bn support package agreed by G7 leaders today is "game-changing", Rishi Sunak has said.

The UK prime minister said it would support Ukraine on the battlefield and in its economic reconstruction - but would also send a "signal" to Vladimir Putin.

"The signal that will send, the deterrence, is as important as the actual practical support and that has been what we've been focused on," he said.

Mr Sunak said the money would be provided by the G7 as a loan and then secured against profits of seized Russian assets.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free