Apart from the high-speed, modern express services between Istanbul and Ankara, most Turkish trains are slow, old-fashioned and prone to delay. They are still preferable to buses on long journeys though, as well as offering a very pleasurable and inexpensive ride through some of the country’s most scenic areas.
On overnight journeys, you can book a cabin and enjoy a relaxed meal washed down with a beer or wine in the restaurant car while watching the countryside roll past. Then back to your cabin, where the beds have been made in your absence with crisp, fresh sheets by the attendant. Now that’s the way to travel!
The fastest and most comfortable services are the ekspres (express) or mavi (blue) trains, such as the Ankara Ekspresi, which travels between Istanbul and Ankara each night in 8.5 hours. Avoid the non-express services which dawdle along, stopping every five minutes.
Other useful train services include:
Izmir Mavi Tren – overnight service between Ankara and Izmir
Meram Ekspresi – overnight service between Istanbul and Konya
Pamukkale Ekspresi – overnight service between Istanbul and Pamukkale
Or you could travel the length of the country from Istanbul to Kars in 38 hours on the daily Dogu Ekspresi.
On most overnight trains you can choose between pullman seats, couchettes (shared cabins sleeping 4 - 6) or private cabins (sleep 1 or 2).
A full timetable is available online at the Turkish State Railway’s website, http://www.tcdd.gov.tr/yolcu/trensaatleri.htm
The following words will help you decipher the Turkish timetable:
Tren Adi - Train Name
Güzergahi - Train Route
Kalkis Saati - Departure Time
Varis Saati - Arrival Time
Seyir Süresi : Journey Length
Isleme Günleri : Days of Operation
Her Gün : Everyday
Pazartesi : Monday
Sali: Tuesday
Carsamba: Wednesday
Persembe: Thursday
Cuma: Friday
Cumatesi: Saturday
Pazar: Sunday
It’s advisable to book train tickets at least a day in advance, particularly during holiday periods. You’ll need to visit a station or a travel agent. For contact details of travel agents visit: www.tcdd.gov.tr/yolcu/acentalar.htm