Türkiye’s rail network remains one of the country’s best-kept tourism secrets, still seldom utilized by foreign travelers. While the fast YHT (high-speed) network efficiently connects Istanbul with cities like Eskişehir, Konya, Ankara, and Sivas, it’s the older routes that truly stand out. These traditional lines meander through rural Türkiye, offering scenic, slow-travel journeys that showcase the country’s natural beauty and charm.
Roses Express: İzmir to Isparta
This daily train is a must for lovers of classical history. The 10-hour journey winds through the coastal plains of the Aegean and into the hilly terrain of western Anatolia, but the real pleasure lies in the stops along the way to explore the region’s ancient ruins. The train stops at Selçuk station, just three miles from the UNESCO-listed Ephesus ruins, and at Denizli station, the gateway to Pamukkale’s travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis. Its final stop is Isparta, the entry point to the mountaintop ruins of Sagalassos.
Eastern Express: Ankara to Kars
The daily Eastern Express covers 814 miles through the high plateaus and mountainous landscapes of northeast Anatolia. In winter, when snow blankets the peaks and plains, it becomes one of Turkey’s most stunning journeys. Most travelers bring their own picnic instead of relying on the basic dining car, settling in for the 26-hour trip in either Pullman seats or four-berth shared couchette sleeper compartments. From December to March, the pricier Touristic Eastern Express departs three times a week, offering two-berth private sleeper compartments and including stops for excursions in historic cities.
Taurus Express: Konya to Adana
This passenger train travels along the historic railway line carved through the Taurus Mountains between 1904 and 1918, cutting across the Cilician Gates mountain pass once traversed by Alexander the Great. Originally designed as the northern section of the Baghdad Railway, the route is flanked by steep, forested slopes and deep gorges, passing through numerous tunnels and crossing the 320-foot-high stone Varda Viaduct, famously featured in the 2012 Bond film Skyfall. The seven-hour, daily Taurus Express connects Konya with Adana, an excellent starting point for exploring the castles and ruins of Turkey’s eastern Mediterranean region.
Pamukkale Express: Eskişehir to Denizli
The nine-hour Pamukkale Express connects the vibrant arts hub of Eskişehir with Denizli, the gateway to Pamukkale and Hierapolis, offering a front-row view of the rural heartland of northwest Anatolia. The northern stretch of the journey winds through valleys once ruled by the Iron Age Phrygian kings, while further south, the landscape opens into expansive farmland framed by fir-forested hills. The train departs daily in both directions, making it an ideal way to experience this picturesque region.
Lake Van Express: Ankara to Tatvan
Two long-distance routes showcase the stunning landscapes of southeast Anatolia, featuring rugged, rock-strewn plateaus, rolling hills, vast lakes, and sprawling orchards and farmland. Both routes cross the Euphrates River at the Karakaya Dam via the 2,030-meter-long Euphrates Railway Bridge, offering some of their most scenic views in spring and autumn. Like the Eastern Express, the dining car is basic, so most passengers bring their own food for onboard picnics.
The twice-weekly Lake Van Express covers 775 miles over 26 hours, traveling between Ankara and Tatvan on the western shore of Lake Van, Turkey’s largest lake, spanning 1,435 square miles. Tatvan is the gateway to Van, a city that serves as the ideal base for exploring Turkey’s southeastern corner, including the renowned Akdamar Church, an Armenian artistic masterpiece. Travelers can choose from Pullman seating, four-berth shared couchette compartments, or two-bed private sleeper cabins for their journey.
South Express: Ankara to Diyarbakır
The South Express meanders 653 miles between Ankara and the ancient walled city of Diyarbakır, a perfect introduction to the rich heritage of southeastern Turkey. Diyarbakır, known for its ancient monuments, Kurdish culture, and historic bridges spanning the Tigris River, is a highlight of the journey. The regular 22-hour South Express runs five times a week at a fraction of the cost of the Touristic Diyarbakır Express, which covers the same route in 24 hours. Departing once a month, the touristic version includes stops for excursions in Malatya when heading east, and in Yolçatı (for Harput Castle) and Kayseri when heading west.
Sivas-Samsun Railway
This eight-hour route links Sivas, a city renowned for its stunning 13th-century Seljuk-era architecture, with the Black Sea port of Samsun, home to the Amisos Treasures—a remarkable collection of golden artifacts now showcased in the new Samsun Museum. Running three times a week in both directions, the train leisurely winds through hills dotted with farms before passing by the Canık Mountains. For a more relaxed journey, consider breaking it into two stages by stopping in Amasya, where the cliffside tombs of Pontic kings overlook charming Ottoman houses lining the Yeşilırmak River below.
For ticket details, including pricing, availability, and booking options, please visit: https://bilet.tcdd.gov.tr/
Source: National Geographic
