The Most Beautiful Train Routes in Turkey | 2026 Guide

One of the most enjoyable ways to explore Turkey is to make the journey itself a part of your vacation. Train travel offers the opportunity to watch Anatolia's changing landscapes, mountains, plains, lakes, and historic cities from the window, rather than just passing through cities quickly.

When mentioning places to visit by train in Turkey, the Eastern Express often comes to mind first, but options are not limited to this. There are various travel alternatives ranging from high-speed trains to long-distance expresses, tourist trains, and regional lines. Among TCDD Taşımacılık's current tourist trains, routes such as the Touristic Eastern Express, Touristic Diyarbakır Express, Touristic Salt Express, and Touristic Karaelmas Express are also included.

So, where can you go by train in Turkey? Which train routes offer more impressive views? Here are the most beautiful routes you can take by train in Turkey.

1. Touristic Eastern Express: Ankara – Kars

One of the first routes that come to mind when mentioning train travel in Turkey is the Touristic Eastern Express.

The route starting from Ankara and extending to Kars stands out especially with snow-covered Anatolian landscapes during the winter months. The approximately 1,360-kilometer journey takes about 33 hours. During the train ride, there are extended exploration and photo stops in cities like Erzincan and Erzurum.

Upon reaching Kars, you can explore:

• Ani Ruins
• Kars Castle
• Çıldır Lake
• Baltic architecture
• Kars city center

among other important sites.

Who is it suitable for?

It is highly suitable for winter vacations, photography enthusiasts, couples traveling together, and those seeking a different Turkish experience.

2026–2027 Season: According to the program published by TCDD, Ankara-Kars departures are planned for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between December 21, 2026, and March 10, 2027.

2. Eastern Express: Ankara – Kars

Different from the Touristic Eastern Express, the Eastern Express offers an alternative for travelers wishing to undertake a long-distance train journey between Ankara and Kars.

This route is preferred especially by travelers who want to experience the long train journey.

As you pass from Central Anatolia to Eastern Anatolia along the way, you can observe how the geography changes.

Notable stops:

• Ankara
• Kırıkkale
• Kayseri surroundings
• Sivas
• Erzincan
• Erzurum
• Kars

You can add a few days of accommodation in Kars to turn the train journey into a comprehensive Eastern Anatolia vacation.

3. Van Lake Express: Ankara – Tatvan

One of the most striking long-distance train routes in Turkey is the Van Lake Express.

Starting from Ankara and extending to Eastern Anatolia, this journey offers a different experience especially for those who love lake and mountain views.

After reaching Tatvan, you can continue your trip around Van Lake.

What can be done in Tatvan and its surroundings?

• View of Van Lake
• Nemrut Crater Lake
• Ahlat
• Bitlis
• Van city center
• Akdamar Island

It is a great option for those who want to combine train travel with exploring Eastern Anatolia.

4. South Kurtalan Express: Ankara – Kurtalan

One of the routes that those wishing to explore Southeastern Anatolia by train can consider is the South Kurtalan Express.

The journey starting from Ankara passes through different geographies of Anatolia and extends to Kurtalan.

After reaching Kurtalan, you can combine your trip with cities like Siirt, Batman, Mardin, or Diyarbakır.

Why might you prefer this route?

• To explore Southeastern Anatolia
• To experience a long train journey
• To see historic cities
• To watch different Anatolian landscapes
• To do a train + cultural tour

For those who enjoy long trips, it is possible to turn the route into a multi-city Southeastern Anatolia tour.

5. Touristic Diyarbakır Express

With the diversification of tourist train routes in Turkey, the Diyarbakır direction has also started to attract attention.

The Touristic Diyarbakır Express creates an alternative for tourism-focused train travel between Ankara and Diyarbakır. It is listed on TCDD's tourist trains page among the Ankara-Diyarbakır and Diyarbakır-Ankara routes.

Upon reaching Diyarbakır, you can add the following points to your trip:

• Diyarbakır City Walls
• Hevsel Gardens
• Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami)
• Hasan Paşa Inn
• Zerzevan Castle

among others.

Note: Since departure dates for tourist trains may vary by season, it is necessary to check the current TCDD schedule before traveling.

6. Touristic Karaelmas Express: Ankara – Zonguldak

For those who want to experience nature and train travel together, the Touristic Karaelmas Express is one of the attractive options.

The route extending from Ankara towards the Western Black Sea offers the opportunity to experience the transition from the drier geography of Central Anatolia to the green texture of the Black Sea.

In Zonguldak and its surroundings:

• Black Sea coastlines
• Mining culture
• Nature hikes
• Historic structures
• Western Black Sea towns

can be explored.

TCDD describes this line with the concept "Green Route to Coal".

7. Touristic Salt Express: Ankara – Çankırı

For those looking for a short train escape, the Touristic Salt Express can be considered.

This route extending from Ankara to Çankırı creates a different alternative especially for weekend trips.

In Çankırı:

• Underground Salt City
• Çankırı Museum
• Historic city center
• Local flavors
• Natural beauties

can be visited.

Especially for those planning a short cultural tour starting from Ankara, combining the destination with train travel can be quite enjoyable.

8. Ankara – Eskişehir High-Speed Train Route

If you are looking for a short and comfortable city escape instead of long-hour train journeys, the Ankara – Eskişehir YHT route stands out.

The Ankara–Eskişehir line, which was Turkey's first high-speed train line, entered service in 2009. Today, the YHT network has become an important transportation system providing fast access between Turkey's major cities.

In Eskişehir:

• Odunpazarı Houses
• Atlıhan Handicrafts Bazaar
• Porsuk Stream
• Sazova Science, Culture and Art Park
• Museum of Wax Figures

you can visit these spots.

Ideal duration: 1–2 days.

9. Ankara – Konya High-Speed Train Route

One of the best short train routes that can be evaluated in terms of culture and faith tourism is the Ankara – Konya YHT.

The YHT line, which reduced the railway journey between Ankara and Konya to under 2 hours, made Konya more accessible for short-term trips.

In Konya:

• Mevlana Museum
• Şems-i Tebrizi Mosque
• Alaeddin Hill
• Karatay Madrasa
• Ince Minareli Medrese
• Sille

you can visit these spots.

Especially for those planning a Konya trip during the Şeb-i Arus period, a travel program combining train + hotel can be created.

10. Ankara – Sivas High-Speed Train Route

For those wishing to explore historic cities by train in Turkey, the Ankara-Sivas YHT line is also one of the important options.

Upon reaching Sivas:

• Sivas Congress Building
• Gök Madrasa
• Buruciye Madrasa
• Çifte Minareli Medrese
• Historic city center

can be toured.

Sivas is also a good starting point for transitioning to Eastern Anatolia.

Therefore, planning a longer train journey such as Ankara → Sivas → Erzincan → Erzurum → Kars is also possible.

11. Pamukkale Express: Eskişehir – Denizli

For those wishing to travel by train between the Aegean and Central Anatolia regions, the Pamukkale Express offers a different alternative.

The route progressing from Eskişehir towards Denizli can be considered for those who want to combine their trip with Pamukkale and the surrounding historic areas.

Upon reaching Denizli:

• Pamukkale Travertines
• Hierapolis Ancient City
• Laodicea
• Denizli city center

can be visited.

It is one of the routes that can be planned especially for those wanting to do a cultural tour in the form of train + hotel + transfer.

12. İzmir – Ankara Train Route

For those wishing to travel by train from the Aegean to Central Anatolia, the İzmir-Ankara connection also offers a long-distance train experience.

This route can be considered especially for those who want to travel from İzmir to Ankara by train and combine the journey with a city tour.

Starting from İzmir and staying a few days in Ankara:

İzmir → Ankara → Eskişehir → İzmir

you can create a city escape.

Which Carriage Should Be Preferred During Train Travel?

When choosing a train, attention should be paid not only to the route but also to the carriage type.

Especially during long train journeys:

• Sleeper carriage
• Couchette carriage
• Pulman seats
• Dining car

options can change the travel experience.

On long-distance tourist trains like the Touristic Eastern Express, sleeper and dining car options are available.

Those who want a more comfortable experience on long journeys may find it beneficial to evaluate sleeper options.

What Should Be Considered Before Traveling by Train?

When planning a train vacation, attention should be paid to several points.

1. Check Tickets Early

Especially on popular tourist trains, demand can be high. In the 2025–2026 season, the Touristic Eastern Express carried over 10,000 passengers.

2. Check the Season

Some tourist trains may not operate year-round but only during specific periods.

3. Plan Accommodation in Advance

If you will be staying overnight in the city you reach by train, planning your hotel reservation together with your train ticket can be advantageous.

4. Prefer Window Seats

Especially on scenic train routes, a window seat can significantly enhance the travel experience.

5. Be Prepared for Photography

Mountains, valleys, lakes, bridges, and historic cities can make train travel very rich in terms of photography.

6. Check Transfers

For long journeys by train, some cities may require transfer-based transport instead of direct trains.

What Is the Best Time for a Train Vacation in Turkey?

The ideal period varies depending on the train route.

Winter:

It is very popular for the Touristic Eastern Express and the Kars route due to snow views.

Spring:

It is the period when nature revives on Central Anatolia, Western Black Sea, and Eastern Anatolia routes.

Summer:

It can be evaluated for lakes, plateaus, and Black Sea routes.

Autumn:

It can offer colorful landscapes especially for nature and photography enthusiasts.

Therefore, when planning a train vacation, it is necessary to consider not only the destination city but also the season you will be traveling in.

Most Beautiful Train Routes You Can Take in Turkey: Conclusion

Thanks to its diverse geographies, Turkey has very rich options in terms of train travel.

Routes such as Kars with the Touristic Eastern Express, Tatvan with the Van Lake Express, Southeastern Anatolia with the South Kurtalan Express, and Eskişehir, Konya, and Sivas with YHT meet different travel expectations.

Especially when you combine train travel not only as transportation but also with accommodation, city tours, gastronomy, and cultural experiences, you can create a much more comprehensive vacation plan.

Plan Your Train Vacation Now

If you wish to travel by train in Turkey, after selecting your route, you can plan your train ticket, hotel, city transfers, and tour program together.

Set your dates → Choose your train route → Evaluate accommodation options → Plan your city tours → Complete your train vacation.

Remember, since some popular tourist trains operate seasonally, it is important to check the current schedule before finalizing your travel date.