How is the railway transport developing in Turkey?

Introduction

In recent years, rail transport in Turkey has been gaining popularity due to its excellent infrastructure and modern high-speed trains.

Many tourists, possessing the necessary skills, successfully combine train journeys with bus routes. This not only allows them to save on accommodation but also provides the opportunity to comfortably spend the night in a sleeper car while visiting various attractions in one trip.

Development of railway communication

The railway development program is a promising direction, and in 2023, the country plans to build about 10,000 kilometers of new railways, a significant portion of which will include high-speed routes.

Long-distance trains

As of today, more than a dozen long-distance trains are already in operation, serving vast areas of the country. The railway lines stretch from east to west and from north to south.

However, some popular tourist destinations, such as the southwestern Mediterranean coast from Bodrum to Silifke and the northeastern part of the Black Sea, including Ordu, Trabzon, and Rize, currently do not have railway connections.

In the south of the country, the last line runs around the areas of Mersin and Antakya. The construction of the Turkish railway network was carried out by German engineers, and locals joke that the route is quite winding because it was built in challenging mountainous conditions.

Comfortable travel conditions

Speaking of comfortable conditions, most trains offer various types of carriages, allowing passengers to choose the option that suits them best.

• Sleeping compartments (yatakli):designed for one or two people, equipped with a sink, a small refrigerator, and a shower, perfect for overnight trips.
• Kusetli type compartment:It accommodates four people; during the day, passengers can sit, and at night, they can unfold the beds.
• Seating cars (pullman):They resemble Aeroexpress lounges, offering comfortable conditions with various classes of service.

Service classes

In the seated carriages, two classes of service are offered: economy and business.

• Economy class:presented in a 2+2 configuration.
• Business class:The configuration of 2+1 is presented, which enhances the level of comfort during the trip.

The price difference between these classes can reach one and a half times.

Conclusion

Thus, the railway transport in Turkey is rapidly expanding and becoming increasingly convenient and accessible for travelers. This makes traveling across the country more comfortable and helps increase the number of available routes for exploration.

When planning a trip to Turkey, it's worth paying attention to the opportunities that the railways offer, as they can broaden horizons for tourists and make their journeys unforgettable.

Rail transport in Turkey

On trains that operate on major routes and international lines, passengers can take advantage of restaurant car services. In modern high-speed trains, bar cars are often included as well. The main railway lines connect large cities, and there are also regional routes that provide transportation between cities and villages, similar to our commuter trains. Many routes have their own unique names:

• The Blue Train of Izmir- this route from Izmir to Ankara takes approximately 13.5 hours to travel;
• Toros Express- connects the cities of Adana and Konya, with a travel time of about 6.5 hours, and the route passes through picturesque mountainous areas, built in the early 20th century (the illustration shows a viaduct near the village of Varda);
• Blue train– it runs between Konya and Izmir, taking a total of 12.5 hours;
• Van Express- connects Ankara with Tatvan and takes about 25 hours, as it ends at the famous Lake Van;
• Aegean Express- The journey from Eskişehir to Balıkesir/Basmane takes about 11.5 hours;
• Euphrates Express- The route from Adana to Elazığ takes about 10 hours;
• Ankara ExpressThe journey from Ankara to Istanbul/Halkalı takes about 8.5 hours.

A branched network and electric trains

In addition, an extensive railway network covers cities such as Izmir, Balıkesir, Manisa, Mersin, Eskişehir, Istanbul, and Zonguldak. Notably, the Marmaray commuter train operates in Istanbul, connecting the European and Asian parts of the city by passing under the Bosphorus. This line also links central areas with nearby suburbs. The proximity to Marmaray stations significantly affects property prices in the surrounding areas.

Real estate in Istanbul

Istanbul offers a wide range of real estate options. For example, you can find a new large residence with hotels and yacht docks in the city center, with prices starting from $703,000, and the completion of construction is scheduled for 2025, featuring a total of 660 apartments. There are also new apartments with a swimming pool and green areas, located near metro stations and highways, starting from $519,000, with a delivery date in 2025.

Parameters of new apartments

In addition, there is an opportunity to purchase 141 apartments starting at $653,000 in a secure residential complex with a picturesque view, located near a park and the metro, with construction completion scheduled for 2024. In one of the most historic and largest districts of Istanbul, the construction of 295 apartments is planned, with prices starting at $646,000. There will be pools and green areas with developed infrastructure, and the readiness of the properties is scheduled for 2024.

Additional suggestions

In addition, 1,050 apartments are being offered with prices starting from $241,000 in a new complex featuring a swimming pool and mini-golf, located near the metro and universities in Istanbul. The expected completion date for construction is 2025. There are also 167 apartments available starting at $237,000 in a modern residential complex with gardens and swimming pools, situated close to a metro station, with construction expected to be completed in 2024.

Residential complexes in Istanbul

In Istanbul, located in Turkey, there is a wide selection of residential complexes, including 781 apartments with a price range starting from535,000 dollarsMoreover, more is available2750 new residential propertiesat the starting price of403,000 dollarsAll these residences are located close to the city's financial center and offer a stunning view of the surrounding park.

The complex offers a full range of amenities, including retail spaces and extensive green areas, making it an ideal place to live in close proximity to the beach and highway. The completion of the new residential buildings is expected to take place inin the year 2025.

International railway routes

Turkey also offers international train routes, making the country even more attractive to travelers. You can set off toBulgariausing the regular route from Hakkala or Istanbul to Sofia, or travel toIran...following the route from Ankara to Tehran, which is also known as...Trans-Asian Express.

From Sofia, there are many routes available toHungary,Romaniaand other countries in Europe. However, it is important to remember that on the Turkish Railways websiteTCDDTickets can only be purchased to Sofia or Tehran.

High-speed rail transport

Turkey has high-speed rail transport that can be compared to Russia's.Peregrine falconThe trains running between the main cities are equipped with carriages from a Spanish company.CAFand GermanSiemens Velaro.

These modern trains offer comfortable amenities, including electrical outlets and air conditioning, which significantly enhance the quality of the journey. For example:

• The travel time from Istanbul to Ankara is about4 hours 15 minutes
• The trip to Konya takes4 hours 40 minutes
• The route from Ankara to Konya takes only1 hour 44 minutes

For a more convenient travel experience, many experts recommend combining high-speed train journeys with bus routes to access popular tourist destinations, such asCappadocia,Pamukkaleand resorts on the southern coast.

Railway stations and ticket purchasing

However, Russian tourists may find it strange that train stations are often located not in the central parts of cities, but on their outskirts, similar to the location of airports.

Trip planning and ticket purchasing

For those who prefer to prepare for their travels in advance, it's useful to know that there is an option to purchase tickets for high-speed trains up to ten days before the planned departure date. As for intercity routes, they can be booked in advance, from 15 to 30 days ahead.

If you are already 60 years old, you have the opportunity to save up to50%the cost of travel, simply by requesting a special fare for elderly passengers (yaşlı bilet) during the purchase process. Young people up to 26 years old can also take advantage of a discount in20%using a youth ticket (genç bilet). Additionally, if you purchase round-trip tickets at the same time, you can save approximately20%from the total order amount.

Ways to purchase train tickets in Turkey

In Turkey, there are several ways to purchase train tickets. First of all, you can use the internet and buy a ticket through an online service. To do this, visit the Turkish Railways website, select the e-bilet option, fill in all the necessary fields, and pay for your purchase with a credit card. Keep in mind that you need to print the ticket at the station just before boarding the train.

Additionally, you can also purchase tickets directly at the train station. This can be done either at the ticket counter or through a self-service terminal, where a wide range of tickets is available — from local trains to intercity trains. Payment can be made in cash or by using bank cards.

Services of travel agencies

If you're looking for a more convenient option, you can contact travel agencies that can assist you with booking train tickets. All you need to do is send a request via email in advance, fill out a form on their website, or simply call and discuss all the details.

It's quite easy to find such agencies; just use a search engine with the query "buy train ticket in Turkey." Moreover, there are special programs offering sightseeing tours in Turkey exclusively by train, which can also be an interesting option for travelers.

Comparison of ticket prices

Let's take a look at some specific routes and their costs to see the price differences between train, bus, and plane. For example, on the Ankara-Istanbul route, which is about450 kmThe rates are as follows:

• The bus ticket costs from6 to 12 dollars;
• The train fare will cost11 dollars;
• The price of the airline ticket will fluctuate around25 dollars.

To better understand whether these prices are high compared to other routes, we can consider the route from Moscow to Nizhny Novgorod, which is approximately400 kmHere, the cost looks like this:

• Bus ticket - from11 to 17 dollars,
• On the train - starting from10 dollars,
• Air ticket - with25 dollars.

Knowing the current exchange rate of the dollar, it's easy to compare prices between Russian and Turkish carriers.

How to stay updated on the railway transport schedule

To stay updated on the current train schedule in Turkey, it is recommended to regularly check the information on the official Turkish Railways website. On this resource, you can select the type of train you need — from high-speed trains (YHT section) to intercity routes (ANA HAT section) and regional destinations (BÖLGESAL section).

Special schedule aggregators are also available on specialized resources aimed at independent travelers, such as the platform seat61, where information is available in English.

Planning complex trips

The Russian version of the popular route aggregator rome2rio allows you to organize complex trips with multiple transfers, displaying current prices in the desired currency, which significantly simplifies travel planning and makes it more comfortable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that rail transport in Turkey offers a unique opportunity for travelers who wish to enjoy the picturesque landscapes and cultural diversity of this wonderful country.

Considering the smoothly developing infrastructure and various types of trains, from comfortable carriages to fast intercity express trains, a real opportunity is materializing for equipping every traveler.

Railway trips that combine time and cost savings will not only help you avoid exhausting breaks during your journey but will also provide accommodation in cozy sleeping compartments — the comfort that everyone dreams of when carrying a suitcase full of memories. Despite some "white spots" on the country's railway map, the possibilities for future travels are becoming clearer every year — especially considering that even more new routes and stations are planned in the coming years.

Advantages of railway transport in Turkey

• Time-saving:Quick trips on modern express trains.
• Comfort:Night sleeping compartments and cozy seating cars.
• Availability:The variety of routes and the possibility of combining with other modes of transport.

The ability to combine train travel with other modes of transportation, such as buses, opens up new horizons for exploring Turkey: from majestic mountains to coastlines, from cultural landmarks to hidden corners waiting to be discovered. The use of modern technologies, such as the option for online ticket sales, significantly simplifies the process of planning your trips.

I call for active travel.

So, I urge you not to miss the opportunity to explore this exciting world on rails, combining comfort and accessibility. Let each of your journeys be not just a movement from point A to point B, but a true adventure filled with amazing discoveries and pleasant emotions. I am confident that everyone who decides to spend time on the trains of Turkey will find something special and unforgettable in these trips.