Top Train Trips in Turkey

The slow travel movement calls on travel lovers to opt-in for ground travel and to fly less. So when you are visiting Turkey next, why don’t you explore more than your destination by taking the train? We recommend booking one of the following top train trips in Turkey next time you visit. 

Eastern Express 

Eastern Express in Turkey is one of the most scenic train routes in the world. The famed rail route is perfect during late autumn or winter if you want to experience cinematic views of nature under a blanket of snow. 

There are two train options for travelling on the same route; touristic and the non-touristic. The touristic Eastern Express departs from the capital city of Ankara and arrives in Kars after 32 hours. It only costs £30 per person travelling in the same compartment with one or more people.

When you get to Kars, you can visit the incredible Lake Çıldır and the ancient Armenian city of Ani (also known as The City of 1,001 Churches). It’s one of the off-the-beaten-track destinations in Turkey that isn’t flooded with tourists.

For those who like skiing, Kars also has one of Turkey’s best skiing resorts: Sarıkamış. 

Lake Van Express

The tickets for Eastern Express sell quickly so Lake Van Express is now a popular alternative. Lake Van Express goes through a very similar route to the Eastern Express. It departs from Ankara and goes through Kayseri, Sivas, Malatya, Elazığ and finally Tatvan. The train departs from Ankara every Tuesday and Sunday.

Although it’s the same route, it’s better to go on Lake Van Express in May or June. You’ll experience the views of beautiful green pastures, and when you get to Tatvan you can visit one of the biggest and prettiest lakes in Turkey: Lake Van.

Karabuk-Zonguldak

Nature lovers must travel on the Karabuk-Zonguldak train route when they are visiting the Black Sea region in Turkey. The beautiful Karabuk is known for the Safranbolu houses on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. This old town is only part of the charm here, as the nature surrounding Karabük such as Yenice Forest, Şeker Canyon, and numerous highlands also make it an attractive destination.

Karabuk-Zonguldak train travels through Karabuk, Yeşilyenice, Gökçebey, Çaycuma, Filyos and Zonguldak. In Filyos, you can visit the Ancient City of Filyos. Throughout this train trip, it’s impossible not to feel entirely peaceful.

Salda Lake

Göller Express

Göller means lakes in Turkish, and the final destination of this route is famous for its many lakes. The train departs from İzmir and arrives at Isparta in 8 hours and 30 minutes. Late Spring and Summer are popular for this train route but it’s much easier to find tickets than Eastern Express.

You can do the entire trip or visit any of the historical or natural sites by getting at Aydın (for the Ancient City of Nysa), Denizli (for Pamukkale, “Cotton Castle”), Burdur (for Ancient City of Sagalassos), and finally Isparta (for Eğirdir Lake, Salda Lake, lavender village).

So pick your adventure and book yourself a train trip when you are in Turkey next. Are you planning a multi-city trip in Turkey? Buy your flight tickets and book your accommodation online on our website.