great train journeys turkey

The Dogu Express: a beautiful train journey through Turkey

This post is all about the Dogu express including my own experience, how to get Dogu express tickets, The Dogu express route and what to expect on a Turkish train.

The Dogu express, also called Dogu ekspresi , from Ankara to Kars is the longest train journey in Turkey. It takes 24 hours and is among the world most epic train rides in Europe with some of the most spectacular landscapes. It is also the best and cheapest way to reach the desolate but beautiful Northeastern Anatolia.

The train stops in Kars and this could be the end of your journey or the start of a new adventure. Kars itself is a nice city with the Kars castle and the nearby Ani ruins. But you can travel further to Dogubayezit. Another nice town with the beautiful Ishak Pasa Palace and famous Mount Ararat.

In recent years the Dogu express has become so popular that since may 2019 there is a Dogu express for tourists. This train leaves three times a week and takes over 30 hours, but has planned stops with exciting excursions.

Why the Dogu express

It was by chance that I took the Dogu express when I was planning my trip to Iran. Of course flying to Iran is much easier, but I love trains. Unfortunately the  Trans Asia express from Istanbul to Tehran had been cancelled for an indefinite amount of time.

The other option was the Dogu express from Ankara to Kars. This journey was not as straightforward as the direct train to Tehran. It took more time and included a change of trains, buses and taxi’s, but little did I know about the beauty of the scenery along the way. In the end it was a huge bonus that I was able to visit northeastern anatolia before I went to Iran.

The Dogu express is among one of the most beautiful train journeys in my travel history together with the Oslo to Bergen train in Norway, the Kandy to Ella train in Sri Lanka, the Belgrade to Bar train and the St Petersburg to Murmansk train .

My experience on the Dogu express

The Dogu express used to be even longer when it departed from  Istanbul,  but all long distance trains now leave from Ankara. New high speed trains bring you from Istanbul to Ankara in about 4 hours.

My first mission was to go to Pendik station in Istanbul. To get to the Asian side was quick and easy, but then the challenge started. It took a while before I found a local minibus, but I still had 2 hours so I tought I had plenty of time.

I was wrong. The traffic was crazy and we went through endless suburbs that did not seem to end. Only 10 minutes before departure I arrived at the station for the rather dull journey to Ankara.

I had a couple of hours to kill in Ankara before the Dogu express departed. Just one month ago a bombing in Ankara killed 37 people. The park in front of the station was eerily quiet except for some armed police guards. It did not invite me to explore Ankara further with my heavy backpack and decided to wait at the station.

Update : Since march 2019 trains now leave from Söğütlüçeşme station that is much easier to reach with the Marmaray.

At 6 pm I finally boarded the Dogu express from Ankara to Kars. To my surprise the train was very modern and luxurious. My cabinet had 4 comfortable beds with blankets, sheets and even a free pair of slippers.

As I retreated to my seat the rest of the passengers were still debating in the corridors. Men and women were divided in several female and male cabinets. I am not sure if I was supposed to be alone, but nobody else joined me. Once the train left we were soon rolling through a rugged landscape with a wonderful sunset.

Ankara to Kars

I had a good nights sleep at the Dogu express and woke up to a frozen land. It was already April, but winter was still going on in the Anatolia highlands. From under my warm blankets I looked at the snow outside of my window.

The scenery along the Dogu express was stunning. Endless mountains and fields with streams running through. After every tunnel a new beautiful view emerged and I enjoyed every hour of the train journey.

We didn’t come across many towns or villages but the ones that we did go through looked rather gloomy. Old farm houses are quickly disappearing and replaced by modern, but ugly Soviet style flat apartments. These new buildings can not mask the fact that life is rough in this cold and desolate landscape.

After 24 hours on the Dogu express we finally arrived in Kars. A small town at what really felt like the end of Turkey to me. It didn’t look very promising at first. From the outside, it seemed another gloomy town, but I was wrong.

When I tried to find my way from the station to my hotel I was immediately adopted by a family whose daughter came back home from her studies in Erzurum. She insisted she would bring me personally to my hotel and even invited me to stay at her place.

The center of Kars was very lively with shops selling fresh fruits and vegetables and families strolling through the main shopping street. For dinner I found Ocakbasi restaurant . The place looked so posh that I tought it must be way above my budget, but it was the cheapest and best food I had in Turkey.

Kars to Dogubayezit

Kars is one of the highest  and coldest towns in Turkey. The next morning when I woke up there were dark clouds in the sky. It was snowing heavily once I walked to the local bus station to take the bus to the border town of Dogubayezit.

It was a 3 hour bus drive to Dogubayezit through small villages and over two mountain passes surrounded by mist, snow and ice. Somewhere behind these clouds was the famous mount Ararat.

Dogubayezit

In Dogubayezit it was still snowing and I headed quick;ly to my hotel. Soon I had several invitations for tea as people seemed happy to see a tourist still coming their way.

With nothing else to do in Dogubayezit I decided to try to visit the Ishak Pasa palace up the hill. Unfortunately the minibuses going there decided the weather was too bad. A shopkeeper nearby invited me for tea while he called the bus driver, but one tourist wasn’t enough for him to come back.

The shopkeeper turned out to be a trekking guide who was taking care of his friends shop. He was bored and offered to show me the palace, even tough the road was covered in snow and ice. The palace was wonderful. Once we were up it stopped snowing and we had a wonderful view over Dogubayezit.

The shopkeeper asked me to tell other people to still come to Eastern Turkey and to Dogubayezit in particular. I enjoyed my time here even tough I was not lucky with the weather. The scenery was stunning and the next morning I woke up to a clear blue sky with a full view on Mount Ararat.

Dogu express travel tips

Dogu express train times.

The touristic Dogu express used to leave on mondays, wednesdays and fridays only, but since December 2019 there are daily services. The train leaves from Ankara at 15:55 arriving in Kars at 00:37 the next day. The other way around it leaves Kars at 22:35 arriving in Ankara at 05:15 AM after spending two nights on the train. Excursions can be booked in the train.

The regular dogu express leaves every day at 17:55 from Ankara, arriving at 18:00 PM in Kars the next day. The other way around it leaves Kars at 8 AM arriving Ankara at 8 AM the next day.

I have heard it is now more difficult to get Dogu express tickets for this train and that they are often sold out. Therefore it is important to plan this trip in advance and book your Dogu express tickets as soon as possible, either online or through a travel agency

How to get Dogu express tickets?

You can book your Dogu express tickets directly on the website of the Turkish Railways . When I travelled on this train this was a very easy process, but apparently it is more difficult now and tickets sell out fast. Tickets for the regular Dogu express can be booked 30 days before departure and for the touristic Dogu express 60 days before departure.

You can therefore also use a travel agency to get your Dogu express tickets. I haven’t used these agencies myself, but the man from seat61  recommends Amber travel and Backpackers travel .

Tickets for the regular Dogu express cost between 6 euro (seat) and 11 euro (4 person sleeper) when booked directly through the Turkish Railways.

Tickets for the touristic Dogu express cost between 65 euro (2 person sleeper) and 80 euro (1 person sleeper) when booked directly through the Turkish Railways. Excursions (around 10 Euro’s per excursion) are not included in the price and can be booked seperately once you are in the train.

Remember that if you leave from Istanbul you need to book two tickets. One for the high speed train from Istanbul (Söğütlüçeşme station) to Ankara and then the Dogu express from Ankara to Kars.

The high speed trains leave Istanbul Söğütlüçeşme station several times a day, but I can recommend you take the train from 09:30 or 11:30 arriving in Ankara at 14:15 and 16:01 respectively. This allows you enough time in Ankara to have lunch and stock up on some snacks before boarding the Dogu express at 17:55.

The Dogu Express Route

The regular Dogu express starts in Ankara with stops in Kirikkale, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan and Erzurum before arriving in Kars the next day.

The touristic Dogu express has planned stops where you can go on excursions. From Ankara to Kars the train stops in Ilic, Erzincan and Erzurum.

In Ilic you can take an excursion to the Karanlik canyon (dark canyon) where you take a motorboat over the river and visit Kemaliye, a local village.

Erzincan is another Dogu express stop where the excursion takes you to the Caglayan Waterfall and Urartian Altintepe Castle.

Erzurum is a destination in itself and a beautiful city in the Anatolian highlands with mosques, madrassahs and citadels. The train stops 1 kilometer north of the center. You can either explore on your own or take an excursion through the city.

If you travel from Kars to Ankara the touristic Dogu express stops in Divrigi and Bostankaya.

How to choose your seat on the Dogu express?

The regular Dogu express has two different classes. The cheapest are the SV2000 reclining pullman seats. It’s a long journey though and I recommend a sleeper . The SV2000  couchettes  are in my opinion the best value for money with comfortable 4 bed compartments.

The touristic Dogu express is more upmarket and has sleeper cars only with 2 bedroom or 1 bedroom compartments.

The high speed trains from Istanbul to Ankara are very good and you can choose between economy and business class.

How to reach Söğütlüçeşme station in Istanbul?

Since May 2019 trains leave from the new Istanbul Söğütlüçeşme station in the center of the city on the eastern side of the Bosphorus.

If you are on the western side of the Bosphorus it is best to take the Marmaray from Sirkeci station to Söğütlüçeşme station. This journey takes around 30 minutes.

What to expect on the Dogu express?

I found the Dogu express very nice. Each wagon has a conductor who provides sheets, pillows, blankets and slippers. There are enough toilets that are relatively clean for a train. There is also a decent restaurant wagon where you can buy simple dinner and breakfast.

I travelled in a 4 bed sleeper compartment on the regular Dogu express. I found this comfortable enough. The touristic Dogu express is more up market with 2 and 1 bedroom compartments.

Solo female travel on the Dogu express

As a women travelling alone I felt absolutely safe on the regular Dogu express. I had the compartment all to myself and experienced no problems with the other passengers in my corridor.

With the current popularity it is unlikely you will have the compartment to yourself like I did, but it seems that despite the official seat reservations men and women divide themselves in different compartments.

Even if you do find yourself with male companions in your compartment I found Turkish men to be polite and friendly. The friendly people you meet along the way in the train are part of the experience. Not many tourists travel on the regular train and you will receive a warm welcome and some genuine curiosity what brings you to these parts of Turkey.

On the touristic Dogu express the other people will likely be tourists.

What to bring along on the Dogu express?

24 hours is a long journey so bring enough snacks and water with you. Other essentials are toilet paper and/or wet wipes.

More information on train travel in Turkey and beyond is available at The man from Seat61

Accomodation after the Dogu express

Istanbul : Stanpoli Hostel is a good hostel with an excellent breakfast buffet on the top floor and a wonderful view on the Bosphorus.

Kars : Hotel Kent Ani is an excellent hotel with great breakfast buffet with a view on the castle of Kars

Dogubayezit : Hotel Ararat is a good hotel with an excellent location in the center of the city

Going by Train through Turkey to Iran

For a long time the Trans Asia express that was travelling directly from Istanbul to Iran was cancelled due to security issues. Since 2018 it is once more possible to travel from Turkey to Iran with a weekly sleeper train from Van to Tabriz.

Even though the Dogu express is no longer the easiest way to travel by train from Turkey to Iran you might still want to consider it because of the beautiful scenery and the possibility to see northeastern Anatolia.

Here are the two options opn travelling by train from Turkey to Iran

Option 1 The Trans Asia Express route through Van/Kapikoy

The High speed train from Istanbul Pendik station to Ankara leaves at 19:20 arriving in Ankara at 23:13 (ticket is 70 TL). Stay the night in Ankara

The Van Golu express only leaves on Tuesdays and Sundays departing at 11:19 and arriving at 13:31 the next day in Tatvan (TL 46).

Take the bus from Tatvan to Van (20 TL 2 hours) and stay overnight in Van.

Take a bus to Tabriz (Iran) the next day crossing the border at Kapikoy/Razi or the new weekly sleeper train from Van to Tabriz leaving every Tuesday night at 21:00 arriving at 07:25 in Tabriz.

Option 2 The Dogu express route through Dogubayezit

The High speed train from Istanbul Pendik station to Ankara leaves at 10:45 arriving in Ankara at 14:42 (ticket is 70 TL)

The daily Dogu express leaves Ankara at 17:45 arriving in Kars at 18:00 the next day (ticket in the 4 beth couchette is 52 TL)

Stay the night in Kars and take a bus to Dogubayezit the next day. From Kars you need to take a bus to Igdir (3 hours 20 TL) and change in Igdir for another bus to Dogubayezit (1 hour 8 TL).

Stay the night in Dogubayezit to cross the Gurbulak/Bazargan border the next day

Crossing the border to Iran

From Dogubayezit it is easy to cross the border to Iran and continue your journey to Tabriz . For all the practical details check my post about the Turkey to Iran border crossing at Gurbulak Bazargan .

Last updated: January 2021

Disclaimer : This post about the Dogu express train in Turkey contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

21 thoughts on “The Dogu Express: a beautiful train journey through Turkey”

Mooi! Wat fijn om weer mee te lezen met je avonturen!!

Heerlijk om dit allemaal te lezen, liefs mamma

Wat fijn dat alles zo lekker gaat!

-10 C ‘s nachts. Heb je het niet koud? Of is het net als in Jomsom: alle kleren aan ‘s nachts….

I love your adventures and the off the beaten track paths you take. So inspiring. Kx

I travelled in Eastern Turkey many years (decades) ago and loved it, it a beautiful part of the world. I’m also with you on train travel, you see so much.

This is such an inspiring post. Such an adventurous journey. I think Eastern Turkey sounds just beautiful. Thank you for sharing the details of how to do this trip.

It sounds like a wonderful train journey and a good way to see some of the countryside.

Since 2016, the pattern on the Dogu Express has changed. It is very difficult if not impossible to obtain a sleeper or couchette on this train, due to its increasing popularity. The notion of traveling in a Pullman seat for a day is not so appealing, regardless of the scenery. The novelty and mystique of train travel is too much like a lottery nowadays.

In augustus reis ik met de Doguu van Kars naar Ankara. Overal op het internet, ook bij jou, lees ik dat de trein vertrekt rond 18u maar op mijn ticket staat 23.55.

Het lijkt wel alsof ik een andere trein ga nemen. Enig idee waar dit over gaat?

Did this trip Eastbound last month. No problem getting a sleeper to myself. The travel agent said there were still 3 available. The trick is to use the agencies that sell the tickets rather than the PTT. Check seat61.com for contact information for the travel agents. It was a beautiful and relaxing trip. Happy travels!

Is there anyone who is interested in this trip from Belgrade – Istanbul – Ankara – Kars in August 2019?

Ellis: Re: the Dogu Express. I took this trip from Kars to Ankara and I have to say I wasn’t that impressed Okay I wasn’t able to get a sleeper but the sit up seats were really comfortable. Following your advise and others who enjoyed the trip I took food with me which was a necessary. the train stopped at every station (and following the lead of others I was able to get off and get something to eat from from the Kiosk). The trip in all took 28hr. Yes the scenery was great but it wasn’t that relaxing. Let us know what I was missing. Otherwise your blogs have been great.

Hi, Ellis. After watching the German-language ARTE documentary “Re: Bahn-Abenteuer Dogu Express – In 24 Stunden durch die Türkei”, I was intrigued to read more, and found my way here. Your image of a snow-capped Ararat is beautiful, and the journey along the way sounds and looks amazing.

We live in Singapore and we r going to Turkey from the 25th to the 2nd of Jan. On fhe 29th we r flying from Istanbul to Kars, just ot take the Dogu Ekspress the next day to Kayseri. My teenage daughter doesnt know yet about that surprise part of the trip 🙂

Ur post has been helpful to find that amazing train ride. Thank you ! We r going soon…

We’d like to express our gratitude for this post. We found it by chance while preparing a one week (…) trip to Turkey. I’m writing from the Dogu ekspress, we left Kars 30mins ago and will stop at Kayseri.

I would never have thought of that train ride before reading this. I’m travelling woth my partner and my 15years old daughter, we live in Singapore. I love train ride and we needed some change of scenery, this is totally worth it: the landscape, the snow, the cold, the people, the food and that train ride !

Thank you and best wishes for 2022 !

Hi! It is a very useful article! Thank you for sharing! Do you mind sharing the information about the shopkeeper in Dogubayezit? Cuz we are planning to visit the palace in two weeks, too!

Very helpful article. I know that the prices are not the same, but most of the info is still true. I’m planning on taking the Dogu Express next month. Can’t wait!

Thank you so much. I’m so glad can find more information about The Dogu Express through your writing. This article become my new insight to travel around Turkey.

hello, I have been reading your journal about travel into Iran. Im planning the same path you took. I have one question. you did this journey in April, what’s your opinion on doing this journey in December?. Is the weather bearable?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Kale by LyraThemes.com.

Get our Rail Planner app

Plan your trip, get extra discounts, and show your Pass as you go.

Our favorite spring routes

Celebrate spring with these 7 off-the-beaten-path train routes

All about seat reservations

Everything you need to know about booking your seats

Alternatives to Busy Routes

Travel between popular European cities without seat reservations

Through our Chatbot in the bottom right corner.

Ask the Community

Browse questions from fellow Eurail travellers, or ask your own!

• Plan your trip
• Top Destinations

Turkey by Train

• Order overview
• Reservations overview
• My Trips & Travelers
• {{translatedTraveler}} {{#promotional}} {{currencySign}} {{standardPrice}} {{/promotional}} {{quantity}}x {{currencySign}} {{finalPrice}}
• Child {{childPasses}}x FREE
• {{translatedPassType}}
• {{translatedValidityPeriodDescription}}
• {{translatedClass}}
• Remove Pass(es)
• {{variant.localizedTravelPackDescription}} {{quantity}}x Free
• {{variant.localizedPassUpgradeDescription}} {{quantity}}x {{currency}} {{price}}
• Your order will arrive by {{expectedDeliveryDate}} 1 x {{currency}} {{price}}

Your cart is empty

Discover Turkey by train – a patchwork of cultures combined with a tradition of hospitality. With your Eurail pass you can explore the diversity of Istanbul, experience one of the many action-packed outdoor adventures in Cappadocia or relax on the pristine beaches of Antalya. Turkey is a box of goodies for any travel enthusiast. TCDD (Turkish Republic State Railways) operates passenger trains all over the country. The train is a comfortable way to travel between cities like  Istanbul , Ankara,  and  Izmir .

Train types in Turkey

The train network in Turkey is run by  TCDD  (Turkish Republic State Railways). Their trains cover a large part of the country, and connect all the major cities.  Turkish train times aren't always easy to find online. Your best bet is to check the Turkish version of the  TCDD timetable .

Domestic Trains

International trains, night trains.

Regional trains   (Bölgesel)

Various routes throughout Turkey

Main line train (Anahat)

Faster connections between major cities

Bikes are sometimes allowed on trains. Please check at the station if a special ticket is required.

Turkey has daily international trains from Istanbul to Bulgaria and Romania, offering a comfortable connection to the rest of the Eurail network.

Bosphorus Express

• Runs daily all year round
• Comfortable modern Turkish couchette and sleeping cars
• Reservations are mandatory
• Runs daily only during summer season (June 21st till October 9th)

The train from Istanbul to Bucharest and Sofia starts at Istanbul Halkali station. The best way to get here is by metro/Marmaray train. It runs from the Eastern side, underneath the Bosphorus strait, to the Western side of the city and terminates at Halkali. Eurail Passes are not valid on Marmaray trains.

High-speed train YHT (Yüksek Hızlı)

• A growing network of high speed lines
• Modern train that travels up to 250 km/h
• Istanbul – Eskişehir – Ankara
• Istanbul – Eskişehir – Konya – Karaman
• Ankara – Konya – Karaman
• Ankara – Sivas

YHT trains currently serve five stations in the Istanbul metro area: Halkalı, Bakırköy, Söğütlüçeşme, Bostancı, and Pendik. Bakırköy and Söğütlüçeşme are closest to the city centre and well connected by metro and suburban (Marmaray) trains

Turkey has an extensive network of night trains, stretching out to all corners of the country. Trains consist of modern airconditioned carriages with comfortable pullman seats, sleepers and couchettes. Make sure to arrange your reservations in advance, trains generally sell out.

• Istanbul – Eskişehir - Ankara
• Good alternative when High Speed Trains (YHT) sell out
• Ankara – Kayseri – Sivas – Erzincan – Erzurum – Kars
• Highly scenic route along the Eufrates river
• Ankara – Kayseri – Sivas – Malatya – Elazig – Tatvan
• Take a ferry to Van across the enormous lake Van
• Twice a week 
• Ankara – Kayseri – Sivas – Malatya – Diyarbakir – Batman – Kurtalan
• 5 times a week 
• Ankara – Izmir
• Konya – Izmir

*Next to the Doğu Ekspresi, there is another train called the ‘Turistik Doğu Ekspresi’. This train is not valid for passholders

Popular connections

• Domestic routes
• International routes

Here are the average travel times between the bigger cities in Turkey. Reservations are recommended for all of these train journeys.

*You'll need to take a ferry from Istanbul to Bandirma (across the Sea of Marmara). From there, the train will take you to Izmir in 6 hours.

Reservations

Not possible through Eurail reservation self-service system

Locally at the train station

Good to know

High speed (YHT) and night trains require reservations that can only be booked at railway stations in Turkey. They generally sell out, so make sure to make a reservation a few days in advance.

Get your Pass for Turkey

Turkey pass.

Spend your whole vacation exploring Turkey by rail.

Standard prices from $ 64

Global Pass

Be free to visit Turkey along with the other 32 Eurail countries.

Standard prices from  $  233

Tips and tricks for Turkey

Cross turkey's biggest lake.

With a Eurail pass valid in Turkey, you can take a ferry crossing for €2 on the following route (no reservation necessary):

Tatvan – Van (Tuesdays and Fridays only)

See all Pass benefits for Turkey

Quick facts

Capital: Ankara

Population: 75.6 million

Language: Turkish

Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)

Dialing code: +90

Go the last mile

Found yourself at the end of the line, but not at your destination? When public transportation ends, it's time to take matters into your own hands: rent a car for the last miles!

Eurailers get up to a 15% discount on all Avis retail prices. 

You can find more information in the  Terms & Conditions . 

Get inspired

Change of currency

You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header.

Paris - Istanbul

Istanbul - paris, informations.

• Board The Eastern Express In...

Board the Eastern Express in Turkey For An Unforgettable Scenic Experience

The Doğu Ekspressi (Eastern Express) departs from Istanbul and goes to Kars and, on the way, passes through some of the most beautiful destinations in Turkey. No matter the season, the view from the window is always stunning and highly recommended for an alternative experience of the country.

Leaving from Istanbul’s Haydarpaşa Terminal daily at 18:00, the Eastern Express arrives at the Kars Railway Station the next day at 18:29, which means the journey takes more than 24 hours. Even though a flight is much quicker, the whole point of taking this train is to bask in a more nostalgic travel experience that allows you to see corners of Turkey that you would have otherwise never witnessed.

The first overnight journey heads east from Ankara where it partially ran for the first time in 1936, the 1,944 km (1,208 mile) Eastern Express journey stops at eleven provincial capitals. Back in the 1930s, railways had reached their golden age, with around 2,846.2 km (1,769 mi) of lines were already completed. The construction of the Eastern Express began in 1924, and by 1927 it had reached Kayseri, and continued to be built until it reached Sivas in 1930 and Çetinkaya in 1936. By 1939, the train was able to travel to Erzurum with further constructions, however, it wasn’t until 1962 that the famous train line traveled all the way to Kars.

By morning, travelers arrive in Turkey’s capital city, Ankara, at which point the train changes from electric to diesel locomotive. After a much needed break in the big city, the journey continues to Kırıkkale and then to Kayseri. The second break takes places in Sivas, after which the route becomes exceptional due to the gorgeous mountainous terrain all around. After a steady climb toward the Armenian Highlands, the journey takes a break in Erzurum and continues onto Kars where it arrives in the evening.

For those who choose to take this journey, it’s highly recommended to explore the spectacular ruins of Ani after arriving in Kars. Former capital of the Bagratid Armenian Kingdom, Ani used to be known as the ‘City of 1001 Churches,’ in a kingdom that once made up the majority of present-day Armenia and eastern Turkey. Nowadays, the ruins of those grand churches continue to stand overlooking a sprawling expanse.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

See & Do

The best hiking trails in cappadocia, turkey.

Guides & Tips

Hot-air ballooning in cappadocia – what you need to know.

The Nomadic Travels of Kadıköy’s Famous Bull Statue

Local Insider - Culture Trip's Guide to Majestic Turkey

Where to Travel in Spring 2023

Places to Stay

The best hotels to book in turkey for every traveller.

The Most Beautiful Places in Turkey

How to have the Perfect Short Stay in Istanbul

The Best Tours of Istanbul and Turkey

Secrets Of The Steppe: Exploring Northeast Turkey

A Resurgence of the Arts in Istanbul

Your Travel-Good Guide to Turkey in 2021

Culture trip spring sale, save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips limited spots..

• Post ID: 1559290
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

Rail Turkey En

Turkish railway journal and review.

How possible to travel with bike on train?

Train or bus, which dogu express: classic or touristic, turkish cities you can travel to by train, turkish railway map.

Travel by train

Traveling by train in Turkey is an adventure, offering many options including high speed trains, overnight trains with comfortable sleepers, long-distance trains through amazing landscapes, old diesel trains sound of which you will never forget and mixed trains where you’ll sometimes stop in the middle of nowhere and listen to the sound of silence.

Similar to Turkey, a mixture of modern and traditional, train travel in Turkey offers you many contemporary practices in addition to experiences that you wouldn’t see in any other country.

All passenger trains are operated by TCDD (State Railways). Modern high speed trains, long distance trains which are out similar to worldwide trends and regional trains some of which are the leading transport modal on their routes vary much in terms of rules, options and usage.

Train and travel details

Online tickets are possible for some of trains, where ticket offices at stations are the only place for some other. Promotions, refunding, cancelling, discounts are available.

Tickets and reservation

Many civilizations were founded in Anatolia. Thus, it’s possible to see many touristic and historic places all around Turkey. Some of them has direct rail access, and many others can be accessed by rail + bus.

Touristic routes

Best thing about train travel is the memories. You’ll enjoy reading blogs of travelers who rode on Turkish trains.

Travel stories

It’s not easy to reach to information about trains in Turkey, especially in English.  Here below is the section for questions from travelers and the answers:

Questions from travelers

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

Danube Express Golden Eagle

Belmond trains, join our mailing list:.

And be a Club Member for exclusive offers and luxury train news

66,087 people have already joined

If you are having problems subscribing, please email [email protected]

Book your luxury journey

A useful guide to plan your journey, click here to view the luxury train club video, spanish luxury trains 2024, venice simplon-orient-express l’observatoire private carriage, rovos trail of two oceans angola, travel agents, travel agent bookings, group travel, private rail carriages, train charters & group travel.

Join The Club

for exclusive offers and luxury train news. 54,012 people have already joined

Sign up to the club for free

• Rest of the World
• How does it work?
• Gift Vouchers
• Meet The Team
• Inspiration
• What to Expect
• First Class Rail Travel
• Sleeper Trains
• Glacier Express
• Bernina Express
• Venice Simplon – Orient-Express
• Belmond Royal Scotsman
• Belmond British Pullman
• The Blue Train
• Rocky Mountaineer

Rail Holidays in Turkey

• Destinations

Itineraries in Turkey

[email protected]

+902428361630.

Legendary Railway Journeys in Turkey

For individuals or for groups, our train tours in Turkey take you across this great land, and into others.  Trains are quiet, comfortable, the lines are scenic.

Travel while you sleep in comfort.

Make the journey the highlight of the trip. 

We operate 3 train tours in Turkey and Iran.  Click for details.

   ,  all itineraries are flexible to suit your needs..

Aegean to Gulf. Legendary Train Journey - Overview.

Journey of a Lifetime. 4000km by Train, Countless Civilisations.

Private Journey – Semi Guided in Turkey, Fully Guided in Iran. 

This amazing journey takes you from Izmir, A ncient Smyrna , via the Roman Metropolis of Ephesus . 

Into the Anatolian heartland by sleeper train , we visit the mystic city of Konya , home of the whirling dervishes, before a visit to Catal Hoyuk, the world’s oldest town.

 We continue to the Silk Road staging post of Sultanhani before entering the unique landscape of Cappadocia , first taking a trek through the lush, church-lined Ihlara Valley.

 After a full day walking the rock churches and valleys of Cappadocia we take to the sleeper train again on the Eastern Express.   Following the banks of the Western Euphrates, this long and scenic journey is one to be savoured.

 Arriving in Erzurum , Turkey’s highest city, you will have the opportunity to look at some of the historic Mosques, Madrassas and Ancient Selcuk Turkish Mausoleums, before next day taking an optional trek into the spectacular Palandoken Mountains.   We continue on the train to Kars , to view the unusual Russian architecture , and then to the evocative abandoned Armenian city of Ani , right on Turkey’s Eastern border.

 We then strike south through the volcanic lands around Mt Ararat, visiting the unforgettable Ishakpasa Palace.

 From here we skirt the Iranian border, descending to the shores of Lake Van .

 From here we say goodbye to Turkey, and our adventure continues on the sleeper train to Tabriz. ( If this train is not running we will take you by private car) 

In Tabriz you will visit El Goli park , the National Museum, the UNESCO certified Grand Bazaar , Blue Dome and Jame mosque .  After a day of relaxing and sightseeing, we take the sleeper train to Tehran.

 In Tehran, you will take a Tehran city tour, visit National Museum , Carpet Museum , Glassware Museum and Grand Bazaar . 

Heading down by train to Isfahan you will visit the Naghshe Jahan Square, Imam & Sheikh Lotfollah Mosques, Alighapou Palace, and the old bridges.

  Finally you will visit the Ancient Persian capital of Persepolis , and also visit Naqsh-e Rustam.

 Tour ends with a full tour of Shiraz , before a  transfer back to the airport for onward flights.

Day 1. Arrive in Izmir, ancient Smyrna.

The historical metropolis of Asia Minor, bithplace of Homer, and one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse.

Transfer on Metro from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Aksan hotel (or similar) We recommend that you use the IZBAN suburban service, or the state railway service from Adnan Menderes Airport to Basmane station, close to your hotel. When we know your arrival time we can advise you. Hotel is within easy walking distance of the station. Once settled in you can visit the Agora of Smyrna, The Kemeralti Bazaar and the waterside, before finding dinner in one of the many restaurants serving tasty Aegean cuisine,  including Boyoz - a light pastry of Jewish origin.

Day 2. Selcuk, Ephesus, Sleeper train to Konya.

Walking tour of Selçuk and Ephesus 9 Km trek. Night in first class sleeper train.

After breakfast, you walk the short distance to Basmane station. We take the train to Selçuk 08:52 – 10:21 Meet your guide, Yalçın İkizoğlu at Selçuk Station. We take a walking tour, first to the newly renovated Museum of Ephesus, from there we pass the site of the famous Temple of Artemis, one of the Wonders of the World.  From there, our walk takes us past a café where we can buy coffee and a light lunch before we continue our walk to the south gate of Ephesus . We tour Ephesus, visiting the Arcadian way, as visited by Anthony and Cleopatra, the Virgin Mary and St John, touring the massive theatre, the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian etc.  If you have time you can visit the famous Terrace Houses, but do not miss the brothel and latrines! Continuing our walk from the North gate back to the station to get the 16:07 train back to Izmir. You can have dinner and a few drinks in Izmir, before picking up your bags and back to the nearby Basmane station in time for the Konya Sleeper train 21:05. First class 2 berth sleeper compartments. Single available.

Day 3. Day tour of Konya. The Mystic Anatolian city, Capital of the Selcuk empire, home of Mevlana and the Whirling Dervishes.

Arrive in Konya at 09:28. Night in Mesnevi Hotel (or similar)

You can have breakfast on the train before a very short transfer to Mesnevi Hotel.

Tour the Mausoleum of Mevlana Rumi, Karatay Madrassa, China Tile museum , and Alaeddin Keykubad Mosque . If you are here on Saturday do not miss the free Whirling Dervish Ceremony !

Enjoy a meal on the atmospheric square, why listening to the call to prayer, of Tandir Kebab and the characteristic ' Etli Ekmek ', an elongated crispy pizza with herby mince on top, sometimes several meters long!  At night the illumination of the green tile clad Mevlana Dome leaves a lasting impression.

Day 4. Travel the Steppe to Capaddocia. Visit perhaps the world's oldest town. Trek a lush valley with Rock Churches.

Guided tour in private car with Mr Necip Ataseven. Night in Çiner hotel or similar.

After breakfast you will be met by your guide for the next 2 days, Mr Necip Ataseven, and are driven by private car to the Neolithic settlement of  Çatal Hoyuk , know as the oldest town on earth. From there you follow the Silk Road, and stop at the Grand Caravansary at Sultanhani before continuing on to Ihlara Valley, where we have a light trek in the lush C hurch Lined Valley , before continuing on to your hotel in the centre of Cappadocia .  Try ' Testi Kebab ' for dinner, a stew roasted in a clay amphora.  Served by breaking the amphora with a hammer!  A full and memorable day.

Day 5. Guided walking tour of Cappadocia.

A full days tour of this fascinating area, guided, on foot. In evening board the Eastern Express Sleeper Train

After breakfast, a walking tour 14 Km approx of Üçhisar fortress , Pidgeon Valley , Göreme Valley and Göreme Open Air Museum , Cavusin and Zelve.   The eroded Tufa landscape will astound you as will the remains of churches, dovecots, fortresses which can be found around every corner.  Evening transfer to Kayseri by private minibus. Night in first class sleeper train, the famous Eastern Express.  Board ‘Eastern Express’ at 00:48 First class 2 berth sleeper compartments. Single available

Day 6. Travel East to Erzurum on an enjoyable train voyage, along the upper Euphates.

Day on the Eastern Express, afternoon sightseeing in Erzurum. Night in Rafo Hotel or similar

Wake up to spectacular views of Anatolian steppe and with long stretches following the Euphrates river . You can have breakfast on train as the spectacular journey continues. This part of the journey is actually one of the highlights of the holiday!

Arrive in Erzurum at 14:46. Transfer to hotel, then visit the Yakutiye Medrese and Turkish Islamic Arts and Ethnography museum.

Day 7. More sightseeing in Erzurum, Train to borderland Kars.

Time in Erzurum to Trek or Sightsee. Take afternoon train to Kars. Night in Karabag Hotel or similar.

More sightseeing in Erzurum, to soak up the atmosphere of Turkey's highest city. Visit the C ift Minare M osque and the Seljuk ‘Kumbet’ Mausoleum or Trek in the Palandoken Mountains ( Transport charge extra) to be followed by afternoon train to Kars . Visit Kars Castle and Church of the 12 Apostles .  In the evening you might want to try the roasted goose,  a local speciality of this far away border town where winter temperatures can reach -40 degrees!  Don't miss the Russian architectural influences from the days of Russian occupation.

Day 8. Tour with private driver/guide. Ani, Ishakpasa palace, Van. Sleeper to Iran.

The breathtaking ruins of Armenian Ani, the unforgettable rococco palace of Ishakpasa Palace. The Biblical Mt Ararat!

After breakfast in Hotel., meet Mr Mahmut Gezer and drive to the still closed Armenian border , visit the ancient capital city Ani.  Perhaps one of the highlights of Turkey, this site was until recently off-limits to visitors. Continue to the enigmatic İshakpaşa palace at Doğubeyazit, Optional walk to the palace with fine views of Mt. Ararat. Continue via Mt Tendurek with its lava flows to Lake Van . Have dinner with Mahmut’s family before boarding the train to Tabriz in Iran. Train leaves at 19:48. If tour is to be done exactly as above then it must be a Tuesday start, as the Van – Tabriz train only runs on Tuesday. If another start day is needed then could drive from Doğubeyazıt to Tabriz, without stopping in Van.

Day 9 .Tebriz. The capital if Azeri Iran. Dazzles with it's mosaics, teases with it's bazaars silk-road heritage.

Arrive to Nothern Iran. Start your fully guided tour of Iran provided by our partner company.

Your guide will meet you straight off the train and your 2 day tour of this magical city begins.

Visit El Goli Park ,   National museum , UNESCO certified Grand Bazaar , Blue Dome , Jame mosque . Night in Tabriz Gostaresh Hotel or similar

Day 10. Day in Tebriz. More sightseeing shopping or resting. Evening Sleeper Train to Tehran.

A day of relaxing in Tabriz. Evening train 433- Sleeper to Tehran.

A day to finish off anything missed the day before. Another visit in more depth to the Bazaar area, probably the most interesting in the world, may be in order!  The train departs 20:45  Private cabin.

Day 11. Tehran. City tour of the revolutionary capital.

Arrive at 09:20 to Tehran central. Night in Tehran Enghelab / Kosar Hotel or similar.

Nestled on the lower slopes of the spectacular, ice encrusted Alborz mountain range, you may be surprised to find the liberal and secular heart of the country is here in Tehran. This seemingly chaotic city is the centre of the nation, and it is here that you will understand how this country works.  You will visit the Golestan Palace in its glittering majesty, the Grand Bazaar , and you can also visit the infamous US Embassy . Then there are the famous National museum , and the Glass and Carpet musuems should not be missed.

Day 12. Tehran to Isfahan. Morning train to to Isfahan. Full day tour of city.

06:00 train to Isfahan. Overnight in Alighapou hotel.

Stroll around the leafy boulevards of Isfahan, the jewel of ancient Persia. Visit Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque , Imam Square and Mosque , and the AliKapu Palace . marvel at and learn the history of Isfahan's bridges . Shop for miniatures , an art form that this city is famous for.

Day 13. Nagshe Rostam and Persepolis!

Drive via the fabled Persepolis and the Tombs of Rustem to Shiraz. Overnight in Arg Hotel or similar

A wonder of its age, Persepolis was an ideal as well as a model city design.  Thought up by Darius the Great , who inherited the world's first empire from his predecessor Cyrus the Great in 520BC.  Ahead of his time, Darius pursued cultural tolerance and fair treatment for all.  With this in mind, Darius brought architects from the furthest corners of his empire to design the magnificent palace complex.  The result was an eclectic mix of structures, magnificent gateways, intricate reliefs and decorative stairways, which pay homage to Darius' expansive empire and his administrative vision.

Day 14 - 15 . Shiraz. City of Nightingales, Poetry and (formerly) Wine. Transfer to Airport on day 15.

Overnight Shiraz Arg Hotel or similar.

Day 14. City tour of Shiraz visits Narenjestan , Karimkhan citadel , Bazaar , Nasir mosque and Hafez tomb . 

Day 15. Departure – Transfer to airport take departure flight

Price is 940€ per person based on 2 sharing for Turkish section and 1700USD per person for Iranian section.

Price includes -  

Visa invitation letter 5 night’s accommodation at hotel base on DBL / Twin room.

Daily buffet breakfast.

All transfers & transportation with A/C Comfortable vehicle with professional driver per itinerary.

Professional English speaking tour guide in Iran

Entrance fees to all monuments as mentioned in the program.

Tips and gratuities at hotels in Iran

Portage / Refreshment during Trip.  

Depending on the Departure flight it is possible to take flight from Shiraz to Tehran and depart from Tehran which per person: 135 USD ( include domestic flights Shiraz to Tehran / one-night accommodation Tehran ) will be added to the package.

Price does not include:

Fee for issuing Iranian visa at embassy.

International air tickets.

Tip of guide & drivers.

Hotel tips in Turkey.

Extra Meals and Extra services not included in above.

Please note that prices are being updated and are not valid at the moment.

Western and Central Turkey by Train. 11 days. 1500km.

Istanbul, Pamukkale and Heirapolis, Ephesus, Konya, Catalhoyuk and Cappadocia.

This Journey takes you to the sumptuous Constantinople with its Byzantine splendour.  Transfer across the Bosphorus and take the high-speed train to Eskisehir, then take the  'Pamukkale Express' to this geological wonder, paired with an archaeological wonder on site.  Take the train down the Meander valley to Ephesus, the ancient port of the Aegean sea. Continuing to Izmir, the modern port of the Aegean, take the Sleeper into the Anatolian steppe lands that make up the interior of this vast country, and visit Konya, the spiritual heart of the nation.  Continue by road to Catalhoyuk, thought to be the oldest town in the world, along the Silk road to Cappadocia, Turkey's other geological wonder!  Youwill get a in depth visit to Turkey's ancient and modern cultures, using brand new high speed lines as well as meandering single track lines for the 19th century.  Turkey was always a land of contrasts!

Price is €600 per person based on twin share. 

Guiding package for 6 days in Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ephesus, the Road from Konya, and 1 day in Cappadocia is 650€

Entrance fee package for all places mentioned above 75€ per person. (When used with guiding package)

Day 1. Arrive in Istanbul, Ancient Byzantiuım and Constantinople.

If the earth was a single state, Constantinople would be the capital'. Napoleon Bonaparte.

Private transfer to your boutique hotel right on the Hippodrome, you will have the chance to tour the Byzantine masterpiece of Hagia Sophia , the unforgettable Basilica Cistern , the sites of the Hippodrome and the Magnificent Blue Mosque .

You are free to take dinner in one of the many excellent restaurants of the Sultanahmet area, where you will begin to understand why Turkish cuisine is recognised as one of the finest in the world.

Day 2 and 3 Istanbul. City of Two Continents.

Further touring of this fascinating city . Nights in Boutique hotel.

Suggest a tour of Topkapi Palace , the home of the Ottoman sultans who ruled the last great empire.  Palace buildings are tastefully restrained in the Muslim fashion, however, the jewellery collections are over the top!  You man take the option to visit the labyrinthine Harem where the Sultans spent their private lives.

You can take a cruise on the mansion-lined Bosphorus,  the historically famous waterway connection the Black Sea to the Mediterranean, before visiting the Spice Market and sumptuous Grand Bazaar,  once the commercial centres of the Empire.  You may like to visit the Istanbul Archeology musuem with its vast collection including the chain that closed of the golden horn in Byzantine times, the porphiry sarcophagi of the Byzantine Emperors and the magnificent 'Alexander' tomb from Sidon.  If you are a lover of mosiac and fresco, then the Church of Chora is a must.

Day 4. Cross the Bosphorus into Asia, travel to Heirapolis.

High Speed Train to Eskisehir, Pamukkale Express to Denizli, Home of Heirapolis and the Travertines.

We take you across the Bosphorus, to the Asian side of Istanbul. Boarding the brand new High-Speed Train, you travel to Eskisehir, before changing onto the more sedate 'Pamukkale Express', taking you across Turkey's steppe land before dropping down to the Meander valley, with the unique Pamukkale at its head.  Settle into your comfortable hotel with views of the travertines, the frozen waterfalls of this UNESCO site.

Day 5. Tour the frozen waterfall landscape of Pamukkale and marvel at the ancient Spa-City of Hierapolis

Relaxation and fascination at this unique place. Relax in the natural infinity pools, swim above Roman Streets.

Today you will walk up through the travertines, bathe in their calcium-rich water, before swimming in Cleopatra's baths, among the fallen columns of Hierapolis . Visit the Magnificent theatre of Hierapolis before touring this extensive Frigian / Roman Spa-City, with huge necropolis, and Martyrium of St. Phillip the Apostle where he was crucified upside down.

This evening we take the train down the Meander Valley , to Selçuk, the site of Ephesus.  Night in Bella boutique hotel.

Day 6. Visit Ephesus, the ancient port of the Aegean. Take evening Sleeper Train to Konya.

A full day touring this rightly famous site. You will have a full day to visit the site, the Terrace Houses and Museum.

Great Ephesus!  One of the best preserved ancient cities of the world, Ephesus was the foremost harbour of Asia Minor, home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the world.  You will also have time to visit the 'Terrace Houses', a recently discovered collection of Roman townhouses, complete with impressive mosaics and frescoes, the Library of Celsus, the massive theatre, and the Arcadian Way,  known as the first road to have street lighting!  You will also visit the newly renovated Ephesus museum.  This evening, you will take the train to Izmir, from where you will get onto the Sleeper train to Konya.  Private berth on the train with fridge and sink.

Day 7. Arrive in by Train in Konya, spend a full day visiting this spiritual city of the Whirling Dervishes.

Arrive grandly into Central Anatolia. Alight the train and short trasfer to central Konya hotel, Mesnevi or similar

Arrive in Konya,  we transfer you to the hotel.  Visit the Tomb of Mevlana, founder of the Sufi faith, visit Aladdin Keykubat Mosque, one of the oldest in Turkey, and the Karatay Medrese, with its collection of early ceramic tiles from a nearby Selcuk palace.  Try to plan this day for a Saturday, and you can observe the 'Sema', a genuine and deeply spiritual display of  Whirling Dervishes, the followers of Mevlana.

Day 8. The very ancient settlement of Catalhoyuk, Trading post of Sultanhani, Ihlara Valley. To Capadocia!

Back to the most ancient town anywhere, a look at the Silk Road, and life in the Cappadocian Valleys, the oases of the steppe.

Today we take off in a private car across the Anatolian steppe, visiting first Catal Hoyuk , the Neolithic settlement which flourished in 7000BC and is known as the world's first town.  The mud huts have cave paintings of the nearby volcano Mt. Hasan, and fertility symbols of a mother goddess are on display.

You then continue East along the Silk Road to the grand staging post of Sultanhani Caravansary , one of the finest examples of Selcuk masonry.  You then continue to Ihlara Valley , an oasis of life in this harsh landscape which has harboured inhabitants for centuries and is lined with rock churches, and dovecots. You can walk along the riverside here before you continue to your cave hotel in Cappadocia .

Day 9 and 10. Time to explore Capadocia. Underground cities, churches, valleys, pottery and wine!

The 'land of Beauiful Horses', Capadocia is unique in the world, an unforgettable travel experience.

You will have 2 days in Cappadocia to absorb the ambience of this strange but unique landscape, with fairy chimneys and ice-cream like valleys , painted cave churches and underground cities .  You will visit the Göreme Open Air Museum , a collection of churches and monastery buildings , walk the aptly named Love and Rose valleys , visit the site of Zelve.   You may want to try an optional Balloon flight to see the amazing Tufa landscape from a different angle, Visit Avanos on the Kizilirmak 'Red River' famous for its pottery, and visit Ürgüp to taste the fine Cappadocian Wine , the inheritance from the Cappadocian Greeks who fertilised their vines with the droppings from the doves living in the rock-cut dovecots.

Day 11 Transfer to Kayseri or Nevsehir for your onward journey.

We will arrange a shared transfer for you to take you to the airport or train station.

There are good transport connections from Kayseri and Nevsehir airports, or if you prefer to journey on by train back to Ankara, or on to the east or south of the country, by the Eastern Express to Sivas, Erzurum or Kars, the Southern Express to Malatya or Diyarbakır, The Lake Van Express to the Iranian Border or the Argeus Express down to Adana or Tarsus.  

Western Turkey Classical Sites 1200km. Fully guided. Boutique hotels.

A fully guided private trip for those with a deep interest in history, in this most historic of lands!

This journey takes you to the unforgettable Istanbul , with all its layers of colourful history, the home of so many cultures.  After an in-depth tour of this city's many sites, we cross the Sea of Marmara on high-speed ferry. From Bandırma we take the train to Pergamon.  A full day tour of Pergamon is followed by another train journey through Manisa (Ancient Magnesia)  to   Sardis , the capital of the Lydian Empire ,  After a tour of this fabled city, we take the train to Izmir ( Ancient Smyrna ) for the evening.  Visiting the massive Agora of Smyrna , we take the train to Ephesus , a city that needs no introduction.  The unmissable sites of Priene, Miletus and Didyma are visited by car, before we take to the train again, following Turkey's oldest railway line up the Meander Valley to Hierapolis and Pamukkale .  Last day ends simply taking the train back to Izmir airport for easy onward travel.

Day 1. Arrive in Istanbul, The New Rome, The City of Constantine. The Barrier, The Bridge. The Vision.

Arrive to Istanbul and be transferred to your boutique hotel on the ancient hippodrome.

You will be met at the airport and brought in a private vehicle to your hotel.  Depending on your flight time you will be able to stroll around the ancient hippodrome, before dinner in one of the many excellent restaurants in the area.

Day 2. Walking tour with private guide, of sites of Istanbul.

All mentioned entrance fees are included. Turkoman Hotel BB (or similar)

Starting straight from the hotel, you walk to the Hippodrome , centre of the sometimes gruesome history of Constantinople, where the chariot races which enthralled the population were held, and where Emperor Justinan’s great general Bellisarius massacred the people during the Nika riots .  The Hippodrome is decorated with obelisks from ancient Egypt brought by Constantine to decorate his New Rome .

Right on the hippodrome , you will visit the Blue M osque , one of the finest examples of Ottoman building skills, the last great mosque of the classical period decorated with the blue tiles that give it it’s colloquial name.

Continuing your tour of the great places of worship, cross the square to visit Hagia Sophia , the Byzantine C hurch built in 576 AD, which dwarfed all other buildings in the world for hundreds of years.

You will complete your day with a visit to the atmospheric Basilica Cisterns , built to ensure the huge city of Constantinople had enough water stored to withstand a long siege.  This ancient cistern was only discovered recently and still supports the modern buildings built above it on its hundreds of classical columns.

Day 3. Private guided tour of Topkapı Palace and Bosphorus cruise.

All mentioned entrance fees and cruise charges are included.  Turkoman Hotel BB (or similar)

 ​ Visit Topkapi Palace , the sumptuous, but tastefully un-extravagant home of the Ottoman Sultans , and their private quarters know as the Harem , subject of much erotic fascination in the west.

After lunch, take the tram down to Eminönü and look at Sirkeci station , the terminus of the Orient Express, and board one of the cruise boats which ply the historical Bosphorus , where Europe meets Asia, and where the Mediterranean meets the Black sea , viewing wooden mansions, astles and Ottoman Palaces , as well as the military hospital where Florence Nightingale famously worked. 

Day 4. Transfer to Yenikapı Fast Ferry docks. Cross Sea of Marmara and get on train to Bergama.

Night in Anıl hotel BB or similar. Entrance fees to Asklepion included.

Crossing the marble sea on the comfortable catamaran we arrive in the port town of Bandırma . We then board the train and head via Balıkesir to the mining town of Soma . In soma we will go by road, the short distance to Bergama . You should have time this evening to wail the short distance to the site of the Asklepion , a mysterious ancient healing centre , based upon a sacred spring which still runs down the steps into a tunnel, which the patients would walk down on the way to the round, underground treatment rooms.

Day 5. Full tour of Pergamum, the first of the Roman Provinces.

Tour includes entrance fees to Cablecar, Acropolis, the Red Basilica, and the Pergamon Museum.

On foot, we walk through the charming town of Bergama to the foot of the Acropolis,  here we board the cable car which takes ups to the top in grand style.  At the  Bergama Acropolis, there are spectacular views of the town below, in addition to the sights of the Acropolis, modelled to rival the Acropolis in Athens.  We will visit in detail, the main theatre - the steepest in the ancient world ( There are a total of 3 theatres, 1 amphitheatre and 1 stadium in Pergamon!). The magnificent Temple of Trajan,  built painstakingly on a vaulted terrace; The Library of Pergamon , where the books were made from Parchment, a trade dominated by the Pergamese. (The word Parchment is a corruption of the Latin ‘pergamenum’ and the French ‘parchemin’)  During the building of the library here and the competing library of Alexandria, the demand for Papyrus became so high that papyrus became scarce, helping parchment production grow.

We descend and visit the massive brick edifice known as the Red Basilica , an Egyptian temple to Isis and Serapis .  This structure was actually built above the river and is placed on a double tunnel-like bridge, 196 meters wide.  There is a connection from the temple to the tunnel below.

After lunch, we will visit the compact but interesting Bergama Archeology Museum. Boasting a small but impressive collection of artefacts, Bergama's museum is well worth a visit. On exhibit are reliefs from the Acropolis, including a wonderful Roman-era relief from the Demeter Terrace, and a Hellenistic frieze and architrave from the Athena Terrace. Also impressive are the many statues from the Asklepion and a mosaic floor featuring Medusa's head that was originally in the Lower Agora.

Early evening we depart by car, back to Soma Station.  From there the train to Manisa, then change to the train for Salihli near Sardis.  Spend the night in Spa Hotel, the Lydia Thermal Hotel .

Day 6.  Sardis! One of the 7 churches, birthplace of currency, home of King Croesus, the remains of the Midas Touch

Relaxing morning in Spa hotel, then short drive to Sardis.  Visit The Lydian capital then take evening train to Izmir.

Have a slow morning to enjoy the best of this spa hotel, after lunch, we will drive the short distance to Sardis .  Sardis is set below unusual red sandstone cliffs, on the banks of the Pactolus , where Mythical King Midas washed away the Midas touch.  The stream was definitely generous in terms of gold, as evidenced by the gold working workshops beside the stream and the reputed wealth of Sardis in ancient times. The term ‘Rich as Croesus’ was coined after the King of the Lydians who reigned here.  It is known that the first coins were struck here, therefore Sardis can claim to be the birthplace of commerce.  We will visit the impressive Temple of Artemis , before walking down to via the Gold workshops to the site of the synagogue, before we view the beautifully reconstructed Gymnasium.

After we have enjoyed the site we will head back to Salihli and then take the evening train to Izmir . Night in Aksan hotel or similar BB.

Day 7. Morning visit to Smyrna Agora, take train to Selcuk visit Ephesus.

Sadly undervisited, the vaulted Smyrna Agora is vast and beautiful. Ephesus is still breathtaking in every way.

After breakfast, you will visit the site of the Marketplace (Agora) of Smyrna .  Smyrna was an important port city then, as it is now, and was one of the Seven Churches of Asia .(Others you will visit this week are Pergamon, Sardis, and Ephesus - If you like, an optional visit to Laodicea is possible, and Philadelphia  and Thyatira can also be added to this tour). 

Mid-morning we will get on the train to Selcuk , and from there visit the sites of Ephesus .  Here in one of the world's most visited ancient cities, you will visit the newly excavated Terrace Houses , a complex of luxury Roman dwellings with mosaics and frescoes in situ.  From here you will visit the Library of Celcus , then the impressively sized theatre .  A look at the well-preserved latrines gives you an insight into daily life.  Walking down the Arcadian Way towards the silted harbour, we can also look at the well-preserved basilica with baptistery attached.

We will walk back to Selcuk via the site of Ephesus’s Temple of Artemis .  This temple which is largely lost was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world .  From here the last stop of the day will be the recently renovated Ephesus Museum , home of the famous statue of Artemis .

Night in Bella Hotel or similar BB.

​Day 8. By road, visit the Ionan cities of Priene, Miletus and Didyma.

Priene, 'the Pompei of Asia Minor', Miletus, home to a thousand ships. Didyma Temple, 600 years and not finished yet!

Going by road today we will visit first Priene , known as the Pompeii of Asia Minor, this city is the prime example of town planning in the ancient world, with its perfect grid system behind well-defended city walls .  The city was abandoned suddenly without being used by subsequent civilisations, and for this reason, there is little building after the original town was built, giving us a privileged view of the order of ancient towns in their prime.

Miletus was one of the richest Greek cities of the area and was thought to have as many as 30 trading colonies spread across the Mediterranean basin.  A fine theatre and well-preserved bathhouse welcome you to this site, which also housed a famous monument to Pompey the Great who cleansed the area of pirates, making life much easier for the trading peoples who lived here.

Heading along the coast we arrive at Didim , site of the Temple of Apollo , Didyma.  This enormous temple was the sanctuary of Miletus, site of a sacred spring where the priestess of Apollo would give prophecy , and next to Delphi, was the most important oracular site in the ancient world.  The Persians burned the Temple and it lay in ruins until Alexander the Great reinstituted the Oracle and building started in 300BC.  The massive temple was still being completed in 300AD, 600 years later, when Christianity stopped the final completion.

If you wish, you could visit the Çamlık Railway Museum with its fine collection of steam locomotives. 

Day 9.  Train to Denizli, Pamukkale and Hierapolis.

Travelling up the Meander Valley we arrive at Denizli, site of Laodicea. Visit Hierapolis and Pamukkale, a natural wonder.

Taking the morning train up the Meander valley , you will visit the unique UNESCO site of Pamukkale/ Hieropolis .  Taking your shoes off, you will walk from your hotel up through the white pools and frozen waterfalls of this ‘one in the world’ natural phenomenon.  The evaporation of thousands of years of mineral-rich waters has left this gleaming white monument to nature’s variety.  You can bathe in the ‘travertine’ pools or in the deep sparkling waters of Cleopatras Bath.  After this, you will walk around the extensive site of Hierapolis, the Phrygian/ Roman city which was built above, and because of the spring waters here.  The Ancient Theatre is one of the finest in anywhere, the Necropolis is one of the largest and most varied ( try to find the tomb of the engineer-inventor of the crank and rod mechanism). Visit the place where Phillip the Apostle was martyred.

Enjoy your last evening in a restaurant overlooking the floodlit travertines. Night in HalTur Hotel BB.

Day 10: Transfer to Denizli, Train to Izmir ( Adnan Menderes) airport.

Fly on from Izmir airport with easy transport connections.

This tour includes:

Full guiding for 8 days.  All guides accommodation and other costs.

All entrance fees to sites mentioned.

9 Breakfasts, Train tickets, transfers.

All transfers & transportation with A/C Comfortable Vehicle with professional driver per itinerary

Services of  Professional English speaking tour guide.

International air ticket

Tip of guides & drivers

Extra Meals

Extra services that not included in above.

Per person price for this fully guided tour including all transport and entrance fees is:

  1 person 2500€

  2 person 1500€

  3 person 1200€

  4 person 1000€

  5 person 950€

  6 person 880€

  Single room suppliment: 180€

24 of the world’s most incredible train journeys

Jan 2, 2024 • 11 min read

As you cross the continental US aboard the California Zephyr, you’ll see prairies, deserts, mountains and canyons galore © Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock

From cutting through the countryside to connecting a country’s great cities, the world’s best railway journeys offer entirely new perspectives on a destination.

Train travel always delivers plenty of magic. Sometimes it’s in the cars, as you meet fellow travelers, or as you eat and sleep with the sound of wheels rolling on the steel rails beneath you. Sometimes it’s outside, in the landscape the train traverses – offering an adventure, an experience, an insight into the heart of a nation.

Our upcoming book,  Amazing Train Journeys ,  rounds up the world’s greatest railway rides. Pulled from its pages, these 24 train journeys are truly first-class.

1. The Reunification Express, Vietnam

Start:  Ho Chi Minh City End:  Hanoi Departs: Daily Distance:  1072 miles (1726km) Duration:  Two days

This is one of Southeast Asia ’s best-loved railways – and one of the  most epic overnight train journeys in the world . There is no more atmospheric way to haul into Vietnam ’s twin metropolises as this train rattles through historic cities and swooshes beside spectacular coastlines.

2. The California Zephyr, USA

Start:  Chicago End:   San Francisco Departs: Daily Distance:  2438 miles (3924km) Duration:   52hrs 40mins

For soaking up the scenic grandeur of the North American continent, nothing compares with Amtrak ’s California Zephyr , one of the US’ best train journeys . This classic three-day ride travels across prairies, deserts, the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada on its way from the Midwest to the West Coast.

3. The Lake Titicaca Train, Peru

Start:  Puno End:  Cuzco Departs: Three times a week Distance:  241 miles (388km) Duration:  10 hours

Traversing the Altiplano, from the shores of Lake Titicaca to the bustling heart of the ancient Incan empire, the railway from Puno to Cuzco cuts a ponderous but picturesque path through the snow-dusted peaks and voluptuous valleys of the Andes, across the epic Peruvian plains , passing hardy bowler-hatted llama farmers and traveling through remote towns and villages.

4. The Beijing-to-Lhasa Express, China

Start:   Beijing End:   Lhasa Departs: Daily Distance:  2330 miles (3750km) Duration:  40 hours

From the futuristic architecture and imperial wonders of Beijing, the Z21 train transports its passengers from the neon lights of urban China  across the Tibetan plateau , where it glides past grazing yaks, fluttering prayer flags, snow-capped mountains and boundless blue skies. At your destination, magenta-robed monks await. 

5. The TranzAlpine, New Zealand

Start:   Christchurch End:  Greymouth Departs: Daily Distance:   139 miles (223km) Duration:  4hrs 30mins

Under five hours, this journey is surely one the world’s finest and most scenic one-day train rides. Commence the TranzAlpine experience in Christchurch, before speeding along the Canterbury Plains and climbing quickly through the snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps, then descend through a thrilling tunnel to emerge among the lakes, streams and rainforests of the South Island ’s West Coast. 

6. The Bergensbanen, Norway

Start:  Oslo End:   Bergen Departs: Four times a day Distance:  308 miles (496km) Duration:   6hrs 30mins

This astonishing train is one of Europe’s best railway rides  – and one of the least well known outside of Norway . It covers the spectrum of the Nordic country’s natural splendor: climbing canyons, crossing rivers, burrowing through mountainsides and traversing barren icescapes.

7. Tazara Railway, Tanzania and Zambia

Start:  Dar es Salaam End:  Kapiri Mposhi Departs: Twice a week Distance:  1160 miles (1860km) Duration:   46 hours

Few trains in the world offer the chance – and we should point out that it’s a chance rather than a guarantee – of spotting big game from your seat. The Tazara ( Tanzania and Zambia Railway Authority) does just that. The highlight, though, is the chance to spend two days watching everyday life out of the window, and enjoying the clamor and chaos when the train pulls to a halt – scheduled or unscheduled.

8. The Sunset Limited, USA 

Start:   New Orleans End: Los Angeles Departs: Three times per week  Distance: 1995 miles (3211km)  Duration:  Two days

The ultimate American railroad ride: east to west, coast to coast, clean through from the bars of New Orleans to the breakers of the Pacific Ocean. If you’ve always dreamed of crossing the States, but don’t much relish the prospect of two weeks spent cooped up in an automobile, then a ride on the Sunset Limited is the answer. Sit back and let America’s landscapes buzz by: from Louisiana’s bayous, past the high-rises of Houston, across the deserts of Texas and Arizona , over the Californian hills all the way to LA’s golden beaches. Saddle up, partner: it’s gonna be quite a ride.

9. The Caledonian Sleeper, UK

Start:  London (Euston) End:   Fort William Departs: Daily Distance:  509 miles (819km) Duration:  13hrs 30mins

Segueing from the sooty suburbs and crowded concrete-lined cul-de-sacs of central London to the crisp air and soaring vistas of the Scottish Highlands via one overnight train journey epitomizes the romance of rail travel. Enjoy the buffet-car banter, be lulled to sleep by the rhythm of the rails, then wake up to bedside views of towering granite peaks. 

10. Mombasa to Nairobi, Kenya

Start: Mombasa Ends:  Nairobi Departs: Daily Distance:  360 miles (579km) Duration:  5hrs 10mins

The Nairobi–Mombasa railway route is among Africa’s most legendary: it even helped foster the modern concept of safari. The rickety old railway has undergone a rebuild in recent years with smart new stations and a new track laid across the Kenyan savannah . What hasn’t changed is the spellbinding journey, with trains departing from Mombasa and passing in the shadow of Kilimanjaro to the cusp of the Great Rift Valley.

11. Tangier to Marrakesh, Morocco

Start:   Tangier End:  Marrakesh Departs: Daily Distance:  360 miles (580km) Duration:  5hrs 15mins

Nothing can fully prepare you for the magnificence Morocco ’s most evocative city – from the clamor and spectacle of the central square, Djemaa El Fna , to the primary colors of the Jardin Majorelle ; and from the peaceful madrassa of Medersa Ben Youssef to the mad profusion of alleyways. There’s no doubting that a railway journey down the spine of this North African nation is a profoundly uplifting experience.

12. The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

Start:   Vancouver End:   Banff Departs: Twice a week Distance:  594 miles (957km) Duration:  37 hours

Clattering across the wild Rocky Mountains along a pioneering 19th-century railroad, this train journey is all at once a geological field trip, sightseeing adventure and wildlife safari. It promises cinematic views of Canada ’s quintessential mountain landscapes, plus a bevy of engineering marvels, from dizzying bridges to logic-defying tunnels. And with luck, you might even spy a bald eagle, moose or grizzly bear. 

13. Alexandria to Aswan, Egypt

Start:   Alexandria End:  Aswan Departs: Daily Distance:  670 miles (1100km) Duration:  16 hours

A ride from Alexandria to Aswan means you will travel the length of Egypt 's rail network – and also undertake an odyssey in the company of the great Nile River , with chances to disembark and explore the relics of empires along its banks . Do keep in mind that, for all their plus points, Egyptian trains are not always known for punctuality. 

14. The Serra Verde Express, Brazil

Start:   Curitiba End:  Morretes,  Paraná Departs: Daily Distance:  42 miles (68km) Duration:  3hrs 30mins

One of Brazil ’s most spectacular train journeys, the Serra Verde Express starts in the architecturally bold city of Curitiba and winds its way through dramatic mountain passes covered with tropical rainforest before it drops you in Morretes in the lush state of Paraná. The half-day trip takes in canyons, jagged mountain peaks and verdant lowlands, and the slow-going locomotive allows plenty of opportunities to photograph the cinematic backdrop while traversing some 30 bridges and chugging through 14 tunnels. Aside from the captivating scenery, the journey provides a fascinating glimpse into the past as it trundles through tiny stations dating back to the late 1800s.

15. The Darjeeling Toy Train, India

Start:   New Jalpaiguri End:   Darjeeling Departs: Daily Distance:  55 miles (88.5km) Duration:  7–8 hours

India ’s narrow-gauge steam railways are the stuff of legend, and the bottle-blue Darjeeling Toy Train is the nation’s lead engine. The ride from the Bengal plains to Darjeeling travels past emerald-green tea plantations and precariously balanced, tin-roofed townships, while clouds tumble down the looming massif of Mt Khangchendzonga. Steam engines are now only used for a small section of the route, yet this iconic mountain journey still serves up a sizable slice of history.

16. The Hokkaidō Shinkansen, Japan

Start:  Tokyo End:  Hakodate Departs: Daily Distance:  512 miles (824km) Duration:  4 hours

The Hokkaidō Shinkansen , one of Japan’s iconic bullet trains , takes you from Tokyo to Hakodate, the southern port of Hokkaidō . Along the way, it zooms past picturesque scenes of rural Japan , through mountains and under the sea. The route is only part of it, though: riding the shinkansen – with its food trolleys and staff who bow upon entering and exiting the train car – is a classic Japanese experience.

17. Colombo to Badulla, Sri Lanka

Start:  Colombo End:  Badulla Departs: Daily Distance:  181 miles (292km) Duration:  9–10 hours

One of many unforgettable things about Sri Lanka is the variety and intensity of the color green throughout the year . And for train aficionados, there is no better way to appreciate the country’s full, verdant spectrum than an all-day rail journey from Colombo’s urban gardens at sea level to tea plantations in the Hill Country , via brain-spinning sensory doses of jungle and forest, paddy field and palm tree, mountain and valley, national parks…and human habitation, too. Expect to move slowly – and enjoy one of the most scenic train trips in the world.

18. Bangkok to Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore

Start:   Bangkok End:  Singapore Departs: Weekly Distance:  1200 miles (1900km) Duration: Three days

A railway journey from Bangkok to Singapore spans three countries, three capital cities, and – without disembarking once – can be completed in under three days. But to go so fast would be to miss the point of this artery along the Malay Peninsula – a line suited to capricious roaming. You always have the option to hop off – to see tropical islands, to scale the cool heights of tea plantations, and to linger in a trio of metropolises that are each entirely different.

19. The Glacier Express, Switzerland

Start:  St Moritz End:  Zermatt Departs: Daily (in season) Distance:  180 miles (290km) Duration:  8 hours

Switzerland is a nation of rail fanatics . And if the Swiss could pick one definitive ride, the honor would surely go to the Glacier Express . This eight-hour journey from ritzy St Moritz to Matterhorn-topped Zermatt unzips the lovely Alpine terrain in the country’s south, corkscrewing up to wind-battered mountain passes, teetering across 291 bridges and rumbling through 91 tunnels. It intentionally moves at a snail’s pace so you take in those out-of-this-world views of meadows, forest, falls and mountains – all through panoramic windows. 

20. The Bernina Express, Switzerland & Italy

Start:   Chur End:  Tirano Departs: Daily Distance:  96 miles (156km) Duration:  4hrs 30mins

We can wax lyrical about the glacier-capped mountains, waterfall-draped ravines, jewel-colored lakes and endless spruce forests glimpsed through panoramic windows on Switzerland’s Bernina Express – but seeing is believing. Rolling from Chur in Graubünden to Tirano in northern Italy , this narrow-gauge train often tops polls of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys. The line has even made UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites – and with good reason.

21. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, England, France, Switzerland and Italy

Start:  London End:  Venice Departs: One to six times per month Distance:  1300 miles (2090km) Duration:  Two days

The promise of traveling from London to Venice cocooned in luxury while sitting in twinkly dining cars with fine china and silver cutlery is surely one that endures in the hearts of all rail enthusiasts. While the Orient Express’ various other 20th-century routes are sadly long gone, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers a tantalizing sample of the original on a trip that is surely the best journey back in time ever. But this route gained a new rival in 2023 with the Orient Express La Dolce Vita service  – and, in 2025, a new service on the original route is scheduled to hit the rails .

22. Nova Gorica to Jesenice, Slovenia

Start:  Nova Gorica End:   Jesenice Departs:  Daily Distance:  55 miles (89km) Duration:  Two hours

Here is a near-perfect railway adventure that most people have never heard of. The Bohinj Railway connects two places whose significance can be lost to modern travelers. An unassuming regional train rattling out of a faded-grandeur halt on the Italy– Slovenia border doesn’t even hint at what’s to come. The journey is a spectacular tour of Slovenia’s upland highlights from Nova Gorica, climbing through mountain towns and villages along the Soča River , passing through superb Alpine scenery close to Lake Bohinj , and on past world-famous Lake Bled to Jesenice.

23. The Ghan, Australia

Start:   Adelaide End:  Darwin Departs: Twice a week Distance:   1851 miles (2979km) Duration:  54 hours

Cutting vertically across the Outback heart of Australia , straight through the desolate deserts of the Red Centre, the Ghan is one of the southern hemisphere’s most unforgettable train journeys. This cross-country train service has provided a vital link between Australia’s north and south coasts, traveling north across the country from well-to-do, orderly Adelaide to the tropical, croc-filled creeks of Darwin. Luxurious and legendary, it’s Australia’s elegant version of the Orient Express.

24. Cannes to Menton, France

Start:   Cannes End:  Menton Departs: Daily Distance:  34 miles (55km) Duration:  1hr 20mins

It’s the stuff that travel dreams are made of: a slow train skirting the French Mediterranean coast, through towns whose very names resonate with glamour – Cannes, Antibes , Monaco . On one side of the tracks lies that sparkling sea; on the other, dramatic cliffs interspersed with the gorgeous coastal towns of the French Riviera . You can make a long day of this short trip, hopping on and off to explore a street market, linger at an outdoor terrace, take a breath of history and get a taste of luxury.

This article was first published August 2019 and updated January 2024

Explore related stories

Sustainable Travel

Apr 18, 2024 • 12 min read

Think the tiger of Thailand’s biggest city can only be tamed by taxi? Mere mortal, here’s how to get around Bangkok.

Mar 23, 2024 • 11 min read

Jan 16, 2024 • 8 min read

Nov 9, 2023 • 7 min read

Oct 19, 2023 • 8 min read

Oct 16, 2023 • 6 min read

Sep 12, 2023 • 9 min read

Jul 31, 2023 • 8 min read

Jul 5, 2023 • 5 min read

Dec 9, 2022 • 9 min read

Great Rail Journeys

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

GREAT RAIL JOURNEYS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• (0.00 mi) Entire 2 Bed - Free Parking - No. 35 - The Cosy Collection Ltd
• (0.10 mi) Elegant City Centre Apartment with Minster Views + Free Parking!
• (0.07 mi) ALTIDO Affordable York
• (0.13 mi) City Centre Luxurious Apartment with Free Parking
• (0.11 mi) Black Swan Inn
• (0.08 mi) Arras Restaurant
• (0.11 mi) The Black Swan
• (0.21 mi) Wheldrakes
• (0.21 mi) Roberto Authentic Italian Gelato
• (0.21 mi) Little Italy

www.seat61.com

Welcome to the official website of...

The man in seat sixty-one.

• Buy train tickets
• Buy ferry tickets
• Book a hotel
• Privacy & cookies

Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia.

Just a reminder... Seat61.com is not a company or a travel agency, but a personal site originally started as a hobby.  Ads & affiliate commission support the site and my travel habit (er... I mean research), and buy me a beer or two.   The information on this site aims to help, but I can't take responsibility for any inaccuracy.  All pages & photos © Mark Smith 2001-2024, except where shown.  Please donate!   If this site helps you, please consider donating to UNICEF or maybe contribute a photo or two .

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

10 of the best train journeys in Europe, chosen by Lonely Planet

A new book on rail travel across the continent showcases gorgeous scenery, historic routes and adventures at a slower pace

R ailways in Europe are many things. With their grand stations, history and evocative destinations, they evoke a timelessness that is absent from the uniform experience of flying. In recent decades, high-speed services have complemented classic routes, while the demand for more climate-friendly travel has grown and new options have sprung up, including a recent wave of night trains.

Lonely Planet, which for nearly 50 years has championed a down-to-earth, connected style of travel, has produced a new Guide to Train Travel in Europe aimed at unlocking adventures by rail from any starting point on the continent. Here the authors pick fantastic journeys from the book.

Paris to Berlin – fast or slow

A well-established network of high-speed trains and a huge choice of slower options connects two of Europe’s great cities. A glorious three-country tour would allow you to head from Paris to Brussels, travelling on to Cologne via the space-age architecture of Liège-Guillemins station. Cologne’s cathedral is so close to the station you can hardly miss popping in before boarding an onward ICE German fast service to the capital, which takes less than five hours. To see more than the immediate surroundings of the station buildings in each city, book separate tickets for each leg at trainline.com , or add in a stop of a few hours or an overnight booking via Deutsche Bahn ( bahn.de ). A high-speed connection from Paris via Frankfurt is also possible.

Amsterdam to Vienna on the Nightjet

One of several recent additions to Europe’s sleeper train scene, the Nightjet service operated by Austrian Railways ( oebb.at ) departs every evening at 7pm or 7.30pm from Amsterdam. As you doze off, the train will trundle alongside the Rhine, passing Cologne and Koblenz, then continuing south-east through Germany and entering Austria at Passau. A 9.19am arrival in Vienna ensures time for a lie-in and breakfast. This train can easily be combined with the Eurostar service from London or a ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam , or from Harwich to Hoek van Holland .

Loop the loop in North Wales

Some of the world’s most beautiful narrow-gauge railways can be found in Wales and two of the best can be combined in a loop that takes in the mountains and coastal scenery of Snowdonia. Catch a service from Llandudno Junction – which has main line connections – down the Conwy valley to Blaenau Ffestiniog . Change for the celebrated Ffestiniog Railway , a distinctive steam-hauled service that winds 13 miles down to the coast at Porthmadog. Return via the sublime steam service of the Welsh Highland Railway under the summit of Snowdon to Caernarfon, where you can catch a bus to Bangor and main line services.

From Bastia to Ajaccio through the Corsican interior

The Chemins de Fer de la Corse ( Corsican Railways ) is a narrow-gauge railway centred on Ponte Leccia – from where three main lines head to Ajaccio, Bastia and Calvi, all providing incredible views of beautiful and rugged terrain. The route linking Ajaccio and Bastia is the longest and most celebrated, taking three and a half hours, so is best done with an overnight stop, rather than attempted as a day trip. Corsica is well served by ferries from mainland France such as Toulon, Marseille and Nice, opening up a tempting train-and-ferry route from the UK.

Dublin to Madrid by train and ferry

It is possible to head from Dublin direct to mainland Europe. A largely single-track line skirts the Irish Sea heading south as far as Wicklow before veering inland and stopping in the appealing county town of Wexford, set on the estuary of the River Slaney. It’s a short hop along the tracks from there to the port of Rosslare for the twice-weekly ferries to Bilbao , which take about 30 hours. Then it’s a five-hour rail journey on to Madrid. Recommended stops take in Burgos’s treasured cathedral, the former Spanish capital of Valladolid and Segovia’s Roman aqueduct and Alcázar fortress.

Venice to Palermo – across the water in Italy

Heading from top to toe in Italy, this dramatic journey’s potential stopping points need no introduction. Fast Frecciarossa trains connect Venice to the gastronomic centre of Bologna in 90 minutes, with Florence 40 minutes down the line. An hour and a half further on you’re in Rome. From here the south of Italy opens up. For one of Europe’s most unusual rail experiences take a train service all the way to Sicily. At Villa San Giovanni in Calabria, you and your carriage board a dedicated ferry to Messina, in Sicily, from where the hectic fun of Palermo is a slow-rolling four and a half hours’ ride away along the coast. There are several daily intercity and night services that run from the mainland, via the ferry, through to the Sicilian capital including sleepers direct from Milan, Genoa and Pisa.

From coast to coast, via a mountain high – Oslo to Bergen

A contender for Europe’s best train trip, the Bergen Line ( Bergensbanen ) thunders past southern Norway’s mountains and lakes between Oslo and Bergen, reaching 1,222m at Finse station, where a snowball fight is generally on offer. The trip takes nearly seven hours, which passes quickly in a blur of incredible scenery on a comfortable intercity service. There’s scope to do a longer version of this route taking the Norway in a Nutshell tour, which includes the Flåm Railway – possibly the world’s most scenic branch line – and a boat journey through Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord.

Paris to Barcelona on the slow train

These cities are linked by a fast train , but there’s a leisurely route south through France to the Pyrenees via Limoges, Toulouse and through magnificent rural and mountain scenery to Latour-de-Carol. While it’s possible to reach Latour-de-Carol by direct night train from Paris, you would miss the slowly unfolding views you can enjoy when doing this journey in daylight. From Latour-de-Carol a commuter line runs all the way to Barcelona and takes just over three hours. Possible stops along the way include fortified Ribes de Freser and Ripoll, home to an ancient monastery and a good starting point for hiking trails.

Budapest to Split on a sleeper

During the summer there’s a tempting night service between Hungary’s capital and the Adriatic. In recent years the train has left Budapest at midnight, getting into Split after lunch. En route it passes the Hungarian holiday playground of Lake Balaton and Zagreb, Croatia’s capital. Once on the Adriatic coast, buses head south to Dubrovnik, while ferries and catamarans radiate out to nearby islands.

Locarno to Domodossola through the Swiss Alps

Pretty much any journey in Switzerland promises jaw-dropping scenery, and on several routes trains run slowly specifically to show off the mountains, rivers and lakes that can be seen from the window. Travelling between Locarno in Switzerland to Domodossola in the Piedmont region of Italy, the Centovalli (Hundred Valleys) Railway is a short but scenic service past 52km of waterfalls, chestnut groves, church-topped villages, deep ravines and vineyards. Highlights include the Isorno Bridge near the village of Intragna and Intragna’s gorge.

These routes, plus tips on rail travel, are featured in Lonely Planet’s Guide to Train Travel in Europe by Tom Hall, Imogen Hall and Oliver Smith (£19.99), available at shop.lonelyplanet.com

• Europe holidays
• Rail travel

Most viewed

Train strikes in May 2024: Full list of dates and lines affected

Rail lines are set for disruption in the week following the first May bank holiday as train drivers at 16 rail companies strike on different days.

Monday 29 April 2024 09:17, UK

Train drivers will stage a fresh wave of strikes and overtime bans in May, causing disruption to the rail network.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay.

Members of Aslef union at 16 rail companies will walk out on different days from 7 to 9 May.

Additionally, all members will refuse to work any overtime from 6 May to 11 May.

Here is a full list of the services affected by strikes and when.

Rail strike dates

Tuesday 7 May

Strikes will affect c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express and South Western Railway.

Wednesday 8 May

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains.

Thursday 9 May

Strikes will affect LNER, Northern Trains and TransPennine Express.

Overtime ban dates

From Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May union members will not work overtime.

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, means some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

How do strikes and overtime bans affect services?

Strikes tend to mean services on lines where members are participating are extremely affected or cancelled entirely, whereas overtime bans often lead to reduced services.

Are there strikes on the Tube too?

There have been regular strikes on London Underground too recently, and while there aren't any planned walkouts for drivers, customer service managers are set to walk out on Friday 26 April in a dispute over terms and conditions.

There will also be an overtime ban for the customer service managers on the following days:

Monday 29 April

Tuesday 30 April

Wednesday 1 May

Tuesday 2 May

Wednesday 3 May

Thursday 4 May

Friday 5 May

The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) says the action by its members is likely to cause Tube stations to close at the last minute, including on the Saturday following the strike (27 April), while TfL has said on its website "some stations may need to close at short notice".

Despite the warning, a TfL spokesperson has said they aren't expecting significant disruption.

This action follows strike action taken by the same workers on 10 April, which the TSSA said had a "real impact" with "many stations shut at short notice".

They say they are "extremely concerned" about TfL's 'Stations Changes' proposals.

"We have made it clear that our union will not accept the continued threats to our members' roles, locations, terms, and conditions to stand unchallenged," a TSSA spokesperson said.

"We will continue to take sustained action until London Underground is prepared to negotiate with us in good faith."

Commenting on the impending strikes, a TfL spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that TSSA is continuing with this strike action following a consultation process.

"While we don't expect this action will cause significant disruption, we urge TSSA to continue to work with us to help find a resolution.

"There are no planned job losses as part of these vital changes which will improve the service we provide to customers at our stations."

How can I stay in the loop?

You can use the National Rail's journey planner to see when trains are running.

Be sure to check it close to when you plan to travel, as it will be updated regularly.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Why are the strikes still happening?

Aslef rejected a two-year offer of 4% in 2022 and another 4% this year, saying it is way below inflation, and is linked to changes in terms and conditions.

Aslef said train drivers have not had an increase in salary for five years, since their last pay deals expired in 2019.

The union said after its members voted overwhelmingly in February to continue taking industrial action, it asked the train operating companies to hold talks.

General secretary Mick Whelan said the year-old pay offer of 4% and another 4% was "dead in the water".

Related Topics

• London Underground
• Rail strikes