Want to explore Turkey’s landscapes in a leisurely and unforgettable way? Train travel offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are the top five scenic routes that promise to delight every type of traveler:
1. Eastern Express (Doğu Ekspresi): Ankara → Kars
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Distance & Duration: ~1,310 km, ~25–32 hours
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Why it’s special: This iconic route runs through the snowy high plateaus of northeast Anatolia. In winter, it looks like a winter postcard; in other seasons, lush forests, rolling hills, and deep gorges unfold outside your window.
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Experience: Choose from shared couchettes, private sleeper cabins, or the upscale Touristic Eastern Express service (officially launched in 2019).
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Bonus: Stops at Erzurum and Kars let you savor local flavours like cağ kebab and explore frozen Çıldır Lake or Ani ruins.

2. Lake Van Express: Ankara → Tatvan
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Route & Duration: ~775 miles (~1,250 km), ~24 hours
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Highlights: Travels along the scenic Euphrates Valley and reaches the shores of Lake Van, Turkey’s largest lake.
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Best Season: Spring & early summer bring lush meadows and vibrant landscapes; autumn paints the countryside with vivid hues.
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Onboard: Offers pullman, shared couchettes, and private sleeper cabins—ideal for travelers craving comfort.
3. Taurus Express: Konya ↔ Adana
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Distance & Duration: ~1600 km historical route, currently ~6–7 hours with modern segments
Why ride it: Wends through the dramatic Taurus Mountains via steep gorges, tunnels, and the Varda Viaduct (featured in Skyfall)
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Cultural tie-ins: Connects historic Konya (home of Rumi) with Mediterranean Adana; lush forests, deep valleys and Ottoman bridges aplenty.
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Rolling stock: Comfortable pullman and couchette cars with dining facilities
4. Pamukkale Express: Eskişehir → Denizli
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Length & Timing: ~421 km, ~8 hours
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Scenery: As you journey south through central Anatolia’s farmland and Phrygian landscapes, you’ll sense the blend of rugged terrain and pastoral tranquility.
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Highlights on arrival: Denizli is your gateway to Pamukkale’s white travertines and the ancient city of Hierapolis.
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Amenities: Daily service with at-seat snacks—a charming day out in all seasons.
5. Aegean Express: İzmir ←→ Eskişehir (or Denizli variant)
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Duration: ~11 hours for İzmir–Eskişehir; ~8–9 hrs for İzmir–Isparta Lakes (Göller Express).
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Why it's great: Wind through olive groves, vineyards, coastal plains, and charming villages. Often themed as “Roses” or “Lakes” Express depending on route.
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Notable stops: Selçuk/Ephesus and Denizli/Pamukkale are perfect springboard sites for historic exploration.
🌟 Tips for an Enriched Journey
Tip | Details |
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Book Early | Routes like Eastern Express sell out fast—especially for private sleepers. Touristic options run seasonally dailysabah.com+14nationalgeographic.com+14en.wikipedia.org+14. |
Seasons Matter | Winter delivers snowy wonderlands on Eastern routes, while spring/autumn highlight verdant fields and crisp air on southeastern/vannish routes. |
Pack Right | Dining cars exist, but stocking snacks and hot drinks (e.g., Turkish tea) is a common smart move. |
Stay Flexible | Consider side trips: detours to Ephesus, Pamukkale, Ani ruins, or Harput Castle enrich your ride. |
Why Turkish Trains Are Trending
With growing interest in sustainable, slow travel, Turkey’s older routes provide culturally immersive and visually rich experiences. Western media and travel influencers often rank the Eastern Express among the world’s most scenic train journeys.
Final Thoughts
These five train journeys offer unparalleled views of Turkey’s scenic diversity—from frozen highlands to golden coastlines, from historic ruins to mountain passes. Whether you crave solitude, sustainability, or a sensory travel experience, these rails weave stories of geography, heritage, architecture, and nature. Add these routes to your itinerary for a transformative journey through Türkiye.
✨ Which train ride would you take first? Let me know in the comments!
💬 And don’t forget to share this post with your fellow travelers planning a trip to Turkey.
📌 Bookmark this article for your next scenic train journey!
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