From white-capped highlands to Mediterranean coastlines, Türkiye's diverse geography offers some of the world's most breathtaking train journeys. With more people looking for slow travel and ecotourism, traveling in Türkiye by train is now among the largest tourism trends—particularly for those who wish to observe the country's nature, bountiful history, and local cultures in depth.

Whether you’re a traveler seeking inspiration or a long-term visitor scoping out cities to settle in, Türkiye’s scenic railway routes deliver more than just transportation—they offer journeys filled with wonder, discovery, and perspective.

The Dogu Express: Iconic Journey to Türkiye’s East

No Turkish trip is complete without the Dogu Express (Doğu Ekspresi), Turkey's most iconic train ride. Daily departures leave Ankara for Karson the Dogu Express, which stretches over 1,300 kilometers ofAnatolian highlands, treating travelers to a feast of mountains, icyrivers, and sleeping towns.

Highlights Along the Way:
Ankara: Contemporary yet steeped in history
Erzurum: Famous for its cağ kebab and madrassahs that date back to the Middle Ages
Kars: location of the medieval ruins of Ani and Lake Çıldır
Doğubayezit (optional): gateway to Mount Ararat and Ishak Pasha Palace
Both the regular train and the Touristic Dogu Express are an option for tourists, the latter having guided tours to destinations like Erzincan and Erzurum. Both of these include sleeper and couchette fares, making the journey as comfortable as it is pleasant.

Other Must-Experience Train Routes in Türkiye

Turkey's State Railways (TCDD) has expanded its reach to embrace not just commuters but also adventure seekers and culture lovers. Other breathtaking tracks that slash across the country include:

1. Lake Van Express (Ankara to Van)
Ride over the eastern regions of Türkiye to the stunning province of Van. This 26-hour journey is accompanied by sleeper cabins and serene vistas. Visit Akdamar Island and its medieval church, which are located in the dark blue waters of Lake Van, in Van.

2. Southern Kurtalan Express (Ankara to Kurtalan)
One of Türkiye's most ancient and most historic routes, this train traverses Kayseri, Sivas, Malatya, and Diyarbakır and terminates near Batman. It's ideal for seeing old Mesopotamian sites like Hasankeyf and the Zeynel Bey Mausoleum.

3. Euphrates Express (Elazığ to Adana)
A serene path along river banks and mountain valleys, this express runsbetween Eastern Anatolia and the Mediterranean. Look forward tostunning vistas and a relaxed pace as the train makes its way through Malatya, Gölbaşı, and Osmaniye.

4. İzmir Blue Train (Ankara to İzmir)
Connecting the capital to the Aegean sea coast, this route passes through Eskişehir, Kütahya, and Balıkesir before reaching İzmir—a city loved for its sea-side appeal, life-style popularity, and growing property market. 

5. Konya Blue Train (Konya to İzmir)
From dry plains of Central Anatolia to Aegean sea breezes, this 12-hour ride is ideal for tourists exploring the heart of Türkiye. The train features sleeper, Pullman, and dining cars for a comfortable ride.

6. Toros Express (Konya to Adana)
This ride offers stunning vistas of the Taurus Mountains, pine forests, and small Anatolian villages. It's a nature and culture-filled ride with plenty of photo ops and authentic local interactions.

7. Lakes Express (Isparta to İzmir)
A less touristy but beautiful cross-country journey through western and southern Türkiye, the Lakes Express connects Isparta (famous for its rose fields) to the Aegean coast. It's a stunning way of getting to rural Türkiye without flying.

8. Aegean Express (İzmir to Eskişehir)
Perfect for summer vacations, this road trip bridges Aegean coastlinesto the interior of Türkiye, passing through Soma, Akhisar, Balıkesir, and Kütahya. An ideal answer to explore nature, history, and quaint villages.

Train Travel in Türkiye: Why It's Gaining Momentum

Sustainability: Trains are one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport.
Comfort: Sleeper and couchette trains offer hotel-quality services for longer distances.
Affordability: A hassle-free answer to travel long distances without flying.
Immersive Experiences: Engage with natives, explore off-the-beaten-path villages, and soak up scenery unavailable via roads.
GainEstates Insight: Rail Lines as a Real Estate Exploration Tool

For possible real estate investors or foreign nationals, by train is an excellent way to prospect new locations. Kars, Erzurum, İzmir, Van, and Adana are each unique possibilities—everything from investment in second homes to rental property potential. Trains offer a convenientmethod of accessing these spots at affordable prices and in comfort.

Final Reflections: It's Not Just Travel—It's the Journey

Türkiye's railway lines are not just about getting from point A to point B—these are journeys into a different pace of life. As a lone traveler seeking quiet, or as a pair seeking excitement, or as an investor wantingto see off-the-map towns, these routes provide you with the opportunity to travel not only across space, but also across history, culture, and geography.