Izmir to Ankara Sleeper Train in Turkey: Everything to Know!
Looking to take a sleeper train in Turkey from Izmir to Ankara? Or even one of the others, as I am sure they are similar. It can be a good way to travel during down time rather than taking up daylight hours!
While in Turkey, we utilized several forms of transportation and the overnight sleeper train was definitely the most unique!
Here is everything you need to know about taking a sleeper train in Turkey including where to book tickets, what to expect in the cabin and with accommodations, food/drink availability and specifics on my experience on the Ankara Express that travels from Izmir to Ankara!
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Overview of Taking a Sleeper Train in Turkey
If you’ve never taken an overnight train before, it is a pretty cool experience! It is almost like having the luxury of lying down in a bed during an overnight flight, but probably less fancy than a 1st class plane ticket (not that I would know ๐)
Compared to an overnight bus, it is going to be way more comfortable. Compared to flying, it can often be cheaper (but not always.)
If you HAVE taken a sleeper train before, you probably get the gist of what it is like to ride in a sleeper train.
But, sleeper trains can vary from country to country and there are logistics that can be good to know for booking a sleeper train in Turkey, specifically.
How to Book Your Tickets for A Sleeper Train in Turkey
Tickets for a sleeper trains in Turkey can be purchased directly through the Turkish State Railways (TCDD) app or online or you can purchase them in person at a train station.
This goes for ALL overnight trains in Turkey (not just the tickets from Izmir to Ankara.)
However, sleeper trains book up fast, so it really is recommended to book ahead of time (probably at least a month prior to traveling.)
This is specially true if you plan to visit during popular times of the year!
The ticket-buying process is pretty easy. When you go to book tickets, you will choose which cabin you want and then select a bed in that cabin.
I would recommend getting the TCDD app so your tickets will be easily accessible once you board the train!
Sleeper Cabin Options for Turkey’s Overnight Trains
Your cabin options vary depending on which route in Turkey you will take.
There are typically options of either a 2 person cabin (Yataklฤฑ vagon aka sleeper cabins) or a 4 person cabin (รrtรผlรผ kuลetli aka couchette cars.)
The 2 person cabin will come with a little more room for storage and probably more accommodations such as a mini refrigerator.
The 4 person cabins will have bunks on both sides of the cabin that fold down, which makes less room for counter space, storage and other things.
However, the Ankara Express from Izmir to Ankara only has the 2 person cabin option.
Good news, you will get more storage space in your cabin. But, bad news, if you are a family or group of 4, you will have to purchase two separate cabins.
Expected Cost of a Sleeper Train in Turkey
The cost of a sleeper train will vary depending on time of year and how far out you book your tickets.
Ankara Express
However, on August 2 I am looking up tickets for September 3rd (most of August is already booked for bed accommodations!) and the price is around 2,475 Turkish Lira of ~$52 USD.
This is booking last minute and booking for the end of the busiest part of the season (which is August.)
So, if you book well in advance, I would expect your ticket on the Ankara Express to be no more than $50 USD (probably more like $30-40 USD per person.)
Costs of Other Sleeper Trains in Turkey
The Doฤu Express (Eastern Express) is the most popular (and longest) overnight train in Turkey because it is a scenic route. People claim these tickets in order to easily take a ride through the Anatolian mountains (popular in the winter when they are snow-capped!)
If you plan to take the touristic Doฤu Express (rather than the more local train with regular seating) expect to pay more of a touristic price. You typically purchase these per cabin, which cost around $350-500 USD for a 2-person cabin.
If you want to take the train from Istanbul to Ankara, tickets will be closer to $85 per 2 person cabin.
What to Expect on the Ankara Express
What to expect on a sleeper train in Turkey? Since I haven’t rode every sleeper train in Turkey, I have first-hand experience of only the Ankara Express.
You will have an assigned cabin; if you book with someone you will share the cabin. If you are rolling solo, you may be sharing with another solo.
There are about 10 cabins per car, all on the same side of the car with a hallway on the other side.
As I mentioned before, the Ankara Express only has 2 bed cabins. If you are traveling with a family or a group, you will have to book multiple cabins.
Accommodations Available on the Ankara Express
Accommodations probably vary depending on which route you are taking; but here is what to expect on the Ankara Express.
Each cabin on the Ankara Express will have its own mini-fridge, sink and beds.
Then each car (per 10 cabins) will have a shared restroom (or one on each side of the car.)
There is also a common area with chairs and tables if you want to hang out with a group there rather than in your cabin.
This is also the designated refreshment cabin. You can grab snacks, beverages, and *limited* meal options.
Food/Drinks on the Train
As I mentioned, there are snacks and some food available on the train. On the Izimir to Ankara train, food is not included in the ticket (some of the others do have the option to add it to your ticket.)
Food options include basic meals like soups and sandwiches. You can also purchase drinks such as juice, water, tea and coffee at the snack bar.
Can you bring your own food and drinks? Yes! You are free to bring your own food and drinks onto the train to get through your 13 hours journey.
Know, alcohol is not sold on the trains. Do with that what you will.
My Final Thoughts on Taking the Sleeper Train in Turkey
I think the experience of taking a sleeper train is cool and everyone should do it at least once in their life.
However, if you have already taken a sleeper train before, in reality, I don’t think it is the most efficient form of travel in Turkey.
I would choose to take the Izmir to Ankara train only if staying in Ankara were on my itinerary. Since we were continuing on to Cappadocia, the most efficient way to travel this way is to fly from Izmir to Cappadocia.
OR, as I mentioned, many people take the Doฤu Express (Eastern Express) so for its scenery. It stretches ~ 800 miles (1,200 km) and 26-30 hours through a mountainous landscape that is often taken during the winter when the mountains are snow-covered. In this case, the train is utilized as a sight-seeing train and not for efficiency.
Other than that, compare the price and time to flying. There is a good chance you can fly quicker for about the same price as the train.
Wondering about other ways to get around Turkey? Here is information on transportation options on getting around Turkey!
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