Turkey - General Information: Difference between revisions

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==Country Name==
==Country Name==
Turkey (Türkiye)
Turkey (Türkiye). The country launched a rebranding campaign in late 2021 to be known as Türkiye. The United Nations has agreed to a formal request to rename it as Türkiye.


==National Railway System==
==National Railway System==
Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Devlet Demiryolları, which in translation means State Railways of the Republic of Turkey. The state railway is normally abbreviated as TCDD.
===National Railway Operator===
===National Railway Operator===
Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Devlet Demiryolları, which in translation means State Railways of the Republic of Turkey. The state railway is normally abbreviated as [http://www.tcdd.gov.tr/ TCDD].
{{Turkey_VPN}}
 
In 2016 TCDD's operating activities were transferred to a stand-alone business known as [https://www.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr Taşımacılık AŞ].


In 2016 TCDD's operating activities were transferred to a stand-alone business known as TCDD Taşımacılık
In May 2013 railway liberalisation legislation came into force, enabling private operators - in theory at least - to run services. However on 8 April 2020 the regulations were amended to allow the provision of public support for the continued operation of rail services seen as socially desirable. The 61 routes/service groups cover the majority of routes run by TCDD Taşımacılık, other than a few services deemed ‘commercial'. The main exceptions are in the southeast: Toprakkale – İskenderun, Nizip – Mardin – Nusaybin (currently not operating and marked as closed beyond Karkamış in the 2023 Network Statement), Van – Kapıköy (Iranian border) and Kars – Akyaka  (– Doğakapı, on the closed border with Armenia).


==Language==
==Language==
Line 23: Line 27:
==Timetable==
==Timetable==
===Journey Planner===
===Journey Planner===
* Domestic travel: A [https://ebilet.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr/view/eybis/tnmGenel/tcddWebContent.jsf journey planner] is now available. It comes up in Turkish but the language can be switched to English. This is intended primarily as a ticket purchasing service, but fortunately functions as a journey planner as well. If no service is found for the journey & date specified a small pop-up window saying "''Kriterlerinize Uygun Sefer Bulunmamaktadır''" will appear near the top of the screen. If a service is found a further screen will appear. Click on the Train Name to bring up a pop-up window giving the full stopping pattern and timings of the train. Only direct trains are shown: potential passengers appear to be expected to work out their own possible connections.
* Domestic travel: A [https://ebilet.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr/view/eybis/tnmGenel/tcddWebContent.jsf journey planner] is now available. It comes up in Turkish but the language can be switched to English. This is intended primarily as a ticket purchasing service, but fortunately functions as a journey planner as well. If no service is found for the journey & date specified a small pop-up window saying "''Kriterlerinize Uygun Sefer Bulunmamaktadır''" will appear near the top of the screen.</br>If a service is found a further screen will appear. Click on the ''' 'i'''' in the small blue triangle to the right of the train name/description to bring up a pop-up window giving the full stopping pattern and timings of the train. Only direct trains are shown: potential passengers appear to be expected to work out their own possible connections.
* Android: [http://goo.gl/68rpL2 TCDD e-Bilet]
* Izmir Suburban (Banliyö) Lines [http://www.izban.com.tr/ Izban]
* IOS (IPhone): [http://goo.gl/4ABwlP TCDD e-Bilet]


===Downloadable Timetable===
===Downloadable Timetable===
* [http://www.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr/trenler/Y%C3%BCksek%20H%C4%B1zl%C4%B1%20Tren/1 High Speed Trains] Ankara - Konya; Ankara - Istanbul; Istanbul - Konya.
{{Turkey_VPN}}
* [http://www.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr/trenler/Anahat%20Trenleri/2 Main Line Trains]
 
* Domestic: [https://ebilet.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr/view/eybis/tnmGenel/bolgeselSeferler.jsf?menuId=https://ebilet.tcdd.gov.tr/view/eybis/tnmGenel/bolgeselSeferler.jsf Bölgesel Seferler] then select the desired line in the appropriate ''"Bölge"'' (Region).
* [https://www.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr/tr/yuksek_hizli_tren High Speed Trains] and click on the desired route: 1- Ankara-İstanbul-Ankara YHT... etc, through to 7- Eskişehir-İstanbul-Eskişehir YHT.
* [http://www.marmaray.gov.tr/icerik/sefer/G%C3%BCnl%C3%BCk-Tren-Saatleri/64 Marmaray (Istanbul)]  
* [https://www.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr/tr/ana_hat_trenleri Main Line Trains] and click on the desired route.
* [http://www.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr/files/3/yolcu/baskentray.pdf Başkentray (Ankara)]
* [https://www.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr/tr/bolgesel_trenler Bölgesel Seferler (Regional Trains)] then select the desired line.
* [http://www.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr/trenler/International%20Trains/5 International Trains] gives details of services to Bucharest, Sofia and Tabriz (Iran). It is necessary to scroll right down to the bottom of the page to find the Tabriz service.
* [https://www.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr/marmaray Suburban Trains - Marmaray (Istanbul)]  
* [https://www.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr/baskentray Suburban Trains - Başkentray (Ankara)]
* [https://www.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr/tr/uluslararasi_trenler International Trains]. The only international train is now the Istanbul Sofia Express. The link from "Click for more stops and arrival and departure information. >>" gives no useful information. Use the journey planner to find times.


===Printed Timetable===
===Printed Timetable===
There is no longer an official printed timetable in Turkey. Usually, train departures (and sometimes arrivals) are shown on station boards with the terminating station and the train name often being the only information. Intermediate timings etc. are frequently not given. Timetables change irregularly and without prior notice to the public but, as the timetable structure is fairly static, they at least give an indication of service frequency. The only exception is international traffic between İstanbul and Bulgaria, where timetables appear to change in line with European practice, to which BDŽ adheres.
There is no longer an official printed timetable in Turkey. Usually, train departures (and sometimes arrivals) are shown on station boards with the terminating station and the train name often being the only information. Intermediate timings etc. are frequently not given. Timetables change irregularly and without prior notice to the public but, as the timetable structure is fairly static, they at least give an indication of service frequency. The only exception is international traffic between İstanbul and Bulgaria, where timetables appear to change in line with European practice, to which BDŽ adheres.
The standard symbols indicating days of operation (such as crossed hammers for Mondays to Saturdays) are not used; days are shown by abbreviations of the Turkish names.


===Engineering Information===
===Engineering Information===
A very informative list and map of the times and expected duration of route closures in 2014 is available on the [http://railturkey.org/2014/05/16/railway-closure-program-2014/ "Rail Turkey"] website.
No source known.


==Maps==
==Maps==
===Printed Maps===
===Printed Maps===
*"World Rail Atlas Vol. 8 The Middle East and Caucasus" by Neil Robinson (ISBN-10: 954-12-0128-8; ISBN-13: 978-954-12-0128-2)
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.
*[http://europeanrailwayatlas.com/ European Railway Atlas] by M.G. Ball (2008 onwards)
*World Rail Atlas Vol. 8 The Middle East and Caucasus by Neil Robinson - ISBN: 978-954-12-0128-2, First Edition, published August 2006.


===Web-based Maps===
===Web-based Maps===
* A useful basic map is available on the [https://www.seat61.com/Turkey2.htm Seat61 website].
* A useful but very basic map is available on the [https://www.seat61.com/train-travel-in-turkey.htm Seat61 website].
* A very good detailed map is available on the [http://www.tcdd.gov.tr/uploads/demiryoluharitasi.jpg TCDD website] although it requires enlarging and is somewhat out of date.
* A very good detailed map is available in the [https://static.tcdd.gov.tr/webfiles/userfiles/files/ingilizce/sebekebildirimi/2023/321i.pdf 2023 Network Statement], with separate sheets for Axle Load, Electrification, Signalling and Divisional Organisation. '''However''', see the warning in the Network Statement section below.
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/map.php?file=maps/turkey/turkey.gif Map of Turkey].  Although this remains on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained. Last update August 2011.
*Thorsten Büker's [https://web.archive.org/web/20130906143221/http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/map.php?file=maps/turkey/turkey.gif Map of Turkey] is available via wayback machine Last update August 2011 and not on the site where most of Thorsten's maps were moved to
*A useful series of maps at various dates and enlargements are available on the [http://www.trainsofturkey.com/w/pmwiki.php/Maps.Maps Trains of Turkey] website.
*A useful series of maps at various dates and enlargements are available on the [http://www.trainsofturkey.com/./pmwiki.php/Maps.Maps Trains of Turkey] website.
*[[Maps and Plans#Turkey|Maps and Plans - Turkey]]
*[[Maps and Plans#Turkey|Maps and Plans - Turkey]]


==Ticketing==
==Ticketing==
The new Turkish Railways [https://yolcu.tcdd.gov.tr/view/eybis/tnmGenel/tcddWebContent.jsf reservation system] became operational on 1 February 2014.  The system will book most long distance domestic trains within Turkey, including seats, couchettes and sleepers.  You print out your reservation details and pick up the tickets in Turkey. The best guide on how to do this is on the [http://www.seat61.com/Turkey2.htm Man in Seat 61] site ''> How to buy tickets''. Note that sleepers and couchettes must be reserved in advance; they cannot be acquired on the train even if spare berths are available.
The Turkish Railways [https://ebilet.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr/view/eybis/tnmGenel/tcddWebContent.jsf online booking facility] is available in English - click on 'English' at the top right if necessary.  The system will book most long distance domestic trains within Turkey, including seats, couchettes and sleepers. The best guide on how to do this is on the [https://www.seat61.com/train-travel-in-turkey.htm Man in Seat 61] site ''> How to buy tickets''. Note that sleepers and couchettes must be reserved in advance; they cannot be acquired on the train even if spare berths are available.


Sleeper and couchette tickets on the Vangölü Ekspresi (Ankara <> Tatvan) and Dogu Ekspresi (Ankara <> Kars) are in high demand and hence difficult to obtain. They become available on line 30 days in advance and should be booked as soon as possible as they can sell out almost immediately.
Sleeper and couchette tickets on the Ankara <> Tatvan (''Vangölü Ekspresi'') and Ankara <> Kars - (''Turistik Doğu Ekspresi'' - sleeping cars only) and (''Doğu Ekspresi'' - couchettes only) - are in high demand and hence difficult to obtain. They become available on line 30 days in advance and should be booked as soon as possible as they can sell out almost immediately.
 
In the past, coach 1 of non-YHT (non high speed) trains was unreserved and passengers could pay on the day. However, this coach is now fully reservable and penalty fares are levied on passengers without a ticket


TCDD no longer offers a network ticket. Balkan Flexipass and Interrail tickets continue to be valid.
TCDD no longer offers a network ticket. Balkan Flexipass and Interrail tickets continue to be valid.
Line 63: Line 69:
==Infrastructure==
==Infrastructure==
===Infrastructure Authority===
===Infrastructure Authority===
Under new legislation passed in April 2013, TCDD is now the infrastructure manager.
Under new legislation passed in April 2013, TCDD is now the infrastructure manager: TCDD Genel Müdürlüğü (TCDD General Directorate).


===Network Statement===
===Network Statement===
[http://www.tcdd.gov.tr/files/sebekebildirimi/2017sebekebildirimi.pdf TÜRKİYE CUMHURİYETİ DEVLET DEMİRYOLLARI İŞLETMESİ GENEL MÜDÜRLÜĞÜ] only in Turkish
{{Turkey_VPN}}
 
English language documents are available here:
 
[https://static.tcdd.gov.tr/webfiles/userfiles/files/ingilizce/sebekebildirimi/2023/2023sebekebildirimii.pdf The overall Network Statement for 2023]
 
[https://www.tcdd.gov.tr/en/page/documents-of-2023-network-statement Detailed Documents in the Network Statement]


===Gauge===
===Gauge===
Line 74: Line 86:
25kV 50Hz.
25kV 50Hz.


The following lines are electrified: All high speed lines; İstanbul - Kapıkule (Bulgarian border); İstanbul - Eskişehir - Ankara ('classic' line); Ankara suburban lines; Eskişehir - Kutahya - Tavşanli; İzmir - Balikesir - Bandirma; Adana/İskenderun - Toprakkale - Fevzipaşa - Malatya - Çetinkaya - Divriği, İzmir suburban lines (Aliağa - Cumaovasi).
The following lines are electrified: All high speed lines; İstanbul - Kapıkule (Bulgarian border)/Uzunköprü (Greek border); Muratli - Tekirdağ; İstanbul - Eskişehir - Ankara ('classic' line), including the Adazapari branch; Ankara - Kayas - Kayseri - Çetinkaya; Eskişehir - Kutahya - Balikesir; İzmir suburban lines (Aliağa - Çamlık); Menemen - Balikesir - Bandirma; Konya - Karaman; Boğazköprü - Ulukisla - Yenice; Adana/İskenderun - Toprakkale - Fevzipaşa - Malatya - Çetinkaya - Divriği.


The following lines are being electrified: Bandirma - Tavşanli; Kayseri - Boğazköprü - Ulukisla - Yenice; Adana - Mersin.
The following lines are being electrified: Torbali - Tire/Ödemiş; Karaman - Ulukisla; Adana - Mersin.


===Rule of the road===
===Rule of the road===
Line 82: Line 94:


===Distances===
===Distances===
The detailed map listed in the [[#Web-based Maps|Web-based Maps]] section gives distances for each sttaion.
The detailed map listed in the [[#Web-based Maps|Web-based Maps]] section gives distances for each station.


==Other Railways==
==Other Railways==
None
İZBAN is the suburban system serving İzmir, owned 50% each by TCDD and İzmir Metropolitan Municipality. [http://www.izban.com.tr/Sayfalar/Anasayfa.aspx İZBAN]


==Tourist Lines==
==Tourist Lines==
Line 91: Line 103:


==Metro==
==Metro==
Ankara, İstanbul, Izmir, Bursa, Adana.
[http://ulasimbilgi.adana.bel.tr/Metro Adana]
 
[https://www.ego.gov.tr/tr/sayfa/1075/rayli-sistem Ankara] {{Turkey_VPN}}
 
[https://www.burulas.com.tr/en/rail-systems/bursaray/ Bursa]


==Tram/LRT-systems==
[https://www.metro.istanbul/en/ İstanbul]
Antalya, Bursa, Eskişehir, Gaziantep, İstanbul, İzmir, Kocaeli (Izmit), Kayseri, Konya, Samsun.


All standard gauge except Eskişehir, which is metre gauge.
[https://www.izmirmetro.com.tr/ Izmir]


==Recent and future changes==
There are also projects for metros in Konya (which ''might'' open in 2023), Gebze-Darıca and Mersin.
===Future Changes===
The Ankara - Baku train was expected to start running in August 2019, resulting in the opening to passengers of the (Kars -) Mezra - Karakale TCDD - Kartsakhi RK - Akhalkalaki line. However, timings, fares and customs arrangements have not yet been agreed. It may start running in late October but more likely not until the winter.


Tracklaying started on the 253 km Yerkoy - Sivas section of the 405 km high-speed line between Ankara and Sivas in March 2018. A contract for construction of the Kirikkale - Yerkoy section was awarded in January 2016. It is hoped that test running may start at the end of 2019.
==Tram/LRT-systems==
Antalya, Bursa, Eskişehir, Gaziantep, İstanbul, İzmir, Kocaeli (Izmit), Kayseri, Konya, Samsun. All are standard gauge except Eskişehir, which is metre gauge.


The 37.4 km İstanbul M11 express Metro line, connecting the Gayrettepe financial district and the new İstanbul Airport, is planned to be completed by the end of 2019. The 27 km İstanbul Airport – Halkali line is planned to be completed in 2020.
Some details and links are given at the [http://www.trainsofturkey.com/index.php/Urban/Urban Trains' of Turkey] site plus basic plans at the [https://urbanrail.net/as/tr/turkey.htm UrbanRailNet] Site.


It was hoped that (Sivas -) Kalin - Samsun might reopen in the spring of 2019 but November 2020 is now the target. However, that seems unlikely as faults have been discovered in the construction work and new rules on level crossings could now prevent it.
There is also a projected system in Afyon.


İstanbul Haydarpaşa was expected to reopen around the same time as the full Marmaray extension in March 2019, but has been delayed for an unknown period by the discovery of substantial archaeological remains.
==Recent and Future Changes==
===Future Changes===
====High Speed Lines====
* (Ankara –) Eskişehir – İstanbul. One section at the İstanbul end was completed during 2020 and work continues on two others. When these are complete the journey time will be reduced by half an hour.


Invitations to tender were issued for rebuilding the line from Kazlicesme to Sirkeci but cancelled in August 2018 as the quotes were deemed too expensive, so there is no prospect of passenger services at the moment.
* (Ankara –) Yenice – Afyonkarahisar – Usak – Izmir
This 503 km line diverges from the existing Ankara – Konya high speed line at Yenice, about 20 km south of Polatlı, and runs west  on a new alignment to Afyonkarahisar. It then broadly follows the existing line, but with various cut-offs and realignments to serve Uşak, Esme, Salihli and Manisa. it will reduce the route between Ankara and Izmir from 824 km to 624 km. Construction began in 2012 but was suspended in 2018 when almost 50% of the work had been completed on some sections. It was downgraded in the 2021 investment programme from “very high speed” (250 km/h) to “high standard railway” (200 km/h). Work was officially restarted at Sinanpaşa, west of Afyonkarahisar, on 30 August 2022. The first phase (Yenice – Afyonkarahisar) was planned to open in 2022! This is the most important section: not only is it the closest to Ankara but it will also the shorten the route by the greatest amount. No realistic completion date is known for the second phase (Afyonkarahisar – Uşak – Manisa – Menemen).


Istanbul Metro Line M7, on the European side, is under constuction. Kabatas-Besiktas - Mahumtbey (24.5 km) is due to open in 2018, followed by an 18.5 km extension to Esenyurt in 2020.
* Osmaneli - Yenişehir - Bursa
This 106 km  high speed line from Osmaneli (north of Eskişehir) was scheduled to be completed in 2023, but that is clearly impossible. No realistic completion date is known.


The combined road/rail Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, at the eastern end of the Bosphorus between Garipçe on the European side and Poyrazköy on the Asiatic side, was opened to road traffic on 26 August 2016. This provides a bypass round Istanbul for through traffic. However, although a double track railway line is provided, there is no railway on either side. No tender has even been invited yet for the ''Gebze Halkalı Hızlı Tren Hattı Güzergahı'' line between Halkalı on the European side and Gebze on the Asiatic side, so the target commissioning date of 2018 is completely unrealistic.  
* Ankara – Kırıkkale - Yerköy – Kayseri
A consortium has been selected to rebuild the Yerköy – Kayseri line for high speed services, reducing the route from 170 km to 142 km.


Plans for a 606 km high speed line from Izmir to Ankara have been approved. The line will pass though Afyon and meet the Ankara - Istanbul line near Polatlı. It was originally planned to be finished by 2013 but works are now expected to start in 2019.  
* Konya - Adana
The 135 km Karaman - Ulukışla section is said to be 89% complete as at January 2022, with signalling design in progress and an invitation to tender for electrification being prepared.


The 106 km Osmaneli - Yenişehir - Bursa high speed line is scheduled to be completed in 2023.  
====Other Lines====
* İstanbul - Bulgarian border
The project to upgrade the 229 km Halkalı (western suburbs of İstanbul) - Kapıkule (Bulgarian border) line was officially launched on 3 October 2019. This will be mainly a new line but part is on the existing formation. Cerkezkoy – Kapikule is being funded by the EU. Halkali – Cerkezkoy will be funded by Turkey but no money had been allocated as at February 2021. However the planned ship canal connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara poses a threat to the railway. No indication has been given as to how the line would cross the canal: both a bridge over and tunnel under the canal would require lengthy new approaches to achieve a reasonable gradient.


A new 17 km east-west cutoff is under construction between Bahce (Osmaniye province) and Nurdag (Gaziantep province) in southern Turkey. This will avoid the junction of Fevzipasa. It includes the longest tunnel in Turkey (10 km) on which boring has started, expected to be complete in 2019; trains may start in 2023. Fevzipasa will lose its importance and indeed might well close altogether as its only use would be for trains to Syria.
* İstanbul Sirkeci
The line from Kazlicesme to İstanbul Sirkeci was cut back in 2013 for construction of the cross-Bosphorus Marmaray line. A project was unveiled in September 2021 for rebuilding the 8km of line as a single track, with a footpath and bike lane on the course of the other track. On 26 February 2024, a special train conveyed president Erdogan to Sirkeci, and passenger services were expected to start before long.
* Fevzipasa bypass
A new 17 km east-west cutoff is under construction between Bahce (Osmaniye province) and Nurdag (Gaziantep province) in southern Turkey. This will avoid the junction of Fevzipasa. It includes the longest tunnel in Turkey (10 km). Boring has been completed but it is unlikely that trains will start running before 2024. Fevzipasa will lose its importance and indeed might well close altogether as its only use would be for trains to Syria.


A number of lines have no passenger trains although services may resume in the future:
====Other Projects====
*Narli - Gaziantep: understood to be closed for engineering work. The Toros Ekspresi is not running at present.
The Ankara - Baku train was expected to start running in late October 2019, resulting in the opening to passengers of the (Kars -) Mezra - Karakale TCDD - Kartsakhi RK - Akhalkalaki line. However, all international services were suspended in March 2020 owing to the pandemic. This train has not started running and the Ankara - Tehran (Transasia Express) has not resumed.
*Irmak - Çankiri - Karabük: engineering work is ongoing while the line is used for freight. However, it is unlikely to reopen to passenger traffic.


===Recent Changes===
İstanbul Haydarpaşa was expected to reopen around the same time as the full Marmaray extension in March 2019, but this was delayed by the discovery of substantial archaeological remains. Renovation of the historic station building was completed, and a permanent archaeology park will be created on the site of the southern platforms. The proposal for an entirely new Haydarpaşa station at right angles to the existing one has been dropped. A 3 platform station for high speed trains will be created on the site of the northern platforms and may open in 2024. This will certainly be a more suitable terminus for high speed trains from the south than Söğütlüçeşme, which was never originally intended for this purpose. However, the fact that the main line is single track for 45km all the way to Gebze limits the number of trains that can be run.
====2020====
Owing to the Coronavirus situation in Iran, as at 6 March TCDD has suspended the Transaysa Express (Ankara <=> Tehran) and the Van <=> Tabriz express. The Balkan Express (Istanbul Halkali <=> Sofia) was also suspended.


====2019====
The combined road/rail Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, at the eastern end of the Bosphorus between Garipçe on the European side and Poyrazköy on the Asiatic side, was opened to road traffic on 26 August 2016. This provides a bypass round Istanbul for through traffic. However, although a double track railway line is provided on the bridge, it is totally isolated and there is no railway connection on either side. No tender has even been invited yet for the ''Gebze Halkalı Hızlı Tren Hattı Güzergahı'' line between Halkalı on the European side and Gebze on the Asiatic side.
The overnight Göller Express between İzmir and Isparta started running on 25 October, thus reopening the 62km Karakuyu - Isparta branch to passengers.


A ceremony was held at Edirne on 25 September 2019 to mark the start of work on the Çerkezköy - Kapıkule section of the İstanbul Halkalı - Kapıkule high speed ​line.
===Recent Changes (Latest First)===
====2024====
The new Turistik Karaelmas Train between Ankara and Zonguldak (on the Black Sea coast) is due to start running on 12 April. This will be the first passenger service over the 293 km between Irmak, the junction on the main line east of Ankara, and Karabük since about 2009, when the service was withdrawn for modernisation work.


The overnight Ankara Express between Ankara and İstanbul (Halkalı) restarted on 5 July 2019 having been discontinued on 1 February 2012. This caused the reopening to passengers of the 182 km 'classic' line between Eskişehir and Arifiye.
====2023====
Following a ceremonial opening on 26 April, the Ankara – Kırıkkale - Yerköy – Sivas YHT (high speed line) opened to public traffic on 27 April. The only intermediate stations served at present are Kırıkkale YHT and Yozgat YHT.


The Van - Tabriz (Iran) service was extended to and from Tehran with effect from 24 June, although this may have been merely a one-off experiment. Details are unclear as at late June.
The service between Sivas and Samsun resumed on 27 April after being suspended since April 2015 south of Amasya.


Sivas station is closed from 1 April until 15 December 2019 owing to engineering work for the Ankara - Sivas high speed line. Through passenger services are diverted via the Hanli - Bostankaya freight-only line; see the Obscure Services page.  
The major earthquake in southern Turkey on 6 February caused extensive damage to the rail network in the region. As at March 2023, trains were running again with the exception of the Gaziray suburban system. As at April 2023 the Firat Ekspresi was running only between Adana and Nurdağ (east of Fevzipasa). However, '''all''' services east of Toprakkale were subsequently withdrawn on an unknown date, with the exception of Regional trains between Gaziantep and Nizip.


The Marmaray line between Halkali on the European side and Gebze in Anatolia opened on 13 March. This provides the first through rail communication between Europe and Asiatic Turkey. İstanbul Haydarpaşa terminus did not reopen at the same time.
A section of the İstanbul Metro Line 11, from Kağıthane to Havalimani (the main airport), opened on 22 January.


====2018====
İstanbul Metro Line 8 from Bostanci to Parseller (14.3km), on the eastern side of the Bosphorus, opened on 6 January. It is the first north - south line on the Asian side.
The Van - Tabriz (Iran) service resumed on 18 June, having been suspended since July 2015.


Following reopening of the 'classic' line through Ankara, services to Kars, Kurtalan and Tatvan started running from Ankara on 4 June. The service to Izmir resumed on 15 November. However, the Çukurova express to Adana did not resume; the Erciyes express between Kayseri and Adana, which had replaced it, continued running.
====2022====
The Turistik Doğu Express between Ankara and Kars restarted on 12 December.


A diesel hauled test train ran between Halkalı and Kazlıçeşme, the present terminus of the Marmaray (Istanbul suburban) line on the European side, on 23 May.
25.5km of the single track main line through Gaziantep have been quadrupled and electrified. The line reopened on 5 November, providing the 'Gaziray' suburban service between Baspinar in the NW and Taslica in the SE. Gaziantep - Nizip (30 km to the east) also reopened to local traffic on the same day.


The Başkentray (Ankara suburban) service started on 13 April, reopening the 'classic' line through Ankara closed in 2016. Ankara station was completely rebuilt and the former double track line widened as follows: Kayas - Ankara 4 tracks; Ankara - Behicbey 6 tracks; Behicbey - Sincan 5 tracks.
The 7.4 km extension of Istanbul Metro line M4 from Tavşantepe to Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı (the “alternative” airport on the Asian side) opened on 2 October.


====2017====
The Amasya - Samsun section of the Sivas - Samsun line, closed in April 2015 for rebuilding, reopened to passenger traffic on 21 June.
The Usküdar - Yamanevler section of Istanbul Metro line M5 (its first driverless metro line) opened on 16 December. Yamanevler - Cekmekoy is expected to open in mid-2018.


The new 105 km (Kars -) Mezra - Akhalkalaki (- Marabda - Tbilisi (Georgia)) line was ceremonially opened on 30 October 2017. Freight services started the following day and passenger services will follow.
The Sofia Express (Istanbul - Sofia service) resumed on 25 April, and the Bosphorus Express (the Bucureşti portion) resumed on 3 June. This is the first international service to restart since the pandemic.


Surface works on the Asian and European sides of Istanbul’s Marmaray suburban corridor reportedly resumed at the end of January following an agreement between lead contractor OHL and the government. Upgrading of the approach routes to create a 77 km high-capacity corridor between Halkali on the European side and Gebze in Anatolia has been subject to considerable delay. The revised completion date for the work is now 31 December 2018.
High speed trains were introduced on the Konya - Karaman line on 8 January. At the same time, the Toros Express (Konya - Adana), was reinstated, reopening Karaman – Ulukışla to passenger traffic.


====2016====
Sivas station, which closed on 1 April 2019 owing to engineering work for the Ankara - Sivas high speed line, appears to have reopened early in January, ending the diversion of trains via the direct Hanli - Bostankaya line.
The Kütahya - Balikesir line was reopened on 1 September after a lengthy closure for engineering work.


All services on the 'classic' line through Ankara, between Irmak (60 km east of Ankara) and Eskişehir, ceased from 11 July for engineering works on the Başkentray project, the Ankara suburban service. High speed services to/from the west were not affected.
====2021====
The Konya to Karaman section of the Konya – Ulukışla – Adana line, out of service since about 2014 for reconstruction as an electrified 2-track 200kph railway, reopened to local passenger traffic on an unknown date.


On 15 February the recently reinstated services between Çerkezköy and Kapikule / Uzunköprü were suspended. However, they were reinstated between Kapikule and Halkali on 25 July, thus reopening Çerkezköy - Halkali.
The Balikesir - Bandirma line reopened in late December, shortly before 23 December, following closure for electrification.


====2015====
The Turistik Doğu Express restarted on 15 December.
On 20 October the main line west of Istanbul was reopened between Çerkezköy and Kapikule (Bulgarian border) and between Pehlivanköy and Uzunköprü (Greek border). The line between Çerkezköy and Kazlıçeşme (end of the Marmaray line) remained without a passenger service.


All services to and from Iran (the Trans-Asya Ekspresi (Ankara - Tehran) and the Van - Tabriz train) were suspended in July 2015.
Most of the 'classic' main line services withdrawn in March 2020 because of COVID resumed on 10 July. The exceptions were international trains to Bulgaria and Iran, and the Turistik Doğu Express.


Sivas to Samsun closed for a period of 2 years from April for rebuilding.
A full high speed train service and most Regional trains (122 daily services on 20 routes) resumed on 17 May. However, 'classic' main line services were still suspended.


The Afyon A. Çetinkaya - Karakuyu - Goncali (- Izmir) line reopened to traffic on 19 January after being closed for approximately five years for engineering work. This included the introduction of services over the Goncali avoiding curve, constructed between 2007 and 2010.
A limited service of high speed trains resumed on 1 March.


On the Elazig - Muş (- Tatvan) line, a 27 km new alignment between Beyhan (km 113) and Hodan (km 140) opened in the second week of January; the old line was closed on 15 December 2014. A further alignment, at least 30 km long, is under construction further east, from east of Dik (km 173) to approximately km 208 (near Yenibasak). This is all part of the new 114 km Palu - Genc - Muş line, on which construction started in December 2011.
The first 9 km section of İstanbul LRT line T5, from Alibeyköy Cep to Cibali, was opened on 1 January.


===Older Changes===
===Older Changes===
Line 189: Line 212:
Electronic visas must be obtained in advance by means of the [https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ e-Visa Application system].
Electronic visas must be obtained in advance by means of the [https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ e-Visa Application system].


Turkey is relatively unusual in operating an internal train ferry service (freight only). The train ferry across the Bosphorus between the Istanbul stations of Sirkeci and Haydarpasa was withdrawn when rail access to these termini ceased. A ferry now operates between Tekirdag, about 100 km west of Istanbul and served by a branch from Muratli, and Derince, about 60 km south east of Istanbul, near Gebze. It has 5 rail tracks with a combined length of 800 m and can carry 58 normal length wagons. The voyage takes 8 hours, and loading and unloading each take 2 hours. This provides the only rail access between Europe and Asiatic Turkey.
Turkey is relatively unusual in operating an internal train ferry service across Lake Van in the east of the country, between Tatvan and Van. However, it carries only freight traffic The train ferry across the Bosphorus between the Istanbul stations of Sirkeci and Haydarpasa was withdrawn when rail access to these termini ceased. The train ferry between Tekirdag, about 100 km west of Istanbul, and Derince, about 60 km south east of Istanbul, was established in 2013 as a substitute for the Bosphorus ferry. However  it was withdrawn in April 2020.


===<div id="UWP"></div>Useful Words & Phrases===
===<div id="UWP"></div>Useful Words & Phrases===
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==See also==
==See also==
{{Navbox Turkey}}
{{Navbox Turkey}}
[[Category:General Information]]

Latest revision as of 09:22, 27 February 2024

Country Name

Turkey (Türkiye). The country launched a rebranding campaign in late 2021 to be known as Türkiye. The United Nations has agreed to a formal request to rename it as Türkiye.

National Railway System

Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Devlet Demiryolları, which in translation means State Railways of the Republic of Turkey. The state railway is normally abbreviated as TCDD.

National Railway Operator

Note: The links in this section can be accessed only from a Turkish IP address

In 2016 TCDD's operating activities were transferred to a stand-alone business known as Taşımacılık AŞ.

In May 2013 railway liberalisation legislation came into force, enabling private operators - in theory at least - to run services. However on 8 April 2020 the regulations were amended to allow the provision of public support for the continued operation of rail services seen as socially desirable. The 61 routes/service groups cover the majority of routes run by TCDD Taşımacılık, other than a few services deemed ‘commercial'. The main exceptions are in the southeast: Toprakkale – İskenderun, Nizip – Mardin – Nusaybin (currently not operating and marked as closed beyond Karkamış in the 2023 Network Statement), Van – Kapıköy (Iranian border) and Kars – Akyaka (– Doğakapı, on the closed border with Armenia).

Language

Turkish. Modern Turkish script is based on Latin script. However, some special characters are used for language specific sounds. Turkish is the only official language although the Turkish government accepts the language rights of the Jewish, Greek and Armenian minorities. Kurdish, spoken by 6% of the population, is not recognised as an official language.

Outside the large cities and main tourist areas, knowledge of a foreign language is rare. German and English are the languages most likely to be encountered.

See Useful Words & Phrases for some useful words & phrases related to rail travel, which phrase books etc may well not give.

Currency

Turkish Pound (Türk Lira)

UIC code

numeric 75; alpha TR

Timetable

Journey Planner

  • Domestic travel: A journey planner is now available. It comes up in Turkish but the language can be switched to English. This is intended primarily as a ticket purchasing service, but fortunately functions as a journey planner as well. If no service is found for the journey & date specified a small pop-up window saying "Kriterlerinize Uygun Sefer Bulunmamaktadır" will appear near the top of the screen.
    If a service is found a further screen will appear. Click on the 'i' in the small blue triangle to the right of the train name/description to bring up a pop-up window giving the full stopping pattern and timings of the train. Only direct trains are shown: potential passengers appear to be expected to work out their own possible connections.
  • Izmir Suburban (Banliyö) Lines Izban

Downloadable Timetable

Note: The links in this section can be accessed only from a Turkish IP address

Printed Timetable

There is no longer an official printed timetable in Turkey. Usually, train departures (and sometimes arrivals) are shown on station boards with the terminating station and the train name often being the only information. Intermediate timings etc. are frequently not given. Timetables change irregularly and without prior notice to the public but, as the timetable structure is fairly static, they at least give an indication of service frequency. The only exception is international traffic between İstanbul and Bulgaria, where timetables appear to change in line with European practice, to which BDŽ adheres.

Engineering Information

No source known.

Maps

Printed Maps

Web-based Maps

  • A useful but very basic map is available on the Seat61 website.
  • A very good detailed map is available in the 2023 Network Statement, with separate sheets for Axle Load, Electrification, Signalling and Divisional Organisation. However, see the warning in the Network Statement section below.
  • Thorsten Büker's Map of Turkey is available via wayback machine Last update August 2011 and not on the site where most of Thorsten's maps were moved to
  • A useful series of maps at various dates and enlargements are available on the Trains of Turkey website.
  • Maps and Plans - Turkey

Ticketing

The Turkish Railways online booking facility is available in English - click on 'English' at the top right if necessary. The system will book most long distance domestic trains within Turkey, including seats, couchettes and sleepers. The best guide on how to do this is on the Man in Seat 61 site > How to buy tickets. Note that sleepers and couchettes must be reserved in advance; they cannot be acquired on the train even if spare berths are available.

Sleeper and couchette tickets on the Ankara <> Tatvan (Vangölü Ekspresi) and Ankara <> Kars - (Turistik Doğu Ekspresi - sleeping cars only) and (Doğu Ekspresi - couchettes only) - are in high demand and hence difficult to obtain. They become available on line 30 days in advance and should be booked as soon as possible as they can sell out almost immediately.

In the past, coach 1 of non-YHT (non high speed) trains was unreserved and passengers could pay on the day. However, this coach is now fully reservable and penalty fares are levied on passengers without a ticket

TCDD no longer offers a network ticket. Balkan Flexipass and Interrail tickets continue to be valid.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure Authority

Under new legislation passed in April 2013, TCDD is now the infrastructure manager: TCDD Genel Müdürlüğü (TCDD General Directorate).

Network Statement

Note: The links in this section can be accessed only from a Turkish IP address

English language documents are available here:

The overall Network Statement for 2023

Detailed Documents in the Network Statement

Gauge

Standard. There appears to be some 1520 mm gauge track at Derince Liman (port) for the train ferry to Illichivs'k (Ukraine).

Electrification

25kV 50Hz.

The following lines are electrified: All high speed lines; İstanbul - Kapıkule (Bulgarian border)/Uzunköprü (Greek border); Muratli - Tekirdağ; İstanbul - Eskişehir - Ankara ('classic' line), including the Adazapari branch; Ankara - Kayas - Kayseri - Çetinkaya; Eskişehir - Kutahya - Balikesir; İzmir suburban lines (Aliağa - Çamlık); Menemen - Balikesir - Bandirma; Konya - Karaman; Boğazköprü - Ulukisla - Yenice; Adana/İskenderun - Toprakkale - Fevzipaşa - Malatya - Çetinkaya - Divriği.

The following lines are being electrified: Torbali - Tire/Ödemiş; Karaman - Ulukisla; Adana - Mersin.

Rule of the road

Right. However 95% of the non high speed network is single track.

Distances

The detailed map listed in the Web-based Maps section gives distances for each station.

Other Railways

İZBAN is the suburban system serving İzmir, owned 50% each by TCDD and İzmir Metropolitan Municipality. İZBAN

Tourist Lines

None

Metro

Adana

Ankara Note: The links in this section can be accessed only from a Turkish IP address

Bursa

İstanbul

Izmir

There are also projects for metros in Konya (which might open in 2023), Gebze-Darıca and Mersin.

Tram/LRT-systems

Antalya, Bursa, Eskişehir, Gaziantep, İstanbul, İzmir, Kocaeli (Izmit), Kayseri, Konya, Samsun. All are standard gauge except Eskişehir, which is metre gauge.

Some details and links are given at the Trains' of Turkey site plus basic plans at the UrbanRailNet Site.

There is also a projected system in Afyon.

Recent and Future Changes

Future Changes

High Speed Lines

  • (Ankara –) Eskişehir – İstanbul. One section at the İstanbul end was completed during 2020 and work continues on two others. When these are complete the journey time will be reduced by half an hour.
  • (Ankara –) Yenice – Afyonkarahisar – Usak – Izmir

This 503 km line diverges from the existing Ankara – Konya high speed line at Yenice, about 20 km south of Polatlı, and runs west on a new alignment to Afyonkarahisar. It then broadly follows the existing line, but with various cut-offs and realignments to serve Uşak, Esme, Salihli and Manisa. it will reduce the route between Ankara and Izmir from 824 km to 624 km. Construction began in 2012 but was suspended in 2018 when almost 50% of the work had been completed on some sections. It was downgraded in the 2021 investment programme from “very high speed” (250 km/h) to “high standard railway” (200 km/h). Work was officially restarted at Sinanpaşa, west of Afyonkarahisar, on 30 August 2022. The first phase (Yenice – Afyonkarahisar) was planned to open in 2022! This is the most important section: not only is it the closest to Ankara but it will also the shorten the route by the greatest amount. No realistic completion date is known for the second phase (Afyonkarahisar – Uşak – Manisa – Menemen).

  • Osmaneli - Yenişehir - Bursa

This 106 km high speed line from Osmaneli (north of Eskişehir) was scheduled to be completed in 2023, but that is clearly impossible. No realistic completion date is known.

  • Ankara – Kırıkkale - Yerköy – Kayseri

A consortium has been selected to rebuild the Yerköy – Kayseri line for high speed services, reducing the route from 170 km to 142 km.

  • Konya - Adana

The 135 km Karaman - Ulukışla section is said to be 89% complete as at January 2022, with signalling design in progress and an invitation to tender for electrification being prepared.

Other Lines

  • İstanbul - Bulgarian border

The project to upgrade the 229 km Halkalı (western suburbs of İstanbul) - Kapıkule (Bulgarian border) line was officially launched on 3 October 2019. This will be mainly a new line but part is on the existing formation. Cerkezkoy – Kapikule is being funded by the EU. Halkali – Cerkezkoy will be funded by Turkey but no money had been allocated as at February 2021. However the planned ship canal connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara poses a threat to the railway. No indication has been given as to how the line would cross the canal: both a bridge over and tunnel under the canal would require lengthy new approaches to achieve a reasonable gradient.

  • İstanbul Sirkeci

The line from Kazlicesme to İstanbul Sirkeci was cut back in 2013 for construction of the cross-Bosphorus Marmaray line. A project was unveiled in September 2021 for rebuilding the 8km of line as a single track, with a footpath and bike lane on the course of the other track. On 26 February 2024, a special train conveyed president Erdogan to Sirkeci, and passenger services were expected to start before long.

  • Fevzipasa bypass

A new 17 km east-west cutoff is under construction between Bahce (Osmaniye province) and Nurdag (Gaziantep province) in southern Turkey. This will avoid the junction of Fevzipasa. It includes the longest tunnel in Turkey (10 km). Boring has been completed but it is unlikely that trains will start running before 2024. Fevzipasa will lose its importance and indeed might well close altogether as its only use would be for trains to Syria.

Other Projects

The Ankara - Baku train was expected to start running in late October 2019, resulting in the opening to passengers of the (Kars -) Mezra - Karakale TCDD - Kartsakhi RK - Akhalkalaki line. However, all international services were suspended in March 2020 owing to the pandemic. This train has not started running and the Ankara - Tehran (Transasia Express) has not resumed.

İstanbul Haydarpaşa was expected to reopen around the same time as the full Marmaray extension in March 2019, but this was delayed by the discovery of substantial archaeological remains. Renovation of the historic station building was completed, and a permanent archaeology park will be created on the site of the southern platforms. The proposal for an entirely new Haydarpaşa station at right angles to the existing one has been dropped. A 3 platform station for high speed trains will be created on the site of the northern platforms and may open in 2024. This will certainly be a more suitable terminus for high speed trains from the south than Söğütlüçeşme, which was never originally intended for this purpose. However, the fact that the main line is single track for 45km all the way to Gebze limits the number of trains that can be run.

The combined road/rail Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, at the eastern end of the Bosphorus between Garipçe on the European side and Poyrazköy on the Asiatic side, was opened to road traffic on 26 August 2016. This provides a bypass round Istanbul for through traffic. However, although a double track railway line is provided on the bridge, it is totally isolated and there is no railway connection on either side. No tender has even been invited yet for the Gebze Halkalı Hızlı Tren Hattı Güzergahı line between Halkalı on the European side and Gebze on the Asiatic side.

Recent Changes (Latest First)

2024

The new Turistik Karaelmas Train between Ankara and Zonguldak (on the Black Sea coast) is due to start running on 12 April. This will be the first passenger service over the 293 km between Irmak, the junction on the main line east of Ankara, and Karabük since about 2009, when the service was withdrawn for modernisation work.

2023

Following a ceremonial opening on 26 April, the Ankara – Kırıkkale - Yerköy – Sivas YHT (high speed line) opened to public traffic on 27 April. The only intermediate stations served at present are Kırıkkale YHT and Yozgat YHT.

The service between Sivas and Samsun resumed on 27 April after being suspended since April 2015 south of Amasya.

The major earthquake in southern Turkey on 6 February caused extensive damage to the rail network in the region. As at March 2023, trains were running again with the exception of the Gaziray suburban system. As at April 2023 the Firat Ekspresi was running only between Adana and Nurdağ (east of Fevzipasa). However, all services east of Toprakkale were subsequently withdrawn on an unknown date, with the exception of Regional trains between Gaziantep and Nizip.

A section of the İstanbul Metro Line 11, from Kağıthane to Havalimani (the main airport), opened on 22 January.

İstanbul Metro Line 8 from Bostanci to Parseller (14.3km), on the eastern side of the Bosphorus, opened on 6 January. It is the first north - south line on the Asian side.

2022

The Turistik Doğu Express between Ankara and Kars restarted on 12 December.

25.5km of the single track main line through Gaziantep have been quadrupled and electrified. The line reopened on 5 November, providing the 'Gaziray' suburban service between Baspinar in the NW and Taslica in the SE. Gaziantep - Nizip (30 km to the east) also reopened to local traffic on the same day.

The 7.4 km extension of Istanbul Metro line M4 from Tavşantepe to Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı (the “alternative” airport on the Asian side) opened on 2 October.

The Amasya - Samsun section of the Sivas - Samsun line, closed in April 2015 for rebuilding, reopened to passenger traffic on 21 June.

The Sofia Express (Istanbul - Sofia service) resumed on 25 April, and the Bosphorus Express (the Bucureşti portion) resumed on 3 June. This is the first international service to restart since the pandemic.

High speed trains were introduced on the Konya - Karaman line on 8 January. At the same time, the Toros Express (Konya - Adana), was reinstated, reopening Karaman – Ulukışla to passenger traffic.

Sivas station, which closed on 1 April 2019 owing to engineering work for the Ankara - Sivas high speed line, appears to have reopened early in January, ending the diversion of trains via the direct Hanli - Bostankaya line.

2021

The Konya to Karaman section of the Konya – Ulukışla – Adana line, out of service since about 2014 for reconstruction as an electrified 2-track 200kph railway, reopened to local passenger traffic on an unknown date.

The Balikesir - Bandirma line reopened in late December, shortly before 23 December, following closure for electrification.

The Turistik Doğu Express restarted on 15 December.

Most of the 'classic' main line services withdrawn in March 2020 because of COVID resumed on 10 July. The exceptions were international trains to Bulgaria and Iran, and the Turistik Doğu Express.

A full high speed train service and most Regional trains (122 daily services on 20 routes) resumed on 17 May. However, 'classic' main line services were still suspended.

A limited service of high speed trains resumed on 1 March.

The first 9 km section of İstanbul LRT line T5, from Alibeyköy Cep to Cibali, was opened on 1 January.

Older Changes

For details of older changes dating back to the year 2009 see Turkey - Older General Information.

Special Notes

Many trains run every day of the week but some Ekspresi (Express) services run only every other day. Suburban services are usually subject to a different weekend schedule.

Trains can be very crowded. For all main line express trains, especially during weekends and during the school holiday period July - September, reservations are recommended. For express services on the main routes, each station served has a fixed allocation of tickets and no more are normally sold once this is exhausted. Reserved seats are not marked as such.

Punctuality of long distance trains is often low, and with the exception of a few dedicated connecting services, trains would usually not wait for possible late running feeder services. The operational practice appears to be that a train - once running late - has a lower priority than other trains still on time.

Electronic visas must be obtained in advance by means of the e-Visa Application system.

Turkey is relatively unusual in operating an internal train ferry service across Lake Van in the east of the country, between Tatvan and Van. However, it carries only freight traffic The train ferry across the Bosphorus between the Istanbul stations of Sirkeci and Haydarpasa was withdrawn when rail access to these termini ceased. The train ferry between Tekirdag, about 100 km west of Istanbul, and Derince, about 60 km south east of Istanbul, was established in 2013 as a substitute for the Bosphorus ferry. However it was withdrawn in April 2020.

Useful Words & Phrases

A few useful words & phrases related to rail travel, as phrase books etc may well not give these:

2+2 Pullman and 2+1 Pullman = seats with either 2+2 or 2+1 seating density across the width of the car.

YATAKLI = sleeping-car. On the plan, üst = upper berth, alt = lower berth. If you book 1 person, you get a whole 2-berth compartment.

Örtülü kuşetli = 4-berth couchettes. If you book 1 person, you get 1 berth in a shared compartment.

YHT = high speed train.

Tam = adult rate

çocuk = child rate = children under 12. Under 8s go free, 12 & over pay the youth fare.

genç = youth fare for anyone under 26 = 20% discount.

60-64 yaş = senior fare, 50% discount for anyone 60-64.

65 yaş = senior fare, 50% discount for anyone over 65.

Satış Sözleşmesini Okudum ve Kabul Ediyorum = "I have read & agree to the terms & conditions."

See also