Turkey - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services: Difference between revisions

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==Introduction==
==Introduction==


TCDD has not published a timetable for many years and this list is based on the public timetables contained in the TCDD website as at December 2018. Standard abbreviations are explained in [[General Information]]. In the absence of timetable table numbers, each line's TCDD ''Bölge'' (administrative/operational region) is given, namely: 1 Istanbul (Haydarpaşa), both European and Asian Turkey; 2 Ankara; 3 Izmir (Alsancak); 4 Sivas; 5 Malatya; 6 Adana and 7 Afyonkarahisar.
TCDD has not published a timetable for many years and this list is based on the public timetables contained in the TCDD journey planner website as at December 2023. It is understood that a new timetable was introduced on 10 December 2023, in line with European railways.


The TCDD website is sometimes not updated to represent the actual situation. Trains may remain on the site when they have been cancelled, curtailed or amended. Prospective passengers should check carefully any notes (which are in Turkish only) relating to trains. In rural areas and on branch lines TCDD may still operate mixed trains (''karma''). These trains are subject to alteration without prior notice, frequently on an ad-hoc basis, and arrival times may vary substantially from booked times. No reliance should be placed on the timings or days of operation of these trains, unless checked locally.
{{Standard Abbreviations}} In the absence of timetable table numbers, each line's TCDD ''Bölge'' (administrative/operational region) is given, namely: 1 Istanbul (Haydarpaşa), both European and Asian Turkey; 2 Ankara; 3 Izmir (Alsancak); 4 Sivas; 5 Malatya; 6 Adana and 7 Afyonkarahisar.
 
The TCDD website is sometimes not updated to represent the actual situation. Trains may remain on the site when they have been cancelled, curtailed or amended. Prospective passengers should check carefully any notes (which are in Turkish only) relating to trains.  
   
   
'''Travelling in the South'''  All traffic has ceased on lines which cross or run close to the Syrian border.
{{Map Refs ERA-E}} The European Railway Atlas (Regional Series) by M.G. Ball does not cover Turkey.


==Obscure services==
==Obscure services==


===Polatli avoiding line: Km.456+029 HZ – Km 5+691 HZ===
===Polatli avoiding line: Km.456+029 HZ – Km 5+691 HZ===
[''Bölge'' 2] (ERA 112C4) TR19/1
[''Bölge'' 2] (ERA–E 112C4) TR24/1


This west <==> south curve south west of Polatli connects the Eskişehir (İstanbul) and Konya high speed lines. It is used by high speed services ''(Yüksek Hizli Tren)'' between İstanbul and Konya.
This west <==> south curve south west of Polatli connects the Eskişehir (- İstanbul) and Konya (- Karaman) high speed lines. It is used by high speed services ''(Yüksek Hizli Tren)'' between İstanbul and Konya/Karaman.


===(Ankara –) Sincan – Polatli – Eskişehir – Esentepe (– İstanbul)===
===(Ankara –) Sincan – Polatli – Eskişehir – Esentepe (– İstanbul)===
[''Bölge'' 2] (ERA 112B4 - 112C4) TR19/2
[''Bölge'' 2] (ERA–E 112C4) TR24/2


There are two largely parallel lines between Sincan and Esentepe, about 30 km south of Arifiye: the original 'classic' single track Ankara – İstanbul main line and the Ankara - Eskişehir  - Arifiye high speed line. The only trains using the 'classic' line are local services between Ankara and Polatli, plus the following overnight trains.
There are two largely parallel lines between Sincan and Esentepe, which is about 30 km south of Arifiye: the original 'classic' single track Ankara – İstanbul main line and the Ankara - Eskişehir  - Arifiye high speed line. Note that the high speed line will be extended beyond Esentepe at some point. The only trains using the 'classic' line are local services between Ankara and Polatli, plus the following long distance trains.


{|  class="ostable"
{|  class="ostable"
| See note below
|  
|  
|
| 22006 İzmir Mavi  
| 22006 İzmir Mavi
| 20:00 Ankara - İzmir Basmane
| 19:00 Ankara - İzmir Basmane
|-
|-
|  
|  
Line 30: Line 32:
| 22:00 Ankara - İstanbul (Halkali)
| 22:00 Ankara - İstanbul (Halkali)
|-
|-
| See note below
|  
|  
|
| 32005 İzmir Mavi  
| 32005 İzmir Mavi
| İzmir Basmane - 05:10 Eskişehir - Ankara
| İzmir Basmane - 05:35 Eskişehir - Ankara
|-
|-
|  
|  
Line 41: Line 43:
|}
|}


'''Note''' that the İzmir services use the 'classic' line between Eskişehir and Ankara '''only'''.
'''Note''' that the İzmir services use the 'classic' line only between Ankara and Eskişehir, so only the İstanbul services cover the whole line to Esentepe.
 
===Eskişehir avoiding line (Km 2.2 – Km 310.2)===
[''Bölge'' 7] (ERA 112B4) TR24/3
 
This west <==> south curve connects the İstanbul and Afyon lines, avoiding Eskişehir station.
 
It is '''thought''' that it is used by single ended '''diesel locomotive hauled''' trains '''from''' Kütahya '''to''' Eskişehir, which reverse at the west junction and propel into the station to avoid the locomotive having to run round. This was observed on a video of train 72601 06.00 Tavşanlı to Eskişehir. '''The compilers would appreciate details of any other train observed taking this route'''.


===Alayunt triangle===
===Alayunt triangle===
[''Bölge 7''] (ERA 112B4) TR19/3
[''Bölge 7''] (ERA–E 112B4) TR24/4


All trains between Eskişehir and Afyon run via Kütahya, using the north <=> west and west <=> south curves of the triangle and calling at Alayunt Müselles when traversing the latter curve. The north <=> south curve thus has no service. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
All trains between Eskişehir and Afyon run via Kütahya, using the north <=> west and west <=> south curves of the triangle and calling at Alayunt Müselles when traversing the latter curve. The north <=> south curve thus has no service. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.


[[File:Kutahya_and_Alayunt_area_3.jpg|100px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />
[[File:Kutahya_and_Alayunt_area.png|100px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />


===Kütahya loop===
===Kütahya loop===
[''Bölge 7''] (ERA 112B4 not shown) TR19/4
[''Bölge 7''] (ERA–E 112B4, not shown) TR24/5
   
   
In order to avoid reversing, locomotive hauled trains between Eskişehir and Kütahya run via this loop line which diverges to the north, east of Kütahya, enabling them to approach the station from the west. It is always used prior to arrival at Kütahya. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
In order to avoid reversing, '''locomotive hauled''' trains between Eskişehir and Kütahya which either continue to Afyon or terminate at Kütahya run via this loop line which diverges to the north, east of Kütahya, enabling them to approach the station from the west. It is always used prior to arrival at Kütahya. Trains which are diesel units do not use the loop.
[[File:Kutahya_and_Alayunt_area_3.jpg|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />  
 
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:Kutahya_and_Alayunt_area.png|100px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />  


{|  class="ostable"
{|  class="ostable"
Line 60: Line 71:
|  
|  
| 72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi
| 72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi
| Eskişehir - 11:44 Alayunt - Denizli
| 11:10 Eskişehir - Denizli
|-
|
|
| 72602
| 09:30 Eskişehir - Kütahya
|-
|
|
| 72604
| 14:25 Eskişehir - Kütahya
|-
|-
|  
|  
|  
|  
| 72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi
| 72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi
| Denizli - 14:26 Alayunt Müselles - Eskişehir
| Denizli - 16:23 Çöğürler - Eskişehir
|}
|}


Note that the local trains 72602 and 72604 have been worked by units or railbuses in the past and may be again, in which case they would reverse at Kütahya and not use the loop.
As at December 2022, the local trains with train numbers in the range 72601 - 72608, were being worked by units, and hence reversed at Kütahya and did '''not''' use the loop. They may be locomotive hauled as at December 2023, although it is thought that the Afyon <> Eskişehir trains 72607/72608 are units again as at January 2024. '''The Compilers would greatly appreciate information on the present situation.'''


===Karakuyu loop===
===Karakuyu loop===
[''Bölge 7''] (ERA 112B3 not shown) TR19/5
[''Bölge 7''] (ERA–E 112B3, not shown) TR24/6
 
The line from Afyon divides into a balloon loop north of Karakuyu, giving two connections into Karakuyu station. One loop runs into the east end and can be used by trains between Afyon and Izmir via Goncali in order to avoid reversal. The other runs into the west end and can be used by trains between Afyon and Isparta to avoid reversal; however there are no longer such passenger services.
 
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:Karakuyu.jpg|100px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />


The line from Afyon divides into a balloon loop north of Karakuyu, giving two connections into Karakuyu station. One loop runs into the east end and can be used by trains between Afyon and Izmir via Goncali in order to avoid reversal. The other runs into the west end and can be used by trains between Afyon and Isparta to avoid reversal; however there are no longer passenger services to Isparta. Based on their timings, the following trains must use the east end loop:
Based on their timings, the following trains must use the east end loop:


{|  class="ostable"
{|  class="ostable"
Line 89: Line 95:
|  
|  
| 72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi  
| 72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi  
| Eskişehir - 15:42 Ekinova - Denizli
| Eskişehir - 16:38 Ekinova - Denizli
|-
|-
|  
|  
|  
|  
| 72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi
| 72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi
| Denizli - 10:33 Karakuyu - Eskişehir
| Denizli - 12:29 Karakuyu - Eskişehir
|}
|}


===Afyon loop===
===Afyonkarahisar loop===
[''Bölge 7''] (ERA 112B3 not shown) TR19/6
[''Bölge 7''] (ERA–E 112B3, not shown) TR24/7
 
Afyonkarahisar Ali Çetinkaya station (abbreviated hereafter to Afyon) is equipped with a loop line which leaves the station in a south-easterly direction and turns to the north-east, joining the Eskişehir line. This enables trains between Eskişehir and either of the routes to Izmir (via Uşak or via Karakuyu) to avoid reversal.
 
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:Afyon.jpg|100px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />


Afyon A. Çetinkaya station is equipped with a loop line which leaves the station in a south-easterly direction and turns to the north-east, joining the Eskişehir line. This enables trains between Eskişehir and either of the routes to Izmir (via Uşak or via Karakuyu) to avoid reversal. The loop appears to be used on departure from Afyon.
The loop appears to be used on departure from Afyon.


{|  class="ostable"
{|  class="ostable"
Line 106: Line 117:
|  
|  
| 72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi  
| 72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi  
| Eskişehir - 14:01 Afyon A.Çetinkaya - Denizli
| Eskişehir - 14:57 Afyon A.Çetinkaya - Denizli
|-
|-
|  
|  
|  
|  
| 72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi  
| 72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi
| Denizli - 12:39 Afyon A.Çetinkaya - Eskişehir
| Denizli - 14:50 Afyon A.Çetinkaya - Eskişehir
|}
|}


===Goncali triangle===
===Goncali triangle===
[''Bölge 7''] (ERA 112B3) TR19/7
[''Bölge 7''] (ERA–E 112B3) TR24/8


There is a triangle east of Goncali station whose usage is as follows:
There is a triangle south of Goncali station whose usage is as follows:
====west – south curve (Goncali - Goncali Müselles)====
====north - west curve (Goncali Goncali Müselles)====
Regional trains between Izmir/Söke and Denizli, plus
Trains between Izmir/Söke and Denizli, and also


{|  class="ostable"
{|  class="ostable"
Line 125: Line 136:
|  
|  
| 72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi  
| 72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi  
| Eskişehir - 18:38 Goncali - Denizli
| Eskişehir - 19:48 Goncali - Denizli. The train reverses at Goncalı
|}
|}


====east – west curve (Bozkurt Goncali)====
====north - east curve (Goncali Kaklık (– Çardak))====
{|  class="ostable"
{|  class="ostable"
|  
|  
|  
|  
| 72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi  
| 72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi  
| Eskişehir - 17:58 Kaklık - Denizli
| Eskişehir - 19:06 Kaklık - Denizli
|}
|}


====east – south curve (Bozkurt – Goncali Müselles)====
====east – west curve ((Çardak –) Kaklık – Goncali Müselles)====


{|  class="ostable"
{|  class="ostable"
|
|
| 32015 Göller Ekspresi
| İzmir Basmane - 04:08 Denizli – Isparta
|-
|  
|  
|  
|  
| 72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi  
| 72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi  
| 07:50 Denizli - Eskişehir
| 09:45 Denizli - Eskişehir
|}
|-
 
|  
'''Note:''' Train ''72014'' reverses at Goncalı
 
===<div id="BOGAZ_AL"></div>Boğazköprü avoiding line: Boğazköprü (Irmak Yönü BM) – Boğazköprü (Ulukışla Yönü BM)===
[''Bölge'' 2] (ERA 112C3) TR19/8
 
This west <==> south curve connects the Ankara line with the Niğde/Ulukişla line. Boğazköprü Müselles halt is located on this curve. Owing to engineering work for the Baskentray project, operation of the ''Çukurova-Ekspresi'' between  Ankara and Adana was suspended from 24 June 2016, replaced by the ''Erciyes Ekspresi'' between Kayseri and Adana. It had not restarted as at December 2018 so there is therefore no service over this curve.
<!---Note that the trains do '''NOT''' call at Kayseri: times shown at Kayseri are for a connecting minibus provided between Kayseri and Boğazköprü Müselles.
{| width="100%"
| ''21206 Çukurova-Ekspresi''
| Ankara - 01:17 Fehimli - Adana
|-
| ''61205 Çukurova-Ekspresi''
| Adana - 00:39 Incesu - Ankara
|}--->
 
===(Sivas –) Tecer (Km 649+750 Start of New Line) – Kangal – Temürün Köyü (Km 700+670 End of New Line) (– Çetinkaya)===
[''Bölge 4''] (ERA 113A4) TR19/9
 
A cut-off between Tecer and Kangal, incorporating the 5367 m Deliktaş tunnel, the longest in Turkey, opened probably in September 2012. The very tortuous old alignment is still used by the following trains, which were withdrawn on 23 February 2014 on the introduction of a new DMU service, but reinstated on 18 March 2014. They were ''karma'' (mixed) trains but are now DMUs.
 
'''Note:''' during the reconstruction of Sivas station between 1 April and 15 December 2019, these trains will use a temporary platform "next to the Tüdemsaş museum" at the east end of the station.
 
{|  class="ostable"
|
| 42603
| Divriği - 07:55 Çetinkaya - Sivas
|-
| 42604
| 15:35 Sivas - Divriği
|}
 
===Elazığ – Tatvan Gar – Tatvan İskele [Tatvan Pier]===
[''Bölge'' 5] (ERA 113B3 - 113B4) TR19/10
 
<!---Since the withdrawal of the ''Trans-Asya Ekspresi'' between Ankara and Tehran, there are no services between Tatvan Gar and Tatvan İskele.--->
Tatvan Gar is a terminus and trains are believed to propel from there to Tatvan İskele. The line between Tatvan Gar and Tatvan İskele describes three 180 degree curves. A connection links the two sides of the middle curve, forming a balloon loop. If a train has propelled to Tatvan İskele, the return working may well use this connection and reverse at its western end in order to reverse the formation to be the right way round for departure from Tatvan Gar. It seems that operation is designed to avoid running round at Tatvan Gar and Tatvan İskele if possible.
 
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
 
[[File:Tatvan.jpg|100px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />
 
 
{|  class="ostable"
| MWO
| 22012 Vangölü Ekspresi
| 11:00 TSuO Ankara - 04:39 MWO Elazığ - Tatvan Gar
|-
|  
|  
| TFSuO
| 32013 Güller Ekspresi
| 52602
| İzmir Basmane - 15:34 Denizli – Isparta
| 07:05 Elazığ - Tatvan Gar (this is a mixed train carrying freight wagons)
|-
|-
| ThO
|  Trans-Asya Ekspresi
| 14:25 WO Ankara - 07:21 ThO Elazığ - Tatvan İskele
|-
|
| TThO
| 52011 Vangölü Ekspresi
| 07:15 Tatvan Gar - Ankara
|-
|  
|  
| MWSO
|  
| 52601
| 72016 Göller Ekspresi
| 07:35 Tatvan Gar - Elazığ (this is a mixed train carrying freight wagons)
| Isparta - 01:04 Kaklık – İzmir Basmane
|-
|-
|
|  
| FO
|  
| Trans-Asya Ekspresi  
| 72012 Güller Ekspresi  
| 05:52 FO Tatvan İskele - Ankara
| Isparta - 13:36 Kaklık – İzmir Basmane
|}
|}


The ''Trans-Asya Ekspresi'' (Ankara - Tehran) operates once a week and is the only train serving Tatvan İskele. Only the through baggage car is carried on the Tatvan - Van train ferry; through passengers join the ferry on foot. <!---A local mixed ''Bölgesel Treni'' (regional train) operates three times a week between Elazığ and Tatvan Gar [Tatvan station], not Tatvan Pier.--->
'''Note:''' Goncali Müselles is a basic request halt on the avoiding line at the west junction. There is no platform or station infrastructure here.
 
===Hanli - Bostankaya===
[''Bölge 4''] (ERA 113A4) TR19/11
 
This 32 km freight-only cut-off avoiding Sivas is being used by through passenger services between Ankara and Kars, Van and Kurtalan (the Dogu, Vangolu and Guney Kurtalan expresses) whilst Sivas station is closed from 1 April until 15 December 2019 owing to engineering work for the Ankara - Sivas high speed line. Sivas passengers are conveyed by bus between Sivas and Bostankaya.


===Van İskele [Van Pier] – Van Gar – Kapiköy – Razi (Iran) Tabriz===
===Malatya avoiding line: Sitmapinar Km 247.8===
[''Bölge'' 5] (ERA 113C3) TR19/12
[''Bölge'' 5] (ERA–E 113A3) TR24/9


<!---Since the withdrawal of the ''Trans-Asya Ekspresi'' between Ankara and Tehran, there are no services between Van İskele and Van Gar.--->
This north <=> west curve links the lines from Sivas and Adana.


{| class="ostable"
When there is engineering work between Elazığ and Tatvan, the ''Vangölü Ekspresi'' from Ankara to Tatvan is terminated at Elazığ. The stock needs to be turned but there is no facility at or near Elazig to facilitate this. The train therefore runs via the Malatya avoiding line and propels into the station. The locomotive has a cab at only one end, so it runs back light engine round all three sides of the triangle and then attaches to what is now the front of the train, before continuing to Elaziğ. Note that this applies only on the outward run from Ankara to Malatya.
| ThO
| 495
| 21:25 Van İskele - Tehran
|-
|
| WO
| 494
| 21:50 Tehran - 18:30 ThO Kapiköy – Van İskele
|}


==Other sparse services==
==Other sparse services==
The following lines have few trains (relative to service levels generally in this country) - fewer than three trains each way on at least three days a week - or do not run each weekday.
The following lines have few trains (relative to service levels generally in this country) - fewer than three trains each way on at least three days a week - or do not run each weekday.
   
   
{| width="100%"  
{| class="osstable4b"
| style="width:20%"| Halkali - Çerkezköy - Kapikule - Svilengrad (Bulgaria)  
| (İstanbul, Halkali -) Çerkezköy - Edirne - Kapikule - Svilengrad (Bulgaria)
| style="width:8%"| ''Bölge'' 1  
| ''Bölge'' 1  
| style="width:13%"| (ERA 111A2 - 111C1)  
| (ERA 112B4 - 112A5)  
| style="width:59%"| One train each way per day between Halkali and Kapikule and one between Halkali and Çerkezköy.  
| One regional train each way per day between Halkali and Edirne and one each way between Halkali and Kapikule. There is now a more frequent service between Halkali and Çerkezköy, although these trains do not appear in the Bölgesel Trenler (Regional Trains) page.
The ''Istanbul-Sofia Express'' runs nightly between Halkali and Sofia. The [https://www.optimatours.de/fahrplan.php Optima Express] car carrying train runs approximately twice a week between Villach (Austria) and Edirne (Turkey).
The ''Istanbul-Sofia Express'' runs nightly between Halkali and Sofia.  
 
{{Optima Express}}
 
|-
|-
| Pehlivanköy - Uzunköprü
| (İstanbul, Halkali - Çerkezköy -) Sazlımalkoç - Uzunköprü (Greek border)
| ''Bölge'' 1
| ''Bölge'' 1  
| ERA 112A4
| (ERA 112A4)
| One train each way per day
| One regional train each way per day between Halkali and Uzunköprü
|-
|-
| Irmak - Çankiri - Karabük - Filyos - Zonguldak
| Irmak - Çankiri - Karabük - Filyos - Zonguldak
Line 271: Line 208:
| Trains are running only between Karabük and Zonguldak owing to engineering work.
| Trains are running only between Karabük and Zonguldak owing to engineering work.
|-
|-
| Boğazköprü - Niğde - Ulukışla (- Adana)
| (Kayseri -) Boğazköprü - Niğde - Ulukışla (- Adana)
| ''Bölge'' 2
| ''Bölge'' 2
|(ERA 112C3)
|(ERA 112C3)
| One train each way: the ''Erciyes Ekspresi'' between Kayseri and Adana.
| The ''Erciyes Ekspresi'', running overnight between Kayseri and Adana, is the only train over this line.
|-
|-
| Balıkesir - Bandirma Şehir
| Balıkesir - Bandirma Şehir
| ''Bölge'' 3
| ''Bölge'' 3
|(ERA 112B4)
|(ERA 112B4)
| Two trains each way, the ''6 Eylul  Ekspresi'' and ''17 Eylül Ekspresi''. Connection at Bandirma for high speed ferries to İstanbul Yenikapı.
| One train each way, the ''6 Eylül Ekspresi'' to and from İzmir. There is a connection at Bandirma for high speed ferries to İstanbul Yenikapı.
|-
|-
| Uşak - Afyon A.Çetinkaya  
| Karakuyu - Isparta
| ''Bölge'' 3
|(ERA 112B3)
| The ''Göller Ekspresi'' and ''Güller Ekspresi'' to and from İzmir are the only trains over this line.
|-
| Uşak - Afyonkarahisar Ali Çetinkaya  
| ''Bölge'' 7
| ''Bölge'' 7
|(ERA 112B3)
|(ERA 112B3)
| The ''Konya Mavi'', running overnight between Izmir and Konya, is the only train over this line
| The ''Konya Mavi'', running overnight between Izmir and Konya, is the only train over this line
|-
|-
| Afyon A. Çetinkaya - Karakuyu - Goncali
| Afyonkarahisar Ali Çetinkaya - Karakuyu
| ''Bölge'' 7
| ''Bölge'' 7
|(ERA 112B3)
|(ERA 112B3)
| The ''Pamukkale Ekspresi'' between Eskişehir and Denizli is the only train over this line.
| The ''Pamukkale Ekspresi'' between Eskişehir and Denizli is the only train over this line.
|-
|-
| Afyon – Konya
| Afyonkarahisar Ali Çetinkaya – Konya
| ''Bölge'' 7
| ''Bölge'' 7
|(ERA 112B3 - 112C3)
|(ERA 112B3 - 112C3)
| The ''Konya Mavi'', running overnight between Izmir and Konya, is the only train over this line.
| The ''Konya Mavi'', running overnight between Izmir and Konya, is the only train over this line.
|-
|-
| Karaman - Ulukışla (- Adana)
| (Konya -) Karaman - Ulukışla (- Adana)
| ''Bölge'' 6
| ''Bölge'' 6
|(ERA 112C3)
|(ERA 112C3)
| The ''Toros Ekspresi'' between Adana and Konya, is the only train over this line.
| The ''Toros Ekspresi'', between Adana and Konya, is the only train between Karaman and Ulukışla. This and the ''Erciyes Ekspresi'' are the only trains between Ulukışla and Adana.
|-
| Kütahya - Tavşanlı - Balikesir
| ''Bölge'' 7
|(ERA 112B4)
| Two trains each way, one being the ''Izmir Mavi''.
|-
|-
| Kalın - Amasya - Samsun
| (Sivas -) Kalin - Amasya Samsun
| ''Bölge'' 4
| ''Bölge'' 4
|(ERA 113A4)
|(ERA 113A4 - 113A5)  
| All services suspended since September 2015 for engineering work
| One train each way MThSO from Sivas and TFSuO from Samsun plus some locals on intermediate sections.
|-
|-
| Divriği - Erzincan - Erzurum - Kars
| Erzincan - Erzurum - Kars
| ''Bölge'' 4
| ''Bölge'' 4
|(ERA 113A4 - 113C4)
|(ERA 113B4)
| The ''Dogu Ekspresi'' runs daily between Ankara and Kars but no longer carries sleeping cars. The ''Turistik Doğu Ekspresi'', conveying sleeping cars, runs between Ankara and Kars MWFO eastbound and WFSuO westbound. A local train runs daily between Divriği and Erzincan.
| The ''Dogu Ekspresi'' runs daily between Ankara and Kars, conveying couchette cars. The ''Turistik Doğu Ekspresi'', conveying sleeping cars, runs three times a week between Ankara and Kars: MWFO from Ankara and WFSuO from Kars, until March 2024.
|-
|-
| Kars - Akyaka
| Kars - Akyaka
Line 324: Line 261:
| ''Bölge'' 5
| ''Bölge'' 5
|(ERA 113A3 - ERA 113A4)
|(ERA 113A3 - ERA 113A4)
| A daily train between Ankara and Malatya continues 5 days a week as the ''Güney Kurtalan Ekspresi'' to/from Kurtalan and 2 days a week as the ''Vangölü Ekspresi'' to/from Tatvan.
| 2/3 trains a day. A local train runs daily between Malatya and Sivas. The ''4 Eylül Mavi'' runs FSuO between Ankara and Malatya. A daily train between Ankara and Malatya continues 5 days a week as the ''Güney Kurtalan Ekspresi'' to/from Kurtalan and 2 days a week as the ''Vangölü Ekspresi'' to/from Tatvan.
|-
|-
| Yolcati - Diyarbakır - Batman - Kurtalan
| (Malatya -) Yolcati - Elaziğ - Genç - Tatvan Gar
| ''Bölge'' 5
| ''Bölge'' 5
|(ERA 113B3)
|(ERA 113B3)
| The ''Güney-Ekspresi'' runs 5 days a week between Ankara and Kurtalan. In addition there are two trains a day between Diyarbakır and Batman.
| The ''Vangölü Ekspresi'' runs 2 days a week between Ankara and Tatvan Gar. It departs Ankara on Tuesdays and Sundays (Elaziğ a day later) and Tatvan Gar on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On other days a local train runs between Elaziğ and Tatvan Gar in the same timings.
|-
|-
| Malatya - Fevzipasa
| (Malatya -) Yolcati - Diyarbakır - Batman - Kurtalan
| ''Bölge'' 5
|(ERA 113B3)
| The ''Güney-Ekspresi'' runs 5 days a week between Ankara and Kurtalan. There are two local trains a day between Diyarbakır and Batman.
|-
| Malatya - Fevzipasa - Toprakkale
| ''Bölge'' 5
| ''Bölge'' 5
|(ERA 113A3)
|(ERA 113A3)
| One train each way, the ''Firat Ekspresi'', runs daily between Elaziğ and Adana.  
| One train each way, the ''Firat Ekspresi'', ran daily between Elaziğ and Adana. THIS TRAIN IS AT PRESENT SUSPENDED OWING TO EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE
|-
|-
| Fevzipaşa – İslahiye
| Fevzipaşa – İslahiye
| ''Bölge'' 6
| ''Bölge'' 6
|(ERA 113A3)
|(ERA 113A3)
| One local train a day each way: early morning from İslahiye and late evening back.
| One local train a day ran each way: early morning from İslahiye and late evening back. THIS TRAIN IS AT PRESENT SUSPENDED OWING TO EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE
|-
| Gaziantep - Nizip
| ''Bölge'' 6
|(ERA 113A3)
| Two trains a day each way
|}
|}


==Deletions since previous edition==
==Deletions since previous edition==
{| class="dpetable3"  
{| class="dpetable3"  
| TR18/3
 
| Ankara: Gazi Mah. – Marşandiz carriage sidings
| ''Bölge'' 3
| With the restoration of the full suburban service no advertised services now run to/from the carriage sidings
| Ortaklar - Söke
| Now three trains each way a day.
|}
|}



Latest revision as of 17:21, 22 February 2024

Introduction

TCDD has not published a timetable for many years and this list is based on the public timetables contained in the TCDD journey planner website as at December 2023. It is understood that a new timetable was introduced on 10 December 2023, in line with European railways.

Standard abbreviations are explained here. In the absence of timetable table numbers, each line's TCDD Bölge (administrative/operational region) is given, namely: 1 Istanbul (Haydarpaşa), both European and Asian Turkey; 2 Ankara; 3 Izmir (Alsancak); 4 Sivas; 5 Malatya; 6 Adana and 7 Afyonkarahisar.

The TCDD website is sometimes not updated to represent the actual situation. Trains may remain on the site when they have been cancelled, curtailed or amended. Prospective passengers should check carefully any notes (which are in Turkish only) relating to trains.

Map references for each route entry are given in parentheses ( ). References prefixed "ERA-E" refer to the European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition) by M.G. Ball. The European Railway Atlas (Regional Series) by M.G. Ball does not cover Turkey.

Obscure services

Polatli avoiding line: Km.456+029 HZ – Km 5+691 HZ

[Bölge 2] (ERA–E 112C4) TR24/1

This west <==> south curve south west of Polatli connects the Eskişehir (- İstanbul) and Konya (- Karaman) high speed lines. It is used by high speed services (Yüksek Hizli Tren) between İstanbul and Konya/Karaman.

(Ankara –) Sincan – Polatli – Eskişehir – Esentepe (– İstanbul)

[Bölge 2] (ERA–E 112C4) TR24/2

There are two largely parallel lines between Sincan and Esentepe, which is about 30 km south of Arifiye: the original 'classic' single track Ankara – İstanbul main line and the Ankara - Eskişehir - Arifiye high speed line. Note that the high speed line will be extended beyond Esentepe at some point. The only trains using the 'classic' line are local services between Ankara and Polatli, plus the following long distance trains.

See note below 22006 İzmir Mavi 20:00 Ankara - İzmir Basmane
22001 Ankara Ekspresi 22:00 Ankara - İstanbul (Halkali)
See note below 32005 İzmir Mavi İzmir Basmane - 05:10 Eskişehir - Ankara
12002 Ankara Ekspresi 22:00 İstanbul (Halkali) - Ankara

Note that the İzmir services use the 'classic' line only between Ankara and Eskişehir, so only the İstanbul services cover the whole line to Esentepe.

Eskişehir avoiding line (Km 2.2 – Km 310.2)

[Bölge 7] (ERA 112B4) TR24/3

This west <==> south curve connects the İstanbul and Afyon lines, avoiding Eskişehir station.

It is thought that it is used by single ended diesel locomotive hauled trains from Kütahya to Eskişehir, which reverse at the west junction and propel into the station to avoid the locomotive having to run round. This was observed on a video of train 72601 06.00 Tavşanlı to Eskişehir. The compilers would appreciate details of any other train observed taking this route.

Alayunt triangle

[Bölge 7] (ERA–E 112B4) TR24/4

All trains between Eskişehir and Afyon run via Kütahya, using the north <=> west and west <=> south curves of the triangle and calling at Alayunt Müselles when traversing the latter curve. The north <=> south curve thus has no service. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.


Kütahya loop

[Bölge 7] (ERA–E 112B4, not shown) TR24/5

In order to avoid reversing, locomotive hauled trains between Eskişehir and Kütahya which either continue to Afyon or terminate at Kütahya run via this loop line which diverges to the north, east of Kütahya, enabling them to approach the station from the west. It is always used prior to arrival at Kütahya. Trains which are diesel units do not use the loop.

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.


72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi 11:10 Eskişehir - Denizli
72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi Denizli - 16:23 Çöğürler - Eskişehir

As at December 2022, the local trains with train numbers in the range 72601 - 72608, were being worked by units, and hence reversed at Kütahya and did not use the loop. They may be locomotive hauled as at December 2023, although it is thought that the Afyon <> Eskişehir trains 72607/72608 are units again as at January 2024. The Compilers would greatly appreciate information on the present situation.

Karakuyu loop

[Bölge 7] (ERA–E 112B3, not shown) TR24/6

The line from Afyon divides into a balloon loop north of Karakuyu, giving two connections into Karakuyu station. One loop runs into the east end and can be used by trains between Afyon and Izmir via Goncali in order to avoid reversal. The other runs into the west end and can be used by trains between Afyon and Isparta to avoid reversal; however there are no longer such passenger services.

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.


Based on their timings, the following trains must use the east end loop:

72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi Eskişehir - 16:38 Ekinova - Denizli
72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi Denizli - 12:29 Karakuyu - Eskişehir

Afyonkarahisar loop

[Bölge 7] (ERA–E 112B3, not shown) TR24/7

Afyonkarahisar Ali Çetinkaya station (abbreviated hereafter to Afyon) is equipped with a loop line which leaves the station in a south-easterly direction and turns to the north-east, joining the Eskişehir line. This enables trains between Eskişehir and either of the routes to Izmir (via Uşak or via Karakuyu) to avoid reversal.

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.


The loop appears to be used on departure from Afyon.

72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi Eskişehir - 14:57 Afyon A.Çetinkaya - Denizli
72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi Denizli - 14:50 Afyon A.Çetinkaya - Eskişehir

Goncali triangle

[Bölge 7] (ERA–E 112B3) TR24/8

There is a triangle south of Goncali station whose usage is as follows:

north - west curve (Goncali – Goncali Müselles)

Trains between Izmir/Söke and Denizli, and also

72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi Eskişehir - 19:48 Goncali - Denizli. The train reverses at Goncalı

north - east curve (Goncali – Kaklık (– Çardak))

72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi Eskişehir - 19:06 Kaklık - Denizli

east – west curve ((Çardak –) Kaklık – Goncali Müselles)

32015 Göller Ekspresi İzmir Basmane - 04:08 Denizli – Isparta
72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi 09:45 Denizli - Eskişehir
32013 Güller Ekspresi İzmir Basmane - 15:34 Denizli – Isparta
72016 Göller Ekspresi Isparta - 01:04 Kaklık – İzmir Basmane
72012 Güller Ekspresi Isparta - 13:36 Kaklık – İzmir Basmane

Note: Goncali Müselles is a basic request halt on the avoiding line at the west junction. There is no platform or station infrastructure here.

Malatya avoiding line: Sitmapinar – Km 247.8

[Bölge 5] (ERA–E 113A3) TR24/9

This north <=> west curve links the lines from Sivas and Adana.

When there is engineering work between Elazığ and Tatvan, the Vangölü Ekspresi from Ankara to Tatvan is terminated at Elazığ. The stock needs to be turned but there is no facility at or near Elazig to facilitate this. The train therefore runs via the Malatya avoiding line and propels into the station. The locomotive has a cab at only one end, so it runs back light engine round all three sides of the triangle and then attaches to what is now the front of the train, before continuing to Elaziğ. Note that this applies only on the outward run from Ankara to Malatya.

Other sparse services

The following lines have few trains (relative to service levels generally in this country) - fewer than three trains each way on at least three days a week - or do not run each weekday.

(İstanbul, Halkali -) Çerkezköy - Edirne - Kapikule - Svilengrad (Bulgaria) Bölge 1 (ERA 112B4 - 112A5) One regional train each way per day between Halkali and Edirne and one each way between Halkali and Kapikule. There is now a more frequent service between Halkali and Çerkezköy, although these trains do not appear in the Bölgesel Trenler (Regional Trains) page.

The Istanbul-Sofia Express runs nightly between Halkali and Sofia.

The Optima Express car carrying train runs via this route. The train runs once or twice per week in each direction between Villach (Austria) and Edirne (Turkey), between May and November. Foot passenger bookings may also be made.

(İstanbul, Halkali - Çerkezköy -) Sazlımalkoç - Uzunköprü (Greek border) Bölge 1 (ERA 112A4) One regional train each way per day between Halkali and Uzunköprü
Irmak - Çankiri - Karabük - Filyos - Zonguldak Bölge 2 (ERA 112C4) Trains are running only between Karabük and Zonguldak owing to engineering work.
(Kayseri -) Boğazköprü - Niğde - Ulukışla (- Adana) Bölge 2 (ERA 112C3) The Erciyes Ekspresi, running overnight between Kayseri and Adana, is the only train over this line.
Balıkesir - Bandirma Şehir Bölge 3 (ERA 112B4) One train each way, the 6 Eylül Ekspresi to and from İzmir. There is a connection at Bandirma for high speed ferries to İstanbul Yenikapı.
Karakuyu - Isparta Bölge 3 (ERA 112B3) The Göller Ekspresi and Güller Ekspresi to and from İzmir are the only trains over this line.
Uşak - Afyonkarahisar Ali Çetinkaya Bölge 7 (ERA 112B3) The Konya Mavi, running overnight between Izmir and Konya, is the only train over this line
Afyonkarahisar Ali Çetinkaya - Karakuyu Bölge 7 (ERA 112B3) The Pamukkale Ekspresi between Eskişehir and Denizli is the only train over this line.
Afyonkarahisar Ali Çetinkaya – Konya Bölge 7 (ERA 112B3 - 112C3) The Konya Mavi, running overnight between Izmir and Konya, is the only train over this line.
(Konya -) Karaman - Ulukışla (- Adana) Bölge 6 (ERA 112C3) The Toros Ekspresi, between Adana and Konya, is the only train between Karaman and Ulukışla. This and the Erciyes Ekspresi are the only trains between Ulukışla and Adana.
(Sivas -) Kalin - Amasya Samsun Bölge 4 (ERA 113A4 - 113A5) One train each way MThSO from Sivas and TFSuO from Samsun plus some locals on intermediate sections.
Erzincan - Erzurum - Kars Bölge 4 (ERA 113B4) The Dogu Ekspresi runs daily between Ankara and Kars, conveying couchette cars. The Turistik Doğu Ekspresi, conveying sleeping cars, runs three times a week between Ankara and Kars: MWFO from Ankara and WFSuO from Kars, until March 2024.
Kars - Akyaka Bölge 4 (ERA 113C4) Two local trains daily between Kars and Akyaka, on the border with Armenia.
Çetinkaya - Malatya Bölge 5 (ERA 113A3 - ERA 113A4) 2/3 trains a day. A local train runs daily between Malatya and Sivas. The 4 Eylül Mavi runs FSuO between Ankara and Malatya. A daily train between Ankara and Malatya continues 5 days a week as the Güney Kurtalan Ekspresi to/from Kurtalan and 2 days a week as the Vangölü Ekspresi to/from Tatvan.
(Malatya -) Yolcati - Elaziğ - Genç - Tatvan Gar Bölge 5 (ERA 113B3) The Vangölü Ekspresi runs 2 days a week between Ankara and Tatvan Gar. It departs Ankara on Tuesdays and Sundays (Elaziğ a day later) and Tatvan Gar on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On other days a local train runs between Elaziğ and Tatvan Gar in the same timings.
(Malatya -) Yolcati - Diyarbakır - Batman - Kurtalan Bölge 5 (ERA 113B3) The Güney-Ekspresi runs 5 days a week between Ankara and Kurtalan. There are two local trains a day between Diyarbakır and Batman.
Malatya - Fevzipasa - Toprakkale Bölge 5 (ERA 113A3) One train each way, the Firat Ekspresi, ran daily between Elaziğ and Adana. THIS TRAIN IS AT PRESENT SUSPENDED OWING TO EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE
Fevzipaşa – İslahiye Bölge 6 (ERA 113A3) One local train a day ran each way: early morning from İslahiye and late evening back. THIS TRAIN IS AT PRESENT SUSPENDED OWING TO EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE
Gaziantep - Nizip Bölge 6 (ERA 113A3) Two trains a day each way

Deletions since previous edition

Bölge 3 Ortaklar - Söke Now three trains each way a day.

See also