Ankara to Istanbul Train

11/21/2024
+ Add return
Stay with Booking.com

Find the cheapest ticket for your trip

Secure your ticket today and get the best deals!

Today $12.35
Tomorrow $12.35
2 days $12.44
3 days $12.35

Ankara to Istanbul by train

The journey from Ankara to Istanbul by train is 218.94 mi and takes 4 hr 29 min. There are 33 connections per day, with the first departure at 6:00 AM and the last at 10:00 PM. It is possible to travel from Ankara to Istanbul by train for as little as $12.29 or as much as $16.88. The best price for this journey is $12.29.

Lowest Price $12.29
Journey Duration 4 hr 29 min
Connection per Day 33
Lowest Price $12.29
Highest Price $16.88
First Departure 6:00 AM
Last Departure 10:00 PM
Distance 218.94 mi
Departure Ankara
Arrival Istanbul
Carriers TCDD

Ankara to Istanbul Train Times

Departure date
Thursday, Nov 21, 2024

Train from Ankara to Istanbul

The train from Ankara to Istanbul last on average 4 hr 29 min. Around 33 depart daily between Ankara and Istanbul.  The average price is about $15.09, and the the lowest ticket pricing starts at around$12.29.

Your journey will start at Ankara Gar, the central railway station in Ankara is located in the center. And your trip can end at one of the following stations in Istanbul:

  1. Söğütlüçeşme Located just 1.2 miles east of historic Haydarpasa Station, Söğütlüçeşme is the new terminal for YHTs as of March 13th, 2019; travelers can view a station location map to find their destination quickly and easily.
  2.  Bakırköy and Halkali - Commuters traveling between Ankara and Istanbul can now reap the benefits of two daily services, one YHT and Ankara Express, which extend through Marmaray Tunnel beneath the iconic Bosphorus to Bakırköy or Halkali on Istanbul's western suburbs.


The line from Ankara to Istanbul  is operated by Turkish Railways (TCDD). There are two different types of trains that will take you there.

  1. YHT or Yüksek Hızlı Treni are high-speed trains that reach 250 km/h. It departs from Ankara Gar station approximately every hour and offers a comfortable ride in Business and Economy classes. Keep in mind that there will be a quick ticket check and an X-ray check of the baggage, so try to be there 20 min earlier if possible.
  2. ANKARA EXPRESS is a sleeper train. You can pick between compartments with one or two beds and Pullman seats. Each couchette is air-conditioned and can transform into a sitting car during the day. Turkish Railways will provide you with a bedding-one less worry on your mind! It leaves Ankara every day at (22.00) and arrives in Istanbul at (06.45) in the morning.

The high-speed trains from Ankara to Istanbul offer a fast, modern journey with up to 33 daily departures. One of the biggest features of any train you pick is the spectacular views as you travel across Turkey's vast landscape. Another reason to take this route might be worth considering if only traveling by train.

So, if you're planning to take the train from Ankara to Istanbul, let us help you plan it. We check thousands of destinations across rail, bus, and flight to help you find the best price. Check out our handy price calendar below, where you can see the best prices across all modes of transport between Ankara to Istanbul.

Show full descriptionHide full description

Compare prices and tickets from Ankara to Istanbul

Cheap train tickets from Ankara to Istanbul
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from Ankara to Istanbul.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Ankara to Istanbul, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Ankara to Istanbul.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book Ankara to Istanbul travel

Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average

Price as departure date approaches

Train companies may charge higher ticket prices as the date of departure approaches. Prices in the next days can range from around $10.95 to $12.63 but may be subject to change. Our advice is to book as early as possible to potentially save up to 13% on your trip!

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Ankara to Istanbul

The cheapest Ankara - Istanbul train tickets can be found for as low as $10.05 if you’re lucky, or $11.07 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $12.05.

Find the best day to travel to Istanbul by train

When travelling to Istanbul by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Services on board TCDD from Ankara to Istanbul
Compare services on board when travelling from Ankara to Istanbul by train.
Facilities TCDD
quiet_zone Quiet zone check
wifi WiFi check
power_sockets Power sockets check
luggage Luggage check
accessibility Accessibility check
food_and_drink Food and drink check
air_con Air conditioning check
bicycle Bicycle check
sleeper_couchette Sleeper check

Ankara to Istanbul CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
24.66kg
Bus
26.43kg
Flight
70.47kg
Car
56.38kg
What are the CO2 emissions from Ankara to Istanbul by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between Ankara and Istanbul are 24.66kg.
How much CO2 do I save by taking the train between Ankara and Istanbul? By taking the train between Ankara and Istanbul you will save 45.81kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 1.77kg compared to a bus and 31.72kg compared to a car.

Anything we can improve?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a train ticket from Ankara to Istanbul?
A train ticket from Ankara to Istanbul is $15.09. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as $12.29.
What's the cheapest train ticket from Ankara to Istanbul?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Ankara to Istanbul is $12.29. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between Ankara and Istanbul by train?
Ankara to Istanbul is 218.94 mi.
How long does the train between Ankara and Istanbul take?
Ankara to Istanbul is on average 4 hr 29 min. However the fastest option will get you there in 3 hr 38 min.
How many train connections per day go from Ankara to Istanbul?
Ankara to Istanbul has 33 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first train from Ankara to Istanbul leave?
The earliest train from Ankara to Istanbul departs at 6:00 AM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last train from Ankara to Istanbul depart?
The latest train from Ankara to Istanbul departs at 10:00 PM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from Ankara to Istanbul in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest train ticket we have found is $12.29 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
How many direct connections depart from Ankara to Istanbul?
There are on average 33 direct connection(s) from Ankara to go to Istanbul.
What's the fastest journey time between Ankara to Istanbul by train?
The fastest journey time by train between Ankara and Istanbul is 3 hr 38 min.
Is there a direct train from Ankara to Istanbul?
Yes, there is a direct train between Ankara and Istanbul.
What are the CO2 emissions for Ankara to Istanbul by train?
The train journey from Ankara to Istanbul creates 24.66kg of CO2 emissions.

Go local from Ankara

Trending routes

Weekend getaways from Ankara

Other destinations from Ankara

Main routes to Istanbul

Related routes

Other popular routes