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Ankara to Istanbul Train
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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 | TCDD 33 |
Lowest Price | TCDD $12.29 |
Highest Price | TCDD $16.88 |
First Departure | TCDD 6:00 AM |
Last Departure | TCDD 10:00 PM |
Distance | TCDD 218.94 mi |
Departure | TCDD Ankara |
Arrival | TCDD Istanbul |
Carriers | TCDD TCDD |
Ankara to Istanbul Train Times
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Compare prices and 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.
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!
Ankara to Istanbul CO2 Emissions by Train
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