How to Use High Speed Rail (Fast Train) During My Turkey Tour?
Yuksek Hizli Tren in Turkish and known as Fast Train Line of Turkey abbreviated as YHT. The fast train line is supported financially by TCDD Transportation company (known as Turkish State Railways) and the government to enlarge the net of the railroad and increase transportation with train in every corner of Turkey.
YHT Network And Routes in Turkey
Currently, the High-Speed Train (YHT) network serves Istanbul (both Asian and European sides), Ankara, Konya, Eskisehir, Bilecik, Kocaeli (Izmit), Sakarya (Arifiye), Karaman, Yozgat, and Sivas. The network continues to grow as Turkey invests in modern railway infrastructure. This line is connected with Marmaray Tunnel under Bosphorus Strait to get to the European side of Istanbul city.
Started operating in 2009 with the attendance of President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan today it's expanding the network.
Today the YHT network exceeds 2,200 km and continues to expand with new routes and infrastructure projects across Turkey. The speed of high-speed rail is between 250-300 km per hour can be converted to 160- 190 miles per hour.
However, please note that in some areas this speed is limited to 120 km per hour due to safety reasons. If you are a rail buff you will definitely love this journey.
Train Services And Passenger Facilities
YHT trains operate frequent daily services between major cities in Turkey. Schedules may vary depending on the season and operational requirements.
Trains offer first class, business class, and economy class service which is available between all cities that's on the net.
Tickets are available between Istanbul - Ankara Cities which takes around 4 hours 30 minutes, Ankara - Konya with a duration of 4 hours 30 minutes, and Ankara - Konya which takes 2 hours. Catering service is available on the train for guests who prefer having snacks on their journey.
All cars are designed with disabled access so every passenger can easily get to the train. On every train 2 seats are available for wheelchairs and responsible staff will help from station till train to each guest.
Do Foreign Visitors Need Special Documents?
Foreign visitors can purchase tickets using their passport information. No HES code is required.
How Can You Book the Fast Train (High-Speed Rail) Tickets?
You can visit the official website of TCDD to book your ticket in person and a TC identity card or your passport will be enough instead of printed tickets. Please remember that an original passport is required to get to the train otherwise passport copy is not accepted.
You can start your journey in Halkali, Bakirkoy, Sogutlucesme, Bostanci and Pendik. Within 5 hours you will get to Ankara city and see highlights of the city in one day. Taking an early morning train is suggested if you would like to embrace the capital city of Turkey. Ankara Castle, Mausoleum of Ataturk (founder of modern, secular Turkish Republic), and Anatolian Civilizations Museum are the most important highlights of the city.
If you have the bug we definitely suggest you visit the Chess Museum of the city, it holds a rich collection of chess from different countries and time periods of time, you will definitely have a star in your eyes.
After an overnight stay in Ankara, you can get an early morning train to Konya city. Upon arrival to the station in the city center, your first stop should be Mevlana Museum which is also known as Green Tomb.
Famous Islamic philosopher of his era and with all-embracing/welcoming ideology had produced a worldly known book of Mesnevi.
The second stop of your tour can be Alaaddin Hill and the castle of the ancient town adorned with symmetrical examples of art. In order to see ceramic examples of the Seljuk State, you can visit Karatay Madrasah Museum and wooden-stone art examples can be seen in Ince Minare Madrasah Museum.
As all these sites are within 10 minutes walking distance from each other you will have enough time to taste local food such as 'etliekmek and tender kebab.
An overnight stay is suggested if you would like to join our Private Catalhoyuk Tour to witness Neolithic age relics and archaeological site, otherwise, you can fly back to Istanbul or use the afternoon train which will take 4 hours 30 minutes back to Istanbul.
FAQ
How Much Does a YHT Ticket Cost in Turkey?
YHT ticket prices depend on the route, travel date and class selected. As of 2026, Economy Class tickets usually start from approximately 500–1,500 TRY on popular routes such as Istanbul–Ankara and Istanbul–Konya. Business Class tickets cost more. Prices may change throughout the year. It is recommended to check the official TCDD website for current fares.
Is The High-Speed Train Better Than Flying in Turkey?
For routes such as Istanbul–Ankara and Ankara–Konya, many travelers prefer the train because city-center stations are easier to reach than airports. The journey is comfortable and avoids long airport procedures.
Can Tourists Use The YHT High-Speed Train?
Yes. Foreign visitors can easily travel on YHT trains using their passport. Tickets can be purchased online, through the mobile application or at train stations.
Where Can I Buy YHT Tickets?
Tickets can be purchased through the official TCDD website, the TCDD mobile application, railway stations and authorized ticket offices throughout Turkey.
Please feel free to contact our professional team for assistance in process of planning your Turkey tour.