General Information
The Ankara Express from Ankara to İstanbul (Halkalı). The Ankara Express Service started its on 01/07/2019 and runs every day. The train departs from Ankara and İstanbul at 22.00. The train consists of normal seat (Pulman) coaches and sleeping bed (yataklı) coaches and a dining car. There are 10 compartments in the sleeping bed coach and 2 people can travel in 1 compartment. The journey takes approximately 8 hours and 40 minutes.
Main Stopping Points
Ankara
The nation’s capital, Ankara is a thriving city with a mix of government workers, university students, bankers and doctors populating the city. The city is home to a few notable tourist attractions. Situated on the hilltop overlooking the city is Ankara Castle and the old town lies inside its walls. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is situated beneath the castle walls and houses the largest collection of Hittite artefacts in the world as well as a staggering array of other pieces. It is well worth a visit.
Eskişehir
The name, which translates as “Old City” is ironic nowadays because the city is famous for its youth culture and student population. Home to two of Türkiye’s largest Universities, Eskişehir is often referred to as ‘Student City’.
İzmit
An important city in Roman times it is now a prosperous industrial centre. The Saatçi Efendi Konak, a restored typical l8th century Ottoman mansion, now serves as the Ethnography Museum. Hereke, west of İzmit, is a major carpet making centre. Renowned throughout the world for their beauty and quality, these carpets fetch the highest prices in İstanbul's bazaars.
İstanbul
With a unique location straddling two continents Asia and Europe, İstanbul is the geographical and metaphorical bridge between the East and the West. It has been home to a vast array of different civilizations and boasts some stunning natural riches.