General Information
The Southern Express from Ankara to Kurtalan. The Southern Kurtalan Express started its first voyage on 02/06/1957. It consists of 7 coaches with a capacity of 300 people. The train consists of 4 normal seat (Pulman) coaches, 1 sleeping couchette (kuşet) coach, 1 bed (yataklı) coach and a dining car. There are 10 compartments in the couchette wagons and 4 people can travel in each compartment. Bed sheet, cover and pillow are provided. The seats in the compartment can be used as beds when desired. There are 10 compartments in the sleeping bed coach and 2 people can travel in 1 compartment. The dining car has 14 tables, seating ranging from 47 to 52.
The Southern Kurtalan Express is operated between Ankara-Kurtalan-Ankara 5 days a week. From Ankara (at 10.55); on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from Kurtalan Station (at 08.00); on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The journey takes approximately 24 hours.
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.
Kayseri
Kayseri is the gateway to Cappadocia. The moonscaped region of Cappadocia, southeast of Ankara, is most famous for its unique geological features called fairy chimneys. The large, cone-like formations were created over time by erosion of the relatively soft volcanic ash around them. Past cultures have dug into them to create dwellings, castles (like Uçhisar) and even entire underground cities like Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu
Sivas
An important trade centre during the Middle Ages, Sivas stood on the caravan routes to Persia and Baghdad. Between 1142 and 1171 it was the capital of the Danişmend Emirs and was an important urban centre during Seljuk rule.
Malatya
Malatya is renowned its delicious local apricots. It is a region that has been highly prized throughout history and was first settled by the Hittites according to historical sources. The older name of Melita was written on the tablets of that civilization and the modern name of Malatya is a derivation of this.
Diyarbakır
Diyarbakır is a city with about one million inhabitants and with a long history. The old town has most of the attractions for visitors. There is plenty to see in this city: the Archaeology Museum, housed in a former prison, the Diyarbakir Grand Mosque, built in the 11th century, the oldest in Türkiye, the Armenian church of St. George…
Kurtalan
Siirt boasts many beautiful districts. Kurtalan, the previous name of which was Garzan, is fairly remote although the Kurtalan Express train carries its passengers silently to the station there.