General Information
The Lake Van Express operates between Ankara-Tatvan-Ankara twice a week. It departs from Ankara on Tuesday and Sunday, and from Tatvan on Tuesday and Thursday. The Lake Van Express has a carrying capacity of 300 people and is made up of 7 coaches. These are comprised 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 train runs between Ankara and Tatvan in about 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.
Elazığ
Elazığ is one of the most developed cities of the region. The city is getting a name in the field of alternative tourism. From prehistoric times, many civilizations have lived in Elazığ and dozens of cultural treasures have survived until today. As well as being a city that is becoming more important in terms of trade Elazığ is worth visiting for its natural beauty.
Tatvan
Nemrut Ski Centre in Tatvan district is a popular winter resort with one of the longest skis runs in Türkiye. At one side of the resort is the world's second largest Crater Lake and the beautiful Lake Van is on the other side. From Tatvan on the western shore of Lake Van (25km northeast of Bitlis) you can take a passenger and train ferry to Van across the waters of the lake.