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Ankara to Bitlis Trains

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Ankara to Bitlis Train Tickets & Timetable

The Ankara to Bitlis route is served by the Vangolu Express, offering various train ticket options and classes including Pullman and Couchette. Departing from Ankara Station, the train makes many stops at regional stations before reaching Tatvan, the gateway to Bitlis. It is recommended to book tickets online in advance to secure the best prices and ticket availability. The price range for a one-way ticket is approximately 520-750 TRY (around $16-24 USD). For accurate timetable information, current departures, and train times, use the search page to find options and purchase tickets.

How to Book Train Tickets Online from Ankara to Bitlis

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Flexible Exchanges & Cancellations

We offer flexible exchange and cancellation policies for added convenience. Easily adjust your travel plans if needed, and modify your Ankara to Bitlis train tickets based on availability and Turkish Railways fare conditions.

24/7 Human Customer Support

Get assistance from our human support team, available 24/7 to answer your questions or assist with your online ticket booking. We're here to ensure the easiest booking experience for your journey across Turkey.

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Rail Monsters provides official tickets for the Ankara to Bitlis route, ensuring a reliable and authorized booking experience. With just a few clicks, you can confirm and purchase your tickets online through our platform.

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Enjoy a safe booking process with multiple payment options, including credit cards and other digital payment methods. Our online booking system offers secure transactions when you buy Ankara to Bitlis tickets.

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Ankara to Bitlis Route Overview

The journey from Ankara to Bitlis by rail is a scenic long-distance trek spanning over 1,000 kilometers across Turkey. Operating usually twice a week, the Vangolu Express connects the capital to the eastern provinces. Travelers can enjoy views of the Anatolian landscape, including canyons and mountains. The trip takes roughly 24 to 26 hours. Seating options include standard Pullman seats or shared compartments with beds, suitable for budget-conscious travelers and those interested in classic rail journeys.

Travel time

34m

Train type

Anahat

Fastest trip

24m

Longest trip

37m

Ankara

Ankara - The administrative center and capital of Turkey, home to the Ataturk Mausoleum and the historic Ankara Castle. It is the primary transport hub for the national rail network.

Ankara Station

Polatlı YHT

Eryaman Yht

Sincan

Polatli

34m

Bitlis

Bitlis - An ancient city in eastern Turkey known for its Islamic architecture and stone houses. It serves as a base for visiting the shores of Lake Van and the Nemrut Crater.

Tatvan Station

Station

Available Ticket Classes

On the Ankara to Bitlis route, the Vangolu Express typically offers Pullman class, which features standard reclining seats, and Couchette class, which provides shared compartments where seats convert into bunks for the overnight portion of the journey. Some services may include a dining car for refreshments.

from

$3537

Economy Class

Practical Information for Vangolu Express Travelers

Luggage Guidelines on Turkish long-distance trains. Traveling from Ankara to Bitlis involves specific rules for carry-on and large items to maintain safety and order on board.

Luggage Allowance

Passengers can bring hand luggage that fits within the overhead racks or under-seat areas. While there is no strict weight scale for every passenger, items should be manageable by the traveler and not block aisles or exits.

Storage Facilities

Vangolu Express trains provide overhead storage in Pullman cars and luggage areas within the couchette compartments. Dedicated spaces for larger suitcases are available near the entrance of most passenger cars.

Special Items

For large musical instruments or bulky sports gear, space can be limited. It is best to pack items securely and arrive at Ankara station early to ensure your belongings are placed in available storage sections.

Average rating & reviews

4.7

Among mobile stores and search platforms

4.7

Among mobile stores and search platforms

Easy purchase and process

We went from Tokyo station to Hiroshima for the first time. We bought our tickets online, printed the tickets and had no issues. Great experience

Denise Harston

Thank you very much for your support

Even with very short time frame you suceeded to change our tickets. We are very gratefull. You are the best.

Mitja Bostner

Thank you, David!

Could not thank David from Rail Monsters enough, i made a couple of errors in my booking for japan and he fixed them asap with no hassle, customer service A1

Alan

Local Guide

Wonderful trip from Tokyo to Kyoto. Excellent service.

Marius-Adrian Nicoara

Very kind and helpful staff

Very kind and helpful staff who were very diligent and thorough in helping secure tickets for a sold out train. Thank you so much!

Allison Makhoul

Ankara to Bitlis Map

Plan your trip between Ankara and Bitlis via the Vangolu Express. The route travels through central Anatolia, passing cities like Kayseri, Sivas, and Malatya. As the track progresses east, the terrain becomes more mountainous, crossing the Euphrates river and moving toward the Eastern Taurus range. The journey concludes near Tatvan, where passengers can take transport to Bitlis city center. This rail trip provides a comprehensive view of Turkey's changing geography.

Rail vs Bus vs Plane

Train

Changes

Travel time

Price from

Departures

Rating

Train

Changes

Direct

Travel time

35m

Price from

$17

Departures

Rating

Rail travel on the Vangolu Express offers a scenic landscape experience and more space than long-distance buses. Buses are available daily and take approximately 14-16 hours, while flights to nearby Mus or Van airports take roughly 1.5 hours plus transfer times. While flying is faster, the train remains the preferred choice for those wishing to see the country's geography at a lower cost than air travel.

Plus, it’s a greener choice, reducing your carbon footprint

Travel time

Price range

Travel time

Price range

Travel time

Price range

Winner

Train

Apprx.

34m

$17-$17

Bus

Apprx.

15h 0m

$25-$40

Flight

Apprx.

1h 35m

$45-$110

Ankara to Bitlis Train

The train service from Ankara to Bitlis is operated by the Vangolu Express, a conventional long-distance train, not a high-speed line. It travels at speeds of up to 100-120 km/h (62-75 mph) on modernized sections, though average speeds are lower due to the mountainous terrain. The journey covers over 1,000 km (621 miles). Passengers can choose between Pullman seating or Couchette beds. While it is not a 300 km/h service, it provides a stable and reliable method to cross Turkey without the restrictions of a bus or the expense of a flight.

Anahat

Discover Turkey's Anahat train, offering comfort at up to 200 km/h.

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Cities at Both Ends

Ankara, the capital of Turkey, is a modern metropolis with deep roots in history, including Roman ruins and the Republic-era monuments. From Ankara Station, you head east past the salt plains of Anatolia towards Bitlis. Bitlis is famous for its 5-minaret mosques and its strategically built castle on a volcanic outcropping. Arriving in this region allows access to the expansive Lake Van and the historical sites of Ahlat. The departure from Ankara and arrival in the Bitlis region showcases the cultural diversity of Turkey.

Ankara

The capital of Turkey, known for its museums and government buildings.

FAQ about the Ankara - Bitlis Route

Is there a high-speed train to Bitlis?

No, there is currently no high-speed rail service to Bitlis. High-speed lines in Turkey currently reach as far as Sivas, but the final leg to Bitlis is served by conventional equipment designed for mountain terrain.

Which train goes to Bitlis from Ankara?

The Vangolu Express is the primary service on this route. It is a classic long-distance train operated by TCDD Tasimacilik that connects the capital with the Tatvan/Bitlis region.

How much is the train from Ankara to Bitlis?

A train ticket for the Vangolu Express from Ankara to Bitlis typically costs between 650 and 1,050 TRY (20 USD - 33 USD) depending on the seat type and booking time. Couchette compartments are more expensive than Pullman seats. You can check the latest prices on the Rail Monsters website.

How long is the rail journey from Ankara to Bitlis?

The trip usually takes between 24 and 26 hours. This is a long-distance service that covers most of Turkey from west to east, so travelers should plan for a full day and night on the train.

Learn more information at our

Country Guide