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Istanbul to Ankara Trains

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Route overview

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Istanbul to Ankara High-Speed Train Tickets & Timetable

The Istanbul to Ankara YHT (Yuksek Hizli Tren) offers various train ticket options and classes including Economy and Business. Departing from stations such as Sogutlucesme or Halkali, the train makes key stops at Gebze and Eskisehir. 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 470-750 TRY (around $15-24 USD). Our online schedule provides real-time updates on Istanbul to Ankara departures, train times, and current prices.

29May

Seats

Istanbul

Ankara

Each ticket has information about

Departure Time

Travel time

Arrival Time

Changes

Brand name / Train type

Ticket price

Morning trains

06:00

IstanbulSogutlucesme

4h 16m

10:16

AnkaraEryaman Yht

Secondary station

Direct

High-speed

YHT 81002

from

4325 USD

4h 16m, Direct

06:00

IstanbulSogutlucesme

10:16

AnkaraEryaman Yht

Secondary station

from

4325 USD

Direct

High-speed

YHT 81002

06:00

IstanbulSogutlucesme

4h 30m

10:30

AnkaraAnkara Station

Direct

High-speed

YHT 81002

from

4531 USD

4h 30m, Direct

06:00

IstanbulSogutlucesme

10:30

AnkaraAnkara Station

from

4531 USD

Direct

High-speed

YHT 81002

First train

05:30

Last train

23:33

Travel duration

4h 37m

Daily departures

124

Departure station

Istanbul

Changes

direct

Arrival station

Ankara

Ticket price

$16

How to Book Train Tickets Online from Istanbul to Ankara

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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 are here to ensure the simplest booking process for your Turkish rail travel.

Flexible Exchanges & Cancellations

We offer flexible exchange and cancellation policies for added convenience. Easily adjust your travel plans if needed and modify your Istanbul to Ankara YHT tickets based on availability and fare conditions.

Secure Payment Options

Enjoy a safe booking process with multiple payment options, including credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Our online ticket system offers secure transactions when you buy Istanbul to Ankara tickets.

Book Official Tickets Easily

Rail Monsters provides official tickets for the Istanbul to Ankara high-speed line, ensuring a reliable booking experience. With just a few clicks, you can confirm and purchase your tickets online and receive an electronic ticket for your journey.

Why Book Istanbul to Ankara Train Tickets with Rail Monsters?

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Istanbul to Ankara Route Overview

The high-speed line between Istanbul and Ankara is the primary rail link connecting Turkey's largest city with its capital. The journey typically takes between 4 hours 15 minutes and 5 hours, depending on the number of intermediate stops. Trains run multiple times daily, offering a reliable alternative to domestic flights. Passengers can choose between Economy and Business classes, with the latter providing larger seats and additional services. The route traverses the Anatolian landscape, passing through industrial hubs and agricultural plains.

Travel time

4h 37m

Train type

Anahat

YHT

Fastest trip

3h 12m

Longest trip

8h 51m

Istanbul

Istanbul - Turkey's largest city bridging Europe and Asia. Key rail terminals include Sogutlucesme on the Asian side and Halkali on the European side.

Sogutlucesme

Pendik

Bostancı

Halkali

Bakirkoy

4h 37m

Ankara

Ankara - The capital city of Turkey and a major political hub. The main arrival point is the modern Ankara YHT Gar station in the city center.

Ankara Station

Polatlı YHT

Eryaman Yht

Sincan

Polatli

Available Ticket Classes

On the Istanbul to Ankara route, travelers can select between Economy and Business Class. Business Class features 2+1 seating for more space, while Economy offers a 2+2 layout. Some services include a cafeteria car for snacks and beverages. Seat reservation is mandatory for all high-speed services in Turkey.

from

$3368

Economy Class

from

$6249

Business class

from

$6480

Private Compartment

from

$12772

Sleeper Car

Practical Information for YHT Travelers

Luggage Guidelines on Turkish High-Speed Trains. Traveling on the YHT involves specific rules for carry-on items to maintain safety and space on board.

Luggage Allowance

Passengers are permitted to bring compact luggage that fits into the overhead racks or designated floor storage areas. While there is no strict weight limit enforced like at airports, items must be manageable by the passenger and not block aisles.

Storage Facilities

YHT trains feature overhead compartments above seats for small bags and coats. Larger suitcases should be placed in the luggage racks located at the entrance of each carriage to ensure the cabin remains clear during travel.

Prohibited Items

Dangerous goods, flammable materials, and large equipment that obstructs movement are restricted. Bicycles are generally allowed only if they are foldable and stored in a carrier bag during the journey.

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

Istanbul to Ankara Map

Plan your trip between Istanbul and Ankara on the high-speed rail line. The route departs from Istanbul's Asian or European side, crossing through Kocaeli and Sakarya before reaching the central Anatolian plateau. The train stops at major junctions like Eskisehir, a significant university city. This transport corridor is the backbone of the Turkish state railways (TCDD) network, connecting the Marmara region to central Turkey.

Rail vs Bus vs Plane

Train

Changes

Travel time

Price from

Departures

Rating

Train

YHT

Changes

Direct

Travel time

4h 6m

Price from

$19

Departures

2146

Rating

Train

Changes

Direct

Travel time

7h 27m

Price from

$16

Departures

402

Rating

Rail travel on the YHT provides a balance of speed and city-center access, avoiding the long commutes to Istanbul's distant airports. While planes offer a shorter flight time, total transit including security and transfers often equals the train's duration. Buses are the most frequent and cheapest option but take significantly longer due to highway traffic and multiple stops along the route.

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.

4h 37m

$16-$63

Bus

Apprx.

6h 30m

$12-$25

Flight

Apprx.

1h 5m

$30-$95

Istanbul to Ankara High-Speed Train

The YHT service on the Istanbul to Ankara route reaches speeds of up to 250 km/h (155 mph). This high-speed train significantly reduces travel time compared to traditional regional rail services which took over 8 hours. The most frequent service is the standard YHT, which connects the two cities in roughly 4.5 hours. All trains feature modern air-conditioned carriages and power outlets. Business class passengers receive enhanced seating and may have access to meal services on specific departures.

Anahat

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

Learn more

YHT

Travel at speeds of up to 250 km/h on Turkey's YHT trains.

Learn more

Cities at Both Ends

Istanbul is a historic metropolis famous for the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Departing from its various stations, the train heads east to Ankara, the modern heart of the Republic. Ankara is home to the Grand National Assembly and the landmark Kocatepe Mosque. The journey links the Byzantine and Ottoman history of Istanbul with the republican architecture of the capital city.

Istanbul

A major city that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait.

Ankara

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

FAQ about the Istanbul - Ankara Route

How long is the train ride from Istanbul to Ankara?

The journey on the YHT high-speed train typically takes between 4 hours and 15 minutes to 4 hours and 50 minutes. The time varies depending on the number of stops and the specific departure station in Istanbul.

From which station does the train leave in Istanbul?

Most high-speed trains to Ankara depart from Sogutlucesme station on the Asian side. Some services also originate from Halkali on the European side, passing through Bakirkoy and Gebze.

How fast does the Istanbul to Ankara train go?

The YHT high-speed trains operate at a maximum speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) on the dedicated high-speed sections of the track between Eskisehir and Ankara.

How much does a train ticket from Istanbul to Ankara cost?

A one-way ticket for the high-speed train from Istanbul to Ankara costs between 550 and 850 TRY (approximately 17 USD - 26 USD), depending on the class of service and booking time. Prices are generally stable but can increase during holiday periods.

Learn more information at our

Country Guide