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Train Istanbul - Ankara prices from $12.35

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$12.35
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Istanbul to Ankara by train

The journey from Istanbul to Ankara by train is 218.7 mi and takes 3 h 43 min. There are 25 connections per day, with the first departure at 7:10am and the last at 12:51am. It is possible to travel from Istanbul to Ankara by train for as little as $12.35 or as much as $16.92. The best price for this journey is $12.35.

Best Price $12.35
Journey Duration 3 h 43 min
Connection per Day 25
Lowest Price $12.35
Highest Price $16.92
First Departure 7:10am
Last Departure 12:51am
Distance 218.7 mi
Departure Istanbul
Arrival Ankara
Carriers TCDD

Istanbul to Ankara Train Times

    Oct 01
    $12.38
    21°
    Oct 02
    $12.38
    21°
    Oct 03
    $12.47
    19°
    Oct 04
    $12.35
    21°
    Oct 05
    $12.47
    23°
    Oct 06
    $12.38
    20°
    Oct 07
    $12.42
    19°
    Oct 08
    $13.76
    21°
    Oct 09
    $12.44
    23°
    Oct 10
    $12.47
    25°
    Oct 11
    $12.44
    26°
    Oct 12
    $12.47
    25°
    Oct 13
    $12.44
    24°
    Oct 14
    $12.38
    24°
    Oct 15
    $12.38
    20°
Departure date
Sunday,Oct 01 2023
21°

Train from Istanbul to Ankara

The train journey from Istanbul to Ankara takes on average 4 h 35 min. Around 35 depart a day between Istanbul and Ankara. The lowest ticket pricing starts at around $14.72.

If you’re traveling between Istanbul and Ankara by train then you’ll depart from Istanbul Söğütlüçeşme situated in central Istanbul or possibly Istanbul Pendik located on the outskirts of the city.

The train from Istanbul to Ankara journey is operated by Turkish Railways (TCDD). There are two different types of trains that will take you there.

  1. YHT or Yüksek Hızlı Treni are high-speed trains that reach 250 km/h. It departs from S.csme station approximately every hour and offers a comfortable ride in Business and Economy classes. Keep in mind that there will be a quick ticket check and an X-ray check of the baggage, so try to be there 20 min earlier if possible.
  2. ANKARA EXPRESS is a sleeper train. You can pick between compartments with one or two beds and Pullman seats. Each couchette is air-conditioned and can be turned into a sitting car during the day. Turkish Railways will provide you with a bedding-one less worry on your mind!  It leaves Istanbul every day at 10 PM  (22h) and arrives in Ankara at 06.45 AM.

The high-speed trains running between Istanbul and Ankara offer a fast, modern journey with up to 35 daily departures. One of the biggest features of any train you pick is the spectacular views as you travel across Turkey’s vast landscape - another reason why taking this route might be something worth considering if only traveling by train.

Ankara Gar, the main railway station in Ankara is located in the center, which makes it easy for you to explore the city. It is known for its rich history, and there are many things to see. The most popular tourist attractions include the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, the Anıtkabir, and the tomb of Ataturk. The Turkish capital also has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars and nightclubs to choose from.

So if you’re planning to take the train from Istanbul to Ankara, let us help you plan it. We check thousands of destinations across rail, bus and flight to help you find the best price. Check out our handy price calendar below, where you can see the best prices across all modes of transport between Istanbul to Ankara.

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Compare prices and tickets from Istanbul to Ankara

 
Oct 01
Sunday
21°
$12.38
$12.70
$38.41
Oct 02
Monday
21°
$12.38
$12.70
$26.37
Oct 03
Tuesday
19°
$12.47
$12.79
$17.06
Oct 04
Wednesday
21°
$12.35
$12.70
$16.99
Oct 05
Thursday
23°
$12.47
$12.83
$17.94
Oct 06
Friday
20°
$12.38
$12.70
$18.88
Oct 07
Saturday
19°
$12.42
$16.36
$20.43
Cheap tickets from Istanbul to Ankara
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from Istanbul to Ankara.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Istanbul to Ankara, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Istanbul to Ankara.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

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Best time to book Istanbul to Ankara travel

Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average

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    Friday
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Price as departure date approaches

Train companies may charge higher ticket prices as the date of departure approaches. Prices in the next days can range from around $9 to $13 but may be subject to change. Our advice is to book as early as possible to potentially save up to 32% on your trip!

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Istanbul to Ankara

The cheapest Istanbul - Ankara train tickets can be found for as low as $5 if you’re lucky, or $9 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $10.

Find the best day to travel to Ankara by train

When travelling to Ankara by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Carriers on this route

Find out more about the carriers on this route.

TCDD (Turkish State Railways) is the national railway company of Turkey, responsible for the operation and maintenance of the country's railway infrastructure. Founded in 1927, TCDD operates passenger and freight trains across Turkey, connecting major cities and towns. TCDD also operates high-speed trains, including the YHT (Yüksek Hızlı Tren) which connects Istanbul, Ankara, and Konya.

Services on board TCDD from Istanbul to Ankara
Compare services on board when travelling from Istanbul to Ankara by train.
Facilities TCDD
Quiet zone
WiFi
Power sockets
Luggage
Accessibility
Food and drink
Air conditioning
Bicycle
Sleeper

Istanbul to Ankara CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
1.6kg
Bus
10.6kg
Flight
423.3kg
Car
40.8kg
What are the CO2 emissions from Istanbul to Ankara by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between Istanbul and Ankara are 1.6kg.
How much CO2 do I save by taking the train between Istanbul and Ankara? By taking the train between Istanbul and Ankara you will save 421.7kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 9.0kg compared to a bus and 39.2kg compared to a car.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a train ticket from Istanbul to Ankara?
A train ticket from Istanbul to Ankara is $15.13. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as $12.35.
What's the cheapest train ticket from Istanbul to Ankara?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Istanbul to Ankara is $12.35. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between Istanbul and Ankara by train?
Istanbul to Ankara is 218.7 mi.
How long does the train between Istanbul and Ankara take?
Istanbul to Ankara is on average 4 h 42 min. However the fastest option will get you there in 3 h 43 min.
Which companies operate from Istanbul to Ankara?
The train journey from Istanbul to Ankara is covered by 1 operator(s). On Virail you can find these carriers that provide services on this route: TCDD.
How many train connections per day go from Istanbul to Ankara?
Istanbul to Ankara has 25 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first train from Istanbul to Ankara leave?
The earliest train from Istanbul to Ankara departs at 7:10am. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last train from Istanbul to Ankara depart?
The latest train from Istanbul to Ankara departs at 12:51am. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from Istanbul to Ankara in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest train ticket we have found is $12.35 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
From which stations can I leave from Istanbul to Ankara?
There are 3 station(s) that you can depart from Istanbul to go to Ankara. You can go from İstanbul(bakırköy), İstanbul(s.çeşme) and İstanbul (pendik) and you can arrive at Ankara Gar.
How many direct connections depart from Istanbul to Ankara?
There are on average 25 direct connection(s) from Istanbul to go to Ankara.
What's the fastest journey time between Istanbul to Ankara by train?
The fastest journey time by train between Istanbul and Ankara is 3 h 43 min.
Is there a direct train from Istanbul to Ankara?
Yes, there is a direct train between Istanbul and Ankara.
What are the CO2 emissions for Istanbul to Ankara by train?
The train journey from Istanbul to Ankara creates 1.6kg of CO2 emissions.

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