🇹🇷 Turquia

Turkey has significantly expanded its high-speed rail network since 2009, with TCDD (Turkiye Cumhuriyeti Devlet Demiryollari) operating YHT (Yuksek Hizli Tren) services at up to 250 km/h. Key routes include Ankara to Istanbul in 4h, Ankara to Konya in 1h40m, Ankara to Eskisehir in 1h15m, and Ankara to Izmir in 3h30m. Istanbul now has two major rail hubs: Pendik (for HSR on the Asian side) and Halkali (on the European side), connected by the Marmaray undersea rail tunnel under the Bosphorus. The Eastern Express from Ankara to Kars (1,310 km) has become a social media phenomenon and popular tourist experience. Turkey's conventional rail network (InterCity and Express trains) serves destinations not yet reached by HSR, including the Mediterranean coast, eastern Anatolia, and southeastern cities. Long-distance trains offer 1st and 2nd class seating plus sleeper compartments on overnight routes. Istanbul's urban transit combines the Marmaray commuter rail, the Metrobus rapid bus transit, Metro lines, trams (including the nostalgic T1 on Istiklal Avenue), and the Kabatas-Besiktas ferry line. Tickets are sold at tcdd.gov.tr and e-devlet (e-government portal) using a Turkish ID or passport number. Foreign travelers can book via the TCDD website. Fares are very affordable by European standards. The HSR network is expanding, with new lines to Sivas, Bursa, and Kars under various stages of development.