Ankara
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Ularoglu announced the opening of the “Tourist Tatvan Train,” which is scheduled to begin operating between Ankara and Tatvan on June 24.
The train will carry 140 passengers and cover the 1,262 kilometre journey in around 28 hours, offering a unique travel experience aimed at boosting Turkey’s tourism sector.
In a written statement, Minister Vlaroglu emphasized that the tourist Tatvan train, which is scheduled to start operating immediately after Eid al-Adha, will depart the capital Ankara at 2:30 pm on June 24 and arrive in the eastern Anatolian city of Tatvan at 7 pm on June 26.
The service offers passengers an exclusive opportunity to experience Turkey’s beautiful scenery and cultural richness from the comfort of specially designed sleeper cars.
Each berth is equipped with a refrigerator and sink, and passengers can enjoy a dining car service, allowing them to dine while taking in the picturesque Anatolian scenery.
Passengers departing from Ankara will have a special three-hour break in the Eastern Anatolian province of Elazig, giving them the opportunity to explore the city’s attractions.
Similarly, those travelling from Tatvan take a break in Sivas to experience the local culture and heritage.
Vlaroglu stressed that the train, like its predecessors, aims to meet modern travel needs while also promoting the tourism potential of the regions it travels through.
The introduction of the Tourist Tatvan Train follows the successful models of the Tourist Eastern Express and the Tourist Diyarbakir Express, which gained popularity by offering a unique travel experience combining comfort and cultural exploration.
The Tourist Eastern Express, in particular, is praised for its scenic journey through eastern Turkey, allowing passengers to see natural beauty and historical sites along the way.
In addition, the Turistic Diyarbakir Express also contributes significantly to tourism in the region.
Uraloglu noted that the success of these tourist trains underscores Turkey’s commitment to providing alternative tourism options that meet the needs of domestic and international travelers.
