Transasia Express is not running since 2019 due to Covid. Please send us an e-mail to get in to our contact list so we can update you whenever the journey re-starts.
Cappadocia Tabriz train is a unique ride connects two beautiful towns. A beautiful town with natural rock formations Cappadocia is a top destination around all Turkey. However, not everyone knows that it can also be the beginning of a new journey to a totally different country – Iran. Turkey and Iran are joined with a unique train route called the Transasia Express. Make your trip more exciting and find yourself in another world that is completely different from Cappadocia.
Tabriz is full of historic attractions and cultural events. Get lost in a big bazaar or visit Blue Mosque. The best way to start exploring the culture of any country is a sincere talk with locals. Fortunately, you will have such an opportunity on all your way as the Transasia train is also used by Turkish and Iranians.
Mainly, the Transasia Express route operated by the Turkish and Iranian railways connects Ankara and Tehran but it makes a few stops on its way to allow more opportunists to join a train. Cappadocia – Tabriz has never been offered to travelers before but we make it possible for you. Therefore, you will get on a train at Kayseri railway station.
The Transasia Express departs from Kayseri at 21:09 every Wednesday and arrives in Tabriz at 09:50 on Friday. Even though there is no railway station in Cappadocia, we will make this trip take place for you. Keep reading to learn what we have prepared.
Wednesday – 19:30
Urgup / Goreme (Google Map)
Friday – 09:50
Tabriz Railway Station (Google Map)
An amazing experience is waiting for you on board. The picturesque views of the Middle East, friendly locals, and spontaneous backpackers are a part of this journey. As we mentioned before there is no train station in Cappadocia, however, we will provide you with a transfer from your hotel there to Kayseri railway station. The transfer from any spot in Goreme or Urgup will not require any additional charge.
The Transasia Express departs from Kayseri on Wednesday 21:09. It means that we will pick you up from your accommodation at 19:30 to be sure that you arrive at the station on time. The transfers we provide are private, comfortable and quick as we use Mercedes Vito vans.
Your journey will consist of three rides, on a train from Kayseri to Tatvan, a ferry from Tatvan to Van, and finally a train from Van to Tabriz. Kayseri – Tatvan trip on a Turkish train takes more than 15 hours. You will be traveling in a compartment suitable for 4 people where seats are easily converted into beds. As this ride is overnight, you will be provided with all the bedding such as sheets, a pillow, and a blanket. On its way, the train will make a few stops and will pass the Ismetpasa bridge. It offers a beautiful view of the first sun’s rays, so don’t oversleep. It is a great time to have a morning coffee and watch outstanding landscapes, and you can do it in a dining car. There you can order more than just a coffee and have a full nourishing Turkish breakfast.
On Thursday afternoon you are going to change your means of transportation to the ferry. The new brand ferry will take you fast through the largest lake in Turkey that is called Van. Your trip will last approximately 3,5 hours. It is enough to enjoy the sunset with a cup of tea in a hand. Van lake is famous not only for its size but also for Akdamar island. In fact, there are a couple of islands but Akdamar attracts the highest number of visitors thanks to an ancient Armenian church built in the 11th century. If the weather permits you will even be able to see this wonderful view, but of course, add it to your bucket list for further trips.
Finally, when your ride on the ferry is done, the Iranian train will welcome you on board. As well you will be traveling in a comfortable air-conditioned train. Alike the Turkish one, there are 4-berth compartments and a dining car. There are shared lavatories located at the end of each wagon. At night, the train reaches Kapıköy where the Turkish border station is located.
All passengers will be requested to leave the train to have their passports & documents checked. It will not last long and soon you will be able to turn back and continue your rest. Make sure you have enough sleep because early morning another beautiful view is guaranteed for you. Urmia lake is one of the biggest salt lakes in the world. It is situated very close to Tabriz. Finally, you will arrive in Tabriz on Friday at 09:50 a.m.
We would like to draw your attention to a few important moments that will make your trip smooth and exciting. When a driver drops you off in Kayseri, you will get on the Transasia train where your journey gets started. You will be traveling in a compartment with 4 seats. It implies that except you there will be 3 other passengers of the same sex. If you would like to have more privacy, you will need to reserve the whole compartment for you. Another thing on Cappadocia Tabriz train is the internet. There is no WI-FI on the train and ferry boards that is why you should have your own mobile data. You will also need it in Iran as there is also trouble with open WI-FI spots.
Moreover, we highly advise that you exchange some cash to Iranian currency, rials, before getting on board. On Van – Tabriz train you will not be able to pay in any other currency, not rials. Also, your credit and debit cards will not work in Iran. The final option for you is to exchange money on the ferry but the rate will be much disappointing than in banks. However, on boards, you are able to bring your own food so it will help you to save some money as well. At last, most of the nationalities require a visa for traveling to Iran. Make sure you check this information and acquire it before your journey.
The Transasia Express is a wonderful trip that is available all year round. But you should bear in mind that there is a high demand in certain months so prior booking is recommended.
There is gender segregation at the sleeping time in Transasia Express. You can avoid it by booking for 4 people and you can have a private compartment for yourself.
You will be provided with the transfer from your hotel in Goreme or Urgup to Kayseri Railway Station. A driver on Mercedes Vito van will come to pick you up at 19:30 so you could join the Transasia Express in time. The transfer is included in the final price and does not require any additional charges.
The train from Kayseri to Tatvan departs at 21:09 on Wednesday. The train has 4-people compartments and shared bathrooms at the end of a wagon. Friendly staff will give you the required bedding so you could have a comfortable sleep.
Tatvan – Van ride is carried out by a ferry where you can find a few cafeterias. Here you can exchange liras, dollars, or euros to rials but the rate will be much lower. After arriving on another coast in nearly 4 hours, Van – Tabriz train will be waiting for you.
The Iranian train is similar to the Turkish one with compartments where 4 passengers can fit. The seats are also converted into beds and the bedding is provided. In the evening the train reaches Kapıköy where passport control takes place. The train arrives in Tabriz on Friday 09:50 a.m.
