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.
Ankara Tabriz Train journey is a part of the Transasia Express. An amazing trip and unforgettable experience are waiting for you with this beautiful train journey. You will cover almost 1200 kilometers by trains and a ferry, make new acquaintances with tourists and locals, and look at Turkey and Iran from a different perspective.
Transasia Express is departing from Ankara at 14:25 every Wednesday, reaches Tatvan next day and then transfers you by a ferry from Tatvan to Van, makes stops in other towns, and finally arrives in Tabriz at 09:50 on Friday. During 44 hours of train and ferry ways, expect to see picturesque landscapes, feel the hospitality of locals, share travel stories with other tourists, and create new memories.
Iran and Turkey have always been in strong cultural relationship, and it is obvious that they have a lot of in common. Have you ever been curious what do these two countries share? A cuisine? A lifestyle? Traditions? It is a great opportunity for you to find answers to all the questions that you have been asking yourself so far. Taking this train is an amazing chance to break all stereotypes and beliefs that you have already had in your mind. It is simply high time for you to start a new adventure, and we will be happy to help you to take your ride.
Wednesday – 14:25
Ankara Railway Station (Google Map)
Friday – 09:50
Tabriz Railway Station (Google Map)
Ankara Tabriz Train is a combination of 3 rides, two trains from Turkish and Iranian railways and one ferry on Van lake. At first, you will get on a train in Ankara. Passing some towns and villages, you will mainly see the beauty of pure nature that Turkey has been awarded. Also, you will be impressed by the reddish color of the longest river in Turkey, Kızılırmak river, and the 2 km long Firat bridge which was built on Keban Dam.
The train is very comfortable, and each compartment is suitable for four passengers. All bedding will be given to you by welcoming staff so you could have a restful night. Moreover, there is a dining car on the train where you can have nourishing breakfast or a cup of hot Turkish tea or coffee.
Later on, you will continue your trip to Tabriz by a brand-new ferry that will transfer you from Tatvan port to another coast of the Van lake. The ferry trip will last about 4 hours and will also leave positive emotions. If weather conditions permit, you will be lucky to see an astonishing view on Akdamar island where a church was built in the 11th century and is still open to tourists.
Finally, an RAI (Islamic Republic of Iran Railways) train will be waiting for you when you arrive at Van port. Here you will depart to your final destination, Tabriz. The train has all conveniences, there are toilets located at the end of each wagon and a dining car where you can taste genuine Persian cuisine. You will share a compartment with three other travelers alike in the Turkish train. Besides, the train departs from Van Ferry Port at 21:25 and in a few hours, you will reach the Turkish-Iranian border. All the passengers will be asked to leave the train in order to pass the passport control. Afterward, you will go back to your compartment to continue sleeping. Finally, you will wake up with an adorable picture of Urmia Lake, and still have time to have breakfast before boarding off in Tabriz.
The Transasia Express from Ankara to Tabriz is a unique route that lasts 44 hours and covers 1200 kilometers. First of all, we recommend you download a map of Turkey and Iran and have mobile data. There are no WIFI spots on the trains and the ferry and it might be difficult to connect in Iran. But you will see some incredible landscapes that you will definitely want to bookmark for a next trip.
As it was mentioned, you are going to share a compartment with other passengers. If you would like more privacy during your journey, you will have to book all compartment. On the trains, seats are converted into beds, and all necessary bedding is provided by staff. Moreover, you can order some food on board, however, if you a vegetarian or keep to a diet, it is better you take food with you.
It is important to know that none is able to use credit or debit cards in Iran that is why you should exchange money to Iranian rials before boarding on a train in Ankara. Although you can exchange Turkish liras to rials on the Van Lake ferry, you should remember that the rate will be much lower.
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.
Turkish train is a comfortable one with 4-seats compartments where seats are converted into beds at night time. Here you can order national and international cuisines in a dining car as well as bring your own food that you have bought to the train. The train departs at 14:25 on Wednesday and passes Kayseri, Sivas, Malatya, Elazığ and Muş during the night.
It is a ferry journey that connects Tatvan and Van. You will cross the lake on the ferry for 3,5 hours and will observe the amazing beauty of nature. Here you can also have a snack or a cup of Turkish tea or coffee. Furthermore, the ferry is the last place where you can exchange liras to rials. We advise you to change your money before you board the train in Ankara.
Iranian train is similar to the Turkish one where you are going to travel with three other passengers in a compartment. Here you can also have a meal in a dining car but will be able to pay only in Iranian currency. During the night the train makes a stop in Kapıköy to pass passport control. Finally, you will arrive in Tabriz Friday at 09:50 and continue your trip in Iran.
