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.
The biggest Turkish city, Istanbul is connected to another large city of Iran named Tabriz via Istanbul Tabriz Train. Although the Transasia Express is known for its main route from Ankara to Tehran, it also stops at Tabriz Railway Station.
This 53-hour train trip that links Istanbul and Tabriz covers nearly 2300 kilometers and includes three train rides and one ferry journey. At first, you will reach Ankara by a high-speed train, and then you will get on the Transasia train. After night onboard, you will arrive in Tatvan where you will have a ferry ride on Van lake. Finally, you join an Iranian train that will take you to Tabriz.
Pure nature, atmospheric towns, friendly travelers and even more are waiting for you on board of the Transasia Express.
Wednesday – 06:00
Bostanci Railway Station (Google Map)
Friday – 09:50
Tabriz Railway Station (Google Map)
Istanbul – Tabriz is a great experience available all year round. The journey that shows travelers Turkey and Iran from a totally different point of view. Get soaked into Turkish and Iranian cultures with experienced travelers and easy-going locals. Don’t be afraid of stereotypes and create your own experience with the Transasia Express. Be ready to get closer to untouched landscapes, high mountains, deep lakes, and fast rivers.
Early morning you will take a high-speed train that will take you to Ankara within four hours. As the Transasia Express departs at 14:25, it means that you will have plenty of time to go sightseeing, buy some food or simply to get relaxed with a cup of Turkish tea. The Ankara Railway station is located nearby the main touristic attractions. Therefore, if you have never been to the Turkish capital before, we recommend that you use this opportunity. After entering the Transasia train, you can either head to your compartment and meet other passengers or check a dining car where you will be able to order meals of Turkish and international cuisines. Moreover, all bedding is included in the price so you could have an enjoyable rest.
After a bit more than 24 hours departing from Ankara, you will arrive in Tatvan port. Tatvan and Van are two cities on the two coasts of Van lake connected by a high-speed ferry. The ferry ride lasts 3,5 hours and this time is enough to enjoy a hot drink and a chat with other travelers or watch views of the lake with its serenity.
Later on, Iranian train staff will be welcoming you on board. The train is extremely comfortable, and each compartment again fits 4 passengers. Here as well there is a dining car but comparing with the Turkish train, you can pay only in Iranian currency. At 23:19 on Thursday the train stops in Kapıköy, and all travelers are asked to leave the train to pass passport control. As soon as it finishes, you can turn back to your compartment to continue having rest. Friday at 09:50 the Transasia Express arrives in Tabriz, your final destination.
You will be traveling on three comfortable trains. A train from Istanbul to Ankara is a high-speed train that takes you to the destination for a few hours.
From Ankara to Tatvan and from Van to Tabriz, you will be traveling on two trains. Seats are converted into beds during the night, and all necessary bedding, such as sheets, blankets, pillows, etc, is provided. Both trains have dining cars where you can have nourishing breakfast or a light dinner and try different dishes. Also, you are allowed to bring your own food onboard. Keep it in mind, if you have some dietary exceptions or specific preferences.
There is no WIFI on the trains and the ferry, so you would better have your own mobile data.
At last, Iran requires visas from certain nationalities, that is why learn more about this topic before you arrange a trip with the Transasia Express.
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.
Istanbul – Ankara high-speed train is departing inbetween 06:00 – 06:30 depending on the station. After your booking we will get in contact with you and agree on your boarding station for this train. After roughly 4 hours of comfortable train journey, you will reach Ankara.
Transasia Express is departing from Ankara Railway Station at 14:25. This gives you couple of hours free time in Ankara before boarding the train. That’s great because railway station is very close to popular touristic spots in Ankara. Staff working in the train will help you to have a comfortable trip. At the night time all beddings will be provided you to have a good night’s sleep. Train is reaching Tatvan Ferry Port at 14:26 Thursday.
Within your journey between Tatvan and Van you will have a ferry journey on Lake Van. Being the biggest lake of Turkey, ferry journey takes 3,5 hours in total. While you are on the ferry you will experience the beauties of mother nature as surroundings of the lake is just amazing.
Train taking you from Van to Tabriz is very similar to the one you have taken from Ankara to Tatvan. 4 seated couchette compartments will provide comfort to you. There is also a dining car in the train where you can taste some traditional or international food. At the night time train will reach Kapıköy Border Gate where quick passport control and customs will happen. Friday morning at around 09:50 Transasia Express will reach Tabriz Railway Station.
