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.
Tabriz is one of the most crowded cities in Iran and famous for the largest mosaic carpet in the world. It attracts tourists with its culture, diversity, and landmarks. In its turn, Istanbul is the only city in the world located in two continents, Europe and Asia. Tabriz Istanbul Train connects these two cities. The common Transasia route goes from Ankara to Tehran and back. We have connected Ankara to Istanbul with a high speed train and offer you the train journey which covers more than 2300 kilometers.
The Transasia Express route is the only one in Turkey that lies through the lake, that is why a lot of travelers choose this way to get new experience and emotions. Onboard, you will get fantastic memories, new friends and beautiful photos. Are you ready to feel a sense of adventure? Then keep reading to learn more about the opportunity we offer.
Thursday – 11:00
Tabriz Railway Station (Google Map)
Saturday – 14:24
Bostanci Railway Station (Google Map)
You can get on the Transasia train on Thursday at 11:00 in Tabriz railway station. You will join the train which leaves from Tehran. There are compartments fitted for 4 people in each. The seats are converted into beds, and all bedding is provided. All passengers have a very nice and restful day so they could be full of energy and ready for new adventures. In the morning, you have a chance to have a nourishing breakfast in a dining car where you can try Persian and international cuisines. However, you can pay only in rials, Iranian currency. Moreover, in the evening, the train stops in Kapıköy where passport control is held.
Approximately at 20:00, the train reaches Van. Here is the place where a new-brand ferry which is capable to take 350 passengers is waiting for you. The ferry journey lasts 3,5 hours and you will be taken from one coast to another, Tatvan. There are a couple of cafeterias on the ferry if you want to have a hot cup of tea or coffee, you can go for it. Finally, after arriving in Tatvan, you are welcome on the Turkish train of the Transasia Express route.
You are likely to meet a beautiful sunrise and see amazing landscapes from your window. On this board, you will spend just over 24 hours that is why all comfort and service will be provided to you by welcoming staff. You will be given the bedding, like sheets, pillows, and blankets so you could have a good sleep. Moreover, the seats are converted into beds whenever you want. Here you will share your apartments with 3 other travelers in the way you do on the Iranian train. The train arrives in Ankara at 07:43 on Saturday morning.
Finally, if you are the first time in the capital of the Turkish Republic, you have a great chance to go sightseeing, as most of the national landmarks are located nearby the railway station. In case you want to reach Istanbul as soon as possible, you will able to jump on a first train that departs after your arrival. A high-speed train to Istanbul departs at 09:40 and gets to the final destination at 14:24. However, the train makes a few stops in different districts of Istanbul that is why our team will contact you to discuss all the details and your preferences.
Traveling with the Transasia Express is a unique experience that is offered for you only in Turkey and Iran. This one of a kind route lies across the largest lake of Turkey, and you will definitely enjoy astonishing and picturesque views throughout your journey.
Remember that you will be traveling on the two trains that belong to the Transasia route. On boards, you will share a compartment with 3 other travelers. If you prefer having more privacy, you will need to reserve all the compartments for yourself. Moreover, there are dining cars on the trains, so you could have a meal or a snack but you are also allowed to bring food with you as well as non-alcoholic drinks.
Besides, there is no WIFI avaliable in the Transasia trains. Therefore, you would rather have your own mobile data or offline maps to mark some beautiful places for future trips. We should also warn you that your credit and debit card don’t work in Iran so prepare some cash before traveling. Otherwise, you will not have any problems paying with cards in Turkey.
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.
Get on the Transasia train every Thursday at 11:00 in the morning in Tabriz. The train compartments are suitable for 4 people and have converted beds for a comfortable stay. You will also cross the border to Turkey and pass passport control on your way to Van.
The ferry ride from Van to Tatvan takes approximately 4 hours. This means of transport links two coasts of Van lake. Here you find cafeterias where you can order a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy the serenity of waters.
When you arrive in Tatvan, the Turkish Transasia train will be waiting for you. This air-conditioned train has 4-people compartments and shared toilets at the end of each wagon. There is a dining room where you can have nourishing Turkish breakfast or anything else.
Finally, you will get on a high-speed train that takes you to Istanbul in 4 hours. You will be able to relax and read a book or listen to music while watching beautiful surroundings.
