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.
If you would like to travel from Iran to Turkey, Tehran Cappadocia train ride is a great beginning to explore Turkey. These two countries are famous for world wonders that are protected by UNESCO. The capital of Iran is a real treasure of Persian culture, and Cappadocia is a fantastic city that attracts millions of travelers all over the world. Tehran – Cappadocia train journey becomes real with the help of the Transasia Express. The initial route from Tehran to Ankara, but it makes a stop in Kayseri, the closest city to Cappadocia. Even though Turkey and Iran are connected by buses and flight, however, there are no direct routes to Cappadocia. That is why a train and a transfer are the best way to have a relaxed and full of good memories trip.
The Tehran – Cappadocia journey is a cooperation of Iranian and Turkish railways. It is held by two trains, ferry, and a van, and covers more than 2100 kilometers. This wonderful trip will bring you the best emotions ever and will last more than 50 hours. Moreover, cleanliness and comfort are guaranteed for you. The train departs from the Iranian capital at 22:05 every Wednesday and arrives in Kayseri at 01:08 on Saturday night. Let’s learn more details about what is waiting for you on the board of the Transasia Express.
Wednesday – 22:05
Tehran Railway Station (Google Map)
Saturday – 02:30
Urgup / Goreme (Google Map)
Picturesque scenarios, easy-going locals, days of relaxation – that is not everything that you will experience. Your route will start in Tehran where you get on a train operated by the Iranian railways. The train departs at 22:05 on Wednesday. You will be traveling on an extremely comfortable train that has 4-berth compartments and shared lavatories located at the end of each wagon.
All the bedding will be provided to you by the staff. Onboard, there is a dining car where you will be able to enjoy nourishing dishes from Persian cuisine or enjoy a cup of hot tea watching landscapes. Don’t oversleep because early morning you will be passing a beautiful view over Urmia lake. This lake belongs to the list of the largest salt lakes in the world. After making a few stops on its way, the train will reach Kapıköy where all passengers have to pass passport control and get a stamp.
On Thursday evening, you will arrive in a beautiful city called Van. This city is based on the same name lake that is known to be the biggest in Turkey. On the lake, there are a few islands that attract a lot of tourists separately. Maybe you will also want to visit Akdamar island for your next journey. A ride on a high-speed ferry across Van lake links two cities Van and Tatvan and takes 3,5 hours. Here you will be able to drink a cup of coffee and tea or have a quick nap.
When you arrive in Tatvan, a Turkish train will be welcoming you on board. Alike the Iranian one, this train offers 4-seat compartments with shared bathrooms at the end of a wagon. The seats are easily converted into beds when you want and all the necessary bedding is provided. Turkey will also amaze you with beautiful landscapes of East Anatolia. You will see Keban Dam and Kızılırmak river. You will have the whole day to share your travel stories with new friends, taste Turkish national dishes in a dining car, and find time for yourself.
You will arrive in Kayseri on Saturday at 01:08. As mentioned before, Kayseri is the closest stop to Cappadocia. Don’t worry about your late coming because a driver will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel or rented flat in Göreme, Uçhisar, or Ürgüp. You will be asked about your final destination while making a booking. Finally, only in an hour and a half, you will be ready to continue sleeping in a comfortable hotel bed.
Traveling on the Transasia Express is a total pleasure – marvelous views, friendly locals, and an opportunity to have rest that everyone is looking for on vacation. However, any trip needs some preparation. First of all, you should think about a visa. Iran and Turkey are two countries that require a visa to enter their countries. Whereas Turkey is a little bit liberal in this question and allows many nationalities to stay on its territory up to 90 days, you should obtain a visa before heading off to Iran.
When being on board of both trains, you do not need a lot. The bedding, pillows, blankets, sheets, is provided and is included in the price. You can also get some food in dining cars and cafeterias on a ferry. Nevertheless, if you keep to a diet, you will have an opportunity to bring own food on board. Moreover, your credit and debits cards will not work on the territory of Iran, so you will need some cash. Exchange money before getting on board. You will be able to pay in a dining car and on the ferry in rials. One more important note is that there is no WI-FI on board, and Iran has some difficulties with the Internet, so it is highly recommended that you have your own mobile data.
The Transasia Express is a long-distance trip. Pack with you a portable charger, an interesting book, some food, and drinks. Hope you will enjoy your journey and will want to continue traveling to other cities. By the way, you can check more routes here.
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.
Your amazing ride starts in the capital of Iran, Tehran. Here a comfortable train with air-conditioners will welcome you on board. There are 4-berth compartments and shared lavatories. You will also find a dining car where you will be able to have a tasty breakfast in the morning. In the evening, the train arrives in a border city where all passengers pass passport control.
A ferry ride on the largest Turkish lake lasts almost 4 hours. You will travel from Van to Tatvan, but on board there are cafeterias and you will have a choice either having a nap or enjoying a cup of tea.
A Turkish train alike the Iranian one departs from Tatvan at 05:30 on Friday. You will be traveling with 4 travelers including you in a compartment and will be able to enjoy surrounding from your window or from a dining car.
Although you are arriving on a deep night in Kayseri, you will be provided with a transfer to your accommodation in Cappadocia. You will share this information while booking, and don’t worry: a transfer does not require any additional charges. Your approximate time of arrival to the final destination is 02:30 a.m.
