A journey less known than the Eastern Express but at least as beautiful: about 1,260 km from Ankara via Kayseri, Sivas, Malatya, Elazığ and Muş to Tatvan, on the western shore of Lake Van. In addition to the regular Lake Van Express (Vangölü Ekspresi), the seasonal Touristic Tatvan Train, launched in 2024, has also run on this line. Tickets are sold by TCDD Taşımacılık.
Things to experience at least once in Türkiye: the Eastern Express and the train to Lake Van, sunrise on Mount Nemrut, the Lycian Way, a Blue Cruise, the sunken city of Kekova, the Hittite capital, Selimiye and Kırkpınar, and skiing on Erciyes and Palandöken. We don't sell train, boat or ski tickets; each route links to the official sales channel. Places where seasons and hours may change carry a "check before you go" notice.
Getting there / tickets: TCDD Taşımacılık · e-ticket (official sales)
AnatoliaPass does not sell these tickets; we send you to the official sales channel. Check prices and departure days there before you go.
Start · stay 20 min
The Lake Van Express departs from Ankara Station. Check the current departure day and time with TCDD Taşımacılık.
Departure days and times may change.
By train · stay 5 min
Short stop.
By train · stay 10 min
After Sivas the train turns south via Çetinkaya towards Malatya.
By train · stay 10 min
The train passes through Malatya at night. Location approximate.
Location approximate.
By train · stay 30 min
On the outward journey the Touristic Tatvan Train used to stop in Elazığ for a few hours (2024 plan: 3–4 hours); enough time to go up to Harput.
The touristic train's stop plan is announced anew each season. Location approximate.
By train · stay 5 min
The Muş plain and views approaching the slopes of the Nemrut volcano (Bitlis).
Location approximate. (Photo: the Muş plain; no freely licensed photo of Muş Station could be found.)
By train
Arrival: the western shore of Lake Van. For Akdamar Island and Van, switch to our Lake Van route (≈ 2 hours by road).
Location approximate.
≈ 2 h 15 min · fast ferry + bus · Day trip
Why here: The first Ottoman capital. The Green Mosque, the Grand Mosque and Koza Han make an easy day trip; we suggest it if you are staying in Istanbul for more than four days. Not part of this route.
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Source: Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı (1947–2026)
Source: Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı (1947–2026)
