Turkey - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services: Difference between revisions

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==Introduction==
==Introduction==


TCDD has not published a timetable for many years and this list is based on the public timetables contained in the TCDD website as at May 2022. Standard abbreviations are explained in [[General Information]]. In the absence of timetable table numbers, each line's TCDD ''Bölge'' (administrative/operational region) is given, namely: 1 Istanbul (Haydarpaşa), both European and Asian Turkey; 2 Ankara; 3 Izmir (Alsancak); 4 Sivas; 5 Malatya; 6 Adana and 7 Afyonkarahisar.
TCDD has not published a timetable for many years and this list is based on the public timetables contained in the TCDD journey planner website as at December 2023. It is understood that a new timetable was introduced on 10 December 2023, in line with European railways.
 
{{Standard Abbreviations}} In the absence of timetable table numbers, each line's TCDD ''Bölge'' (administrative/operational region) is given, namely: 1 Istanbul (Haydarpaşa), both European and Asian Turkey; 2 Ankara; 3 Izmir (Alsancak); 4 Sivas; 5 Malatya; 6 Adana and 7 Afyonkarahisar.


The TCDD website is sometimes not updated to represent the actual situation. Trains may remain on the site when they have been cancelled, curtailed or amended. Prospective passengers should check carefully any notes (which are in Turkish only) relating to trains.  
The TCDD website is sometimes not updated to represent the actual situation. Trains may remain on the site when they have been cancelled, curtailed or amended. Prospective passengers should check carefully any notes (which are in Turkish only) relating to trains.  
Line 10: Line 12:


===Polatli avoiding line: Km.456+029 HZ – Km 5+691 HZ===
===Polatli avoiding line: Km.456+029 HZ – Km 5+691 HZ===
[''Bölge'' 2] (ERA–E 112C4) TR22/1
[''Bölge'' 2] (ERA–E 112C4) TR24/1


This west <==> south curve south west of Polatli connects the Eskişehir (- İstanbul) and Konya (- Karaman) high speed lines. It is used by high speed services ''(Yüksek Hizli Tren)'' between İstanbul and Konya/Karaman.
This west <==> south curve south west of Polatli connects the Eskişehir (- İstanbul) and Konya (- Karaman) high speed lines. It is used by high speed services ''(Yüksek Hizli Tren)'' between İstanbul and Konya/Karaman.


===(Ankara –) Sincan – Polatli – Eskişehir – Esentepe (– İstanbul)===
===(Ankara –) Sincan – Polatli – Eskişehir – Esentepe (– İstanbul)===
[''Bölge'' 2] (ERA–E 112C4) TR22/2
[''Bölge'' 2] (ERA–E 112C4) TR24/2


There are two largely parallel lines between Sincan and Esentepe, which is about 30 km south of Arifiye: the original 'classic' single track Ankara – İstanbul main line and the Ankara - Eskişehir  - Arifiye high speed line. Note that the high speed line will be extended beyond Esentepe at some point. The only trains using the 'classic' line are local services between Ankara and Polatli, plus the following long distance trains.
There are two largely parallel lines between Sincan and Esentepe, which is about 30 km south of Arifiye: the original 'classic' single track Ankara – İstanbul main line and the Ankara - Eskişehir  - Arifiye high speed line. Note that the high speed line will be extended beyond Esentepe at some point. The only trains using the 'classic' line are local services between Ankara and Polatli, plus the following long distance trains.


{|  class="ostable"
{|  class="ostable"
|  
| See note below
|  
|  
| 22006 İzmir Mavi  
| 22006 İzmir Mavi  
| 21:00 Ankara - İzmir Basmane
| 20:00 Ankara - İzmir Basmane
|-
|-
|  
|  
Line 30: Line 32:
| 22:00 Ankara - İstanbul (Halkali)
| 22:00 Ankara - İstanbul (Halkali)
|-
|-
|  
| See note below
|  
|  
| 32005 İzmir Mavi  
| 32005 İzmir Mavi  
| İzmir Basmane - 05:33 Eskişehir - Ankara
| İzmir Basmane - 05:10 Eskişehir - Ankara
|-
|-
|  
|  
Line 41: Line 43:
|}
|}


'''Note''' that the İzmir services use the 'classic' line only between Ankara and Eskişehir, so only the İstanbul services run to Esentepe.
'''Note''' that the İzmir services use the 'classic' line only between Ankara and Eskişehir, so only the İstanbul services cover the whole line to Esentepe.


===Eskişehir avoiding line===
===Eskişehir avoiding line (Km 2.2 – Km 310.2)===
[''Bölge'' 7] (ERA 112B4) TR22/2A
[''Bölge'' 7] (ERA 112B4) TR24/3


This west <==> south curve connects the İstanbul and Afyon lines, avoiding Eskişehir station.
This west <==> south curve connects the İstanbul and Afyon lines, avoiding Eskişehir station.


It is thought that it is used by single ended '''diesel locomotive hauled''' trains '''from''' Kütahya '''to''' Eskişehir, which reverse at the west junction and propel into the station to avoid the locomotive having to run round. This was observed on a video of train 72601 05.50 Tavşanlı to Eskişehir. '''The compilers would appreciate details of any other train observed taking this route'''.
It is '''thought''' that it is used by single ended '''diesel locomotive hauled''' trains '''from''' Kütahya '''to''' Eskişehir, which reverse at the west junction and propel into the station to avoid the locomotive having to run round. This was observed on a video of train 72601 06.00 Tavşanlı to Eskişehir. '''The compilers would appreciate details of any other train observed taking this route'''.


===Alayunt triangle===
===Alayunt triangle===
[''Bölge 7''] (ERA–E 112B4) TR22/3
[''Bölge 7''] (ERA–E 112B4) TR24/4


All trains between Eskişehir and Afyon run via Kütahya, using the north <=> west and west <=> south curves of the triangle and calling at Alayunt Müselles when traversing the latter curve. The north <=> south curve thus has no service. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
All trains between Eskişehir and Afyon run via Kütahya, using the north <=> west and west <=> south curves of the triangle and calling at Alayunt Müselles when traversing the latter curve. The north <=> south curve thus has no service. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.


[[File:Kutahya_and_Alayunt_area_3.jpg|100px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />
[[File:Kutahya_and_Alayunt_area.png|100px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />


===Kütahya loop===
===Kütahya loop===
[''Bölge 7''] (ERA–E 112B4, not shown) TR22/4
[''Bölge 7''] (ERA–E 112B4, not shown) TR24/5
   
   
In order to avoid reversing, '''locomotive hauled''' trains between Eskişehir and Kütahya which either continue to Afyon or terminate at Kütahya run via this loop line which diverges to the north, east of Kütahya, enabling them to approach the station from the west. It is always used prior to arrival at Kütahya.
In order to avoid reversing, '''locomotive hauled''' trains between Eskişehir and Kütahya which either continue to Afyon or terminate at Kütahya run via this loop line which diverges to the north, east of Kütahya, enabling them to approach the station from the west. It is always used prior to arrival at Kütahya. Trains which are diesel units do not use the loop.


Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:Kutahya_and_Alayunt_area_3.jpg|100px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />  
[[File:Kutahya_and_Alayunt_area.png|100px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />  


{|  class="ostable"
{|  class="ostable"
Line 69: Line 71:
|  
|  
| 72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi
| 72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi
| Eskişehir - 11:55 Alayunt - Denizli
| 11:10 Eskişehir - Denizli
|-
|-
|  
|  
|  
|  
| 72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi
| 72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi
| Denizli - 16:48 Alayunt Müselles - Eskişehir
| Denizli - 16:23 Çöğürler - Eskişehir
|}
|}


Note that the local trains 72601 - 72608 are at present worked by units or railbuses, so reverse at Kütahya and do not use the loop.
As at December 2022, the local trains with train numbers in the range 72601 - 72608, were being worked by units, and hence reversed at Kütahya and did '''not''' use the loop. They may be locomotive hauled as at December 2023, although it is thought that the Afyon <> Eskişehir trains 72607/72608 are units again as at January 2024. '''The Compilers would greatly appreciate information on the present situation.'''


===Karakuyu loop===
===Karakuyu loop===
[''Bölge 7''] (ERA–E 112B3, not shown) TR22/5
[''Bölge 7''] (ERA–E 112B3, not shown) TR24/6


The line from Afyon divides into a balloon loop north of Karakuyu, giving two connections into Karakuyu station. One loop runs into the east end and can be used by trains between Afyon and Izmir via Goncali in order to avoid reversal. The other runs into the west end and can be used by trains between Afyon and Isparta to avoid reversal; however there are no longer such passenger services.
The line from Afyon divides into a balloon loop north of Karakuyu, giving two connections into Karakuyu station. One loop runs into the east end and can be used by trains between Afyon and Izmir via Goncali in order to avoid reversal. The other runs into the west end and can be used by trains between Afyon and Isparta to avoid reversal; however there are no longer such passenger services.
Line 93: Line 95:
|  
|  
| 72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi  
| 72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi  
| Eskişehir - 15:38 Ekinova - Denizli
| Eskişehir - 16:38 Ekinova - Denizli
|-
|-
|  
|  
|  
|  
| 72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi
| 72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi
| Denizli - 12:52 Karakuyu - Eskişehir
| Denizli - 12:29 Karakuyu - Eskişehir
|}
|}


===Afyonkarahisar loop===
===Afyonkarahisar loop===
[''Bölge 7''] (ERA–E 112B3, not shown) TR22/6
[''Bölge 7''] (ERA–E 112B3, not shown) TR24/7


Afyonkarahisar Ali Çetinkaya station (abbreviated hereafter to Afyon) is equipped with a loop line which leaves the station in a south-easterly direction and turns to the north-east, joining the Eskişehir line. This enables trains between Eskişehir and either of the routes to Izmir (via Uşak or via Karakuyu) to avoid reversal.
Afyonkarahisar Ali Çetinkaya station (abbreviated hereafter to Afyon) is equipped with a loop line which leaves the station in a south-easterly direction and turns to the north-east, joining the Eskişehir line. This enables trains between Eskişehir and either of the routes to Izmir (via Uşak or via Karakuyu) to avoid reversal.
Line 116: Line 117:
|  
|  
| 72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi  
| 72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi  
| Eskişehir - 14:00 Afyon A.Çetinkaya - Denizli
| Eskişehir - 14:57 Afyon A.Çetinkaya - Denizli
|-
|-
|  
|  
|  
|  
| 72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi  
| 72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi
| Denizli - 15:04 Afyon A.Çetinkaya - Eskişehir
| Denizli - 14:50 Afyon A.Çetinkaya - Eskişehir
|}
|}


===Goncali triangle===
===Goncali triangle===
[''Bölge 7''] (ERA–E 112B3) TR22/7
[''Bölge 7''] (ERA–E 112B3) TR24/8


There is a triangle south of Goncali station whose usage is as follows:
There is a triangle south of Goncali station whose usage is as follows:
Line 136: Line 136:
|  
|  
| 72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi  
| 72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi  
| Eskişehir - 18:36 Goncali - Denizli. The train reverses at Goncalı
| Eskişehir - 19:48 Goncali - Denizli. The train reverses at Goncalı
|}
|}


====north - east curve (Goncali – Bozkurt (– Çardak))====
====north - east curve (Goncali – Kaklık (– Çardak))====
{|  class="ostable"
{|  class="ostable"
|  
|  
|  
|  
| 72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi  
| 72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi  
| Eskişehir - 18:00 Kaklık - Denizli
| Eskişehir - 19:06 Kaklık - Denizli
|}
|}


====east – west curve ((Çardak –) Bozkurt – Goncali Müselles)====
====east – west curve ((Çardak –) Kaklık – Goncali Müselles)====


{|  class="ostable"
{|  class="ostable"
Line 158: Line 158:
|  
|  
| 72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi  
| 72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi  
| 10:15 Denizli - Eskişehir
| 09:45 Denizli - Eskişehir
|-
|-
|  
|  
|  
|  
| 72016 Göller Ekspresi  
| 32013 Güller Ekspresi  
| Isparta - 00:53 Bozkurt – İzmir Basmane
| İzmir Basmane - 15:34 Denizli Isparta
|}
|-
 
'''Note:''' Goncali Müselles is a basic request halt on the avoiding line. There is no platform or station infrastructure here.
 
===Toprakkale avoiding line: Km 2.2 Km 450.6===
[Bölge 6] (ERA–E 113A3) TR22/7A
 
This south <=> east curve links the lines from Iskenderun and Malatya.
 
It is used by one train a day each way which runs via, and reverses at, Osmaniye.
 
{| class="ostable"
|  
|  
|  
|  
| 62685
| 72016 Göller Ekspresi
| 12:00 İskenderun Mersin
| Isparta - 01:04 Kaklık İzmir Basmane
|-
|-
|  
|  
|  
|  
| 62686
| 72012 Güller Ekspresi
| 12:40 Mersin - 15.30 Osmaniye - İskenderun
| Isparta - 13:36 Kaklık – İzmir Basmane
|}
|}
'''Note:''' Goncali Müselles is a basic request halt on the avoiding line at the west junction. There is no platform or station infrastructure here.


===Malatya avoiding line: Sitmapinar – Km 247.8===
===Malatya avoiding line: Sitmapinar – Km 247.8===
[''Bölge'' 5] (ERA–E 113A3) TR22/8
[''Bölge'' 5] (ERA–E 113A3) TR24/9


This north <=> west curve links the lines from Sivas and Adana.
This north <=> west curve links the lines from Sivas and Adana.


When there is engineering work between Elazığ and Tatvan, the ''Vangölü Ekspresi'' from Ankara to Tatvan is  terminated at Elazığ. The stock needs to be turned but there is no facility at or near Elazig to facilitate this. The train therefore runs via the Malatya avoiding line and propels into the station. The locomotive has a cab at only one end, so it runs back light engine round all three sides of the triangle and then attaches to what is now the front of the train, before continuing to Elaziğ. Note that this applies only on the outward run from Ankara to Malatya.
When there is engineering work between Elazığ and Tatvan, the ''Vangölü Ekspresi'' from Ankara to Tatvan is  terminated at Elazığ. The stock needs to be turned but there is no facility at or near Elazig to facilitate this. The train therefore runs via the Malatya avoiding line and propels into the station. The locomotive has a cab at only one end, so it runs back light engine round all three sides of the triangle and then attaches to what is now the front of the train, before continuing to Elaziğ. Note that this applies only on the outward run from Ankara to Malatya.
===Elazığ – Tatvan Gar – Tatvan İskele [Tatvan Pier]===
[''Bölge'' 5] (ERA–E 113B3-B4) TR22/9
Tatvan Gar is a terminus. Since the withdrawal of the ''Trans-Asya Ekspresi'' between Ankara and Tehran at the start of the pandemic, there are no longer any services between Tatvan Gar and Tatvan İskele.
<!---Passenger trains continuing to Tatvan İskele for the train ferry across Lake Van are propelled from Tatvan Gar to Tatvan Iskele, where passengers alight and join the ferry on foot. Once this is completed, the train propels the mail van onto the train ferry. In the westbound direction, once passengers have boarded at Tatvan Iskele station, the train sets back onto the ferry to attach the mail van, '''enabling passengers in the rear carriage to traverse the link span on to the ferry'''. The mail van is the only part of the train that crosses Lake Van on the train ferry. The line between Tatvan Gar and Tatvan İskele describes three 180 degree curves. A connection links the two sides of the middle curve, forming a balloon loop. The westbound train uses this balloon loop and then propels into Tatvan Gar station, so that the train is then correctly formed (loco leading, baggage van on rear) for departure towards Ankara. Passenger therefore need to do the line in both directions to cover all available track.--->
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:Tatvan.jpg|100px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />
{|  class="ostable"
| MWO
| 22012 Vangölü Ekspresi
| 12:20 TSuO Ankara - 06:34 MWO Elazığ - Tatvan Gar
|-
|
| TFSuO
| 52602
| 06:34 Elazığ - Tatvan Gar
|-
|
| TThO
| 52011 Vangölü Ekspresi
| 08:40 Tatvan Gar - Ankara
|-
|
| MWSO
| 52601
| 08:40 Tatvan Gar - Elazığ
|}
<!---The ''Trans-Asya Ekspresi'' (Ankara - Tehran) operates once a week and is the only train serving Tatvan İskele. Only the through baggage car is carried on the Tatvan - Van train ferry; through passengers join the ferry on foot. '''As at March 2020 this train is suspended owing to the coronavirus outbreak in Iran'''--->
===Hanli – Bostankaya===
[''Bölge 4''] (ERA–E 113A4) TR22/10
Whilst Sivas station is closed for engineering work, this 32 km freight-only cut-off avoiding Sivas is being used by all through passenger services between Ankara and Sivas and places further east - Kars, Van and Kurtalan (the ''Dogu'', ''Turistik Doğu'', ''Vangolu'' and ''Guney Kurtalan'' expresses. This closure is caused by engineering work for the Ankara - Sivas high speed line. Sivas passengers are conveyed by bus between Sivas and Bostankaya. No end date for this work is known.
This line is used by the Turistik Doğu Ekspresi
{|  class="ostable"
| WFO
| 22016 Turistik Doğu Ekspresi
| 15:55 Ankara - 23:28 Kayseri - Kars
|-
| FSuO
| 42015 Turistik Doğu Ekspresi
| 22:20 Kars - 02:35 Erzerum - Ankara
|}
===Van İskele [Van Pier] – Van Gar – Kapiköy – Razi (Iran) – Tabriz===
[''Bölge'' 5] (ERA–E 113C4) TR22/11
Since the withdrawal of the ''Trans-Asya Ekspresi'' between Ankara and Tehran in February 2020 because of the Covid pandemic, there have been no services on this line.
<!---{|  class="ostable"
| MO
| 717
| 21:00 Van Gar - Tehran
|-
| ThO
| 719
| 21:25 Van İskele - Tehran
|-
|
| WO
| 718
| 22:05 Tehran - 18:30 ThO Kapiköy – Van İskele
|-
|
| SuO
| 716
| 13:00 Tehran - 09:15 MO Kapiköy – Van Gar
|}
The times should be checked on official websites as the provision of information cannot be relied upon.--->


==Other sparse services==
==Other sparse services==
The following lines have few trains (relative to service levels generally in this country) - fewer than three trains each way on at least three days a week - or do not run each weekday.
The following lines have few trains (relative to service levels generally in this country) - fewer than three trains each way on at least three days a week - or do not run each weekday.
   
   
{| width="100%"  
{| class="osstable4b"
| style="width:20%"| Halkali - Çerkezköy - Kapikule - Svilengrad (Bulgaria) / Uzunköprü (Greek border)
| (İstanbul, Halkali -) Çerkezköy - Edirne - Kapikule - Svilengrad (Bulgaria)
| style="width:8%"| ''Bölge'' 1  
| ''Bölge'' 1  
| style="width:13%"| (ERA 111A2 - 111C1)  
| (ERA 112B4 - 112A5)  
| style="width:59%"| One train each way per day between Uzunköprü and Halkali and one each way between Halkali and Kapikule.  
| One regional train each way per day between Halkali and Edirne and one each way between Halkali and Kapikule. There is now a more frequent service between Halkali and Çerkezköy, although these trains do not appear in the Bölgesel Trenler (Regional Trains) page.
The ''Istanbul-Sofia Express'' runs nightly between Halkali and Sofia.  
The ''Istanbul-Sofia Express'' runs nightly between Halkali and Sofia.  


The [https://www.optimatours.de/fahrplan.php Optima Express] car carrying train runs approximately twice a week between Villach (Austria) and Edirne (Turkey).
{{Optima Express}}
 
|-
| (İstanbul, Halkali - Çerkezköy -) Sazlımalkoç - Uzunköprü (Greek border)
| ''Bölge'' 1
| (ERA 112A4)  
| One regional train each way per day between Halkali and Uzunköprü
|-
|-
| Irmak - Çankiri - Karabük - Filyos - Zonguldak
| Irmak - Çankiri - Karabük - Filyos - Zonguldak
Line 296: Line 208:
| Trains are running only between Karabük and Zonguldak owing to engineering work.
| Trains are running only between Karabük and Zonguldak owing to engineering work.
|-
|-
| Boğazköprü - Niğde - Ulukışla (- Adana)
| (Kayseri -) Boğazköprü - Niğde - Ulukışla (- Adana)
| ''Bölge'' 2
| ''Bölge'' 2
|(ERA 112C3)
|(ERA 112C3)
Line 304: Line 216:
| ''Bölge'' 3
| ''Bölge'' 3
|(ERA 112B4)
|(ERA 112B4)
| One train each way, the ''6 Eylul  Ekspresi''. Connection at Bandirma for high speed ferries to İstanbul Yenikapı.</br >
| One train each way, the ''6 Eylül Ekspresi'' to and from İzmir. There is a connection at Bandirma for high speed ferries to İstanbul Yenikapı.
Note that services to/from Bandirma are subject to suspension during engineering works.
|-
| Ortaklar - Söke
| ''Bölge'' 3
|(ERA 112B3)
| Two trains a day each way.
|-
|-
| Karakuyu - Isparta
| Karakuyu - Isparta
| ''Bölge'' 3
| ''Bölge'' 3
|(ERA 112B3)  
|(ERA 112B3)  
| The ''Göller Ekspresi'', running overnight between İzmir Basmane and Isparta, is the only train over this line.
| The ''Göller Ekspresi'' and ''Güller Ekspresi'' to and from İzmir are the only trains over this line.
|-
|-
| Uşak - Afyonkarahisar Ali Çetinkaya  
| Uşak - Afyonkarahisar Ali Çetinkaya  
Line 335: Line 241:
| ''Bölge'' 6
| ''Bölge'' 6
|(ERA 112C3)
|(ERA 112C3)
| The ''Toros Ekspresi'', between Konya and Adana, is the only train over this line.
| The ''Toros Ekspresi'', between Adana and Konya, is the only train between Karaman and Ulukışla. This and the ''Erciyes Ekspresi'' are the only trains between Ulukışla and Adana.
|-
| Kütahya - Tavşanlı - Balikesir
| ''Bölge'' 7
|(ERA 112B4)
| Two trains each way, the ''Izmir Mavi'' and the ''Ege Ekspresi''.
|-
|-
| Kalın - Amasya - Samsun
| (Sivas -) Kalin - Amasya Samsun
| ''Bölge'' 4
| ''Bölge'' 4
|(ERA 113A4)
|(ERA 113A4 - 113A5)  
| All services suspended since September 2015 for engineering work
| One train each way MThSO from Sivas and TFSuO from Samsun plus some locals on intermediate sections.
|-
|-
| Divriği - Erzincan - Erzurum - Kars
| Erzincan - Erzurum - Kars
| ''Bölge'' 4
| ''Bölge'' 4
|(ERA 113A4 - 113C4)
|(ERA 113B4)
| The ''Dogu Ekspresi'' runs daily between Ankara and Kars, conveying couchette cars. The ''Turistik Doğu Ekspresi'', conveying sleeping cars, runs twice a week between Ankara and Kars. A local train runs twice daily between Divriği and Erzincan.
| The ''Dogu Ekspresi'' runs daily between Ankara and Kars, conveying couchette cars. The ''Turistik Doğu Ekspresi'', conveying sleeping cars, runs three times a week between Ankara and Kars: MWFO from Ankara and WFSuO from Kars, until March 2024.
|-
|-
| Kars - Akyaka
| Kars - Akyaka
Line 360: Line 261:
| ''Bölge'' 5
| ''Bölge'' 5
|(ERA 113A3 - ERA 113A4)
|(ERA 113A3 - ERA 113A4)
| A daily train between Ankara and Malatya continues 5 days a week as the ''Güney Kurtalan Ekspresi'' to/from Kurtalan and 2 days a week as the ''Vangölü Ekspresi'' to/from Tatvan.
| 2/3 trains a day. A local train runs daily between Malatya and Sivas. The ''4 Eylül Mavi'' runs FSuO between Ankara and Malatya. A daily train between Ankara and Malatya continues 5 days a week as the ''Güney Kurtalan Ekspresi'' to/from Kurtalan and 2 days a week as the ''Vangölü Ekspresi'' to/from Tatvan.
|-
| (Malatya -) Yolcati - Elaziğ - Genç - Tatvan Gar
| ''Bölge'' 5
|(ERA 113B3)
| The ''Vangölü Ekspresi'' runs 2 days a week between Ankara and Tatvan Gar. It departs Ankara on Tuesdays and Sundays (Elaziğ a day later) and Tatvan Gar on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On other days a local train runs between Elaziğ and Tatvan Gar in the same timings.
|-
|-
| Yolcati - Diyarbakır - Batman - Kurtalan
| (Malatya -) Yolcati - Diyarbakır - Batman - Kurtalan
| ''Bölge'' 5
| ''Bölge'' 5
|(ERA 113B3)
|(ERA 113B3)
| The ''Güney-Ekspresi'' runs 5 days a week between Ankara and Kurtalan. There are two local trains a day between Diyarbakır and Batman.
| The ''Güney-Ekspresi'' runs 5 days a week between Ankara and Kurtalan. There are two local trains a day between Diyarbakır and Batman.
|-
|-
| Malatya - Fevzipasa
| Malatya - Fevzipasa - Toprakkale
| ''Bölge'' 5
| ''Bölge'' 5
|(ERA 113A3)
|(ERA 113A3)
| One train each way, the ''Firat Ekspresi'', runs daily between Elaziğ and Adana.  
| One train each way, the ''Firat Ekspresi'', ran daily between Elaziğ and Adana. THIS TRAIN IS AT PRESENT SUSPENDED OWING TO EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE
|-
|-
| Fevzipaşa – İslahiye
| Fevzipaşa – İslahiye
| ''Bölge'' 6
| ''Bölge'' 6
|(ERA 113A3)
|(ERA 113A3)
| One local train a day each way: early morning from İslahiye and late evening back.
| One local train a day ran each way: early morning from İslahiye and late evening back. THIS TRAIN IS AT PRESENT SUSPENDED OWING TO EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE
|-
| Gaziantep - Nizip
| ''Bölge'' 6
|(ERA 113A3)
| Two trains a day each way
|}
|}


==Deletions since previous edition==
==Deletions since previous edition==
{| class="dpetable3"  
{| class="dpetable3"  
|  
 
| None
| ''Bölge'' 3
|  
| Ortaklar - Söke
| Now three trains each way a day.
|}
|}



Latest revision as of 17:21, 22 February 2024

Introduction

TCDD has not published a timetable for many years and this list is based on the public timetables contained in the TCDD journey planner website as at December 2023. It is understood that a new timetable was introduced on 10 December 2023, in line with European railways.

Standard abbreviations are explained here. In the absence of timetable table numbers, each line's TCDD Bölge (administrative/operational region) is given, namely: 1 Istanbul (Haydarpaşa), both European and Asian Turkey; 2 Ankara; 3 Izmir (Alsancak); 4 Sivas; 5 Malatya; 6 Adana and 7 Afyonkarahisar.

The TCDD website is sometimes not updated to represent the actual situation. Trains may remain on the site when they have been cancelled, curtailed or amended. Prospective passengers should check carefully any notes (which are in Turkish only) relating to trains.

Map references for each route entry are given in parentheses ( ). References prefixed "ERA-E" refer to the European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition) by M.G. Ball. The European Railway Atlas (Regional Series) by M.G. Ball does not cover Turkey.

Obscure services

Polatli avoiding line: Km.456+029 HZ – Km 5+691 HZ

[Bölge 2] (ERA–E 112C4) TR24/1

This west <==> south curve south west of Polatli connects the Eskişehir (- İstanbul) and Konya (- Karaman) high speed lines. It is used by high speed services (Yüksek Hizli Tren) between İstanbul and Konya/Karaman.

(Ankara –) Sincan – Polatli – Eskişehir – Esentepe (– İstanbul)

[Bölge 2] (ERA–E 112C4) TR24/2

There are two largely parallel lines between Sincan and Esentepe, which is about 30 km south of Arifiye: the original 'classic' single track Ankara – İstanbul main line and the Ankara - Eskişehir - Arifiye high speed line. Note that the high speed line will be extended beyond Esentepe at some point. The only trains using the 'classic' line are local services between Ankara and Polatli, plus the following long distance trains.

See note below 22006 İzmir Mavi 20:00 Ankara - İzmir Basmane
22001 Ankara Ekspresi 22:00 Ankara - İstanbul (Halkali)
See note below 32005 İzmir Mavi İzmir Basmane - 05:10 Eskişehir - Ankara
12002 Ankara Ekspresi 22:00 İstanbul (Halkali) - Ankara

Note that the İzmir services use the 'classic' line only between Ankara and Eskişehir, so only the İstanbul services cover the whole line to Esentepe.

Eskişehir avoiding line (Km 2.2 – Km 310.2)

[Bölge 7] (ERA 112B4) TR24/3

This west <==> south curve connects the İstanbul and Afyon lines, avoiding Eskişehir station.

It is thought that it is used by single ended diesel locomotive hauled trains from Kütahya to Eskişehir, which reverse at the west junction and propel into the station to avoid the locomotive having to run round. This was observed on a video of train 72601 06.00 Tavşanlı to Eskişehir. The compilers would appreciate details of any other train observed taking this route.

Alayunt triangle

[Bölge 7] (ERA–E 112B4) TR24/4

All trains between Eskişehir and Afyon run via Kütahya, using the north <=> west and west <=> south curves of the triangle and calling at Alayunt Müselles when traversing the latter curve. The north <=> south curve thus has no service. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.


Kütahya loop

[Bölge 7] (ERA–E 112B4, not shown) TR24/5

In order to avoid reversing, locomotive hauled trains between Eskişehir and Kütahya which either continue to Afyon or terminate at Kütahya run via this loop line which diverges to the north, east of Kütahya, enabling them to approach the station from the west. It is always used prior to arrival at Kütahya. Trains which are diesel units do not use the loop.

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.


72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi 11:10 Eskişehir - Denizli
72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi Denizli - 16:23 Çöğürler - Eskişehir

As at December 2022, the local trains with train numbers in the range 72601 - 72608, were being worked by units, and hence reversed at Kütahya and did not use the loop. They may be locomotive hauled as at December 2023, although it is thought that the Afyon <> Eskişehir trains 72607/72608 are units again as at January 2024. The Compilers would greatly appreciate information on the present situation.

Karakuyu loop

[Bölge 7] (ERA–E 112B3, not shown) TR24/6

The line from Afyon divides into a balloon loop north of Karakuyu, giving two connections into Karakuyu station. One loop runs into the east end and can be used by trains between Afyon and Izmir via Goncali in order to avoid reversal. The other runs into the west end and can be used by trains between Afyon and Isparta to avoid reversal; however there are no longer such passenger services.

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.


Based on their timings, the following trains must use the east end loop:

72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi Eskişehir - 16:38 Ekinova - Denizli
72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi Denizli - 12:29 Karakuyu - Eskişehir

Afyonkarahisar loop

[Bölge 7] (ERA–E 112B3, not shown) TR24/7

Afyonkarahisar Ali Çetinkaya station (abbreviated hereafter to Afyon) is equipped with a loop line which leaves the station in a south-easterly direction and turns to the north-east, joining the Eskişehir line. This enables trains between Eskişehir and either of the routes to Izmir (via Uşak or via Karakuyu) to avoid reversal.

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.


The loop appears to be used on departure from Afyon.

72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi Eskişehir - 14:57 Afyon A.Çetinkaya - Denizli
72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi Denizli - 14:50 Afyon A.Çetinkaya - Eskişehir

Goncali triangle

[Bölge 7] (ERA–E 112B3) TR24/8

There is a triangle south of Goncali station whose usage is as follows:

north - west curve (Goncali – Goncali Müselles)

Trains between Izmir/Söke and Denizli, and also

72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi Eskişehir - 19:48 Goncali - Denizli. The train reverses at Goncalı

north - east curve (Goncali – Kaklık (– Çardak))

72014 Pamukkale Ekspresi Eskişehir - 19:06 Kaklık - Denizli

east – west curve ((Çardak –) Kaklık – Goncali Müselles)

32015 Göller Ekspresi İzmir Basmane - 04:08 Denizli – Isparta
72013 Pamukkale Ekspresi 09:45 Denizli - Eskişehir
32013 Güller Ekspresi İzmir Basmane - 15:34 Denizli – Isparta
72016 Göller Ekspresi Isparta - 01:04 Kaklık – İzmir Basmane
72012 Güller Ekspresi Isparta - 13:36 Kaklık – İzmir Basmane

Note: Goncali Müselles is a basic request halt on the avoiding line at the west junction. There is no platform or station infrastructure here.

Malatya avoiding line: Sitmapinar – Km 247.8

[Bölge 5] (ERA–E 113A3) TR24/9

This north <=> west curve links the lines from Sivas and Adana.

When there is engineering work between Elazığ and Tatvan, the Vangölü Ekspresi from Ankara to Tatvan is terminated at Elazığ. The stock needs to be turned but there is no facility at or near Elazig to facilitate this. The train therefore runs via the Malatya avoiding line and propels into the station. The locomotive has a cab at only one end, so it runs back light engine round all three sides of the triangle and then attaches to what is now the front of the train, before continuing to Elaziğ. Note that this applies only on the outward run from Ankara to Malatya.

Other sparse services

The following lines have few trains (relative to service levels generally in this country) - fewer than three trains each way on at least three days a week - or do not run each weekday.

(İstanbul, Halkali -) Çerkezköy - Edirne - Kapikule - Svilengrad (Bulgaria) Bölge 1 (ERA 112B4 - 112A5) One regional train each way per day between Halkali and Edirne and one each way between Halkali and Kapikule. There is now a more frequent service between Halkali and Çerkezköy, although these trains do not appear in the Bölgesel Trenler (Regional Trains) page.

The Istanbul-Sofia Express runs nightly between Halkali and Sofia.

The Optima Express car carrying train runs via this route. The train runs once or twice per week in each direction between Villach (Austria) and Edirne (Turkey), between May and November. Foot passenger bookings may also be made.

(İstanbul, Halkali - Çerkezköy -) Sazlımalkoç - Uzunköprü (Greek border) Bölge 1 (ERA 112A4) One regional train each way per day between Halkali and Uzunköprü
Irmak - Çankiri - Karabük - Filyos - Zonguldak Bölge 2 (ERA 112C4) Trains are running only between Karabük and Zonguldak owing to engineering work.
(Kayseri -) Boğazköprü - Niğde - Ulukışla (- Adana) Bölge 2 (ERA 112C3) The Erciyes Ekspresi, running overnight between Kayseri and Adana, is the only train over this line.
Balıkesir - Bandirma Şehir Bölge 3 (ERA 112B4) One train each way, the 6 Eylül Ekspresi to and from İzmir. There is a connection at Bandirma for high speed ferries to İstanbul Yenikapı.
Karakuyu - Isparta Bölge 3 (ERA 112B3) The Göller Ekspresi and Güller Ekspresi to and from İzmir are the only trains over this line.
Uşak - Afyonkarahisar Ali Çetinkaya Bölge 7 (ERA 112B3) The Konya Mavi, running overnight between Izmir and Konya, is the only train over this line
Afyonkarahisar Ali Çetinkaya - Karakuyu Bölge 7 (ERA 112B3) The Pamukkale Ekspresi between Eskişehir and Denizli is the only train over this line.
Afyonkarahisar Ali Çetinkaya – Konya Bölge 7 (ERA 112B3 - 112C3) The Konya Mavi, running overnight between Izmir and Konya, is the only train over this line.
(Konya -) Karaman - Ulukışla (- Adana) Bölge 6 (ERA 112C3) The Toros Ekspresi, between Adana and Konya, is the only train between Karaman and Ulukışla. This and the Erciyes Ekspresi are the only trains between Ulukışla and Adana.
(Sivas -) Kalin - Amasya Samsun Bölge 4 (ERA 113A4 - 113A5) One train each way MThSO from Sivas and TFSuO from Samsun plus some locals on intermediate sections.
Erzincan - Erzurum - Kars Bölge 4 (ERA 113B4) The Dogu Ekspresi runs daily between Ankara and Kars, conveying couchette cars. The Turistik Doğu Ekspresi, conveying sleeping cars, runs three times a week between Ankara and Kars: MWFO from Ankara and WFSuO from Kars, until March 2024.
Kars - Akyaka Bölge 4 (ERA 113C4) Two local trains daily between Kars and Akyaka, on the border with Armenia.
Çetinkaya - Malatya Bölge 5 (ERA 113A3 - ERA 113A4) 2/3 trains a day. A local train runs daily between Malatya and Sivas. The 4 Eylül Mavi runs FSuO between Ankara and Malatya. A daily train between Ankara and Malatya continues 5 days a week as the Güney Kurtalan Ekspresi to/from Kurtalan and 2 days a week as the Vangölü Ekspresi to/from Tatvan.
(Malatya -) Yolcati - Elaziğ - Genç - Tatvan Gar Bölge 5 (ERA 113B3) The Vangölü Ekspresi runs 2 days a week between Ankara and Tatvan Gar. It departs Ankara on Tuesdays and Sundays (Elaziğ a day later) and Tatvan Gar on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On other days a local train runs between Elaziğ and Tatvan Gar in the same timings.
(Malatya -) Yolcati - Diyarbakır - Batman - Kurtalan Bölge 5 (ERA 113B3) The Güney-Ekspresi runs 5 days a week between Ankara and Kurtalan. There are two local trains a day between Diyarbakır and Batman.
Malatya - Fevzipasa - Toprakkale Bölge 5 (ERA 113A3) One train each way, the Firat Ekspresi, ran daily between Elaziğ and Adana. THIS TRAIN IS AT PRESENT SUSPENDED OWING TO EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE
Fevzipaşa – İslahiye Bölge 6 (ERA 113A3) One local train a day ran each way: early morning from İslahiye and late evening back. THIS TRAIN IS AT PRESENT SUSPENDED OWING TO EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE
Gaziantep - Nizip Bölge 6 (ERA 113A3) Two trains a day each way

Deletions since previous edition

Bölge 3 Ortaklar - Söke Now three trains each way a day.

See also