Istanbul is undeniably the most well-know part of Türkiye, but it’s far from being the only one worth visiting. If you’re keen to explore the country further but want to keep your carbon footprint down, you can opt to travel by train. The rail network in Türkiye is relatively extensive, with high-speed trains linking Istanbul to Ankara, Konya, and Sivas, local trains, long-distance routes, sleeper trains, and even touristic trains covering large swathes of the country. The Mesopotamia Express, a sleeper train that travels 653 miles across Anatolia is Türkiye’s latest touristic, long-distance sleeper rail offering.
Photo: Go Turkiye
Türkiye's New Sleeper Train Will Take You to Cappadocia and Beyond
The Mesopotamia Express is a sleeper train which operates between Ankara and Diyarbakır, a journey of over 650 miles. The route includes stops in Kayseri, the historical capital of Cappadocia; the ancient city of Malatya; and Elazığ, famous for its vineyards and orchards. Passengers have three to four hours in each stop, giving them ample time to explore the area.
The Mesopotamia Express can accommodate up to 180 passengers in nine sleeper cars. Each cabin can welcome up to two travelers and include seats that convert into beds, a sink, a refrigerator, and a closet. There is one dining car on board where Anatolian cuisine is served, including kebabs, baklava, and more traditional dishes concocted with locally sourced ingredients.
The cost of riding the Mesopotamia Express start at $277 (9,000 TL) for a room in a sleeper car on the Ankara-Diyarbakır route, and $246 (8,000 TL) on the Diyarbakır-Ankara route. The best way to book a trip on this train is to download the Turkish State Railways, Also known as TCDD, app.
The Mesopotamia Express’ inaugural journey took place on April 19, 2024, and was followed by a return trip to Ankara on April 21, 2024. The train departs every Thursday from Ankara at 3:55 PM. 