TCDD YHT High-Speed Rail Guide: Istanbul, Eskişehir, Ankara, Konya & Sivas

Last reviewed: October 25, 2026 · Prices in Turkish Lira (₺ TRY) and Euros (€ EUR) are approximate and for orientation only.

Key Takeaways

• TCDD YHT trains run at 250 km/h connecting Istanbul (Söğütlüçeşme, Bostancı, Pendik, Halkalı) with Eskişehir (3h), Ankara (4h 20m), Konya (4h 50m), Karaman, and Sivas.
• Tickets open 15 to 30 days before departure on ebilet.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr and the TCDD e-Bilet mobile app.
• Bring your physical passport to board—your ticket is tied to your passport number and checked at the platform gate.
• Standard Economy fares cost just ₺540–₺850 (€14.50–€23) for Istanbul–Ankara, making YHT one of the best-value high-speed trains on Earth.

Major TCDD YHT Routes, Times & 2026 Fares

Türkiye's state rail operator TCDD Taşımacılık operates modern Siemens Velaro (HT80000) and CAF (HT65000) high-speed trainsets across the Anatolian heartland:

• Istanbul (Söğütlüçeşme) ↔ Eskişehir: ~3h 00m · Economy ₺350 (€9.50) / Business ₺525 (€14)
• Istanbul (Söğütlüçeşme) ↔ Ankara YHT Gar: ~4h 20m · Economy ₺540 (€14.50) / Business ₺810 (€22)
• Istanbul (Söğütlüçeşme) ↔ Konya: ~4h 50m · Economy ₺790 (€21) / Business ₺1,185 (€32)
• Ankara ↔ Konya: ~1h 45m · Economy ₺250 (€6.75) / Business ₺375 (€10)
• Ankara ↔ Sivas: ~2h 35m · Economy ₺475 (€12.80) / Business ₺715 (€19.30)

Which Istanbul YHT Station Should You Use?

Most YHT trains start and terminate at Söğütlüçeşme on the Asian side (in Kadıköy, directly connected to Marmaray and Metrobüs), with select morning and evening trains crossing through the Bosphorus Marmaray tunnel all the way to Bakırköy and Halkalı on the European side. Even if you stay in Sultanahmet or Karaköy, riding the Marmaray commuter train from Sirkeci under the Bosphorus to Ayrılık Çeşmesi / Söğütlüçeşme takes just 12–15 minutes!