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Toros Express train Istanbul-to-Aleppo (aka "Taurus Ekspresi")

Posted by (portland, oregon) on

Can anyone provide accurate relevant info on this train route?

We are interested in traveling on the overnight sleeper Toros Express train, direct from Istanbul to Aleppo, Syria. Much conflicting info on the internet, unable to determine conclusively if in fact service has been restarted after a temporary suspension. Even the guru on "Seat61" isn't quite certain.

We do know that it is possible to travel by train from Istanbul to Aleppo on other lines/routes, but we have our heart set on riding this particular Toros Express.....any advice, suggestions, clarifications would be most appreciated.

Many thanks!

Posted by
990 posts

Here is a link to the TCDD Turkish Rail English language web page for the train:
http://www.tcdd.gov.tr/tcdding/ortadogu_ing.htm

It sounds as though it does run now, at least one day a week. Unfortunately, I can't figure out how to buy tickets online on the site. When we've traveled on the sleeper car trains in Turkey, we've bought our tickets in advance from a travel agency in Turkey. Check to make sure that the agency sells TCDD tickets--not all travel agncies do. An agency can tell us for sure if the Toros Ekspresi is currently running--you might Google for a Turkish travel agency and email them for information about times and costs.

By the way, don't forget to get a Syrian tourist visa in advance or you won't be able to enter Syria!

Posted by
1589 posts

I would suggest that if Seat61 doesn't have exact information then you are less likely to find it on this board. I suggest you look on the thorntree forum on the LP board.

We traveled between Istanbul and Aleppo last year (May 08) but had no wish to endure the long train ride getting to the south of Turkey. So instead we flew to Gaziantep and then used taxis to hop across the border. I believe that Adana is another option if you want to shorten the journey. Flights inside Turkey were about $90 one way.

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