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A Guide to Buying Train Tickets in Turkey via TCDD
By Burak Ünal, Founder & Managing Partner, Gordion Partners
· · 2 min read
In short
Tickets for the Turkish State Railways (TCDD) can be bought on the TCDD website or at a ticket booth in any railway station: you choose the stations, the date, the class and the number of tickets, pay by card, or in cash at the booth, and keep the ticket printed or on your phone. Reduced fares need proof of eligibility.
Purchasing train tickets in Turkey can be done with ease, either through the internet or directly at a railway station. Follow this simple procedure to buy tickets from the Turkish State Railways (TCDD) online platform or at a TCDD ticket booth:
Visit the TCDD site at www.tcdd.gov.tr and choose the 'Purchase Ticket' feature. You'll be taken to a new page to input your journey information, like your starting and ending stations, travel date, and service class (either standard or business).
Choose the quantity of tickets you want to buy and decide whether you need a one-way or return fare. Should you qualify for a reduced rate (like student or senior discounts), be prepared to show proof when collecting your tickets.
Select a method for payment. You have the option to purchase your tickets using either a credit or debit card, or via an online payment platform such as Garanti Bank, Ä°Å Bank, Akbank, or Halkbank.
Either print out your tickets or store them on your mobile device. Should you opt for printing, don't forget to carry the printed copies when you travel. Alternatively, if you keep them on your phone, display the QR code for inspection at the station when required.
Should you wish to purchase your tickets face-to-face, feel free to stop by a TCDD ticket booth at any railway station. Here's what you need to do:
Approach a TCDD ticket booth at the railway station and furnish the ticket agent with your journey specifics, including departure and destination stops, travel date, and service tier.
Choose the quantity of tickets you want to buy and decide whether you're opting for a one-way or a return fare. If you qualify for a reduced rate, such as student or senior discounts, be prepared to show evidence of your eligibility when buying your ticket.
Purchase your tickets using cash, or a credit or debit card.
Obtain your tickets from the attendant and ensure their safekeeping to have them with you on your journey date. If you plan to stay in Turkey longer than your visa or visa exemption allows, our guide to residence permits in Turkey explains the options.
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The information on this page is general and is not legal, tax or investment advice. Rules, amounts and procedures change; contact us to confirm the current requirements before you act.
