What is Lake Van Express?
Everything About the Van Lake Express Although the Van Lake Express, which is one of the main line trains from Ankara operated by TCDD, is perceived as going to Van from its name, the journey ends in the Tatvan district of Bitlis. If you want to go to Van and have a breakfast, visit and explore, you have to continue on the road by land or by ferry.
Van Lake Express is not a high-speed train, but consists of wagons pulled by a diesel locomotive.
What is the route of the Van Lake Express? Which cities does it pass through, how many hours does it take?
Everything About the Van Lake Express The provinces on the route of the journey starting from Ankara Station are Kayseri - Sivas - Malatya - Elazig and Tatvan (Bitlis), respectively. But the train stops at 60 stops in average with 10-minute breaks and opens and closes its doors in secluded stations, just like the small towns in the movies. The duration of this trip, which is a route of 1245 km in total, is 24 hours. But you can trust a punctual system and transfer etc. don't make plans. The following times are the TCDD departure times of the trains, but they are often delayed and the arrival time can exceed 25 hours.
departing from Ankara;
Departure from Ankara: 11:20
River departure: 12:53
Kayseri departure: 18:56
Departure from Sivas: 23:07
Departure from Malatya: 03:11
Elazig departure: 06:30
Tatvan arrival: 13:08
Departing from Tatvan;
Tatvan departure: 09:00
Departure from Elazig: 15:47
Departure from Malatya: 18:51
Departure from Sivas: 23:34
Departure from Kayseri: 03:07
River departure: 08:55
Ankara arrival: 10:25
On Which Days Are Van Lake Express Expeditions Made?
It is held twice a week. Ankara - Tatvan flights are on Tuesdays and Sundays, and Tatvan - Ankara flights are on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Where to Buy Van Lake Express Tickets?
Everything Wondering About Van Lake ExpressYou can buy your ticket when you enter the official site of TCDD. Same time;
From station tolls, tourism agencies and PTT,
Via mobile applications from platforms such as the App Store or Google Play,
You can also buy tickets from the call center at 444 82 33.
But there is also the fact that having sales channels at hand does not mean that you can find tickets whenever you are looking for them, you need to be quick and buy the tickets as soon as they go on sale. Let's not forget that the tickets go on sale 30 days before the travel date and if you want a sleeping wagon ticket, these tickets also sell out faster.
Let's remind the following points;
When you search online, you need to select the destination as Tatvan Gar, not Van. If you are considering a round trip, do not forget to tick the two-way option on the ticket screen.
Let's say you couldn't find a ticket on the date you wanted, stretch your search dates and search by entering the screen many times during the day. The more you try, the higher your chance of finding a ticket!
After purchasing the ticket, TCDD sends a message to your phone or e-mail. You can get on the train by showing this message to the attendant.
Wagon Alternatives and Ticket Prices on the Van Lake Express
You can think of the 25-hour journey you will take on the Van Lake Express like a steppe documentary. So the goal is not to get anywhere, but to enjoy the moment in front of a nature screen. That's why it's important to be comfortable in your seat.
If you are asking how I can achieve this comfort on the Van Lake Express, let's first talk about the wagon options offered when buying tickets. These options are;
- Pullman Wagon
- Covered Bunk Wagon
- It is stated as Sleeping Wagon and they all have different prices.
Pulman Wagon: This is the cheapest and easiest ticket option you can find. You go by sitting in a narrow seat, just like you would on a bus. It is possible to travel side by side or face to face with someone you do not know in the seats arranged as 2 + 1. The toilet in the wagon is for shared use and the number of sockets required for phone charging is low. But despite the disadvantages, if you have a pet, you can only travel together in this wagon. (Ticket fee valid as of October 2021: 62.50 TL)
Covered Bunk Wagon: The 4-person seats in this wagon are a little more comfortable and can become a bed when opened. When you buy the ticket from this wagon, TCDD gives you clean sheets and pillows in a bag. There is a toilet and a socket. This wagon, which you can travel by lying down or sitting down, is one of the two most preferred options when buying a ticket (the other is a sleeping car). (Ticket fee valid as of October 2021: 87.50 TL)
Sleeper Wagon: This wagon, which has two bunk beds, is of course the most preferred option when it comes to a 25-hour journey. It has a private toilet, a desk, a mini fridge and a socket. Even if you get cold, you can play with the temperature setting and feel yourself in a room of your own. If you want a special ambiance or to illuminate your window, equip your table with your own drinks and food and set a magnificent table, this is the most suitable wagon. It is also the most expensive and hardest to find ticket alternative! (Ticket fee valid as of October 2021: 275,50 TL)
Since the compartments are locked from the inside, there is no problem in terms of security in all three travel alternatives. Let us remind you that the prices we stated were last applied in October 2021 and there may be an update in the new year.
How is the view on the Van Lake Express Journey and Which Seasons Are Best for Traveling?
Everything Wondering About the Van Lake ExpressIf you started your journey from Ankara, let's underline that the view of the lush green plains and majestic mountains of the East is not very visible at night. But if you are planning to return from Tatvan to Ankara by train, you can make up for what you missed. If we compare the rails to a film strip on train journeys, which we can describe as a different experience in every aspect, we can say that the most exciting scenes begin when we finish Elazig and go to Tatvan. For example, when you look at the inspiring steppes that seem like eternity, you can feel as if you are seeing horses galloping from somewhere.
The months when Van Lake Express tickets are sold out the fastest are May and June. In these times when the colors of spring are at their freshest, you will love the bride-girls of Muş Plain. But if you prefer to go in winter, the mystical view of Van Lake covered with snow is not a sight to be forgotten so easily.
What is the Difference Between Eastern Express and Van Lake Express?
Everything Wondering About Van Lake Express Although both offer the same journey pleasure, the seasons of the Eastern Express and the Lake Van Express are separate, let's talk about it from the beginning. Those who go to see a frozen Kars City, Çıldır Lake and commemorate the Sarıkamış Martyrs mostly flock to the Eastern Express during the winter season. During these periods, Eastern Express tickets sell out quickly. Van Lake Express is preferred in May – June to see the lush road views and to be involved in the visual story of each stop.
What are the Food and Drink Facilities of Van Lake Express?
Everything About the Van Lake Express There is a wagon on the train reserved for lunch and breakfast. If you didn't come prepared for the road, you can sit at restaurant-style tables and order even though the menu is limited. But we say that even if you have a snack with you, you should definitely have something with you. If you're staying in a sleeping car, you also have a refrigerator. Another suggestion is to order from the next station while traveling. You can continue this trend, which started with the Eastern Express, on the Van Lake Express. You can order what Kayseri is famous for, what Sivas is famous for, and whatever you want, and you can get it delivered during your break. The choice is up to you!
What should you take with you on the Van Lake Express Travel?
Everything About Van Lake Express
Clothing that will keep you warm in the cold of the night, although it is not usually cold in the wagons
An extension cord as a precaution against power shortage.
Food, drink (you can even bring cake, pies)
Soap, toilet paper (although it is available, it wears out quickly), wet wipes, etc. for hygiene.
You can also bring your own linens for bedtime.
The train has electricity but no Wi-Fi. If you want to share photos, it is useful to check the internet package on your phone.
If you want to take professional photos, don't forget to take your camera with you.