Istanbul - Kusadasi by train

[turkeybound]

where di you see that the train route may be closed?

[Michael]

I realise that I am replying a bit late but there are two ways you can go to Kuşadası (most of the way) by train.

1) Take the early morning fast ferry from Yenikapı at 7.00 - this is probably convenient for most people because it is very close to Sultan Ahmet. This takes 2 hours to cross the sea of marmara to Bandirma; the station is right next to the ferry port, and then take the train to Izmir. It arrives in Izmir at 15.18, connecting with another train to Selçuk at 15.40; you arrive there at 16.54. Then there are minibusses to Kuşadası, which take 30 minutes, leaving a 5 minute walk from the station. This is actually as fast or possibly faster than going there by bus.

2) You can go the long way round via Eskişehir, leaving istanbul at 18.00 for a 4 hour trip to Eskişehir and changing there for a sleeper train to Izmir in the morning (arriving Izmir at around 9). Then you can take the 10.25 train to Selçuk arriving 11.33. Now I dont think anyone else would go this way (very long D-tour) but if you wanted to go all the way by train, this is probably the best way now the Pamukkale express isnt working. At least you can sleep more easilly than in a bus so it may be worth considering as an alternative to a night bus.

[turkeybound]

yes I have done the Brindima route, 3 weeks ago and it was as you posted. the Pamuckale express is indeed not working at this time. the whole trip was both enjoyable and convenient .