Home
Search
Maps of Turkey
Photo Gallery

Where to Go
When to Go
Where to Stay
What It Costs
Turkish Money
Transport
FAQ-Travel Details

Best Itineraries
Guided Tours
Travel Agency
Unusual Trips
Consultations

TTP Forums
Funny Stuff
Shopping
Site Index
Bright Sun

The 17 (Onyedi) Eylül Ekspresi (September 17th Express) between Bandırma and Izmir is not coordinated with the IDO fast ferry between Bandırma and Istanbul, although it does allow you to travel from Istanbul to Izmir in about nine hours every day.

From Friday through Sunday you can travel from Izmir to Istanbul in a little over 9 hours on the same day.

However, departing Izmir on Monday through Thursday, the ferry departs Bandırma before the train arrives! You must stay overnight in Bandırma and take a morning ferry to reach Istanbul. In Bandırma, the railroad station and ferry docks are right next to one another, and there are hotels only a few steps away.

Although this train—and most trains to/from Izmir—normally operates from Basmane station, in 2010 it departs and arrives at Izmir's Alsancak station, 2km (1.24 miles) north instead (map).

(For a train that allows you to go from Izmir to Istanbul in eight hours in one day, every day, see the 6 Eylül Ekspresi page.)

Ferry schedules as posted on the IDO website are not always consistent; they change according to seasons, with fewer sailings in winter; and revised schedules may be posted only days before a seasonal change takes effect. Confirm times locally (Backpackers Travel can do it for you) before you arrive at the station or ferry terminal.

From ISTANBUL daily

From İZMİR, Monday-Thursday & Saturday

From İZMİR, Friday & Sunday

The one-way fare for the entire journey, train and ferry, is TL47. Buy your tickets at the train stations in Istanbul (Sirkeci or Haydarpaşa), Bandırma, Manisa or İzmir (Basmane), or at the Yenikapı Ferry Terminal in Istanbul.

The train hauls Pullman coaches and a dining car.

6 Eylül Ekspresi Turkish State Railways Route Map Types of Turkish Trains How & Where to Buy Train Tickets Train Fare Discounts Money-Saving Monthly Passes Pullman Car Couchette Car Sleeping Car Train Travel Transportation Turkish State Railways website