Türkiye’s Touristic Diyarbakir Express to begin 1st journey of new season on April 11

Touristic Diyarbakir Express, a train service designed to promote tourism between Ankara and Diyarbakir, will commence its first journey of the new season on April 11, the Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu announced Tuesday.
Uraloglu emphasized that the service would revitalize domestic tourism and foster greater cultural interaction between cities.

8 scheduled departures between April 11 and May 25
The Touristic Diyarbakir Express will operate a total of eight trips between April 11 and May 25, with the train departing from Ankara on Fridays and from Diyarbakir on Sundays. The train will run biweekly, with four outbound and four return journeys planned.
“The train will not only provide a means of traveling from one city to another but will also offer passengers the chance to experience the journey itself. The Touristic Diyarbakir Express is a project where culture meets the rails,” said Uraloglu.
Touristic Diyarbakir Express’ cultural stops in Malatya and Yolcati
Uraloglu further detailed the train’s itinerary, stating that it would depart from Ankara at 1:55 p.m. and make a three-hour stop in Malatya. Passengers will have the opportunity to explore the city’s historical and cultural landmarks during this stop. The train is scheduled to arrive in Diyarbakir at 4:23 p.m. the following day.
On the return leg, the train will depart Diyarbakir at 12:30 p.m. and make a four-hour stop at the Yolcati station in Elazig. “Passengers will have a chance to see the region’s cultural heritage in person during these breaks in Malatya and Yolcati,” Uraloglu added. The train is expected to reach Ankara at 15:52 (3:52 p.m.) the following day.

Enhancing regional tourism through unique train journeys
The launch of the Touristic Diyarbakir Express is expected to provide a significant boost to regional tourism, offering passengers an immersive travel experience that blends both scenic beauty and cultural exploration.
“This project is not just about transportation; it’s an opportunity for cultural enrichment. By combining tourism and travel, the Touristic Diyarbakir Express will play a pivotal role in connecting the rich histories of both Ankara and Diyarbakir,” Uraloglu concluded.
Tickets for the Touristic Diyarbakir Express can be purchased via TCDD Tasimacilik AS ticket sales counters, authorized agents, the mobile app, and the official website.