Türkiye's Mesopotamia Express steams ahead for April 19 launch

Türkiye's new tourist train, the Mesopotamia Express, has completed its promotional tour.

The tourist train, which will offer travelers new experiences along its route from Ankara to Diyarbakir, conducted a promotional tour ahead of its inaugural journey on April 19.

Mehmet Kaya, president of the Diyarbakir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized that the Mesopotamia Express is a significant advantage for promoting the city. Kaya stated, "We have over 1 million tourists contributing significantly to both our traders and our city, but with this train, the beauties of our country will be seen from Ankara to Diyarbakir, benefiting the cities it stops in as well."

Expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure for launching the service, Kaya said, "Tourism is key to unlocking the potential of our city and region. We've been working tirelessly to create unforgettable experiences for visitors. It will be a very important tool for people to see and get to know the region."

Services begin on April 19

The first journey on the 1051-kilometer (653.06-mile) route organized by TCDD Transport Inc. is expected to depart from Ankara on Friday, April 19, at 3:55 p.m. The return train will depart from Diyarbakir on Sunday, April 21, at 12 p.m.

The Mesopotamia Express features nine sleeping cars and one dining car, with a capacity of 180 passengers. Travelers opting for two-person sleeping cars will pay ₺9,000 ($280.99) for the journey, while those traveling on the return trip will pay ₺8,000.

The seats in the two-person cabins on the train also convert into beds for sleeping at night. The cabins are equipped with various amenities, including a refrigerator, lavatory, wardrobe, lighting, and heating to cater to the personal needs of passengers.

The tourist train, which offers a pleasant journey amid unique natural landscapes, will make stops for three hours each in Kayseri and Malatya and four hours in Elazig. The train services are expected to contribute to the region's economy, particularly in Diyarbakir.

Source: Newsroom