Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, has announced that the Paris-Istanbul tourist train operated by Hungary’s national railway company MAV will enter Türkiye via Kapıkule tonight and arrive at Istanbul’s historic Sirkeci Station the following day. He also confirmed that the famous Simplon Orient Express will reach Istanbul on June 4.
Paris-Istanbul Tourist Train Returns to Türkiye
Minister Uraloğlu noted that both the Paris-Istanbul tourist train and the Simplon Orient Express have once again included Istanbul in their routes. The train, which departs from Paris, follows a scenic route through Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, and Bulgaria before reaching Türkiye. The final leg of the journey, from Kapıkule to Istanbul, will be operated by TCDD Taşımacılık A.Ş.
“The tourist train running between Paris and Istanbul will enter Türkiye through Kapıkule tonight and arrive at Istanbul’s Sirkeci Station the next day. Passengers will have the opportunity to experience the city’s historical and cultural richness before beginning their return journey on May 19,” Uraloğlu said.
Recalling that the train previously arrived in Istanbul on May 10 and October 20 last year, Uraloğlu stated that this year’s first trip includes 60 passengers aboard 14 carriages. He also announced that the Paris-Istanbul train will return again on May 29.
Simplon Orient Express to Arrive on June 4
Minister Uraloğlu also shared updates about the iconic Simplon Orient Express. He noted that the train visited Türkiye last year on June 5 and August 28, carrying a total of 148 passengers. This year’s first journey features 67 passengers traveling from Paris to Istanbul and 37 passengers making the return trip.
“The route of the Simplon Orient Express, which includes France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Türkiye, highlights Istanbul as one of its most beautiful destinations. This year, the train will arrive in Istanbul on June 4 and depart again on June 6,” Uraloğlu said.
