nostalgic railtours

General Information

The 17 Eylül Express operates every day between İzmir (Basmane) -Balıkesir (Bandırma) -İzmir (Basmane). The train has no sleeping coaches or dining car. The journey takes an average of 6 hours and 40 minutes.

Main Stopping Points

İzmir (Basmane)

İzmir, the “Pearl of the Aegean,” is the birthplace of the epic poet Homer and a city with 8,500 years of history. In recent history, it was known as Smyrna. A coastline of more than 600 kilometres and of unmatched beauty is embroidered with magnificent ancient cities, two of which, Pergamon and Ephesus, are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Manisa

Manisa, historically known as Magnesia, is a large city in Türkiye's Aegean Region. Modern Manisa is a booming centre of industry and services, advantaged by its closeness to the international port city and the regional metropolitan centre of İzmir and by its fertile hinterland rich in quantity and variety of agricultural production.

Balıkesir

Balıkesir ranks high for its natural beauty, ancient cultural heritage and hot waters. You can ‘heal’ in rich hot waters, see archaeological treasures, cool on blue-flagged beaches and indulge in nature rich endemic species of Mound Ida. Getting to know the gastronomic values of this olive-scented city, where green and blue meet, will provide you with an unforgettable experience.

Bandırma

Bandırma is a city in the north west on the Sea of Marmara. The city is a commercial centre and its harbour serves as a transit point for trade between İstanbul and İzmir. There is also agriculture produced in the surrounding areas, producing products like cereals, sheep wool and meat, cattle, grain and the mineral boracite.