marcostrainNov 1

🚄🇹🇷 Is it really possible to travel from Barcelona to Ankara just by train? I’ve wanted to do this trip for such a long time, and last month I finally had the chance. This will be a thread about the incredible journey I took!

🚆 11 trains
🛤️ 5,776 km
🕓 4 days
🌍 9 countries

Show threadmarcostrain
🚆🇫🇷 I departed from La Garriga, where I took a commuter train to La Tor de Querol-Enveig, right on the border with France. The journey from my local station takes 2h 28min and was worked by this S-447 with standard seats. I arrived about 40min late, making the connection tight!
Nov 3 at 5:00pmMastodon for iOS
Show threadmarcostrainNov 4
🚆🇫🇷 In Latour-de-Carol-Enveitg, I change to the #IntercitésdeNuit 🛏️🌙 to Paris-Austerlitz. This time, I’m travelling in a first class compartment, which has four berths, includes an amenity kit and water, and also gives you access to shower 🚿 facilities at the arrival station!
Show threadmarcostrainNov 5
🚄💨 This is my first trip with #TGVLyria! I travelled from Paris-Gare de Lyon 🇫🇷 to Zürich HB 🇨🇭 on the #TGV9213 in first class. For some reason, this train goes via Strasbourg, making the journey 5h 34min. I had lunch from #LeBistrot, and ordered the menu “en-cas” with a quiche.
Show threadmarcostrainNov 11
🚆🇨🇭 The #Transalpin is a classic of train travel in Europe! I took the #EC163 between Zürich HB and Graz Hbf 🇦🇹 with a seat in the panoramic car. This journey through the Austrian Alps 🏔️ is 9h 34min, a great opportunity to enjoy the stunning views and visit the dining car ☕🥐!
Show threadmarcostrainNov 13
🚆🇦🇹 Leaving Graz Hbf with the #IC512 bound for Salzburg Hbf. The consist is hauled by an ÖBB 1144 and includes only one first class carriage with very few seats, as half of it is a bike compartment. There’s also a trolley service offering snacks and drinks during the journey.
Show threadmarcostrainNov 21
🚄🇦🇹 I’m trying #WESTbahn for the first time! This open-access operator launched services in 2011, using Stadler KISS trains. I took the #WB917 from Salzburg Hbf to Wien Westbahnhof in first class, which included a complimentary refreshing towel, a bottle of water and biscuits.
Show threadmarcostrainNov 29
🚆🌙 The #Dacia departs Wien Hbf 🇦🇹 in the evening and arrives at București Nord 🇷🇴 the next afternoon. The journey with this night train is about 19h 46min, covering a route of approximately 1,112km. I travelled in a single bed sleeper 🛏️ featuring a washbasin and lots of space!
Show threadmarcostrainDec 5
🚆🇷🇴 From București Nord to Brașov with the #IR11531. This service of the open-access operator Astra Trans Carpatic is worked by an IC2 DMU that was originally built for Denmark. There is only second class on this 2h 28min journey, and the ticket costs just 68.5 lei.
Show threadmarcostrainDec 6
🚆🇷🇴 Heading back to București Nord from Brașov, this time on the #R3030 operated by #CFRcălători. The journey with this train is slightly longer because it serves many smaller villages. I travelled in first class in these double-deck carriages and paid 51.25 lei for the ticket.
Show threadmarcostrainDec 12
🚆🌙 This has definitely been the highlight of the trip, and it was my longest train journey so far! I travelled from București Nord 🇷🇴 to Halkalı 🇹🇷 with the Bosphorus Express, covering 789km in 23h 45min. It’s basically a couchette coupled to other trains, quite an experience!
Show threadmarcostrainDec 15
🚄🇹🇷 The last train of my trip! Travelling from Halkalı to Ankara with the #YHT, worked by a Velaro TR. This high-speed service crosses from Europe to Asia through a tunnel under the Bosphorus. The ticket for this 5h 16min journey was ₺1,500 in a business compartment.