Türkiye Opens 153 Km Çerkezköy–Kapıkule Railway to Bulgaria to Slash Istanbul Travel Times in 2026

[Istanbul, October 13, 2026] — Türkiye has officially launched the 153 km Çerkezköy–Kapıkule railway section, a high-speed infrastructure project designed to accelerate passenger transit and freight trade between Istanbul and the European Union. The line, which opened for commercial service on October 10, 2026, serves as a primary artery in the broader 228.4 km Halkalı–Kapıkule project connecting the Turkish metropolis to the Bulgarian border.

The project was inaugurated on October 9 by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. The new electrified, double-track system is engineered for speeds up to 200 km/h, aiming to modernize the Thrace region's transport capacity. While the full corridor is not yet finished, the government projects that total travel time from Halkalı to Kapıkule will plummet from four hours to approximately 90 minutes upon final completion.

The Infrastructure Trigger

The opening of this section is the result of a massive civil engineering effort to replace aging rail infrastructure with a high-capacity, mixed-traffic corridor. The project received a €275 million contribution from the European Union, signaling the strategic importance of the route for EU-Türkiye trade.

The 153 km stretch is not merely a track upgrade but a complete overhaul of the terrain. To maintain high speeds across the Thrace region, engineers installed a complex network of bridges and tunnels.

Technical Specifications of the Çerkezköy–Kapıkule Section

Infrastructure Component	Quantity
Total Section Length	153 km
Bridges	31
Cut-and-Cover Tunnels	8
Viaducts	2
Overpasses and Underpasses	114
Culverts	175

Who Is Affected

The rollout immediately impacts regional commuters, international tourists, and logistics firms moving goods between Turkish manufacturing hubs and European markets.

• Regional Passengers: New nonstop services now operate between Çerkezköy (an industrial hub in Tekirdağ Province) and Edirne.
• International Travelers: The TCDD Taşımacılık (Turkish State Railways) night train connecting Halkalı in Istanbul to Sofia, Bulgaria, has been retimed to utilize this new section.
• Tourism Sector: The city of Edirne, home to the UNESCO-listed Selimiye Mosque, is now more accessible for day-trippers and cultural tourists.
• Freight Operators: Logistics companies can now utilize a double-track system that reduces bottlenecks for cargo heading toward the European Union.

What This Means for Travelers

For the average passenger, this update means more reliable schedules and a gradual reduction in transit times. However, the "90-minute" promise is not yet a reality for those starting in central Istanbul.

Current Reality vs. Future Promise: Because the sections between Ispartakule–Çerkezköy and Halkalı–Ispartakule are still under construction, passengers cannot yet experience the full speed of the corridor from the city center. Currently, the primary benefit is felt on the Çerkezköy–Edirne leg and the improved efficiency of the Sofia night train.

Booking and Logistics: There are currently three pairs of nonstop trains operating between Çerkezköy and Edirne. Travelers should note that while the infrastructure is modern, specific ticket prices and exact departure times are managed via the national operator. Those heading to Edirne can expect a modernized station experience, featuring three new 400-meter platforms.

Path to Full Completion

The final phase of the project involves closing the gap between the newly opened section and the Halkalı terminus in Istanbul. Once the remaining two segments are operational, the corridor will function as a seamless high-speed link.

The strategic goal is to transform the Thrace region into a high-efficiency transit zone. By integrating modern stations at Lüleburgaz, Babaeski, and Büyükkarıştıran, Türkiye is positioning the region as a viable alternative to road transport for both commuters and international tourists.

FAQ: Türkiye-Bulgaria Rail 2026

Can I travel from Istanbul to Sofia faster now? Yes. While the full 90-minute transit is pending final construction, the Sofia night train now uses the new Çerkezköy–Kapıkule section, improving overall efficiency and reliability for international passengers.

What are the new regional routes available? There are currently three nonstop trains running in each direction between Çerkezköy and Edirne, providing six total one-way movements daily.

Is the entire line from Istanbul to the border open? No. The 153 km Çerkezköy–Kapıkule section is open, but the segments between Halkalı and Çerkezköy remain under construction.

How do I book tickets for these new services? Reservations and updated timetables are available through the official TCDD Taşımacılık booking portal.

A new era of Eurasian connectivity begins as the rails move faster toward the EU border.

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