Travel Time Reduced Between Istanbul and Ankara in Turkey
Turkish Minister of Transport Abdulkadir Uraloğlu stated that the T26 Tunnel project being implemented in Bilecik province represents a major shift in travel times between major Turkish cities, confirming that this upgrade will reduce travel time by about 30 minutes between Ankara and Istanbul.
The minister added that the project includes replacing the traditional 9.1-kilometer line with a modern 8-kilometer line, allowing high-speed trains to reach speeds of up to 250 km/h, compared to 55 km/h on the current section, significantly accelerating transport movement.
He also explained that travel time between Bozüyük and Bilecik will decrease from 20 minutes to 9 minutes after the tunnel is completed, improving efficiency within the national railway network.
The T26 Tunnel is considered a key part of a broader plan to modernize and expand Turkey’s high-speed railway network, aiming to connect 27 provinces with high-speed lines and extend the total network length to 17,287 kilometers by 2028.
This step comes within government strategies to strengthen land transport and improve logistics services between major cities, helping to encourage the use of public transport and reduce road congestion.
Quick reader summary
Ankara has announced a noticeable improvement in travel time on high-speed railway lines between the capital Ankara and the city of Istanbul, as part of the Turkish government’s efforts to develop the rail transport network and facilitate passenger and freight movement. This update matters to residents in Germany and readers following social, transport or public-service decisions because it may affect planning, travel, public-service use or the next practical step a reader should take.
Why this update matters
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What to do now
- Check the federal or state-level source because implementation may vary by region.
- Confirm eligibility and dates before applying for support or changing a financial decision.
- Follow official clarifications if the story concerns a proposal or political discussion rather than a final rule.
Official sources to check
- German Federal Government
- The relevant ministry, state authority or local office
Frequently asked questions
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Editorial note: This update was editorially reviewed on July 11, 2026, with practical verification points added to help readers check the official source before taking action.
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