Turkmenistan

Brief History

Rail transport in Turkmenistan has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. The first rail line was built in 1880, from the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea to Mollagara. By October 1881, the line was extended to Kyzyl-Arvat (today’s Serdar), and by 1886, it had reached Chardzhou (today’s Turkmenabat).

Turkmenistan is currently expanding its rail system to cover 5,256.25 kilometers  more distance, which will take its network to 10,236.25 kilometers  track kilometers by 2025. The railway system is managed by the government Railways Agency of Turkmenistan (Turkmen: “Türkmendemirýollary” agentligi), which oversees its operational arm, Türkmendemirýollary.

The Tejen – Sarahs – Mashhad railway, built in 1996 by Turkmenistan and Iran, links Central Asian-, Russian-, and European rail systems with Turkey, South Asia and the Persian Gulf. In February 2006, the final construction phase began on the Trans-Karakum Railway, a direct link between Ashgabat and Daşoguz that halves travel time between the southern and northern parts of the country. The Türkmenabat - Ashgabat - Bereket - Türkmenbaşy route is partly double-tracked; the rest of the network is single-track. There is no electrification; however, the Turkmen railways authority reportedly is considering a proposal from Russia’s RZhD International to electrify the Trans-Karakum Railway and the Turkmenbaşy-Türkmenabat portion of the Trans-Caspian Railway.

General Information and Statistics

The main railway operator of passenger transportation in Turkmenistan is the state-owned company Türkmendemirýollary ("Demirýollary" OJSC). Demirýollary serves approximately 6 million passengers every year.

In 2020, the total length of railroads in Turkmenistan amounted to 4980 kilometers. The total number of freight and passenger stations is 247.

There are no electrified railroad tracks in Turkmenistan (0%).

What connections to other countries there are.

Passenger service of Turkmenistan's railroads is limited to the country's state borders, except for sections that transit trains traveling from Tajikistan to Uzbekistan and beyond.

Are trains fast in Turkmenistan in general? How much time to cross the country?

Trains in Turkmenistan travel at a speed that is comparable to the speed of trains in the Russian Empire in the mid-19th century, i.e. approximately 32-45 km/h 1. 
The design speed of 120 km/h cannot be achieved due to insufficient track equipment. The earth bed under the rails is well tamped for 130 years of operation, but in some places the ground is spreading due to lack of drainage.
The journey from Ashgabat – Amydera takes 17:42 hours and from Turkmenabad – Gazajak 7:20 hours.

What railway companies are available?

In Turkmenistan, the main railroad operator is the state-owned company Turkmendemiryollary, also known as Turkmen Railways. The company is managed by the Agency of Railways of Turkmenistan and is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Railways of Turkmenistan.

What train types are available in Turkmenistan?

Turkmenistan has several types of trains that are used for passenger and freight transportation. The locomotive fleet consists of diesel locomotives of 2TE10L, 2TE10U, 2M62U, 2TE25KM, TEP70BS series. There are also several diesel locomotives of Chinese production CKD9A and Kazakh production TE33A. Shunting work is performed by diesel locomotives TEM2, TEM2U, ChME3.

Are there high-speed-trains available?

There is no information about high speed trains in Turkmenistan. The fastest train available in Turkmenistan is the fast train that runs between Ashgabat and Turkmenabat. It covers a distance of 618 kilometers in about 10 hours and 15 minutes.

Most important train stations / hubs.

The main railway stations in Turkmenistan are Ashgabat, Turkmenbashi, Turkmenabat, Mary.

Websites to buy train tickets for Turkmenistan?

https://railway.gov.tm/

Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Turkmenistan?

«TurkmenistanRailway»s mobile application is available, which allows you to purchase tickets online. The application is available for both Android and iOS platforms. The app stores the entire history of e-ticket purchases and trips.

Possible to buy a ticket at Turkmenistan railway station?

In addition to being able to purchase tickets online and through the mobile app, travelers can buy tickets at a train station in Turkmenistan.

Can I buy my ticket by phone?

No information about the possibility to purchase railroad tickets by phone call in Turkmenistan was found.

Return the ticket.

The conditions for refunding train tickets depend on the time before departure. If you decide to return the ticket not later than 24 hours before the departure of the train, the fare and insurance fee are refundable. The service charge is EUR 1.84 and the refund fee is EUR 2.63. If you decide to return your ticket up to 6 hours before departure, 10% of the fare will be charged. The service charge is €1.84 and the refund fee is €2.63. The cost of insurance is refundable. If you decide to return the ticket less than 6 hours before the departure of the train, you will be charged 25% of the fare. The service charge is €1.84 and the refund fee is €2.63. The cost of insurance is refundable.

Train ticket prices

Train ticket prices in Turkmenistan depend on the type of ticket and the seat in the carriage. The average ticket price is about 20 manat. Ticket prices for foreigners and locals are the same and are paid in manats.
For example, the ticket price for the train Turkmenbashi - Ashgabat will be 5.70 euros for a platzkart, and 10.75 euros for a coupe.

Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?

Passenger transportation on the railroads of Turkmenistan is limited to the state borders of the country, with the exception of sections used by transit trains traveling from Tajikistan to Uzbekistan and beyond.

Where to find timetables.

Find train schedules on https://railway.gov.tm/schedule

Buying tickets in advance or right before the train

Buying tickets in advance in Turkmenistan will be better to avoid inconvenience and to make sure that there are seats available. However, if you cannot buy tickets in advance, you can try to buy them just before the train. In this case, it is recommended to arrive at the train station in advance so that you have enough time to buy tickets and go through all the necessary procedures

Types of tickets.

In Turkmenistan, the following types of tickets are commonly offered on railroad trains:
    • Plackart ticket: This ticket entitles you to a seat in an open plackart carriage, where passengers are seated in three-decker seats without doors. It is a more affordable and economical option.
    • Coupé Ticket: The Coupé Ticket provides a seat in a compartment car where there are 4-bed sleeper compartments with two floors. Each compartment has a door for more privacy. This is a more comfortable option, especially for those who prefer more privacy.
    • SV (SW) ticket: This ticket entitles you to a seat in a SW coach, where there are 2 sleeping compartments for two passengers with a door for more privacy. It is the most comfortable and personalized option. 
    • Children's ticket: Children usually have special ticket rates, depending on their age and class of carriage.
    • VIP tickets: In some cases, VIP tickets with additional facilities and services are available.

Interrail/Eurail Passes in Turkmenistan

Interrail/Eurail Passes are not available in Turkmenistan.

Saver price.

Couldn't find any information on "saver price" tickets.

Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?

Buy single tickets, not return tickets. This will give you more flexibility if you need to change your travel plans. It is not cheaper to buy return tickets.

Flexible tickets.

"Flexible tickets" on trains in Turkmenistan are not available.

Rules of boarding.

To travel by train in Turkmenistan, you will need to show an identity document when you buy a ticket and board the train. Therefore, you will need to show an identity document when boarding the train.

Discounts for group travel.

No information on discounts for group travel on Turkmenistan trains was found.

Age groups and discounts.

Each adult is entitled to take one child under 5 years old free of charge. If there is more than one child with you, you must purchase a ticket for the other children at the "Children's" fare. When buying a ticket, you must indicate that a child under 5 years of age is traveling with you. If the child traveling with you is 5-10 years old, you must purchase a separate ticket at the "Child" fare. For children over 10 years of age, you must purchase a full fare ticket.

Age limitations for minors.

No information on the possibility of unaccompanied children traveling on Turkmenistan trains was found.

Handicapped passengers.

Unfortunately, I could not find information about special services and facilities for disabled passengers on Turkmenistan trains.

Seat reservations in Turkmenistan trains.

It is possible to reserve a seat on Turkmenistan trains. When you buy tickets online, you have the option to choose a specific seat.

Comfort classes on the trains.

The following comfort classes are available in railroad cars in Turkmenistan:
    • Coupe: Cars with 4-bed sleeper compartments, each compartment has 2 floors, doors open to the corridor. Designed for 4 passengers.
    • Platzkart: Cars with open compartments for 6 passengers, each compartment has 3 floors, without doors.
    • SW: Cars with 2 berths for 2 passengers, have doors in the compartment.

Food and drink in Turkmenistan trains / train restaurant.

Full-fledged restaurant cars have appeared on the trains of Turkmenistan. The menu offers hot dishes of Turkmen cuisine, cold snacks, drinks, coffee, tea, sweets and delicacies. The restaurant car was opened jointly with a private entrepreneur and is available for passengers on the Ashgabat-Amudarya-Ashgabat route. It is planned to introduce trains with restaurant cars on other local routes in the near future.

Night trains in Turkmenistan?

Turkmenistan's comfortable night trains provide passengers with the convenience and opportunity to travel between cities overnight. Routes include Ashgabat-Mary (8-14 hours), Ashgabat-Turkmenabat (12-17 hours), as well as routes to Balkanabat, Turkmenbashi and Dashoguz. Restaurant cars offering a variety of food and beverages are available on some trains. Night trains offer passengers the opportunity to combine travel and relaxation and enjoy the country's views outside the window.

Important train routes in Turkmenistan.

September 2023

Turkmenbashi - Ashgabat / 14:35 hours / from 5.70  EUR / 1 train a day
Ashgabat - Turkmenabat / from 12:31 hours / from 6.45 EUR / 2 trains a day
Ashgabat - Dashoguz / from 12:41 hours / from 6.10 EUR / 2 trains a day
Ashgabat - Serhetabat / 18:10 hours / from 6.50 EUR / 1 train a day
Turkmenabad - Gazajak / 7:20 hours / from 3.85 EUR / 1 train a day
Ashgabat - Amydera / 17:42 hours / from 8.80 EUR / 1 train a day

International train routes.

Turkmenistan has no international train service.

Tourist / scenic routes in Turkmenistan.

Turkmenistan, a country rich in history and culture, offers several scenic rail routes worth visiting. One such route is the Legendary Silk Road, which runs through the country and offers breathtaking views of vast deserts and endless plateaus. The route covers several ancient cities along the Silk Road, including the ruins of Merv, which was once one of the greatest centers of Islam, comparable to Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus.

Another popular rail tour is the Turkmenistan by Train tour. This tour includes travel to the country's most iconic sites, including the capital Ashgabat, the ancient city of Merv, and the "Door to Hell," a huge fiery crater where natural gas has been burning uncontrollably for decades.

Trans-Caspian Railway: This is Turkmenistan's main railroad, connecting the capital Ashgabat to other major cities such as Mary, Turkmenabat and Dashoguz. Although this line is not specifically a tourist route, it can give an insight into local life and landscapes as it passes through different regions.

Caspian Sea Route: The train ride between Turkmenbashi (Turkmenistan's only port on the Caspian Sea) and Ashgabat, although not advertised as a scenic route, can provide an opportunity to see the Caspian Sea coastline and unique landscapes.

Luggage information.

Each passenger is allowed to take up to 100 kg of luggage. If your luggage exceeds 100 kg, it will be counted as freight luggage.
In case your baggage exceeds 100 kg, please contact the baggage transportation department before your trip. The dimensions of your luggage must not exceed these dimensions: 100x30x50 centimeters.

Bicycle on the train.

In Turkmenistan, you can take your bicycle on the train. For €3.94 or €5.26 per bicycle, you can drop it in a special luggage carriage on the train.

Ski or snowboard on the train.

You can take skis or snowboards on trains in Turkmenistan. However, I have not found information on whether there are special compartments for storing skis and snowboards on trains in Turkmenistan. If you plan to travel with your skis or snowboard, you may need to pack them in a special case and store them in the luggage compartment of the train.

Luggage lockers on the stations in Turkmenistan.

Turkmenistan's train stations have luggage lockers. However, I could not find exact information about how many of them there are at each train station and what the conditions are for using them.

Lost and Found Items.

No information on the lost and found service on trains in Turkmenistan was found.

Pets on the trains.

No information on the possibility of transporting pets on trains in Turkmenistan was found.