How do trains/long-distance buses work in the Middle-East (Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Syria)?

Question

Is there a company that runs them? Are the schedules available online? Other information on traveling in the region would be appreciated (cheap boats for example).

Please don't tell me to go find a travel agent...

Answer 1

There is no long-distance trains joining countries in the middle east I think, also Egypt is in Africa while lebanon and turkey ... are in Asia, there is a huge distance between them , I can tell you that the best way to travel in the Middle East is by plane, it's the fastest and most comfortable means, buses would take days, If you want a cheap way try boats, but buses would be uncomfortable

Also, you should contact a travel agency to get schedules.

Hope it helps

Answer 2

You can get on long distance trains in Istanbul and go straight through to Tehran or Damascus.   Buses are very cheap in Middle Eastern countries, and normally there is a lot of competition, so it is worth spending a bit more on a higher class of company.  The  really smart ones get booked up a day or two in advance, so you really should go to a travel agent.  Sometimes you will need to purchase a ticket in advance, and then turn up with it to get a 'boarding ticket' on the day.

Best long distance bus system (better than most European countries) - Turkey.

Best value sleeper trains - The ones from Cairo to the South of Egypt.

Cheapest travel - Syrian buses.

Answer 3

First of all this is a big mistake that think Turkey is a country with no possibilities. At the last world travel agencies conference That was a determination that. The most perfect bus travel system is in Turkey. Also you can fly in all over the Turkey so cheaply. Just the train organization is not so good because of geography. And don't forget that Turkey is a candidate of European union.