From Ottoman railways to Cold War fighter jets and classic cars that once roamed Istanbul’s cobblestone streets, Türkiye offers a fascinating journey through transport history. Whether you’re a petrolhead, aviation enthusiast, or simply curious about the country’s industrial evolution, these museums showcase the machines that helped shape the nation.
Rahmi M. Koç Museum, Istanbul
Located on the shores of the Golden Horn, this vast museum celebrates the history of transport, industry and communication. Founded by industrialist Rahmi Koç, the museum’s collection spans from horse-drawn carriages and vintage cars to submarines and aircraft.
Car lovers will be mesmerised by the pristine collection of classic vehicles, including Fords, Mercedes-Benz, and Rolls-Royces from the early 20th century, all lovingly restored to showroom condition. The aviation hall displays vintage aircraft, such as a Douglas DC-3 and Bell helicopters, alongside engines that powered early Turkish aviation.
Meanwhile, railway fans can step aboard historic locomotives, including steam engines that once traversed the Anatolian countryside. The museum’s interactive exhibits, such as a full-size submarine tour and model railway section, make it a hit for families as well as history buffs.
TCDD Railway Museum, Ankara
Located within the Ankara Train Station, the TCDD Railway Museum offers a nostalgic look at the rise of Türkiye’s railway network. Established by the Turkish State Railways (TCDD), it chronicles the country’s journey from the Ottoman Empire’s first lines to modern high-speed services.
The museum’s highlight is its collection of steam locomotives. Each engine tells a story from the German-built models used in the early Republic era to American imports that powered post-war expansion. Visitors can explore elegant passenger carriages, antique signalling systems, and maps charting Türkiye’s evolving railway routes.
The museum also pays tribute to the engineers and workers who built the network under challenging conditions, turning rail into a symbol of national pride.
Istanbul Aviation Museum (Air Force Museum)
Set in Yeşilköy near Istanbul Airport, the Istanbul Aviation Museum (Hava Kuvvetleri Müzesi) is a must-visit for anyone fascinated by flight. Operated by the Turkish Air Force, it traces the country’s aviation history from the Ottoman era to the present day.
Visitors can walk among over 60 aircraft from early biplanes to modern fighter jets like the F-4 Phantom, F-5 Freedom Fighter, and even a massive C-47 Dakota transport plane. Indoors, detailed exhibitions showcase flight gear, uniforms, model planes, and historical photos of Türkiye’s pioneering aviators.
The museum also tells the story of Turkish pilots who trained abroad in the early 1900s, the development of domestic aircraft production, and Türkiye’s role within NATO’s air operations.
Atatürk Railway Museum, Ankara
The Atatürk Railway Museum is centred around the personal railway carriage of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Türkiye. This historic coach was used during his travels across the country and became the vehicle that transported his coffin from Istanbul to Ankara in 1938.
Meticulously preserved, the carriage’s interior reflects the modest yet dignified style of Atatürk’s era. Surrounding displays feature photos, timetables, and memorabilia from the early Republic, offering a deeply human connection to Türkiye’s revolutionary leader and his love of travel.
Key Museum, Izmir
For automobile fans, Key Museum is pure heaven. Founded by the Özgörkey brothers, this private collection has grown into Türkiye’s largest car museum, housing over 130 vehicles that chart the evolution of the automobile from the late 1800s to the 21st century.
Visitors can marvel at vintage Cadillacs, Jaguars, Ferraris, and Porsches, alongside rare motorcycles, early petrol pumps and model car collections. All sit within a sleek, modern building with dramatic lighting and impeccable displays to rival top European car museums.
Camlik Railway Museum, Selçuk
Hidden in the hills near Selçuk, the Çamlık Railway Museum is one of Europe’s largest open-air steam locomotive collections. Once part of the old İzmir–Aydın railway, this site displays more than 30 historic steam engines, many lovingly restored and open to exploration.
The tranquil setting contrasts beautifully with the massive iron engines, offering a sense of both nostalgia and serenity. Some of the locomotives date back to the 1890s, including models built by British, German, and American manufacturers.
Andy Probert is an independent journalist who writes about global travel news, airlines, airports, and business. His work has appeared globally on the BBC, and in many national newspapers and magazines.
