Established in 1993, Sun Tren companies initially focused on importing goods, materials and equipment to support Turkiye’s booming construction industry.
Following this success, the company diversified into renewable energy, engineering, agriculture, mining and, most importantly, railway systems.
“We have a wealth of experience within the country’s railway industry and are proud to have been involved in some of Turkiye’s largest projects over the years,” said Murat Atik, CEO and co-founder of Sun Tren companies.
A decade ago, Sun Tren began a close collaboration with Japan’s Hitachi Railway Systems, bringing innovative railway signalling and telecommunications advancements to Turkiye.
Integrating Japan’s advanced railway technologies, Sun Tren has helped Turkiye overcome challenges related to safety, efficiency and reliability in railway and mass transit systems, such as Ankara’s Metro network.
Cappadocia Express
Today, Sun Tren is spearheading the Cappadocia Express, a luxury tourist sleeper train service and Turkiye’s first private railway venture.
Implemented jointly with H.I.S., a leading Japanese travel company, the service will utilize two trains from Renfe, Spain’s national operator, to transport passengers to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Goreme National Park in Cappadocia.
“We are very proud that our business relationships with our Japanese counterparts continue to grow with this project,” Atik said.
“As we expand, establishing new partnerships, like our close relationship with H.I.S., exemplify the strong ties between Turkiye and Japan.”
We are very proud that our business relationships with our Japanese counterparts continue to grow with this project.
Murat Atik, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Sun Tren companies
Routes will link Ankara and Istanbul to Cappadocia, allowing guests to immerse themselves in Turkiye’s heritage. The trains, consisting of two locomotives and 14 carriages, will accommodate 294 passengers and offer double compartments with full beds, bathrooms, showers and onboard luxury restaurants.
Looking ahead, Sun Tren plans to launch the Crown Express, a rail network connecting historical “royal” cities such as Zagreb, Belgrade and Sofia.
“Railway tourism is creating new opportunities within the Turkish economy and is driving infrastructure developments across the country,” Atik said.
“We are excited about the potential these new projects hold and with our strong Japanese solution partners, we are confident of success.”
“Marking 100 years of Turkiye-Japan relations this year is very important,” Atik said.
“The close relationship between our two countries has always been based on trust and mutual respect. We look forward to further developing our shared economic strengths as we work towards the next 100 years of peace and prosperity between our nations.”
