ISTANBUL, TURKEY – Transanatolia Spor Organizasyonlari has announced an exciting, newly revised edition of the TransAnatolia Rally, which will run from August 29th to September 6th, 2026.
The event covers a tough route of approximately 2,300km through Central and Northern Turkey, with around 1,400km of timed competition.
Open to cars, trucks, quads and bikes
The spectacular off-road rally is open to Ultimate, Stock and classic cars, Challenger and SSV vehicles, trucks, quads and five motorcycle categories, and passes through some of the most dramatic scenery in Turkey.
The first two motorcycle categories cater for single-cylinder bikes above and below 450cc, while three further classes cover twin-cylinder machines below 650cc, between 650cc and 1000cc, and above 1000cc.
Our team has laid on a challenging and scenic route through some of the most beautiful parts of Turkey that I am sure will offer competitors in all sporting disciplines a unique challenge. Competitors will be able to experience traditional bivouac camp-type accommodation during the rally, as well as hotels in some of the cities en route.
Burak Büyükpinar, general coordinator
The route, day by day
One of Europe’s most exciting and demanding rallies starts in iconic Istanbul before heading into the stunning Lake Abant National Park, near the city of Bolu in the Western Karadeniz (Black Sea) region of northern Turkey, for a night under the stars on August 30th.
On August 31st, competitors visit the Black Sea coastal port city of Zonguldak for the first time, tackling tough off-road terrain and spectacular views.
The route then runs south-east through the beautiful Ilgaz Mountain National Park to another overnight camp in the city of Kastamonu on September 1st.
Continuing south-east, the rally reaches the historic city of Tokat in the mid-Black Sea region of Anatolia on September 2nd. Overlooked by the impressive Tokat castle, the city sits where the Tokat and Yeşilırmak rivers meet.
From Tokat, the route heads south into the semi-arid Cappadocia region of central Turkey, famous for its “fairy chimneys”, cone-shaped rock formations and challenging off-road terrain. Competitors camp under the stars there on September 3rd and 4th.
The route also visits the central Anatolian city of Aksaray, an important historic stop on the Silk Road, on the banks of the Melendiz River.
Competitors then head north-west past the remarkable salt lake Tuz Gölü, Turkey’s second-largest lake and home to its famous flamingos, on the way to the finish in the Turkish capital, Ankara, on September 5th.
A rally with ambition
The first TransAnatolia Rally took place in 2010 and was one of the most ambitious events ever staged in the region.
In 2012, Burak Büyükpinar and Orhan Çelen formed a new organising team, and they were joined by Necati Şahin in 2014, when Ankara hosted the start and finish. Ahmet Ağaoğlu joined the organisation as a board member last year.
The aim now is to establish the event as one of the toughest and most popular in the world, making the most of the stunning terrain in one of the most beautiful regions of Western Asia. The rally is supported by partners including Castrol, TOSFED, UMKE, General Tire, Jeep and Fiat.
Entry fees
- Rally – bikes: €4,100
- Rally – cars: €6,700
- Rally – trucks: €6,900
- Raid – bikes: €3,500
- Raid – cars: €6,000
- Guests following in their own vehicle: €2,400
- Guests in an organisation vehicle: €2,800
TransAnatolia Rally 2026: key facts
- Dates: August 29th – September 6th, 2026
- Start: Istanbul
- Finish: Ankara
- Total route: approx. 2,300km
- Timed competition: approx. 1,400km
- Categories: cars, Challenger, SSV, trucks, quads and five motorcycle classes