Touristic Eastern Express Guide: Route, Tickets, Stops, and Kars Tour

One of Turkey's most impressive train journeys, the Touristic Eastern Express, is a special train route stretching approximately 1,360 kilometers from Ankara to Kars.

Accompanied by snow-covered mountains, valleys, rivers, historic cities, and the unique landscapes of Eastern Anatolia, this journey offers much more than a classic train trip.

In particular, the Kars tour with the Touristic Eastern Express during the winter months has become one of the most popular winter trips in Turkey in recent years.

So, what is the Touristic Eastern Express? Where does it depart from? How many hours does it take to reach Kars? Which stops does it make? How are tickets purchased? What are the prices? Are there sleeping cars on the train?

In this guide, you can find all the important details you need to know about the Touristic Eastern Express.

What is the Touristic Eastern Express?

The Touristic Eastern Express is a special train service operated for tourism purposes between Ankara and Kars.

Different from the regular Eastern Express, the Touristic Eastern Express makes longer tourism stops at specific points along the route, allowing passengers to explore the cities and natural beauties along the way.

TCDD Taşımacılık states that the train offers an approximate 33-hour journey on its 1,360-kilometer Ankara-Kars route and provides passengers with the opportunity to discover the region's natural, historical, and cultural heritage during these tourism stops.

Therefore, the Touristic Eastern Express should not be considered merely as a train providing transportation from Ankara to Kars.

The main purpose is to transform the journey itself into a travel experience.

When are the Touristic Eastern Express Departures for the 2026-2027 Season?

On TCDD Taşımacılık's current Touristic Eastern Express page, the Ankara-Kars departures for the 2026-2027 season are shown:

December 21, 2026 – March 10, 2027

between these dates.

Departures from Ankara to Kars:

Monday – Wednesday – Friday

are being carried out.

Return departures from Kars to Ankara are scheduled for:

December 23, 2026 – March 12, 2027

on:

Wednesday – Friday – Sunday

days.

Important: Since train departure dates and times may change, it is necessary to check the latest TCDD Taşımacılık information before making a reservation.

Where Does the Touristic Eastern Express Go From and To?

The main route of the Touristic Eastern Express is:

Ankara → Erzincan → Erzurum → Kars

as follows.

In the return route, there are tourism stops passing through:

Kars → İliç → Divriği → Sivas → Ankara

stops.

Tourism stops in the Ankara-Kars direction:

• Erzincan
• Erzurum

Tourism stops in the Kars-Ankara direction:

• İliç
• Divriği
• Sivas

Thanks to these stops, it becomes possible to combine the train journey with short city tours.

How Long Does the Touristic Eastern Express Take?

The Touristic Eastern Express journey between Ankara and Kars takes approximately 33 hours.

The total journey duration may vary depending on the train's tourism stops and operational conditions along the route.

According to TCDD's current promotion, the journey is specified as approximately 33 hours.

Therefore, it is more accurate to evaluate the Touristic Eastern Express not as a fast transport alternative, but as a travel experience in its own right.

Touristic Eastern Express Stops and Stop Durations

One of the most important features of the Touristic Eastern Express is that it allows passengers exploration and photo stops in certain cities.

Ankara → Kars

Erzincan

Approximately:

2 hours 30 minutes

stop is made.

During this time, there is time to explore the natural beauties of the city and its surroundings, try local flavors, and take photos.

Erzurum

Approximately:

3 hours 30 minutes

photo and exploration stop is available.

In Erzurum, especially:

• Çifte Minareli Medrese (Twin Minaret Madrasa)
• Erzurum Castle
• Üç Kümbetler (Three Domes)
• Taşhan
• Historic Erzurum houses
• Atatürk and Congress Museum

can be visited.

Kars → Ankara Return Stops

In the return journey, the route continues with different tourism stops.

İliç

Approximately:

3 hours

stop is made.

This is an important stop especially for those who want to explore the Kemaliye and Karanlık Canyon area.

Divriği

Approximately:

2 hours 30 minutes

stop is available.

Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital, Divriği's most important historical structure, is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Sivas

Approximately:

3 hours

stop is available.

In Sivas:

• Sivas Congress Building
• Buruciye Medrese
• Şifahiye Medrese
• Gök Medrese
• Çifte Minareli Medrese

historical structures can be seen.

All these stops are listed as tourism and exploration points in TCDD's current Touristic Eastern Express route information.

What Can You Do in Kars with the Touristic Eastern Express?

Undoubtedly, one of the most important stops of the Touristic Eastern Express is Kars.

After getting off the train, it would be a good idea to set aside at least a few days to explore Kars and its surroundings.

Places to Visit in Kars

Kars Castle

One of the iconic structures of the city, Kars Castle is one of the ideal spots for panoramic city views.

Kars City Center

Historic buildings showing the influence of Baltic architecture are among the most striking parts of the Kars tour.

Ani Ruins

This is one of the routes that must be evaluated when visiting Kars.

Ani, located on the UNESCO World Heritage List, hosts important historical structures dating back to the Middle Ages.

Çıldır Lake

It attracts attention especially with its frozen lake view during the winter months.

Sarıkamış

It can be utilized for winter sports and snow scenery.

How Many Days Should a Kars Tour with the Touristic Eastern Express Be?

For those who want to combine the train journey with a Kars tour, a 4-5 day program can be quite balanced.

Example 5-Day Touristic Eastern Express Program

Day 1: Ankara → Touristic Eastern Express

Board the train and enjoy the journey.

Day 2: Erzincan and Erzurum stops → Kars

Explore the stops along the route.

Day 3: Kars city tour

Kars Castle, historic city center, and Baltic architecture.

Day 4: Ani Ruins + Çıldır Lake

Explore the surroundings of Kars.

Day 5: Kars → Ankara

Complete your program according to your return train or alternative transport.

If you are planning a more comprehensive tour, you can stay in Kars for 2-3 nights to explore the region more comfortably.

Are There Sleeping Cars on the Touristic Eastern Express?

Yes.

In the information published by TCDD for the Touristic Eastern Express, it is stated that the train consists of 8 sleeping cars and one dining car. The total capacity was announced as 160 passengers.

Sleeping compartments are an important part of the train experience due to the journey lasting over 30 hours.

During the long journey:

• You can rest
• You can sleep
• You can watch the scenery
• You can take photos
• You can spend time in the dining car.

Is There a Dining Car on the Touristic Eastern Express?

Yes.

There is a dining car on the Touristic Eastern Express.

In TCDD's current promotion, it is stated that services such as:

• Seating arrangement for 4 people
• Hot and cold drinks
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

are provided in the dining car.

The dining car is also one of the common areas where passengers can socialize and make the journey more enjoyable.

How to Buy Tickets for the Touristic Eastern Express?

Touristic Eastern Express tickets can be followed individually through TCDD Taşımacılık's sales channels.

A flight search can be made by selecting the date and route via TCDD's official ticket system.

Additionally, tour packages can also be offered through authorized travel agencies.

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure had announced that for the 2025-2026 season, tickets would be sold in two different ways: individual and tour package.

Things to consider when buying tickets:

• Check the travel date.
• Check the direction of travel.
• Check the car type.
• Check the compartment status.
• Read the ticket refund/change conditions.
• Examine the differences between tour packages and individual tickets.

How Much Are Touristic Eastern Express Ticket Prices?

Touristic Eastern Express ticket prices may vary depending on the season, date, car type, and sales method.

Therefore, it is necessary not to evaluate prices from old seasons on the internet as current prices.

Also, there is an important distinction:

Train Ticket

Covers only the train journey.

Tour Package

Depending on the agency;

• Train ticket
• Hotel
• Transfer
• Guidance
• Kars city tour
• Ani Ruins
• Çıldır Lake
• Meals

may include additional services.

According to TCDD's tourist train sales contract, the train ticket covers a one-way train journey; services such as meals, accommodation, guidance, tours, and transfers are not included in the ticket price.

Therefore, when researching the "Touristic Eastern Express price", it is necessary to distinguish between the train ticket and the complete tour package.

Refunds and Changes on Touristic Eastern Express Tickets

Different special sales rules apply to tourist trains compared to standard trains.

According to TCDD's published sales contract:

• 10% deduction for changes made up to 1 week before the departure
• 35% deduction for changes made less than 1 week before the departure
• 15% deduction for refunds made up to 1 week before the departure
• 70% deduction for refunds made less than 1 week before the departure

apply.

Also, tourist train tickets cannot be converted to open tickets.

Therefore, it is important to carefully determine the travel date before purchasing the ticket.

Are There Discounts on the Touristic Eastern Express?

Some standard train discounts do not apply on tourist trains.

TCDD's sales contract states that discounts for disabled persons, veterans, youth, teachers, 65 years and older, and similar categories are not applicable on tourist trains.

Therefore, it should not be assumed that discounts valid on normal trains will automatically apply to the Touristic Eastern Express.

Can Children Board the Touristic Eastern Express?

Yes.

According to TCDD's tourist train sales contract, a maximum of two children aged 0-6 years (not yet completed 73 months) can travel free of charge, provided no separate seat is requested.

For children who have turned 6 years old, a ticket must be purchased.

Due to the long journey duration, it would be beneficial for families with children to plan their compartment and bed arrangements in advance.

What is the Best Time for the Touristic Eastern Express?

The Touristic Eastern Express receives particularly high interest during the winter months.

Snowscapes, valleys covered in white, frozen lakes, and Kars' winter atmosphere make this period special.

December

It can be evaluated for those who want to catch the first snowscapes.

January

It could be one of the strongest periods regarding snowscapes.

February

While the winter atmosphere continues, snowscapes stand out around Kars and Çıldır Lake.

March

As the end of the season approaches, snow conditions may change, but the journey can still offer a different atmosphere.

Note: Since the amount of snow and weather conditions may vary from year to year, it is not correct to guarantee a definite snowscape.

What Should Be Worn on the Touristic Eastern Express?

Clothes that keep you warm should be preferred due to the winter conditions in Kars and Eastern Anatolia.

You should bring:

• Thermal underwear
• Thick coat
• Waterproof boots
• Gloves
• Beanie
• Scarf
• Thick socks
• Sunglasses
• Lip balm
• Hand warmers

to your luggage.

Since there may be a warmer environment inside the train, dressing in layers is one of the most practical options.

Tips for Taking Photos on the Touristic Eastern Express

The Touristic Eastern Express is also a very special route for photography enthusiasts.

Especially:

• Mountains
• Valleys
• Rivers
• Bridge
• Snowscapes
• Historical stations
• Kars city center

can offer great opportunities for photography.

For photography, bring:

• Phone
• Camera
• Spare battery
• Powerbank
• Small tripod
• Spare memory card

with you.

If you are sitting by the window, changing your shooting angle to reduce reflections on the glass may be beneficial.

What Should You Bring on the Touristic Eastern Express?

Preparing a small travel bag for the approximately 33-hour journey will make things easier for you.

Basic needs:

• Passport/ID
• Train ticket
• Phone
• Charger
• Powerbank
• Headphones
• Neck pillow
• Personal care products
• Medications
• Water
• Snacks
• Book or e-book
• Camera

Having a small bag to store your daily needs along with a large suitcase is very useful.

What Should Be Considered When Taking a Kars Tour with the Touristic Eastern Express?

1. Follow your ticket early

Since demand can be high, it is important to follow the tickets once your travel date is confirmed.

2. Compare tour packages and train tickets

Instead of purchasing hotel, transfer, and tour services separately, you can also examine package options.

3. Leave enough time in Kars

Instead of planning the return immediately after getting off the train, setting aside at least a few days for the city provides a more relaxed schedule.

4. Check the weather forecast

Weather conditions can affect your travel plan, especially during winter trips.

5. Read the refund terms

Refund and change rules for tourist trains may differ from standard trains.

What to Eat in Kars with the Touristic Eastern Express?

One of the important parts of the Kars trip is also the local cuisine.

Among the flavors that must be evaluated in Kars:

• Kars cheese
• Gravyer cheese
• Kars goose
• Hangel
• Erişte (noodles)
• Kete
• Cağ kebab
• Ayran soup

local products are available.

Especially during the winter season, hot and local dishes can be very enjoyable after the train journey.

Who is the Touristic Eastern Express Suitable For?

Couples

For couples looking for a romantic and different winter vacation.

Photography Enthusiasts

For winter landscapes and the natural beauties of Anatolia.

Families

For families who want to experience the long journey together.

Youth

For those looking for a different travel experience with their friend group.

Train Enthusiasts

For those who want to experience something different from a classic train journey.

Domestic Travelers

For those who want to explore the east of Turkey with a different mode of transport.

Travel Checklist for the Touristic Eastern Express

Before the trip:

• I bought the train ticket.
• I checked the ticket date.
• I checked my car and compartment.
• I arranged my Kars hotel.
• I planned my return.
• I prepared my Ani Ruins program.
• I made my Çıldır Lake plan.
• I checked the weather.
• I prepared my winter clothes.
• I took my powerbank and charger.
• My camera/phone is ready.
• I checked my travel insurance.
• I read the ticket refund and change conditions.

Touristic Eastern Express Tour Package or Individual Travel?

You can plan the Touristic Eastern Express in two different ways.

Individual Travel

You buy your train ticket yourself and plan your hotel and regional tours in Kars separately.

Advantage:

You can determine your program completely yourself.

Tour Package

Packages including train tickets, hotels, transfers, and regional tours can be preferred through authorized travel agencies.

Advantage:

• Less organization
• Planning of transfers
• Hotel reservation
• Regional tours
• Guidance
• Travel through a single program

Especially for those boarding the Touristic Eastern Express for the first time, the package tour option may be more practical.

Why Should the Touristic Eastern Express Be Preferred for a Kars Vacation?

Because in this trip, the journey itself is as important as the destination.

Going from Ankara to Kars:

Train → Mountains → Valleys → Rivers → Erzincan → Erzurum → Kars

a changing Anatolian landscape awaits you.

When you reach Kars, you can add different experiences to your trip such as:

Ani → Çıldır Lake → Kars Castle → Baltic Architecture → Sarıkamış

etc.

Therefore, the Touristic Eastern Express is a special type of trip that brings together train journey + culture + nature + gastronomy experience rather than a classic city vacation.

Plan Your Touristic Eastern Express Trip

The Touristic Eastern Express is one of the most unique travel experiences that can be done in Turkey during the winter months.

The 1,360-kilometer route stretching from Ankara to Kars is not just a transport route; it is a long travel experience offering the opportunity to discover Anatolia's nature, history, culture, and cuisine.

When planning your vacation:

Determine your travel date → Check your train ticket → Choose your Kars hotel → Plan your Ani and Çıldır Lake tours → Organize your transfers → Start your Touristic Eastern Express experience.

Plan your trip now to discover Kars's snowy landscapes through the train window.