Eastern Express Tourist Train Prepares for Winter Season
Ankara, Türkiye – Türkiye’s beloved Touristic Eastern Express is opening ticket sales for its upcoming winter season starting October 27, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced.
The train attracts thousands of domestic and international travelers each year, offering a unique journey through Türkiye’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, from the capital Ankara to the eastern province of Kars.
The 2025–2026 winter season will run from December 22 to March 1, with departures three times a week in each direction. Trains leave Ankara for Kars on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and return from Kars on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, totaling 60 trips this season.
The 1,360-kilometer journey lasts approximately 32 hours, including extended sightseeing stops in historic towns. Eastbound, the train pauses for 2.5 hours in Erzincan and 4 hours in Erzurum. On the return, passengers can explore İliç, Divriği, and Sivas city center, experiencing local culture and landmarks along the way.
Each train comprises eight sleeper cars and a dining car, accommodating 160 passengers in total. Every compartment is designed for two people, ensuring a comfortable overnight journey.
Tickets are available as individual bookings via the Turkish State Railways (TCDD) or as tour packages through authorized travel agencies.
Since its launch, the Touristic Eastern Express has hosted over 81,000 passengers, becoming a signature tourism experience in Türkiye. It is particularly popular during winter for its panoramic views of snow-covered mountains, valleys, and villages.
Unlike the original Eastern Express, which provides a more basic travel experience with bunk beds and minimal stops, the Touristic Eastern Express features sleeping cars, dining facilities, and longer layovers at historic sites along the route, combining comfort with sightseeing.
