The Eastern Express, one of the world’s most iconic railway routes, recently completed its first service of the 2023-2024 period, offering passengers an unforgettable journey from the centre to the east of Türkiye.
The train journey starts from Türkiye’s capital, Ankara, and travels through Kırıkkale, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, and Erzurum, before ending in Kars, covering approximately 1,310 kilometres. Passengers can observe the diverse geography of Türkiye and the extraordinary winter destinations in the eastern provinces during this 26-hour trip.
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure
Choose between two trains to travel from Ankara to Kars: the Eastern Express or the Touristic Eastern Express. The Eastern Express offers pullman and couchette wagons and makes 50 stops along the way. The Touristic Eastern Express provides sleeping and dining wagons and only 29 stops. You can enjoy longer sightseeing breaks with the Touristic Eastern Express, unlike the Eastern Express.
The Touristic Eastern Express lets you explore Erzincan and Erzurum on your way to Kars, and İliç, Divriği and Sivas on your way back to Ankara. Relax in one of the eight cosy sleeping cars, each with ten rooms and two beds. Dine in the dining car or in your room, where you can create your own table with your own or ordered food.
Discover Türkiye’s winter wonderland at the end of the line
Discover the history and culture of Kars, one of Anatolia’s oldest settlements in north-eastern Türkiye. Kars was a hub for many vital trade routes, like the Silk Road. You can admire the rich and diverse architecture and culture of the city. Stay in splendid Baltic-style buildings in the centre and enjoy the city’s cosy restaurants with Caucasian shows. Taste the unique flavours of regional cheeses and seasonal goose dishes.
Explore the city centre and see the splendid basalt-stone buildings, such as the Fethiye Mosque, the Kümbet Mosque, Kars Castle, and the structures around the Kars Stream. Don’t miss the Ani Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage where you can marvel at the ancient city walls and the varied buildings that still stand today. Ani showcases the stunning architecture of the past, from religious to military to civil.
Kars is also a famous skiing destination, with the Sarıkamış Ski Centre. It has the world’s third-highest ski track and alpine powder snow. You can ride horse-drawn sleighs on Lake Çıldır, which turns into a thick ice rink in late November.
