Touristic Eastern Express launches 2025 season on Ankara Kars route


Türkiye’s iconic Touristic Eastern Express has returned for the 2025–2026 winter season, offering a scenic rail journey between Ankara and Kars. Backed by the Transport Ministry, the service will operate 60 trips through eastern Anatolia, combining winter tourism, cultural stops and overnight comfort, with tickets now available at different prices depending on direction.

The Touristic Eastern Express has officially resumed services on the Ankara–Kars line, marking the start of the 2025–2026 winter season in Türkiye. The popular train route, promoted as a flagship winter tourism product, is expected to carry more than 10,000 passengers while showcasing Anatolia’s landscapes, historic cities and cultural heritage along a 1,360-kilometer journey.

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Route schedule and operating dates
According to the Transport and Infrastructure Ministry, the train will run until March 1, 2026. Services from Ankara to Kars will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between December 22, 2025 and February 27, 2026, while return trips from Kars to Ankara will run on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, completing a total of 60 scheduled journeys.

Cultural stops across eastern Anatolia
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said the route is designed to allow passengers to experience regional culture, not just scenery. Trains heading east will stop for extended visits in Erzincan and Erzurum, while westbound services will pause in İliç, Divriği and Sivas. “Passengers will witness snow-covered mountains, valleys and historic landmarks during a journey lasting nearly 33 hours, including stops,” Uraloğlu said.

Train capacity and ticket prices
The Touristic Eastern Express consists of eight sleeper cars with 10 compartments each, plus a dining car, accommodating up to 160 passengers. Sleeper compartments are designed for two people. Ticket prices differ by direction, with Ankara–Kars sleeper tickets priced at 14,000 Turkish lira for two people until January 14, while Kars–Ankara tickets are offered from 12,000 lira, reflecting demand patterns on the route.

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