The train departs three times a week in both directions. The most popular route is from Ankara to Kars, passing through cities such as Kırıkkale, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, and Erzurum, with opportunities for stops to visit UNESCO sites. The return trip from Kars to Ankara includes stops in Divriği, İliç, and Sivas. Passengers can choose comfortable compartments equipped with beds, as well as enjoy a refrigerator and sink or dine in the restaurant car.
The final destination of the journey is Kars, a city renowned for its rich history, picturesque winter landscapes, and unique cuisine. Nearby is the ancient city of Ani, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has preserved ancient churches, mosques, and fortress walls, reflecting the region's layered culture.
In winter, Kars offers a variety of activities: skiing and sledding are popular in Sarıkamış, while the frozen Çıldır Lake attracts ice-walking enthusiasts, where they can observe local fishermen at work.
The cultural program in Kars will also captivate guests: evening dinners are accompanied by traditional poetic duels of aşık aytışması, Caucasian dances, and local dishes featuring goose, Kars cheeses, and Eastern Anatolian wine and rakı. For gourmets, the Cheese Museum in the village of Boğatepe offers insights into cheese-making and the chance to taste various local varieties.
The Eastern Express offers travelers a wonderful combination of scenic views and comfort, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and natural heritage of Eastern Anatolia.
