Immerse yourself in an unforgettable winter adventure through snowy Anatolia aboard the Tourist Eastern Express.
With the growing interest in train travel around the world, the Tourist Eastern Express in Turkey has become one of its most vivid examples. The night route connecting the capital city Ankara and the eastern Anatolian city of Kars offers passengers stunning views of the snowy plains and mountainous landscapes of Anatolia. This train combines nostalgic notes, picturesque scenery, and principles of sustainable tourism, thus earning international recognition as one of the most exciting train journeys on the planet.
Popular Route of the Turkish Railway
The sound of wheels, cozy compartments, and snowy landscapes create an atmosphere of a true fairy tale for travelers on the Eastern Express. The train operates in both directions between Ankara and Kars, each route has its unique beauty, but the most popular remains the journey from the capital to Kars.
The train departs three times a week from both cities, and tickets can be purchased online. This route is the most in-demand in the country, so it is recommended to book seats in advance. The journey lasts about 24 hours and includes comfortable compartments with beds, breathtaking views, and scheduled stops for excursions. Many passengers decorate their compartments with garlands, creating a cozy atmosphere. Travelers can bring their own food—each compartment is equipped with a refrigerator and sink, or dine in the restaurant car before a peaceful night on the road.
The train departing from Ankara passes through cities such as Kırıkkale, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, and Erzurum, completing its journey in Kars. The Ankara-Kars route includes stops in Erzincan and Erzurum, while on the return trip, stops are made in İliç, Divriği, and Sivas. These stops allow passengers to enjoy numerous natural and historical attractions, including UNESCO-listed sites.
Kars - A Winter Fairy Tale
This picturesque route concludes its journey in Kars—a city with a rich history, winter landscapes, and unique cuisine. Kars, one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia, offers accessible historical heritage: from unique architecture in the city center to centuries-old monuments in the surroundings. Nearby is Ani, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the past, it was a major medieval city known as the "City of 1001 Churches," which amazes with its churches, baths, one of the earliest mosques, and powerful fortress walls reflecting the layered heritage of Christian and Muslim dynasties.
The nature of Kars also leaves unforgettable impressions. In Sarıkamış, tourists can ski on pristine snow and enjoy sledding with magnificent views. Lake Çıldır, located on the border of Kars and Ardahan, is another natural attraction, especially in winter when its surface is covered with ice. During walks on the ice in horse-drawn sleds, one can see fishermen breaking the ice and catching carp—this contrasting landscape has become a symbol of winter imagery in the region.
One of the highlights in Kars is the evening dinners with cultural programs. Guests can immerse themselves in the authentic spirit of the city through aşık aytışması (traditional poetic duels), folk dances, and a carefully curated menu featuring dishes made from goose, Kars cheese, rakı, and wines from Eastern Anatolia. Kars, renowned for its diverse gastronomy, offers cheeses, gruyere, honey, goose meat, and manti, and invites visitors to the Cheese Museum in the village of Boğatepe, where they can learn about the history of cheese-making and taste local cheeses.
