General Information
An amazing train journey for you. The Eastern Express (Doğu Express) is an overnight passenger train operated by the Turkish State Railways. The train runs 1,310 km from Ankara Railway Station to Kars Railway Station, offering you an unforgettable experience with a trip through snow and beautiful landscapes.
The Doğu Express operates every day between Ankara-Kars-Ankara. The train consists of normal seat (pulman) coaches, sleeping couchette (kuşet) coaches and a dining car. There are 10 compartments in the couchette wagons and 4 people can travel in each compartment. Bed sheet, cover and pillow are provided. The seats in the compartment can be used as beds when desired. The dining car has 14 tables, seating ranging from 47 to 52.
The train is very popular. The peak season is summer when there are more pulman coaches. In the winter months the train is used by special interest groups such as hikers, photographers, mountaineering groups, university students and the train have more couchette wagons.
The Eastern Express completes its journey between Ankara and Kars in approximately 25 hours. It departs from Ankara at 17.55 and from Kars at 08.00.
Main Stopping Points
Ankara
The nation’s capital, Ankara is a thriving city with a mix of government workers, university students, bankers and doctors populating the city. The city is home to a few notable tourist attractions. Situated on the hilltop overlooking the city is Ankara Castle and the old town lies inside its walls. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is situated beneath the castle walls and houses the largest collection of Hittite artefacts in the world as well as a staggering array of other pieces. It is well worth a visit.
Kayseri
Kayseri is the gateway to Cappadocia. The moonscaped region of Cappadocia, southeast of Ankara, is most famous for its unique geological features called fairy chimneys. The large, cone-like formations were created over time by erosion of the relatively soft volcanic ash around them. Past cultures have dug into them to create dwellings, castles (like Uçhisar) and even entire underground cities like Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu.
Sivas
An important trade centre during the Middle Ages, Sivas stood on the caravan routes to Persia and Baghdad. Between 1142 and 1171 it was the capital of the Danişmend Emirs and was an important urban centre during Seljuk rule.
Erzincan
Erzincan is located in the Eastern Anatolia Region. It has dozens of natural treasures and boasts a history going back 3,000 years. Recently its historical importance and natural beauty has begun to attract more visitors.
Erzurum
Now a very popular Ski Resort Erzurum is also the gateway to the Kaçkar Range famous for trekking and river rafting. Erzurum is the largest city in the region and lies 1950 metres above sea level.
Kars
Kars is a relatively cultured staging post in this region of mountain solitude and moody skies above the steppe. Held by the Russians for 42 years, Kars has the feeling of an outpost of empire. It’s about as different from İstanbul as you can get (in Türkiye). It’s an interesting place.