Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu has announced the winter schedule for Türkiye's iconic Touristic Eastern Express, confirming that the train will operate 70 trips between Ankara and Kars for the 2026-2027 season. The services are set to commence on December 21, 2026, and will continue until March 10, 2027, for the outbound journey, while return trips from Kars to Ankara will run until March 12, 2027.
The service is designed to offer a unique blend of long-distance rail travel and sightseeing. Trains departing from Ankara to Kars will run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while the return journeys from Kars to Ankara are scheduled for Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Each direction will feature 35 trips, allowing passengers to explore historical and natural landmarks. Sightseeing stops on the Ankara-Kars route include Erzincan and Erzurum, while the return route includes stops in Iliç, Divriği, and Sivas.
Individual ticket sales are scheduled to begin on October 26. Passengers can purchase tickets through the official sales channels of TCDD Taşımacılık, the state-owned rail operator. The train configuration includes sleeper cars and a dedicated dining car to ensure passenger comfort throughout the journey. Each sleeper car is equipped with 10 cabins, each featuring two beds, providing a cozy environment for travelers navigating the snowy landscapes of eastern Türkiye.
This service has become a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists, offering a scenic route through the heart of the country. By integrating cultural exploration with rail transport, the Touristic Eastern Express provides an immersive experience, allowing travelers to discover the rich heritage of cities along the route. The announcement of the schedule and ticket sales marks the beginning of preparations for what is expected to be another highly popular winter tourism season.
