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ankara to kars tourist train

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Touristic Dogu Express (Ankara Kars train)

Train details, route map, train timetable, options, fares, sales channels and notes about main line train giving service between Ankara-Kars:

Touristic Dogu Express

This train is giving service between December-March.

  • What is the operator of Touristic Dogu Express? TCDD Taşımacılık
  • How Touristic Dogu Express looks like? Diesel loco hauled passenger coaches
  • How far is it between Ankara-Kars by rail? 1310 km
  • How long it takes between Ankara-Kars? Around 34:30 hours
  • Is reservation required for Touristic Dogu Express? All seats with reservation, see on ticket
  • Is accessibility provided inTuristik Doğu Ekspresi? No any special design for accessibilty
  • Is there food/drink service in Touristic Dogu Express? Dining car
  • May I take bicycle with me in Touristic Dogu Express? Can be carried in luggage wagon if available.

Touristic Dogu Express route

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Ankara, every Monday, Thursday and Saturday from Kars

Though we work hard to keep timetables up-to-date, there may be short-term delays for update. Please check official timetable of train.

  • Double-deck berth for 2
  • Mini refrigerator
  • Sink and power in rooms
  • Berth for 1

As of 23 Mar 2023, valid per person, based on official website of operator. Click for discounts.

Tickets on sale 30 days before departure

How can I buy the ticket?

ankara to kars tourist train

  • There are two trains on this route with similar names. Dogu Express, the classic one, has standard coach with seats and couchettes. It calls at almost every station on route. Touristic Dogu Express, on the other hand, has only sleepers, and gives 2-3 excursion breaks of 3 hours each on way. For comparison of two trains: Which Dogu Express: Classic or touristic?
  • Theer are only sleeper cabins in this train. Train calls at Ilıc and Erzurum during Ankara-Kars service, Erzincan, Divrigi and Sivas during Kars-Ankara service, each for 3 hours. City excursions are organized according to train table to see historic and touristic places at each station. For details and fares of excursions, you can get in contact with the staff in the train.
  • Dogu Express can be used alternatively on this route.
  • This train is one of the most popular trains Turkey. It’s very hard to find tickets, sold out in minutes. But cancellation is also common, better to check frequently.
  • Click to get directions for getting to Ankara train station by public transport.
  • During winter, sleigh tours are held on frozen Lake Cildir. There are many shops in city where you can taste and buy worldwide known Kars gruyere.
  • Ani Harabeleri is 45 on east of Kars, next to Armenia-Turkey border: How to get to Ani Ruins by train?

ankara to kars tourist train

Some information may vary. Visit operators’ websites for official information. Please read our disclaimer .

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Backpack Adventures

The Dogu Express: a beautiful train journey through Turkey

This post is all about the Dogu express including my own experience, how to get Dogu express tickets, The Dogu express route and what to expect on a Turkish train.

The Dogu express, also called Dogu ekspresi , from Ankara to Kars is the longest train journey in Turkey. It takes 24 hours and is among the world most epic train rides in Europe with some of the most spectacular landscapes. It is also the best and cheapest way to reach the desolate but beautiful Northeastern Anatolia.

The train stops in Kars and this could be the end of your journey or the start of a new adventure. Kars itself is a nice city with the Kars castle and the nearby Ani ruins. But you can travel further to Dogubayezit. Another nice town with the beautiful Ishak Pasa Palace and famous Mount Ararat.

In recent years the Dogu express has become so popular that since may 2019 there is a Dogu express for tourists. This train leaves three times a week and takes over 30 hours, but has planned stops with exciting excursions.

Dogu express scenery on the way to Kars in Anatolia

Why the Dogu express

It was by chance that I took the Dogu express when I was planning my trip to Iran. Of course flying to Iran is much easier, but I love trains. Unfortunately the  Trans Asia express from Istanbul to Tehran had been cancelled for an indefinite amount of time.

The other option was the Dogu express from Ankara to Kars. This journey was not as straightforward as the direct train to Tehran. It took more time and included a change of trains, buses and taxi’s, but little did I know about the beauty of the scenery along the way. In the end it was a huge bonus that I was able to visit northeastern anatolia before I went to Iran.

The Dogu express is among one of the most beautiful train journeys in my travel history together with the Oslo to Bergen train in Norway, the Kandy to Ella train in Sri Lanka, the Belgrade to Bar train and the St Petersburg to Murmansk train .

My experience on the Dogu express

The Dogu express used to be even longer when it departed from  Istanbul,  but all long distance trains now leave from Ankara. New high speed trains bring you from Istanbul to Ankara in about 4 hours.

My first mission was to go to Pendik station in Istanbul. To get to the Asian side was quick and easy, but then the challenge started. It took a while before I found a local minibus, but I still had 2 hours so I tought I had plenty of time.

I was wrong. The traffic was crazy and we went through endless suburbs that did not seem to end. Only 10 minutes before departure I arrived at the station for the rather dull journey to Ankara.

I had a couple of hours to kill in Ankara before the Dogu express departed. Just one month ago a bombing in Ankara killed 37 people. The park in front of the station was eerily quiet except for some armed police guards. It did not invite me to explore Ankara further with my heavy backpack and decided to wait at the station.

Update : Since march 2019 trains now leave from Söğütlüçeşme station that is much easier to reach with the Marmaray.

At 6 pm I finally boarded the Dogu express from Ankara to Kars. To my surprise the train was very modern and luxurious. My cabinet had 4 comfortable beds with blankets, sheets and even a free pair of slippers.

As I retreated to my seat the rest of the passengers were still debating in the corridors. Men and women were divided in several female and male cabinets. I am not sure if I was supposed to be alone, but nobody else joined me. Once the train left we were soon rolling through a rugged landscape with a wonderful sunset.

Ankara to Kars

I had a good nights sleep at the Dogu express and woke up to a frozen land. It was already April, but winter was still going on in the Anatolia highlands. From under my warm blankets I looked at the snow outside of my window.

The scenery along the Dogu express was stunning. Endless mountains and fields with streams running through. After every tunnel a new beautiful view emerged and I enjoyed every hour of the train journey.

We didn’t come across many towns or villages but the ones that we did go through looked rather gloomy. Old farm houses are quickly disappearing and replaced by modern, but ugly Soviet style flat apartments. These new buildings can not mask the fact that life is rough in this cold and desolate landscape.

Dogu express scenery on the way to Kars in Anatolia

After 24 hours on the Dogu express we finally arrived in Kars. A small town at what really felt like the end of Turkey to me. It didn’t look very promising at first. From the outside, it seemed another gloomy town, but I was wrong.

When I tried to find my way from the station to my hotel I was immediately adopted by a family whose daughter came back home from her studies in Erzurum. She insisted she would bring me personally to my hotel and even invited me to stay at her place.

The center of Kars was very lively with shops selling fresh fruits and vegetables and families strolling through the main shopping street. For dinner I found Ocakbasi restaurant . The place looked so posh that I tought it must be way above my budget, but it was the cheapest and best food I had in Turkey.

Kars to Dogubayezit

Kars is one of the highest  and coldest towns in Turkey. The next morning when I woke up there were dark clouds in the sky. It was snowing heavily once I walked to the local bus station to take the bus to the border town of Dogubayezit.

It was a 3 hour bus drive to Dogubayezit through small villages and over two mountain passes surrounded by mist, snow and ice. Somewhere behind these clouds was the famous mount Ararat.

Dogubayezit

In Dogubayezit it was still snowing and I headed quick;ly to my hotel. Soon I had several invitations for tea as people seemed happy to see a tourist still coming their way.

With nothing else to do in Dogubayezit I decided to try to visit the Ishak Pasa palace up the hill. Unfortunately the minibuses going there decided the weather was too bad. A shopkeeper nearby invited me for tea while he called the bus driver, but one tourist wasn’t enough for him to come back.

The shopkeeper turned out to be a trekking guide who was taking care of his friends shop. He was bored and offered to show me the palace, even tough the road was covered in snow and ice. The palace was wonderful. Once we were up it stopped snowing and we had a wonderful view over Dogubayezit.

The shopkeeper asked me to tell other people to still come to Eastern Turkey and to Dogubayezit in particular. I enjoyed my time here even tough I was not lucky with the weather. The scenery was stunning and the next morning I woke up to a clear blue sky with a full view on Mount Ararat.

Mount Ararat

Dogu express travel tips

Dogu express train times.

The touristic Dogu express used to leave on mondays, wednesdays and fridays only, but since December 2019 there are daily services. The train leaves from Ankara at 15:55 arriving in Kars at 00:37 the next day. The other way around it leaves Kars at 22:35 arriving in Ankara at 05:15 AM after spending two nights on the train. Excursions can be booked in the train.

The regular dogu express leaves every day at 17:55 from Ankara, arriving at 18:00 PM in Kars the next day. The other way around it leaves Kars at 8 AM arriving Ankara at 8 AM the next day.

I have heard it is now more difficult to get Dogu express tickets for this train and that they are often sold out. Therefore it is important to plan this trip in advance and book your Dogu express tickets as soon as possible, either online or through a travel agency

Dogu express train at Ankara station

How to get Dogu express tickets?

You can book your Dogu express tickets directly on the website of the Turkish Railways . When I travelled on this train this was a very easy process, but apparently it is more difficult now and tickets sell out fast. Tickets for the regular Dogu express can be booked 30 days before departure and for the touristic Dogu express 60 days before departure.

You can therefore also use a travel agency to get your Dogu express tickets. I haven’t used these agencies myself, but the man from seat61  recommends Amber travel and Backpackers travel .

Tickets for the regular Dogu express cost between 6 euro (seat) and 11 euro (4 person sleeper) when booked directly through the Turkish Railways.

Tickets for the touristic Dogu express cost between 65 euro (2 person sleeper) and 80 euro (1 person sleeper) when booked directly through the Turkish Railways. Excursions (around 10 Euro’s per excursion) are not included in the price and can be booked seperately once you are in the train.

Remember that if you leave from Istanbul you need to book two tickets. One for the high speed train from Istanbul (Söğütlüçeşme station) to Ankara and then the Dogu express from Ankara to Kars.

The high speed trains leave Istanbul Söğütlüçeşme station several times a day, but I can recommend you take the train from 09:30 or 11:30 arriving in Ankara at 14:15 and 16:01 respectively. This allows you enough time in Ankara to have lunch and stock up on some snacks before boarding the Dogu express at 17:55.

Dogu express train at Ankara station

The Dogu Express Route

The regular Dogu express starts in Ankara with stops in Kirikkale, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan and Erzurum before arriving in Kars the next day.

The touristic Dogu express has planned stops where you can go on excursions. From Ankara to Kars the train stops in Ilic, Erzincan and Erzurum.

In Ilic you can take an excursion to the Karanlik canyon (dark canyon) where you take a motorboat over the river and visit Kemaliye, a local village.

Erzincan is another Dogu express stop where the excursion takes you to the Caglayan Waterfall and Urartian Altintepe Castle.

Erzurum is a destination in itself and a beautiful city in the Anatolian highlands with mosques, madrassahs and citadels. The train stops 1 kilometer north of the center. You can either explore on your own or take an excursion through the city.

If you travel from Kars to Ankara the touristic Dogu express stops in Divrigi and Bostankaya.

How to choose your seat on the Dogu express?

The regular Dogu express has two different classes. The cheapest are the SV2000 reclining pullman seats. It’s a long journey though and I recommend a sleeper . The SV2000  couchettes  are in my opinion the best value for money with comfortable 4 bed compartments.

The touristic Dogu express is more upmarket and has sleeper cars only with 2 bedroom or 1 bedroom compartments.

The high speed trains from Istanbul to Ankara are very good and you can choose between economy and business class.

Dogu express train couchette compartment at Dogu ekspresi

How to reach Söğütlüçeşme station in Istanbul?

Since May 2019 trains leave from the new Istanbul Söğütlüçeşme station in the center of the city on the eastern side of the Bosphorus.

If you are on the western side of the Bosphorus it is best to take the Marmaray from Sirkeci station to Söğütlüçeşme station. This journey takes around 30 minutes.

What to expect on the Dogu express?

I found the Dogu express very nice. Each wagon has a conductor who provides sheets, pillows, blankets and slippers. There are enough toilets that are relatively clean for a train. There is also a decent restaurant wagon where you can buy simple dinner and breakfast.

I travelled in a 4 bed sleeper compartment on the regular Dogu express. I found this comfortable enough. The touristic Dogu express is more up market with 2 and 1 bedroom compartments.

Dogu express: food at restaurant wagon at Dogu ekspresi

Solo female travel on the Dogu express

As a women travelling alone I felt absolutely safe on the regular Dogu express. I had the compartment all to myself and experienced no problems with the other passengers in my corridor.

With the current popularity it is unlikely you will have the compartment to yourself like I did, but it seems that despite the official seat reservations men and women divide themselves in different compartments.

Even if you do find yourself with male companions in your compartment I found Turkish men to be polite and friendly. The friendly people you meet along the way in the train are part of the experience. Not many tourists travel on the regular train and you will receive a warm welcome and some genuine curiosity what brings you to these parts of Turkey.

On the touristic Dogu express the other people will likely be tourists.

What to bring along on the Dogu express?

24 hours is a long journey so bring enough snacks and water with you. Other essentials are toilet paper and/or wet wipes.

More information on train travel in Turkey and beyond is available at The man from Seat61

Dogu express scenery on the way to Kars in Anatolia

Accomodation after the Dogu express

Istanbul : Stanpoli Hostel is a good hostel with an excellent breakfast buffet on the top floor and a wonderful view on the Bosphorus.

Kars : Hotel Kent Ani is an excellent hotel with great breakfast buffet with a view on the castle of Kars

Dogubayezit : Hotel Ararat is a good hotel with an excellent location in the center of the city

Hotel Kent Ani Kars Turkey

Going by Train through Turkey to Iran

For a long time the Trans Asia express that was travelling directly from Istanbul to Iran was cancelled due to security issues. Since 2018 it is once more possible to travel from Turkey to Iran with a weekly sleeper train from Van to Tabriz.

Even though the Dogu express is no longer the easiest way to travel by train from Turkey to Iran you might still want to consider it because of the beautiful scenery and the possibility to see northeastern Anatolia.

Here are the two options opn travelling by train from Turkey to Iran

Option 1 The Trans Asia Express route through Van/Kapikoy

The High speed train from Istanbul Pendik station to Ankara leaves at 19:20 arriving in Ankara at 23:13 (ticket is 70 TL). Stay the night in Ankara

The Van Golu express only leaves on Tuesdays and Sundays departing at 11:19 and arriving at 13:31 the next day in Tatvan (TL 46).

Take the bus from Tatvan to Van (20 TL 2 hours) and stay overnight in Van.

Take a bus to Tabriz (Iran) the next day crossing the border at Kapikoy/Razi or the new weekly sleeper train from Van to Tabriz leaving every Tuesday night at 21:00 arriving at 07:25 in Tabriz.

Option 2 The Dogu express route through Dogubayezit

The High speed train from Istanbul Pendik station to Ankara leaves at 10:45 arriving in Ankara at 14:42 (ticket is 70 TL)

The daily Dogu express leaves Ankara at 17:45 arriving in Kars at 18:00 the next day (ticket in the 4 beth couchette is 52 TL)

Stay the night in Kars and take a bus to Dogubayezit the next day. From Kars you need to take a bus to Igdir (3 hours 20 TL) and change in Igdir for another bus to Dogubayezit (1 hour 8 TL).

Stay the night in Dogubayezit to cross the Gurbulak/Bazargan border the next day

Crossing the border to Iran

From Dogubayezit it is easy to cross the border to Iran and continue your journey to Tabriz . For all the practical details check my post about the Turkey to Iran border crossing at Gurbulak Bazargan .

Last updated: January 2021

Disclaimer : This post about the Dogu express train in Turkey contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

ankara to kars tourist train

21 thoughts on “The Dogu Express: a beautiful train journey through Turkey”

Mooi! Wat fijn om weer mee te lezen met je avonturen!!

Heerlijk om dit allemaal te lezen, liefs mamma

Wat fijn dat alles zo lekker gaat!

-10 C ‘s nachts. Heb je het niet koud? Of is het net als in Jomsom: alle kleren aan ‘s nachts….

I love your adventures and the off the beaten track paths you take. So inspiring. Kx

I travelled in Eastern Turkey many years (decades) ago and loved it, it a beautiful part of the world. I’m also with you on train travel, you see so much.

This is such an inspiring post. Such an adventurous journey. I think Eastern Turkey sounds just beautiful. Thank you for sharing the details of how to do this trip.

It sounds like a wonderful train journey and a good way to see some of the countryside.

Since 2016, the pattern on the Dogu Express has changed. It is very difficult if not impossible to obtain a sleeper or couchette on this train, due to its increasing popularity. The notion of traveling in a Pullman seat for a day is not so appealing, regardless of the scenery. The novelty and mystique of train travel is too much like a lottery nowadays.

In augustus reis ik met de Doguu van Kars naar Ankara. Overal op het internet, ook bij jou, lees ik dat de trein vertrekt rond 18u maar op mijn ticket staat 23.55.

Het lijkt wel alsof ik een andere trein ga nemen. Enig idee waar dit over gaat?

Did this trip Eastbound last month. No problem getting a sleeper to myself. The travel agent said there were still 3 available. The trick is to use the agencies that sell the tickets rather than the PTT. Check seat61.com for contact information for the travel agents. It was a beautiful and relaxing trip. Happy travels!

Is there anyone who is interested in this trip from Belgrade – Istanbul – Ankara – Kars in August 2019?

Ellis: Re: the Dogu Express. I took this trip from Kars to Ankara and I have to say I wasn’t that impressed Okay I wasn’t able to get a sleeper but the sit up seats were really comfortable. Following your advise and others who enjoyed the trip I took food with me which was a necessary. the train stopped at every station (and following the lead of others I was able to get off and get something to eat from from the Kiosk). The trip in all took 28hr. Yes the scenery was great but it wasn’t that relaxing. Let us know what I was missing. Otherwise your blogs have been great.

Hi, Ellis. After watching the German-language ARTE documentary “Re: Bahn-Abenteuer Dogu Express – In 24 Stunden durch die Türkei”, I was intrigued to read more, and found my way here. Your image of a snow-capped Ararat is beautiful, and the journey along the way sounds and looks amazing.

We live in Singapore and we r going to Turkey from the 25th to the 2nd of Jan. On fhe 29th we r flying from Istanbul to Kars, just ot take the Dogu Ekspress the next day to Kayseri. My teenage daughter doesnt know yet about that surprise part of the trip 🙂

Ur post has been helpful to find that amazing train ride. Thank you ! We r going soon…

We’d like to express our gratitude for this post. We found it by chance while preparing a one week (…) trip to Turkey. I’m writing from the Dogu ekspress, we left Kars 30mins ago and will stop at Kayseri.

I would never have thought of that train ride before reading this. I’m travelling woth my partner and my 15years old daughter, we live in Singapore. I love train ride and we needed some change of scenery, this is totally worth it: the landscape, the snow, the cold, the people, the food and that train ride !

Thank you and best wishes for 2022 !

Hi! It is a very useful article! Thank you for sharing! Do you mind sharing the information about the shopkeeper in Dogubayezit? Cuz we are planning to visit the palace in two weeks, too!

Very helpful article. I know that the prices are not the same, but most of the info is still true. I’m planning on taking the Dogu Express next month. Can’t wait!

Thank you so much. I’m so glad can find more information about The Dogu Express through your writing. This article become my new insight to travel around Turkey.

hello, I have been reading your journal about travel into Iran. Im planning the same path you took. I have one question. you did this journey in April, what’s your opinion on doing this journey in December?. Is the weather bearable?

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Doğu Ekspresi Train Ankara – Kars

Last Updated on December 18, 2023

Eastern Express ( Doğu Ekspresi ) is a sleeper train that runs between  Ankara - Kars , averaging 80 km per hour and completing its journey in 26 hours! It is a slow and long journey across Eastern Anatolia. While it is not a fast train journey with today's new high speed trains, it is one of the most popular train routes in Turkey. Doğu Ekspresi is Turkey's most popular train travel route due to the stunning scenery in the eastern regions of the country. The train passes through snow-covered fields, majestic mountains, and charming small towns, making the journey a memorable experience. In addition to this, the nostalgic ambiance of the train adds to its appeal. Every winter, many tourists board the Dogu Express Train to witness its stunning landscape.

Even so, the Turkish State Railways ( TCDD ) added another train line named "Turistik Doğu Ekspresi" (Touristic Eastern Express), which runs the same route, to cater to the needs of travelers. However, despite this addition, it is still difficult to find tickets for both the Dogu Express Train and the Touristic Dogu Express Train. Nowadays, many travel agents exist solely to reserve tickets for those who wish to experience the Touristic Dogu Express at least once in their lifetime.

Wagon types of the Eastern Express Train Turkey

As previously mentioned, there are two types of train lines available on the Eastern Express route: the Eastern Express Train and the Touristic Eastern Train. Although both trains follow the same route (along Eastern Turkey) and leave from Ankara Train Station, they differ in terms of the types of wagons they offer and the total duration of the train journey. Let's take a closer look at the details.

Eastern Express Train

The Dogu Express Train travels a distance of 1310 km in just 26 hours. It is a night train, also known as a sleeper train, and the train hauls  pullman cars ,  couchette cars , and a  dining car to accommodate its travelers. Before, Eastern Express Train also had sleeper wagons, but that was removed when Touristic Eastern Express was introduced. Now, people have to make do with sleeper Pullman cars that turn into beds (sleeper compartment). However, newer, more comfortable, and modern equipment has been put on this train in recent years so that the journey, though long, is far more comfortable than it was a decade ago.

The eastbound train leaves Ankara Train Station daily at 17:55 (5:55 pm) and arrives the following day in Kars at 20:27 (8:27 pm). The westbound train departs Kars at 08:00 am and arrives at Ankara Station the next day at 09:56 am.

Touristic Eastern Express Train

The Touristic Eastern Express is also a sleeper train, with 34.5 hours of train ride it offers to travelers. It only consists of sleeper wagons (sleeper cars) and a dining or restaurant wagon. Each wagon has rooms reserved for two people with two seats, and there is a fridge, sink, and table in each room. This is far more comfortable than the original Eastern Express Train. They also provide clean sheets, toilet paper, and all types of other things passengers might need on train travel.

While both trains follow the same route through Ankara to Kars : Ankara, Kayseri , Sivas , Divriği, Erzincan, Palandöken , Erzurum , Hasankale, Horasan, and Sarıkamış to Kars , the Touristic Eastern Express finishes the whole trip in 34.5 hours. This is almost 9 hours longer than the original run time of Eastern Express, which finishes the journey in 26 hours. But, why?

What is the Difference?

First of all, while they follow the same train route, the number of train stops is different. The Touristic Eastern Express stops at several major eastern Turkish cities, including Erzurum, Sivas, Divriği, and Erzincan, allowing travelers to explore each destination at their own pace. At each stop, there is ample time for exploration, with stops lasting around 3+ hours. In contrast, the Eastern Express Train only stops for a few minutes at each destination.

So, if you want to enjoy a slow train ride with lots of exploration and adventures, just choose the Touristic Dogu Express instead of the former. Also, keep in mind that this is among Turkey's slowest trains. You might want to consider a  plane  from Ankara (1.5 hours) or a  bus  (12 hours).

Please read  this safety notice  about  sleeping car  travel.

Experience the Eastern Express Train, Turkey

Both Eastern Express and Touristic Eastern Express Trains are great ways of traveling Eastern Turkey , with great scenery and major destinations to explore. It is a fun experience that one should experience at least once in life and can be compared to the legendary Orient Express of Europe.

If you ever get the chance, get your ticket in the winter when there is snow on the ground and enjoy the wonderful view of Anatolia under the snow!

by   Tom Brosnahan , updated by Can Turan

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Ankara to Kars

The most popular train route in turkey.

Every year, thousands of students, photographers, bloggers and backpackers take the train trip to Kars, a former Russian outpost. Often characterised as the most hipster domestic travel route, this 27-hour service has attracted a lot of attention recently. Its popularity has been such that it is normally very difficult to find a ticket as they are sold out weeks before. The train, in fact, operates at 100% occupancy most of the times.

ankara to kars tourist train

The Doğu Ekspressi (Eastern Express) departs from Ankara and terminates at Kars . On the way, it passes through some of the most beautiful destinations in Turkey. No matter the season, the views from the window are always stunning and highly recommended if you are seeking an alternative experience of the country.

And while we know that a flight would certainly be much quicker, the point of rail travel is the nostalgia of the travel experience and corners of the country that you would have otherwise missed.

ankara to kars tourist train

In May 2019, TCDD (Turkish State Railways) have launched the all-sleeping-car Turistik Doğu Ekspressi which replaces the sleeping cars of the original Doğu Ekspressi with couchette cars. The only difference between the new and the original service is that the former departs three times per week while the latter leaves from Ankara daily. It also features a restaurant car and stops briefly at various locations along the way for excursions off-the train. The scenery, though, remains the same no matter which train you choose.

Are you interested in taking one of Turkey’s slowest yet majestic trains? Then keep reading as this post offers essential tips you need to know before traveling on this route.

Departing from Ankara

Ankara railway station is the main railway station of the Turkish capital and is a major transportation hub within the city. The station serves as the eastern terminus of the Istanbul-Ankara railway corridor, as well as the easternmost station in Turkey with high-speed rail service. Ankara station is also a hub for YHT high-speed trains.

ankara to kars tourist train

Located within the historic Ulus quarter, the station is a landmark of the city. In 2016, a new building was opened above the YHT platforms known as Ankara Tren Garı (ATG). The ATG building serves as a hub for high-speed rail with its own concourse containing information and tickets booths, waiting rooms and a VIP lounge, and is connected to the rest of the station via a skybridge.

Find cheap hotels in Ankara

ankara to kars tourist train

If you are getting one of the Doğu Express trains, then it is highly likely that your train will be waiting for you at Platform 1. However, always check the departure screens at the station to make sure.

ankara to kars tourist train

The original Doğu Express departs at 18.00 daily while the Turistik one departs at 19:55. Either way, this gives you plenty of time to get on board and settle in your compartment.

ankara to kars tourist train

This post covers the Turistik Express.

ankara to kars tourist train

Sleeping car (yataklı vagon)

Each compartment in a sleeping car (yataklı vagon) converts to sleep two people. There is a sink with running hot/cold water, a tiny towel and bar of soap, mirror, clothes hangers, luggage rack, small cabinet, window to the outside, heating or air conditioning, and a waste receptacle.

ankara to kars tourist train

The 220-volt low-amperage electrical outlet over the sink is designed for electric shavers. You can plug-in your mobile phone but it may cut off after a while. Just unplug your device, wait a minute, and plug it in again, and it should work.

ankara to kars tourist train

The TCV2000 sleeping cars have small mini-bar refrigerators for drinks and snacks in each compartment, with a complimentary bottle of water and a few snacks.

ankara to kars tourist train

The berths have comfortable firm mattresses, sheets, blankets and pillows. A movable ladder gives access to the upper berth. Each sleeping car has its own steward who makes the beds in the evening, converts them to seats in the morning and brings drinks and snacks to passengers in the compartments.

ankara to kars tourist train

There are toilets at each end of each sleeping car and a shower.

Unlike couchettes or passenger cars, sleeping compartments are private and can be locked by their occupants.

Eastern Anatolia boasts a wide range of varying landscapes. For the most part, the route stretches along the river Euphrates forcing its way through craggy mountains as we trundle through tunnel after tunnel.

ankara to kars tourist train

The landscape and the weather changes back and forth – sometimes it’s alpine-like mountain greenery. Other times, it feels like you are travelling through almost baron highlands. One of the most striking features, though, is that you almost don’t see any building for miles and miles. This part of the country appears so vast, remote and wild.The further East you get, the more remote it seems.

ankara to kars tourist train

Stops along the way include Kayseri , Sivas , Divriği, Erzincan , Palandöken, Erzurum , Hasankale, Horasan, Sarıkamış and Kars .

If you take the Turistik Doğu Express you will make several stops along the way for short excursion. For example, we stopped in the middle of nowhere, at a town named İliç where we were taken off the train on a ferry tour across a nearby lake. At the time, no the conductors knocked our door and let us know in bad English that we had to go off the train. When asked to specify why or for how long he was unable to provide us with an answer.

ankara to kars tourist train

One of the things about travelling on this route is that almost no one speaks English. Even members of staff. Although reluctant, we got off the train and just followed the rest of the passengers. Nobody seemed to carry their belongings with them so we just left ours at our compartment and locked the door. We got on the ferry and were caught by surprise. There was a complimentary lunch buffet set for everyone on the small deck. There was even a chef serving the food and Turkish music.

ankara to kars tourist train

This is a great opportunity to socialise with your fellow passengers. Most of them may not speak English but they are very willing to interact. The mere fact that a tourist this far away from home is visiting the remotest part of their country immediately sparks their curiosity.

ankara to kars tourist train

We had a great time on board and after 2 hours we returned to the train to be greeted by members of staff cheerily. One of them had even gone fishing while we were away and was now showing off his haul to everyone!

ankara to kars tourist train

The train also stops at Erzurum where you can opt for another 2-hour excursion. A shuttle bus normally waits for you outside the station and gives you a ride to the city centre. Unfortunately, we were unable to participate since when our steward knocked our door holding a piece of paper and asking us something in Turkish, he was unable to explain to us what was going on in English. We later found out that this is how you can let them know that you want to take part to the excursion. All they do is write down your name on the piece of paper in order to have a clearer picture of who is coming and who is staying on the train.

ankara to kars tourist train

Finally the train arrives in Kars .

Compare hotels in Kars

ankara to kars tourist train

What to bring along?

This is a long trip. Given that you will spending at least 24-32 hours on this train it will be useful to pack some essentials with you. You can bring snacks and drinks on board. Bear in mind that each compartment has its own small fridge which really comes in handy in these kilnd of situations. There is also a restaurant car with great food at very reasonable prices.

ankara to kars tourist train

If you like reading, it would be a good idea to bring along a couple of books etc. Tech lovers will have a hard time since there is no wifi on board and for the most part of the trip there is no good 3G/4G connection either. So spend sometime beforehand download your favourite movies or music on your device before boarding the train.

How to buy tickets?

You can buy your tickets directly from TCDD’s website .

For the original Dogu Express, one way per adult is TL 39 for a pullman reclining seat TL 52 for a couchette in 4 berth For the Turistik Dogu Express the price is TL 400.

Buy your ticket here

Return tickets cost 20% less than two one-way fares. Children under 8 go for free, children 8-11 travel for 50% the adult fare while children 12 & over pay the youth (genç) fare. Youths under 26 get 20% off (genç). Seniors 60-64 get 20% off (yaş 60-64), over 65s get 50% off (yaş 65).

ankara to kars tourist train

How to choose your seat?

The original Dogu Express has two different classes. The cheapest are the SV2000 reclining Pullman seats. It’s a long journey though and we recommend a sleeper. The SV2000 couchettes are in our opinion the best value for money with comfortable 4 bed compartments.

The Turistik Dogu Express comes with sleeping compartments only.

Overall, it has been one of the most original and adventurous trips we have ever been on. The spontaneity as well as the feeling of the unknown -in a good sense- was what made this trip special. I must say, though, the best time to travel on this route is winter or late autumn, as the snow covered landscape makes everything seem more magical. However, the service runs all year long.

If you have any questions please feel free to drop us a line on our forum.

Thanks so much for reading this trip review! :)

👁 33594

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Turkey by train: a guide to travelling on the Dogu Express

Oct 23, 2019 • 5 min read

ankara to kars tourist train

The Dogu Express train © Robbie Griffiths / Lonely Planet

Turkish Instagrammers love the Dogu – or Eastern – Express, running almost a thousand miles from the east to the west of Turkey . And it isn’t just for social media fans. The journey is spectacular, from the capital city of Ankara through the rocky wilds of Anatolia and to the city of Kars , from which it is a short drive to the ancient ruins of Ani on the Armenian border. There are planned stops with excursions, comfortable seats and beds, and over 30 hours to admire the remarkable scenery. 

Three carriages of a train standing at a station platform. Each carriage is white with two stripes in red and blue running the length of the carriage below the windows. There are hills in the background

The train sets off from capital Ankara, Turkey’s second-largest city, around 5pm. While not as rich in history as Istanbul, there are notable museums, mosques, and a castle. It is also home to the tomb of the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who made Ankara the capital in 1923. After a short visit, make your way to the renovated and gleaming train station, where only a few trains leave every day despite the modernity.

From your cosy cabin with fridge, sink, and two seats, watch Ankara slip away and the rocky countryside begin. Have a meal in the dining car or bring a picnic, then fold down your bunk bed and think about getting an early night. The train arrives on the outskirts of the small village of İliç at 7am.

A wide river with two small boats docked and a small wooden hut that appears to be hanging over the river. Dusty brown cliffs and rocks rise high on the opposite bank

Karanlık Canyon

A short drive from İliç takes you to the Karanlık, or "Dark" Canyon, a spectacular, eerily quiet gorge with birds of prey flying overhead. On a motorboat, take a trip up the peaceful Euphrates, then travel onwards to picturesque Kemaliye. Take in a view across the valley, and then meander down a road – lined with signs adorned by the work of local poets – into the village. There, among alpine wooden chalets, try the local sweet almond dish, and have a cup of tea in an authentic Turkish tearoom, before returning to the train.

Waterfalls cascade down a rock face, with several bushes and trees either side

The Dogu Express climbs almost 1000m on the journey, which starts to become noticeable at the lunch stop in the suburbs of Erzincan, surrounded by distant snow-capped mountains. The once large city never quite recovered from a huge earthquake in 1939. A drive around the surrounding area includes Girlevik waterfalls, where water seems to fall through the woods, and the ruins of a church near Altıntepe castle, with remarkably well-preserved Byzantine mosaics from the 6th century. After pit stops at a local fountain with naturally occurring carbonated water, and a small shopping complex in town, get back on the train for the afternoon.

The evening stop of  Erzurum is 500m higher again than Erzincan. This time the train station is in the centre of the bustling and modern town centre. A short walk, which can be done without tour guides, offers architectural delights, including the twin-towered Çifte Minareli Medrese , built as a theological college in the 1200s, next to large Ulu Mosque . Also worth a look is the Yakutiye Medresesi , now a museum, and views from the Kalesi citadel . After a long day on the train, a local cağ  kebab – horizontally turned lamb – is welcome. Tasty ones can be found at Koç Cağ Kebap , only five minutes from the train.

The train arrives in Kars after midnight, so book accommodation before arriving. The town itself is grid-like due to Russian influence, and some roads have animal statues as markers to tell them apart. Kars Castle  stands impregnable on a hill, and there are striking dark stone Russian buildings, including official government offices, and Hotel Katerina Sarayi , built as a palace by Tsar Nicholas II. The Russians occupied Kars in the 1800s, but it was won back after WWI. Enjoy having your feet on solid ground after the moving train. 

A church stands in a gully surrounded by ruins

Less than an hour’s drive from Kars are the beautiful ruins of Ani, the capital of Armenian civilisation a thousand years ago, and once one of the largest cities in the world. Transport there or tours from local companies are easy to arrange. Surrounded by an imposing wall on one side and a deep gully on the other side, is a series of well-preserved churches, and there are great views into Armenia. In western Europe, Ani would be a thriving tourist attraction, but here you can walk around almost alone. Drive back to Kars, or arrange to have a local Kurdish meal of goose in the village of Ölçülü nearby. 

Make it happen

"Tourist" train tickets cost 480₺ for a single, and pairs are less. Tickets can easily be bought online . There is a cheaper train for 58₺, but this doesn’t stop. The tourist train leaves three times a week – on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, just before 5pm. It arrives around midnight the next day, more than 30 hours later, though is often slightly delayed. The non-tourist train leaves at 6pm each day, and takes 24 hours. Tours at each of the three stops cost 75₺ extra and can be booked on the train. If you do leave the train, be sure to return promptly as it could leave without you. The route is subject to change, so check before leaving. 

Bring drinking water, and an evening meal, as there are limited food options on the train. Also bring night and day clothes, and cash to spend at the different stops. Alcohol and your own food is not allowed in the main dining car, but can be consumed in the front carriage and in your cabin.

To get to Ankara from Istanbul, high-speed trains take around four hours and depart four times a day, and buses are convenient too. Not too far from Ankara is Cappadocia , famous for its hot air balloon rides. You can take the return train journey from Kars, fly back to Istanbul or travel onwards – there are plans for an extension to the train to Tbilisi in Georgia and Baku in Azerbaijan, though this is long delayed.

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This Scenic 30-hour Overnight Train Through Turkey Feels Like the Orient Express — but Costs Less Than $60

"You could almost say that where the Orient Express ends, the Eastern Express begins," writes a seasoned traveler who rode the overnight train for 814 miles this past spring.

Mark Orwoll, a former international editor of Travel + Leisure , has traveled to more than 70 countries and written about most of them. His byline has appeared more than 1,500 times in T+L . Now a freelance writer, he contributes travel articles to top-name outlets.

Kemal Ozdemir/Getty Images

For about the price of a night’s stay at, say, the Holiday Inn Express in Le Claire, Iowa, a rail passenger can book a sleeper compartment for a 30-hour scenic ride in Turkey on one of the world’s fast-dwindling stock of overnight trains. You could almost say that where the Orient Express ends, the Eastern Express begins.

From Turkey’s capital of Ankara to Kars on the Armenian border, 814 miles away, the Turistik Doğu Ekspresi crosses the deep, river-carved canyons, broad plains, and snowy mountains of Anatolia, the Asian part of Turkey, and makes two stops along the way. Since the service began in 2019 (it was curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic for most of 2020 and 2021), the two-person sleepers on the 30-hour ride sell out almost as soon as they go on sale, one month before departure.

The Turks are crazy about the Touristic Eastern Express. So are an increasing number of adventurous international travelers. I rode the Eastern Express this past spring — here's what you can expect on the mesmerizing 30-hour ride.

Rolling Out of Ankara

The Touristic Eastern Express will never be accused of high-speed railroading. Chugging out of Ankara Gari, the capital’s main station, into the late-afternoon vastness of the Central Anatolian plateau, the train’s DE22000 diesel locomotive rarely hit its max velocity of 75 mph. But for those on board, that’s a blessing, allowing for more time to watch the scenery roll by at a leisurely pace.

The train departs Ankara on Wednesday and Friday at 3:55 p.m. That left just enough sunlight for me to settle into my quarters and still have time to enjoy views of the passing isolated villages, sugar-beet farms and barley fields, tumble-down stone cottages, and white-capped mountains sweeping past the large windows.

Mark Orwoll

The compartments are cozy, not lavish. The TVS 2000 sleepers have an upholstered bench seat facing a cabinet with a minifridge, thoughtfully pre-stocked with bottled water and several chocolate bars. In the corner next to the lockable sliding door (key provided) is a wash basin as well as a mirror, light, and electrical outlet that accepts standard two-round-pin European plugs. A rack above the cabinet can hold two pieces of luggage, but there’s no closet for storage. The daytime bench seat converts to a single bed; an upper bunk above it folds down from the wall for a second person. Fresh linens, blankets, pillows, and slippers complete the room’s amenities.

Time to Festoon

Most travelers keep their cabin doors open during waking hours, which lends a friendly, festive air to the train. Girlfriends on a weekend getaway, vacationing families, international backpackers, and couples on a romantic escape all gussy up their roomettes with strings of colored battery-powered lights, streamers, garlands, and other adornments. Children tape crayoned train drawings to the corridor walls and make soap artwork on the windows. Wine bottles begin to appear on the cabinet tops, and lively Turkish tunes emanate from personal speakers.

The dining car, with enough four-top tables to seat 48, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a modest charge. The food is decent traditional Turkish cuisine (kebabs, stews, soups, and the like) heated in a microwave. As convenient as the diner may be, many passengers opt to bring their own victuals, which they spread lavishly across the tops of the cabinets in their sleepers.

As for boozy libations, none are sold on the train, but guests are free to bring their own on board.

Even the Night Holds Sights

Fans of long-distance trains know the attraction of an overnight stay in a sleeper. On my journey, a waning gibbous moon emerged from a cloudbank to enkindle a crag-pocked cliffside and wheatfields on rolling plains. Occasionally the train slowed through some third-tier town. The papaya-pulp glow of sodium lights on a remote station’s platform revealed the denizens of the wayside: disused open-top hoppers, empty coil cars, corroded gondolas, a modest village in the distance illumined by weak-yellow streetlamps.

A glass of dry Kalecik karasi red from Ankara Province, Cormac McCarthy’s "Blood Meridian" on the iPad, and the rumbling of the steel wheels on the tracks soon lulled me to sleep. Before going to bed, I asked a passing conductor about the best time to wake up for the scenery in the morning.

“Between Divriği and Erzincan,” the conductor replied. “We pass through a long canyon. The train track twists this way, then that way, then back again. So you’ll see the sun first on this side, then on that side. The view will be good in both directions. Be up with the sun.”

The early-risers and avid photographers set their alarms for dawn, at around 6 a.m., in preparation for sunrise some 30 minutes later.

A Fabled Route, Updated for the Curious Traveler

The original Doğu Ekspresi, or Eastern Express , launched in 1936 from Istanbul to Çetinkaya, and was later extended to the ski-resort city of Erzurum. Turkish State Railways ultimately moved the train’s starting point to Ankara and its current terminus eastward to Kars in 1962. Despite the dramatic scenery, the Express operated more as a commuter vehicle than a scenic holiday train. It was full of business travelers, grandparents visiting grandkids, and young adults heading to or from university. There were standard coach seats (called Pullman seats in Turkey), shared four-person couchettes with pull-down beds, and a lone car with two-person private sleeper compartments. Station stops rarely lasted more than a quarter of an hour, and often were just a minute or two.

But in 2019, someone in the head office of Turkish State Railways had the idea to introduce a variant of the Eastern Express, a service that would be limited to two-person sleepers plus a restaurant car. It would travel only in the scenic wintertime, when the landscape was often coated in snow. The train would make stops for up to three hours in the two cities most worth visiting along the route. The ride would be lengthier than the original route, true — 30 hours instead of 24 — but with its all-sleeper service, the train would be even more comfortable for the passengers. And it would be labeled with the moniker Touristic Eastern Express.

Get Out Your Cameras

I woke to the glow of the sun through the compartment windows. By 6:30 a.m., the sun breached the horizon to reveal a stunning scene, far different from the one of the previous afternoon. A narrow high canyon boxed in the train on two sides. Where a four-lane highway had run alongside the tracks the night before, the wide, shallow, fast-running Western Euphrates River, also called the Firat, now paralleled the train.

Occasionally the canyon widened to give long views of snow-tinged pointy-topped mountains in the middle distance and gray filmy clouds resting just above the summits. An ancient double-arched stone bridge crossed the Euphrates, leading to an old Anatolian village full of tin roofs, muddy streets, and well-used tractors.

The Touristic Eastern Express’s first long stop is at Erzincan . Copper shoppers beeline for Yeralti Çarşisi , an underground bazaar in the heart of the modern city specializing in copperware. If there’s time, some take an early lunch of traditional kebabs, stews, mezes, and soups at the top-floor restaurant of the nearby Konak Mazlum Hotel . Many passengers instead simply wander through Erzincan’s streets and shops or choose a private tour of the photogenic multiple spillways of the nearby Girlevik Waterfalls .

Enticing Erzurum

The train’s second long stop, four hours after leaving Erzincan, is at Erzurum , the largest settlement in Eastern Anatolia and one of Turkey’s highest cities, at an elevation of 6,400 feet. A winter-sports capital, with two universities, the thriving town is full of beeping traffic, sidewalks crowded with shoppers, skiers, and students, and rich with far more historic attractions than anyone can see during a three-hour layover. Find beehive-shaped mausoleums built in the 12th century for the city’s royal Seljuk families; historic houses, decorated in traditional style, open informally to visitors in exchange for a small cash donation; 1,000-year-old churches, madrassas, and mosques; and a jewelry bazaar, Rüstem Paşa Bedestini , that has operated continuously in its present location as a marketplace for more than 400 years. But the most important thing to do in Erzurum is eat cağ kebab, for which the city is famous.

The restaurant Muammer Usta , in the central shopping district, is a good example. To make the dish, meat from highland-raised sheep is marinated with salt, pepper, basil, and onions for 24 hours. Piece by piece, the slices of lamb are pressed tightly down onto an upright skewer, with plenty of tail fat slathered on the meat for additional flavor. Once the skewer can hold no more, it’s transferred to an open oakwood fire and laid horizontally above the flames. The meat is then roasted on the spit until it’s cooked through and the juices are flowing. Long thin slices are carved off by the chef and served to guests with lavash, a thin flatbread that’s more like a flour tortilla than the thick pita commonly served with, say, a doner kebab or gyro. With spicy chili sauce and lots of onions, wrapped burrito-like in the lavash, cağ kebab is a hearty and rich meal.

The End of the Line at Kars

Another four hours on the train leads to the terminus at Kars , a city that has been battled over by various empires for centuries. Today Kars is firmly in Turkish hands, despite the many black-basalt neoclassical buildings left by the Russians, who occupied the city from 1877 to 1917. Even the 1899 Kars Station, where the Turistik Doğu Ekspresi ends its run from Ankara, was built by the Czar’s engineers.

In the days ahead, guests planned visits to the clifftop Kars Castle, cheese tastings and a walk-through of the Cheese Museum (Kars is simply mad about cheese), and lunches at an all-goose restaurant (yes, goose meals; it’s a thing in Kars). There are also walking tours of the fascinating Czarist-era architecture, and options to wander through the ancient, abandoned city of Ani , close to Kars and just meters from the Armenian border.

The Touristic Eastern Express leaves twice weekly in both directions from December through March. (The commuter-oriented Eastern Express runs daily, but doesn’t make tour stops and has limited sleeper accommodations.) Tickets can be purchased one month before the departure date on the ticketing page of the TCDD website. The site, which can be converted to English, offers tickets from Ankara to Kars in July 2023 starting from $10. You can also book through an authorized Turkish travel agency, such as Amber Travel in Istanbul.

Mark Orwoll is the former international editor of Travel + Leisure, where he was on the staff for 30 years.

Claire's Footsteps

All Destinations , Asia , Overland Travel , train travel , Turkey

Taking the eastern express train from kars to ankara, turkey.

ankara to kars tourist train

Travelling by train is my thing. I’ve taken trains all over the world – mainly on my trip from Bali to London with no flights – and it’s without a doubt my favourite way to travel.

When planning my Turkey itinerary, I wanted to make sure that I saw as much of the country’s epic scenery as possible, and hopefully experience some famous Turkish hospitality as well.

But after spending a rather long time in Central Asia, and then drinking lots of Georgian wine and getting stuck in Tibilisi, I was actually slightly running out of time when I was travelling through Turkey from east to west.

It wasn’t a huge deal – Turkey’s one of those countries that I’ll keep coming back to, and I know I want to do a big backpacking trip around the country at some point.

But, there was a way I could get a true Turkish experience and see some epic scenery as well – and that was to take the Eastern Express train.

The Eastern Express Train from Kars to Ankara

ankara to kars tourist train

The Eastern Express, or Dogu Express in Turkish, connects eastern with western Turkey, spanning from Kars which is quite near the Georgian border to Ankara, the country’s capital.

From here, it’s a quick 5 hour train or 7 hour bus to Istanbul and Europe.

The Eastern Express stops at seven provincial capitals as it heads east or west. You won’t see many other tourists get on this train, but lots of locals use it as transport through the country.

It takes about 24 hours, and for me was a couple of hours delayed. But in the winter it can take much longer.

The Eastern Antolia region is most famous during the winter for its snowy backdrops – yes, it does snow a lot in this part of Turkey in the winter – but honestly, I found the summertime journey mesmerizing as well.

Getting to Kars

ankara to kars tourist train

If you’re venturing east to west, as this guide illustrates, you’ll need to get to Kars.

Turkey’s geographical position means that there are limited countries that you can enter the eastern part of the country from: even if you find yourself in Syria, you can’t cross that border, and the Armenian border is closed.

It is possible to cross the Iraqi border from Kurdistan – but a trip like this would take a lot of planning and would put you in a different part of Turkey to where Kars is located.

So, I’m going to write this based on the assumption that you’re crossing either from Iran or Georgia.

Crossing from Iran

Unfortunately, UK and US citizens can only visit Iran on a guided tour, so I haven’t been there yet – but I did end up taking a Tbilisi to Tehran bus, so I know that there is a bus connection between Tehran and Kars.

As I haven’t done it, I can’t give too much information though!

Crossing from Georgia

I can, however, give you advice about travel from Georgia.

Buses leave from Ortachala bus station – you can take a bus or Yandex taxi there.

I went to the bus station a few days before I was planning on leaving, and was told that there was a bus leaving at 11 am every two days.

I missed one bus, then decided to not bother trying a more complicated route the next day, and went the following day.

When I got there, the company I spoke to before told me that there was no bus to Kars, but there was an Iranian bus that could drop me off on a highway near the city.

This bus leaves every day, and the time seems to change but as of August 2019, it left at 1 pm. It cost me 70 GEL, which was the same as it would have cost if I took it all the way to Tehran – apparently, there wasn’t anywhere else where someone could take my seat between Kars and Tehran.

The bus took about 4 hours to get to the Georgia/ Turkey border, where I was stamped out of Georgia and into Turkey – the border process was pretty self-explanatory and didn’t take too long.

There was duty-free at the border, where ever other passenger apart from me bought a bottle of vodka – if you want cheap vodka, try the shop here!

Then, the bus drove for about 3 more hours before arriving at a service station near to Kars. Here, the driver instructed that I disembark, gave me my bag, and asked someone working at the service station to call me a taxi. This guy then offered me three cups of tea (this is very normal in Turkey!).

It was about a ten-minute drive from here to Kars centre and cost me around 20 lira.

I didn’t have any Turkish money, but the taxi driver happily stopped at an ATM after laughing at my ‘taking my money out of an ATM’ charade.

The whole process was pretty simple, and everyone was very friendly and helpful.

Things to do in Kars

ankara to kars tourist train

I didn’t manage to see much of Kars – Tibilisi has a habit of making travellers stay for much longer than they intend, and I ended up only arriving into Kars the evening before my train departed.

I did have an evening walk around the city, where I was again offered copious amounts of tea, and had a delicious meal at Han-I Hanedan Cafe (again, they gave me tea and a dessert without charging me and said they were really happy that I was visiting Kars!).

However, if you manage to drag yourself away from Tibilisi, or have some more time in Turkey, there is one main tourist attraction near Kars – the medieval Armenian capital of Ani (which is located in modern Turkey, you don’t have to cross any borders!).

It was my original plan to head there, but as I said, Georgian wine got me – so I’ll just have to return sometime.

Where to stay in Kars

Why take the train from kars to ankara.

Taking the train from Kars to Ankara was top of my Turkey bucket list, and I knew that it was definitely something that I wanted to experience on my overland journey. There were a few reasons for this!

It’s Beautiful

ankara to kars tourist train

The main reason that I wanted to take the Eastern Express train from Kars to Ankara was for the SCENES. It was rumoured to be an absolutely spectacular journey, and it didn’t disappoint.

The journey is famous during the winter, as this area of Turkey gets very cold and it’s covered in snow.

However, taking the Eastern Express train in the summer is also well worth it; you’ll get to see scenery like the above roll past while enjoying copious amounts of tea from the comfort of your seat. This is why I travel!

It’s So Cheap

I’ve taken many, many train journeys all over the world – but this was one of the cheapest.

It cost me 45 lira, which was about £7.50 or just under $10 back in 2019 (it’s now just over £3 or just under $5), I got overnight transport and travel across Turkey from Kars to Ankara by rail.

The cabins are comfortable and clean, and it’s a fantastic value way to see the country rather speedily.

It’s Comfortable

ankara to kars tourist train

For me, train travel always trumps bus travel, just because it is so much more comfortable.

You get your own sleeper, so you can stretch out much more than on a bus.

The beds have mattresses and clean linen, and there are four berths to a cabin.

It’s Very Safe

Travelling by rail is generally one of the safest modes of getting around, and the Eastern Express is no exception.

While Turkish buses are generally quite good, taking the Eastern Express is a great way to see the mountains in safety.

It connects destinations

Cappadocia in Winter Uchasair Castle

While the Eastern Express doesn’t connect many tourist destinations in the country, having the rail link from east to west is invaluable.

  • From Kars, you can take buses to Georgia, Iran, or the Kurdish region of eastern Turkey.
  • From Ankara, you can easily connect to Istanbul or other destinations in western Turkey.
  • You can also disembark at Kayseri for Cappadocia, one of Turkey’s top destinations in summer or winter .

It takes a bit longer than other options, but it’s a really cheap way to put some miles behind you when exploring Turkey!

Set-Up of the Eastern Express

ankara to kars tourist train

There are no open sleeper cabins like the Soviet Platzkart that I got accustomed to in Central Asia.

You can either opt for a 4 berth sleeper cabin or an open sitting cabin.

The seated seats are even cheaper, but I always go for a sleeper if available.

The sleepers accommodate four people, and don’t have all that much room for luggage – so I wouldn’t recommend taking huge suitcases on the train.

I actually ended up sharing my cabin with a family of five (three adult women and two kids!) and a lot of their luggage; they were lovely, but it was a squeeze!

The Eastern Express also has a restaurant, although when I went it had the slight disadvantage of not having any food. After a bit of questioning, a lentil cup a soup and a bread roll was brought out, which ended up being my dinner!

There was, of course, unlimited tea at very cheap prices. I made friends with a lovely Turkish/ Omani couple who invited me to sit with them in the restaurant and we passed time chatting about travel, our countries and life in general.

As in many places across the world, I found that English-speaking locals were very keen to take me under their wing as soon as they found out I was a solo traveller!

Eastern Express Tips

ankara to kars tourist train

  • Take food – as much as you think you’ll need for the journey. There is a restaurant cart, but initially when I went there I was told that there was no food in it (an interesting business model for a restaurant…) but later after asking a couple more times, was told that I could have a cup a soup and bread. The cup a soup actually wasn’t that bad – it was lentil flavour – but it didn’t exactly fill me up!
  • Book in advance. Because of the layout of the Eastern Express, seats tend to sell out quickly. Men and women (who aren’t travelling together) aren’t permitted in the same cabin, so if you are traveling with someone of the opposite sex you’ll need to book out a whole cabin or seats.
  • Bring earplugs and an eyemask . You may well have screaming children in your cabin. It’s happened to me in trains all over the world. Always be prepared. Your roomates may also decide to string fairy lights all over your cabin at midnight while you’re asleep (this legitimately happened to me, I woke up so confused).
  • Bring extra toilet roll for the loo – this is something that you should do in trains all over the world to be fair, but it did run out mid-way through the Eastern Express rail trip!

Taking the Eastern Express Train

I absolutely loved this train, and although I didn’t get to see all that much of Turkey on this trip, it was a fantastic local experience.

I met some great people, drank lots of delicious Turkish tea and saw some amazing scenery.

I’d definitely add it to the list of the best rail journeys I’ve taken, and would encourage any keen train traveller to check it out!

I hope this post has helped you plan your trip from Kars to Ankara on the Eastern Express train! If you’ve enjoyed it, please share it or follow me on Instagram or YouTube !

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4 thoughts on “ Taking the Eastern Express Train from Kars to Ankara, Turkey ”

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Great post – looking into doing this around May/June next year potentially. Is it easy to break up the journey getting off at stops?

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Thanks for your comment, I didn’t break the journey up myself as I didn’t have time, but it stops at 7 different cities and I believe you can buy the tickets separately on the website listed.

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Hi, do you kno what will happen if we booked as a couple, and didnt booked the whole berth? As im sure a lot of tourists wont know this while booking online. And with demands for tickets so high, is booking a 4p berth for only 2p occupancy ethical? Thank you.

Hi, if you booked as a couple and there were two empty berths they would be filled with other guests. Book early if you are a woman and man travelling together, as there are only limited mixed cabins.

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Dogu Express

Jun 6, 2023 | Dogu Express , Night Train , Trains

Dogu Express & Dogu Express Touristik

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Classes & Amenities | Price & Tickets   | Timetable   | Routes   |   Tours

Classes & Ammenities

Tickets & prices.

ankara to kars tourist train

The Dogu Express (DOĞU EKSPRESİ) leaves Ankara daily at 17:55. The travel time is approx. 1day:2h:32min.

Timetable of the night train Dogu Express from Ankara to Kars and Kars to Ankara.

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Review: Dogu Express Night Train Kars to Ankara, Turkey

In this review we travel across Turkey in a private sleeper compartment on the Dogu Express night train from Kars to Ankara.

Turkey’s most scenic train ride

Having spent an amazing time in the city of Kars , it was time to continue my trip across Turkey.

Although Kars has an airport with flights to both Ankara and Istanbul, you’d be mad to take them as that would mean missing out on one of Turkey’s best travel experiences.

I’m talking here about the Dogu Express (Doğu Ekspresi) train – Turkey’s most scenic railway journey.

The Dogu Express – which translates to ‘Eastern Express’ in English – links the Turkish capital of Ankara with the city of Kars in the far eastern extremes of the country.

I would be travelling the 1310-kilometre distance between these two cities in the reverse direction and I was immensely looking forward to this journey with a duration of almost 24 hours.

Kars to Ankara on the D oğu Express (Eastern Express) train Private sleeper – Costs: €25 Departure: 8am – Arrival: 7.30am (the day after) Duration: 23h30m – Distance: 1310km

turkey map route

Dogu Express history

When I travelled on the Dogu Express in the summer of 2018 it still was extremely straightforward to buy a ticket for this train on the Turkish Railways website .

However, recently train tickets for the Dogu Express are much harder to come by and it’s not uncommon for this train to sell out as soon as bookings open.

Historically, Turkish people had a clear preference for the plane or bus when travelling across the country.

For years, the Turkish State Railways (TCDD) had a reputation for running slow, unreliable and old trains on their limited network across Turkey.

Although this was certainly unjustified in my opinion, it did contribute to the general preference for bus travel.

However, in recent years train travel has undergone some sort of a renaissance in Turkey as new high speed lines were opened between Istanbul, Ankara and Konya and the rolling stock was modernised.

Also sleeper trains have become more popular in Turkey in recent years and the Dogu Express in particular seems to have captivated the people’s minds.

Images and videos from the scenic train ride went viral on social media and contributed immensely to the popularity of the Dogu Express – especially so among Turkish youngsters for whom a ride on this train is now a sort of “bucket-list experience”.

As a result, most of the tickets on Ankara to Kars trains get bought up in advance by travel agents – who sell these tickets at inflated prices on the domestic tourism market.

A second “touristic” Dogu Express which is now being run next to the normal night train on the same route didn’t do much to alleviate this from what I’ve heard.

Fortunately, my trip on the Dogu Express was still before this madness started and I easily managed to book my ticket in a private sleeper compartment for just 25 euro.

night train turkey

Kars station

Enough history and generic Turkish train talk for now – let’s move to my actual travel experience on board the Dogu Express!

With my train departing at 8am, I already arrived at 7.30am at the railway station of Kars.

On my way to the station I stocked up on supplies at a local bakery and supermarket as no restaurant wagon was available on the train when I travelled.

However, according to the latest reports suggest the Dogu Express nowadays runs again with a dining car added to the train.

Although you can get basic snacks, soft drinks and tea there, it doesn’t serve hot meals and alcohol so it’s still best to stock up a bit before departure.

Some 20 minutes before departure, the train rolled into the station

kars railway station train

Night train compartment

The Dogu Express night train consists of sleeper cars with 2-bed compartments, couchette wagons with 4 berths in each compartment as well as Pullman seating wagons.

If you book a 2-berth compartment as a solo traveller, you automatically get the entire compartment for private use as the other berth gets blocked out by the system.

That meant that for the grand price of just 25 euro I got a 2-bed sleeper compartment for private use – talk about a steal for a 24-hour-long journey!

The compartment was in day-time mode when I entered it, with the lower bed still folded away.

There are two seats at one side of the compartment and a small fridge and washbasin on the other side.

You simply flip over the seats to turn it into a bed – the mattress and bedding is already attached to the other side of the shell.

Each compartment has adjustable air-conditioning and heating and a power socket, although do note that night trains in Turkey are not equipped with WiFi internet.

Like in most other night trains around the world, you’ll find shared toilets at both ends of the carriage.

aisle train

Turkish night train amenities

Each sleeper compartment also has a small minibar with complimentary candy bars, crackers, a bottle of water and some juice.

Although that’s certainly a nice little touch, the fridge came in especially handy for keeping my beers chilled on this long journey.

If you travel in a sleeper, you are also provided with a small amenity kit consisting of some slippers and a refreshment towel.

minibar fridge

Departure from Kars

The Dogu Express night train departed Kars on time for it’s long journey across Turkey.

I really like these TVS2000 sleeping cars as they are called, but they do have one major downside: I find the seats a bit hard and therefore quite uncomfortable.

If you sit on them for about an hour you really start to get a sore bum – these seats really could do with some better padding!

Fortunately, the mattress and bedding provided on TVS2000 sleeping cars are extremely comfortable and in bedtime mode these compartments are among the best you can get in the world.

As I was still feeling tired and knew the best scenery was only to come at a later point during the journey, I therefore rolled the seats over and turned them into a bed to get two hours extra sleep.

I fell asleep almost immediately thanks to the soft mattress, warm blanket and the slightly rocking movements of the train.

view train kars

From Kars to Erzurum

When I woke up again, I flipped the bed back into seat mode and ate the breakfast I bought at a bakery before departure.

While enjoying my börek (a flaky filo pastry usually filled with white cheese) I watched the scenery pass by from the window.

The grassy highland plateau slowly gave way to some more diverse scenery as the train traversed its way through some high-altitude pine forests towards Erzurum, the first major stop on the long ride between Kars and Ankara.

As I already wrote in one of the previous chapters detailing my Batumi to Kars bus ride, this part of Turkey saw some ferocious fighting between the Ottoman Empire and the Russian Empire during World War I.

The Dogu Express passes through the town of Sarikamish, where the Ottoman army was decisively beaten by the Russians during the Battle of Sarikamish  in January 1915.

Perhaps more Turkish soldiers died from frostbite and hypothermia than from enemy attacks and if you travel by train between Kars and Ankara in winter you can certainly expect some spectacular snow-covered landscapes and freezing outside temperatures on this particular stretch of railway line.

Only when you travel on a night train like the Dogu Express and you slowly see the landscapes change, you get a true sense of geography, culture and history of the country you travel in, something which for sure counts for this epic ride through Turkey.

kars erzurum ankara night train

Kebab stop in Erzurum

About 40 to 50 minutes out of Erzurum you should definitely look for the beautiful Çobandede Bridge, a 13th century stone bridge across the Aras River.

Erzurum is a major stop for the Dogu Express and perhaps even more people boarded the train here than in Kars.

However, the 15-minute stop at Erzurum is also of importance for the people who already got on board the train in Kars.

Thanks to some research I found out that it’s apparently a big thing for passengers on the Dogu Express to order kebab in Erzurum, which some restaurants will gladly deliver to you right at the station platform.

As I don’t speak any Turkish, I had a local friend call in a kebab order for me, passing on my exact sleeper wagon number so the delivery guy would be able to find me.

Finding the delivery guy turned out to be a bit trickier than I thought as the platform was full of people boarding the train as well as passengers getting out for a smoke.

Moreover, I was hardly the only person ordering kebab as I spotted at least five different food delivery guys with multiple plastic bags in their hands roaming the platform of Erzurum’s train station in search of all their customers who placed an order!

Fortunately, after 10 minutes waiting the kebab guy managed to find me in front of my train wagon.

Having paid the delivery guy for the kebabs, I quickly jumped back on the train just as the whistle for departure sounded.

cobandede bridge

Erzurum to Erzincan

The kebabs which I ordered at Erzurum made for a great lunch on the train and went well with an Efes beer, which remained perfectly cold in my compartment’s fridge.

Having finished my lunch, I flipped the seats back to bed mode even though I didn’t plan on sleeping.

As I wrote before, the seats in a sleeper compartment on board a night train in Turkey become rather uncomfortable after a while, while the mattress on the other hand is amazingly soft and great quality.

I ended up putting a few pillows against the compartment wall which allowed me to sit upright comfortably on the mattress.

Right after departure from Erzurum the scenery starts to get more spectacular as the terrain gets more hilly.

More interestingly, the railway line now runs directly besides the murky waters of the Karasu, a river which is better known internationally as the Western Euphrates.

A couple of hours later the Dogu Express halted at Erzincan – another major stop on the long train journey from Kars to Ankara.

Interestingly, just before the stop at Erzincan’s station the railway line runs right along the premises of the local airport and from my train window I could clearly see a Turkish Airlines aeroplane taking off.

I couldn’t help but think how much more interesting and nicer my train experience was compared to a domestic flight!

erzurum train scenery

Into the wild

Soon after departure from Erzincan the views from the train change again as the scenery slowly gets more rugged and wild.

As the railway line now moves away from the main roads and settlements, it really feels likes the Dogu Express takes in some of Turkey’s most remote and stunning lands on its journey between Kars and Ankara.

On this beautiful summer day, the contrast between the blue skies, bleak mountains and fertile Euphrates river valley was especially striking.

mountains turkey

River gorge

After a while, the valley of the Euphrates river narrows down as the railway line enters a spectacular gorge.

Called the Karanlik Canyon, this river gorge is one of the most scenic stretches of the entire trip on the Dogu Express train and perhaps one of the most beautiful in all of Turkey.

I was absolutely glued to my compartment window at this point.

The pictures below don’t do justice to the beauty of this stretch as the narrow canyon makes it difficult to photograph the stunning views.

euphrates turkey ankara kars train

Artificial lakes

At the other end of the Karanlik Canyon the terrain levels out again.

It looked like the river is dammed here at several points, creating some shining blue artificial lakes in the arid landscape.

As it was about dinner time, I ate the last two kebabs which I bought hours before at Erzurum and opened the bottle of red wine I brought along with me.

When the train called at the station of Sivas somewhere around 10pm, I called it a night and went to sleep.

turkey landscape

Arrival in Ankara

I managed to have a great night of sleep on the Dogu Express and woke up about an hour before arrival of the train in Ankara.

Although we more or less travelled on time the entire journey, the train still racked up one hour of delay when it suddenly came to a halt a few times in the suburbs of Ankara.

When we did move, it was at excruciatingly low speeds, which made it look like the Dogu Express was stuck behind another train in front of us on the line.

dogu express night train turkey ankara kars turkey

Travelling on the Dogu Express between Kars and Ankara is not only one of Turkey’s greatest journeys, but one of the most amazing night train trips you can make in the entire world.

No matter which season you are travelling in, you will be treated to a wide variety of beautiful landscapes when you travel on the Dogu Express.

For a long part of the journey, the Dogu Express night train travels right along the banks of the Euphrates river through some of Turkey’s wildest and most spectacular bits of scenery.

What’s also great about the Dogu Express are the costs, as I paid just 25 euro for a well-equipped and comfortable private sleeper compartment making it one of the most affordable night train journeys you’ll ever take.

Whether you are just planning to visit Kars or Ankara on your tour across Turkey or want to use this night train to get close to the border with Georgia, the Dogu Express really is the way to travel!

Trip report index

This article is part of the ‘ Khachapuri & Kebabs: A Summer Trip to Georgia and Turkey ‘ trip report, which consists of the following chapters:

1. Review: Wizz Air Bucharest to Kutaisi (Airbus A320) 2. A Day in Kutaisi, the Charming Capital of Imereti 3. Caves, Churches and Monasteries – A Kutaisi Day Trip 4. Review: My Warm Guest House, Batumi, Georgia 5. Beautiful Batumi – The Pearl of Georgia’s Black Sea Coast 6. From Georgia to Turkey: Batumi to Kars by Bus 7. Review: Kars Konak Hotel, Kars, Turkey 8. A Day Trip From Kars to the Ancient Armenian City of Ani 9. Goose, Cheese and Russian Remnants: A Visit to Kars, Turkey 10. Review: Dogu Express Night Train Kars to Ankara, Turkey (current chapter) 11.  Review: AnadoluJet Ankara to Izmir (Boeing 737-800) 12. Review: Ege Palas Business Hotel, Izmir, Turkey 13. Izmir: Turkey’s Most Liberal and Liveable City 14. Ancient Ephesus: An Easy Day Trip From Izmir 15. A Visit to the Hilltop Wine Village of Sirince 16. A Beach Trip From Izmir to Cesme and Ilica 17. Foça: A Beautiful Seaside Town to Visit From Izmir 18. Flying Back Home With Atlasglobal and TAROM

  • ← New Greece to Cyprus Ferry to Start on 19th June
  • Review: Palace Derossi, Trogir, Croatia →

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Koen works as a freelance journalist covering south-eastern Europe and is the founding father and editor-in-chief of Paliparan. As a contributor to some major Fleet Street newspapers and some lesser known publications in the Balkans, he travels thousands of miles each year for work as well as on his personal holidays. Whether it is horse riding in Kyrgyzstan’s Tian Shan mountains, exploring the backstreets of Bogotá, or sipping a glass of moschofilero in a Greek beachside taverna, Koen loves to immerse himself into the local culture, explore new places and eat and drink himself around the world.

One thought on “ Review: Dogu Express Night Train Kars to Ankara, Turkey ”

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Last month of March (year 2023) I travelled from Ankara to Kars by train Really this journey is unbelievable.

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Intern Network Turkey

Tourist Eastern Express: Ankara to Kars

Tourist Eastern Express

In recent years, the Tourist Eastern Express – Turistik Doğu Ekspresi, has become extremely popular in Turkey. Due to the high occupancy of the train, the Turkish train company, TCDD , has decided to run a second train under the name Turistik Doğu Ekspresi. Due to the Covid-19 situation, the train was suspended from March 28, 2020. Fortunately, the first tourist train from Ankara to Kars is expected to start on December 15, 2021 . We also know the prices list for 2022 and what kind of attractions the train offers. Definitely a great opportunity to plan an unforgettable train journey to the east of Turkey, you may want to add this item to your bucket list for 2022.

Tourist Eastern Express during winter

Eastern Express vs. Tourist Eastern Express

You may wonder what the difference is between a regular train and a tourist train. The first is the type of carriages. On a tourist train, you can only book a double compartment with folding beds. On the other hand, in regular trains, there are mostly seats or only one carriage with couchettes for four people. Tourist Eastern Express will run on the Ankara-Kars route, twice a week. Trains will depart from Ankara on Wednesday and Friday, and from Kars on Friday and Sunday. 

The second most important reason is simply the tourist train puts more on tourists and sightseeing. Traveling by this train you will be able to see much more. There will be longer stops in places such as Erzincan for 2 hours and 20 minutes, 3 hours in İliç, and 3 hours in Erzurum. Eastern Express Main Railway stops, on the other hand, last only a few minutes.

A train ticket currently for Tourist Eastern Express costs 650 TL per person . Compared to the regular Eastern Expres, which costs 68 TL per person , it may seem like a lot. However, we have to take into account that the regular one will not provide us with the same experience as the tourist version, which is much more comfortable and more suitable for exploring Turkish culture, nature or food from restaurant carriage. 

Passengers leaving Ankara and heading towards Kars will not only taste different flavors but also have the opportunity to see historical and cultural values. The entire journey takes about 30 hours and the train covers 1310 km in that time. This can be a unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable journey to the east of Turkey. World-renowned travel writers have selected the Ankara-Kars route as one of the 4th best train routes in the world . Tourist Eastern Express is one of the best attractions we can find in Turkey. Especially worth considering this means of transport, if you plan to visit the eastern part of Turkey. Kars is also a great base for visiting other places such as the beautiful Lake Van area . If you go in winter you should think about visiting Sarıkamış, where you can try skiing. It is one of the best places where you can try skiing from a peak that measures 2634 meters above sea level. These are just some of the options there are endless possibilities and it is all up to you what you choose.

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4 reasons to do an internship in istanbul, turkish cuisine: dishes you must try #2, budget planning: estimated cost of living in turkey, leave a reply cancel reply.

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Train Ankara - Kars prices from £0.98

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Ankara to Kars by train

The journey from Ankara to Kars by train is 542.3 mi and takes 26 hrs 53 mins. There are 1 connections per day, with the first departure at 15:55 and the last at 17:55. It is possible to travel from Ankara to Kars by train for as little as £0.98 or as much as £9.98. The best price for this journey is £0.98.

Ankara to Kars Train Times

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Virail's search tool will provide you with the options you need when you want to go from Ankara to Kars. All you need to do is enter the dates of your planned journey, and let us take care of everything else. Our engine does the hard work, searching through thousands of routes offered by our trusted travel partners to show you options for traveling by train, bus, plane, or carpool. You can filter the results to suit your needs. There are a number of filtering options, including price, one-way or round trip, departure or arrival time, duration of journey, or number of connections. Soon you'll find the best choice for your journey. When you're ready, Virail will transfer you to the provider's website to complete the booking. No matter where you're going, get there with Virail.

How much will I pay for train tickets from Ankara to Kars?

On average, a train ticket from Ankara to Kars will cost you £8.76. However, there may be cheaper alternatives available. Virail will show you the lowest prices available for your chosen travel dates, which could be as little as £0.98. If you are trying to stick to a budget, there are several ways you can seek out lower ticket prices. For example, if your travel dates are flexible, you might find that some days of the week are cheaper than others. Traveling during peak season will usually cost more, so avoid that if you want to save money. Even the time of day can affect the price of tickets sometimes. You can also look for an indirect route, which may be cheaper than a direct connection. Often, the cheapest train tickets can be found by booking well in advance. However, be mindful that many companies do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest tickets. Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Ankara to Kars. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results. On average, you can expect to spend around £8.76 for your train ticket. Virail will help you find a journey that fits your budget. You can expect prices to vary between different travel providers and methods of transport; often, faster journeys will cost more than slower routes. If your travel dates are flexible, you might be able to find cheaper train tickets, as prices may fluctuate a little from day to day. You may also find lower prices by booking at certain times of day, avoiding rush hour traffic. Another tip for travelers on a tight budget is to look for connecting journeys. Sometimes it can be cheaper to make a change or two along the way, rather than traveling on a direct route from Ankara to Kars.

How much time will it take to go from Ankara to Kars by train?

The journey between Ankara and Kars by train is approximately 542.3 mi. It will take you more or less 26 hrs 53 mins to complete this journey. This average figure does not take into account any delays that might arise on your route in exceptional circumstances. If you are planning to make a connection or operating on a tight schedule, give yourself plenty of time. The journey between Ankara and Kars runs for about 542.3 mi and usually takes approximately 26 hrs 53 mins. However, this figure is an average and will vary according to a number of factors. Depending on the method of transport that you choose, you might be able to arrive in less time. The shortest time in which you can complete this journey is 26 hrs 25 mins. If you are trying to get from Ankara to Kars as quickly as possible, look for express routes or non-stopping services. Direct routes are not always the fastest way to travel. At times, you may even find a quicker route that involves a connection in another city.

At what time of the day can I travel from Ankara to Kars?

The first daily departure from Ankara to Kars leaves at 15:55, while the last journey of the day sets out at 17:55. These are according to the standard schedules for the route between Ankara and Kars. However, different providers' timetables can vary from day to day or month to month, so these particular departures may not be available every day. Some providers may change their schedules on public holidays and weekends, or during the summer months. Check your travel dates when making your booking. The first departure of the night from Ankara to Kars leaves at 15:55, while the last journey sets out at 17:55. These are according to the standard schedules for the route between Ankara and Kars. However, different providers' timetables can vary from day to day or month to month, so these particular departures may not be available every day. Some providers may change their schedules on public holidays and weekends, or during the summer months. Check your travel dates when making your booking.

Which stations can I use to travel from Ankara to Kars?

In Ankara, departure stations include . When you arrive in Kars, you may be able to disembark at stations such as . Remember though that the exact stations served on each route can vary. Different providers may depart from and arrive at different stations. Furthermore, if you travel on an express service, the number of stations may be limited, and the exact stations served on a particular route may vary at different times of day or day of the week. Check in advance to ensure that you are departing from and arriving at a station that is convenient for your journey.

How many journeys from Ankara to Kars are there every day?

The route from Ankara to Kars is served by providers including . From this list of transport providers, there are up to departures each day. However, this exact number will vary. On average, journeys depart from Ankara 1 times per day. This number includes all the transport providers that serve the route. When traveling from Ankara to Kars, you may choose to use an indirect route, involving connections. If you prefer not to do this, you will find an average of 1 direct journeys each day. However, indirect routes open up more possibilities for flexible travelers. On average, there are 0 journeys with one change or more each day. These numbers are all averages. They can slightly vary depending on the day of the week, the season of the year, local festivals, and other factors. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Ankara to Kars. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

Compare prices and tickets from Ankara to Kars

Book in advance and save.

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Ankara to Kars, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Ankara to Kars.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

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Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average

Price as departure date approaches

Train companies may charge higher ticket prices as the date of departure approaches. Prices in the next days can range from around £1.07 to £10.11 but may be subject to change. Our advice is to book as early as possible to potentially save up to 89% on your trip!

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Ankara to Kars

The cheapest Ankara - Kars train tickets can be found for as low as £5.37 if you’re lucky, or £8.11 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as £11.43.

Find the best day to travel to Kars by train

When travelling to Kars by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Ankara to Kars CO2 Emissions by Train

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Train Kars - Ankara prices from $1.19

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Kars to Ankara by train

The journey from Kars to Ankara by train is 542.3 mi and takes 27 hr 14 min. There are 1 connections per day, with the first departure at 8:00 AM and the last at 10:30 PM. It is possible to travel from Kars to Ankara by train for as little as $1.19 or as much as $12.15. The best price for this journey is $1.19.

Kars to Ankara Train Times

Your journey from kars to ankara with virail.

Virail helps thousands of travelers plan their journeys every year. How? It's easy. Just enter the dates on which you plan to travel from Kars to Ankara. Our powerful engine will look at the data from thousands of travel providers, then show you all the available routes. You can choose to travel however you want. Decide on the type of transport you want to use, what time of day you'd like to set off and whether you'd like a direct journey or one with connections. When you've found your ideal route, Virail will redirect you to the web page of the provider. There, you can make your booking, then it's time to prepare for your trip.

How can I get the cheapest train tickets to travel from Kars to Ankara?

The prices for train tickets from Kars to Ankara vary depending on a range of factors including how far in advance you're booking, your travel dates, and the type of transport you want to use. On certain routes, there may be different classes available, which will also affect the price. Booked in advance, the cheapest train tickets from Kars to Ankara will cost $1.19. The average train ticket price is approximately $9.87. For the lowest prices, it is usually best to book as far in advance as possible and look out for low-cost options, such as non-refundable tickets or traveling outside of peak hours. Be aware that some providers do not offer refunds or changes on their lower priced tickets, so it is advised to check before completing your transaction. Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Kars to Ankara. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results. On average, you can expect to spend around $9.87 for your train ticket. Virail will help you find a journey that fits your budget. You can expect prices to vary between different travel providers and methods of transport; often, faster journeys will cost more than slower routes. If your travel dates are flexible, you might be able to find cheaper train tickets, as prices may fluctuate a little from day to day. You may also find lower prices by booking at certain times of day, avoiding rush hour traffic. Another tip for travelers on a tight budget is to look for connecting journeys. Sometimes it can be cheaper to make a change or two along the way, rather than traveling on a direct route from Kars to Ankara.

How long does the journey from Kars to Ankara take by train?

The journey between Kars and Ankara by train is approximately 542.3 mi. It will take you more or less 27 hr 14 min to complete this journey. This average figure does not take into account any delays that might arise on your route in exceptional circumstances. If you are planning to make a connection or operating on a tight schedule, give yourself plenty of time. The distance between Kars and Ankara is around 542.3 mi. Depending on the exact route and provider you travel with, your journey time can vary. On average, this journey will take approximately 27 hr 14 min. However, the fastest routes between Kars and Ankara take 25 hr 39 min. If a fast journey is a priority for you when traveling, look out for express services that may get you there faster. Some flexibility may be necessary when booking. Often, these services only leave at particular times of day - or even on certain days of the week. You may also find a faster journey by taking an indirect route and connecting in another station along the way.

When do departures from Kars to Ankara leave?

If you prefer to travel early, you will usually find the first departure from Kars to Ankara leaving at 8:00 AM. Although things may change depending on the day, in general the last daily departure leaves at 10:30 PM.If you have some flexibility over the day on which you travel, you might find more options available to you. For example, some providers may only run early morning routes on weekdays, when people are traveling to work. You will often find fewer options available on weekends or public holidays. If you prefer to travel at night, you will usually find the first departure from Kars to Ankara leaving at 8:00 AM. Although things may change depending on the day, in general the last departure of the night leaves at 10:30 PM.If you have some flexibility over the day on which you travel, you might find more options available to you. For example, some providers may only run early morning routes on weekdays, when people are traveling to work. You will often find fewer options available on weekends or public holidays.

When traveling from Kars to Ankara by train, which stations can I use?

You can depart from Kars at stations such as . At the end of the journey, you will be able to arrive in Ankara at the following stations: . Some of these stations may only be served by particular travel providers. Because of this, there may not be a direct connection between all the stations in Kars and Ankara. Plan your journey carefully, as it may be necessary to make another connection before departure or after arrival.

How many times a day do departures from Kars leave for Ankara?

If you want to get from Kars to Ankara, you can travel with providers such as . You will find a maximum number of departures per day. On average, there are 1 departures per day. Book in advance to make sure that your journey will run smoothly and you depart at a time that suits you best. When you travel, you can look for direct journeys or other routes which offer connections and changes. On average, there are 1 direct journeys between Kars and Ankara. If you don't mind changing along the way, you may find more options available to you. There are usually 0 journeys with at least one change. These numbers may vary depending on the time of year or day of the week. Some travelers prefer direct routes, particularly if they are carrying heavy suitcases or concerned about missing a connection. Others enjoy the flexibility offered by connecting journeys. Whatever you prefer, Virail can help you find the right options to suit you. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Kars to Ankara. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

Compare prices and tickets from Kars to Ankara

Book in advance and save.

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Kars to Ankara, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Kars to Ankara.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

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Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average

Price as departure date approaches

Train companies may charge higher ticket prices as the date of departure approaches. Prices in the next days can range from around $2.99 to $11.92 but may be subject to change. Our advice is to book as early as possible to potentially save up to 75% on your trip!

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Kars to Ankara

The cheapest Kars - Ankara train tickets can be found for as low as $5.47 if you’re lucky, or $9.83 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $13.92.

Find the best day to travel to Ankara by train

When travelling to Ankara by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Kars to Ankara CO2 Emissions by Train

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Frequently Asked Questions

Go local from kars, trending routes, weekend getaways from kars, other destinations from kars, main routes to ankara, related routes, other popular routes.

IMAGES

  1. Taking the Eastern Express Train from Kars to Ankara, Turkey

    ankara to kars tourist train

  2. An Unforgettable Train Trip To Kars With The Eastern Express of Turkey

    ankara to kars tourist train

  3. Ankara to Kars

    ankara to kars tourist train

  4. Ankara to Kars

    ankara to kars tourist train

  5. Ankara to Kars

    ankara to kars tourist train

  6. Ankara to Kars

    ankara to kars tourist train

VIDEO

  1. Ankara Kars treni.. #Doğuexpiresi #çiftlik #farmanimals #tashkent #ANAPTV

  2. Ankara to Konya with Turkish Highspeed train YHT

  3. Kars

  4. TCDD Güney Ekspresi (Ankara

  5. Tourist Attractions in Ankara, Turkey

  6. Ankara Izmir Demiryolu Projesi

COMMENTS

  1. Touristic Dogu Express (Ankara Kars train)

    Train details, route map, train timetable, options, fares, sales channels and notes about main line train giving service between Ankara-Kars: Touristic Dogu Express. Photo: Onur Uysal This train is giving service between December-March. 131034:303/week30 daysAll seats What is the operator of Touristic Dogu Express? TCDD Taşımacılık How Touristic Dogu Express looks like?

  2. The Dogu Express: a beautiful train journey through Turkey

    The High speed train from Istanbul Pendik station to Ankara leaves at 10:45 arriving in Ankara at 14:42 (ticket is 70 TL) The daily Dogu express leaves Ankara at 17:45 arriving in Kars at 18:00 the next day (ticket in the 4 beth couchette is 52 TL) Stay the night in Kars and take a bus to Dogubayezit the next day.

  3. Doğu Ekspresi Train Ankara

    The westbound train departs Kars at 08:00 am and arrives at Ankara Station the next day at 09:56 am. Touristic Eastern Express Train The Touristic Eastern Express is also a sleeper train, with 34.5 hours of train ride it offers to travelers.

  4. The stunning 30-hour train ride that sells out in minutes

    The 30-plus hours sleeper train runs from bustling capital Ankara to the sometimes snowy wonderland of Kars - a distance of 1,310 kilometers (814 miles) - with stops along the way where city ...

  5. From Ankara to Kars by Train from €44.00

    To travel from Ankara to Kars by train, please read the following information. Buy your train ticket via the given booking links. Your travel route could be like that. 1 Ankara (Turkey) - Kars (Turkey) 873 km. Your train tickets and reservations at the best price/fares. Scroll down, read the details and make use of the booking links.

  6. Train Ankara

    Ankara to Kars by train. The journey from Ankara to Kars by train is 542.3 mi and takes 27 hr 21 min. There are 1 connections per day, with the first departure at 3:55 PM and the last at 5:55 PM. It is possible to travel from Ankara to Kars by train for as little as $1.24 or as much as $12.52. The best price for this journey is $1.24.

  7. Ankara to Kars

    By night train from Ankara to Kars in 27 hours through Turkey. Experience with tickets from 6 Euro for the Dogu-Express and from 60 Euro for the Turistik. ... Every year, thousands of students, photographers, bloggers and backpackers take the train trip to Kars, a former Russian outpost. Often characterised as the most hipster domestic travel ...

  8. Travelling on Turkey's Dogu Express train

    Ankara The train sets off from capital Ankara, Turkey's second-largest city, around 5pm. ... Kars The train arrives in Kars after midnight, so book accommodation before arriving. ... more than 30 hours later, though is often slightly delayed. The non-tourist train leaves at 6pm each day, and takes 24 hours. Tours at each of the three stops ...

  9. Train Ankara to Kars from 538 ₺

    The train between Ankara and Kars takes 25h 50m. There is at least one train per day from Ankara to Kars. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays; use the search form on this page to search for a specific travel date.

  10. An Unforgettable Train Trip To Kars With The Eastern ...

    The Eastern Express used to run from Istanbul to Kars before. This was around 48 hours trip. But now due to the the fire and ongoing repair work at Istanbul's Haydarpasa Terminal, it runs between Ankara and Kars which takes 24 hours. The train's Ankara departure is at 18.00; Kars departure is at 08.00. The Eastern Express passes through ...

  11. Turkey's Eastern Express Is the Thrifty Traveler's Orient Express

    Turkish State Railways ultimately moved the train's starting point to Ankara and its current terminus eastward to Kars in 1962. Despite the dramatic scenery, the Express operated more as a ...

  12. Taking the Eastern Express Train from Kars to Ankara, Turkey

    The Eastern Express Train from Kars to Ankara. The Eastern Express, or Dogu Express in Turkish, connects eastern with western Turkey, spanning from Kars which is quite near the Georgian border to Ankara, the country's capital. From here, it's a quick 5 hour train or 7 hour bus to Istanbul and Europe. The Eastern Express stops at seven ...

  13. Ankara to Kars

    The train journey time between Ankara and Kars is around 18h 47m and covers a distance of around 1355 km. This includes an average layover time of around 1h. Services are operated by Turkish Railways (TCDD). Typically seven trains run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance.

  14. Dogu Express

    The Dogu Express (DOĞU EKSPRESİ) leaves Ankara daily at 17:55. The travel time is approx. 1day:2h:32min. Timetable of the night train Dogu Express from Ankara to Kars and Kars to Ankara.

  15. Review: Dogu Express Night Train Kars to Ankara, Turkey

    Kars to Ankara on the Doğu Express (Eastern Express) train. Private sleeper - Costs: €25. Departure: 8am - Arrival: 7.30am (the day after) Duration: 23h30m - Distance: 1310km. The 1310-kilometre long route of the Dogu Express across Turkey. ©Paliparan.

  16. Doğu Express

    Rail travel in Turkey - it really should be top of everybody's agenda. This is our photographic journey of the Doğu Express (Doğu Ekspresi) overnight train from Turkey's capital, Ankara to the city of Kars. We were alighting in Erzurum. Let us set the scene…. It's May 2013 and, so far on our journey, we've travelled from Fethiye ...

  17. Train Ankara to Kars (State) from 455

    Train tickets from Ankara to Kars (State) start at 455 ₺, and the quickest route takes just 18h 47m. Check timetables and book your tickets with Rome2Rio.

  18. Tourist Eastern Express: Ankara to Kars

    The entire journey takes about 30 hours and the train covers 1310 km in that time. This can be a unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable journey to the east of Turkey. World-renowned travel writers have selected the Ankara-Kars route as one of the 4th best train routes in the world. Tourist Eastern Express is one of the best ...

  19. Ankara to Kars Trains

    Among the top choices for traveling from Ankara to Kars is taking a fast and modern train. All high-speed trains running between the cities were designed to offer the passengers everything they might need for a pleasant journey, including several travel classes to choose from, fast travel times (the journey takes about 26 hours), and an extensive timetable with up to 1 daily departures.

  20. Trains Ankara to Kars

    The journey from Ankara to Kars by train is 542.3 mi and takes 27 hrs 38 mins. There are 2 connections per day, with the first departure at 15:55 and the last at 17:55. It is possible to travel from Ankara to Kars by train for as little as £1.02 or as much as £10.38. The best price for this journey is £1.02.

  21. Train Kars

    Kars to Ankara by train. The journey from Kars to Ankara by train is 542.3 mi and takes 28 hr 46 min. There are 2 connections per day, with the first departure at 8:00 AM and the last at 10:30 PM. It is possible to travel from Kars to Ankara by train for as little as $1.24 or as much as $12.52. The best price for this journey is $1.24.

  22. Kars to Ankara

    The train journey time between Kars and Ankara is around 18h 18m and covers a distance of around 1355 km. This includes an average layover time of around 1h. Services are operated by Turkish Railways (TCDD). Typically seven trains run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. 7 Weekly Trains.