Touristic Eastern Express 2026–2027: Booking, Dates and Stops

[TURKIYE]

A winter train scene published by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure with its 2026–2027 season announcement; the photo does not predict conditions on your travel day.

The Touristic Eastern Express (Turistik Doğu Ekspresi) makes the train journey part of a winter holiday between Ankara and Kars. This guide explains the announced 2026–2027 programme and how to plan tickets and sightseeing. Information checked on 18 October 2026; individual ticket sales start on 26 October.

Choose the correct service
Look specifically for Turistik Doğu Ekspresi. Do not apply this programme to the conventional Doğu Ekspresi or YHT; check the separate timetable and ticket when selecting another service. The announced tourist programme has 70 departures, with 35 in each direction.

Season dates by direction

Direction	First departure	Final departure	Departure days
Ankara to Kars	21 December 2026	10 March 2027	Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Kars to Ankara	23 December 2026	12 March 2027	Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

These dates refer to departures in each direction. The announcement gives no departure or arrival times or total journey duration. Check these on your chosen service before arranging a hotel or an onward connection.

Different sightseeing stops in each direction
Ankara-to-Kars sightseeing stops are Erzincan and Erzurum. Kars-to-Ankara sightseeing stops are İliç, Divriği and Sivas.
The season announcement does not specify stop durations. Choose the direction that suits your interests, then check the actual visiting time and the return-to-train arrangements before booking a separate excursion.

Sleeping compartments and dining
Each sleeping carriage has 10 compartments with two beds each, accommodating 20 passengers per carriage. A dining carriage is also provided. This does not establish the capacity of the entire train: the announcement does not specify the number of sleeping carriages. A dining carriage does not by itself mean meals are included; check the offer before paying.

Practical steps for individual booking

• Before 26 October, choose your direction, two alternative dates and passenger count, and agree on compartment arrangements with your companion.
• When sales begin on 26 October 2026, use TCDD Taşımacılık sales channels and check the train name, direction and departure date.
• Read the displayed price carefully: is it per passenger or per compartment, and what does it cover? Check passenger details and change and cancellation conditions.
• Once booked, save the ticket and journey details for offline access, then finalise your arrival and accommodation plans.

The announcement provides neither fares nor a sales-opening time and does not guarantee availability on a particular departure. Do not treat a previous season’s offer or fare as the price for 2026–2027.

What to confirm before paying for the rest

Item	Planning recommendation
Reaching Ankara or Kars	Allow a buffer between your arrival transport and the train instead of relying on a tight connection.
Accommodation and onward travel	Confirm the actual arrival time, then coordinate hotel check-in and your next departure.
Sightseeing excursion	Check the stop duration, meeting point and inclusions before paying a deposit.
Budget	Separate rail fare from accommodation, meals, transfers and excursions; review each booking’s conditions.

Pack for a winter journey
For practical planning, pack warm layers, suitable walking shoes and daily essentials in an accessible bag. Download maps, hotel details and tickets, and charge your phone and a power bank. During sightseeing, confirm your return time with the train crew; avoid committing to a distant itinerary before knowing the time available.

Build your stay around your interests
If you want to visit Ani, spend time in Kars museums and restaurants or add Sarıkamış, plan separate days after securing the train ticket. These are holiday-planning suggestions, not activities or excursions included in the ticket. Book the train first, then organise accommodation and visits around its confirmed times.

Related topics

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• Kars: City Sights, Snow and Heritage in Eastern Türkiye
• Kars Museum and Ani Archaeological Site: Planning Your Visit
• Sarıkamış: Pine Forests, Skiing and Railway Heritage
• Hotels in Kars and Van: City Bases and Heritage Stays
• Kars Restaurants and Cafés: Cheese, Goose and Regional Flavours
• Comparing Train, Bus and Domestic Flights from Door to Door
• Transport Apps and Maps in Türkiye: Preparing Your Phone and Return Plan
• Transport in Türkiye: Domestic Flights, Metro and Dolmuş