The Tourist Eastern Express, one of Türkiye’s most enchanting winter routes, will commence its journeys on December 23rd.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu stated that railways, which hold strategic importance in Türkiye’s development goals, have historically contributed to the growth of the country’s economy and tourism.
Uraloğlu explained that conventional train lines provide a fast, safe, and economical alternative for intercity transportation. He noted that railway transportation not only offers savings at both individual and institutional levels but also supports intercity trade and logistics activities, contributing to the revitalization of local economies.
Minister Uraloğlu announced the good news that the Tourist Eastern Express, which has been operating between Ankara and Kars since 2019, will resume its services during these days when the impact of winter is increasing. He stated:
“On December 23rd, we will send off the Tourist Eastern Express from the historic Ankara Station, providing our passengers with an unforgettable winter travel experience in a warm and comfortable environment. Our train will stop in Erzincan, Erzurum, İliç, Divriği, and Sivas, offering both domestic and foreign tourists the opportunity to witness the beauty of the cities and the postcard-like views of the snow-covered mountains. The tickets for the Tourist Eastern Express, which offers the chance to explore the beauties of Eastern Anatolia and witness the postcard-like scenery of snow-covered mountains, are in high demand. Twenty-five percent of the tickets that will take passengers on this fairy-tale journey are sold by TCDD Transportation, while the remaining tickets are available through travel agencies. Passengers who purchase tickets from TCDD Transportation will cover all their expenses themselves, while the ticket prices offered by travel agencies include meals, accommodation, guiding services, sightseeing tours, and return costs.”
Uraloğlu emphasized that the Eastern Express and the Tourist Eastern Express are distinct from each other. He explained that the Eastern Express, which operates daily with pullman (seating) and couchette (sleeping) cars, stops at 53 stations for passenger boarding and alighting, with a travel time of 26 hours.
In contrast, the Tourist Eastern Express operates only during the winter season for tourists who wish to see natural beauties and visit historical and cultural sites. Uraloğlu noted that the Tourist Eastern Express departs from Ankara on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and from Kars on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. During its 33-hour journey, the train makes long stops in Erzincan and Erzurum on the Ankara-Kars route, and in İliç, Divriği, and Sivas on the Kars-Ankara route, providing an opportunity to experience the local culture.