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A must for all travelers, the Dogu Ekspresi journey opens the door to a fairytale adventure at every turn. Embark on this unforgettable train journey along one of the world’s most beautiful travel routes and discover the unique beauty of Anatolia in all its glory!
The Dogu Expresi is one of the first options that come to mind for both domestic and international tourists, especially for winter travel. Of course, train services aren’t just available in winter; they operate year-round. On this popular train route from Ankara to Kars, you can enjoy breathtaking natural landscapes, a nostalgic atmosphere, and historical and cultural heritage. Find out more about the Dogu Expresi route, stops, carriage types, ticket prices, and much more in this article.
Table of Contents
1. What is the Dogu Ekspresi?
The Turkish State Railways (TCDD) operates the Dogu Ekspresi train service between Ankara and Kars. Departing from Ankara Train Station, trains pass through Kırıkkale, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, and Erzurum before reaching their final destination, Kars. The Eastern Express, with a route of 1,310 kilometers, takes approximately 26 hours. Trains pause for 2-3 minutes at smaller stations and 10-15 minutes at larger stations.
1.1. History and Beginning
Dogu Ekspresi is known to have made its first service in 1936, following the construction of the Ankara-Kars railway, between Haydarpaşa/Istanbul and Çetinkaya/Sivas. The train route was extended to Erzurum in 1939, and non-stop service began between Haydarpaşa and Kars in 1962. The line was shortened in 2012 due to the construction of the Ankara-Istanbul High-Speed Train (YHT) project. From that date on, the service’s starting point was Ankara.
1.2. The Importance and Popularity of the Eastern Express
Dogu Ekspresi, one of Türkiye’s most important train lines, attracts significant interest from both domestic and international tourists each year. Offering a unique experience exploring Turkey’s eastern regions, Dogu Ekspresi has grown significantly in popularity over the past decade, fueled by social media. This nostalgic and adventurous journey offers travelers, nature lovers, and photographers the opportunity to spend time immersed in nature and culture, away from the city.
1.3. Differences between the Eastern Express and the Tourist Eastern Express
TCDD operates two different Dogu Ekspresi train services to distinguish between tourist and leisure travelers. Here are the differences between the two services:
- While the Touristic Dogu Ekspresi has only sleeping and dining cars, the Dogu Ekspresi has dining, Pullman and covered-couchette cars.
- Although both follow the same route —the Dogu Ekspresi—the preferred mode of transportation stops at around 50 stations along the line, picking up and dropping off passengers. The touristic Dogu Ekspresi, on the other hand, stops at 29. It also takes a few-hour break at two different stops, one on the way in and one on the way out.
- Departure and arrival times, as well as ticket prices, also differ between the Touristic Dogu Ekspresi, which operates three times a week between Ankara and Kars, and the classic Dogu Ekspresi.
2. The Dogu Ekspresi Route: An Unforgettable Journey from Ankara to Kars
Travel aboard the Dogu Ekspresi and experience the most unique geographical and cultural riches of Anatolia. During this enjoyable and comfortable journey, fascinating destinations await your discovery.
2.1. Stops on the Route
Departing from Ankara Train Station, the Dogu Ekspresi passes through the cities of Kırıkkale, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, and Erzurum before arriving in Kars.
The tourist Dogu Ekspresi has 29 stops, including Kırıkkale, Sivas, Erzincan, and Erzurum.
You can board the touristic Dogu Ekspresi at these four stops. For example, you can choose from among the preferred Erzurum hotels along the route to find accommodation and enjoy your time in the city to the fullest. You can board the Dogu Ekspresi again at any time to continue your journey.
2.2. Wagon Types and Accommodation Options
Offering a comfortable travel experience, the Dogu Ekspresi train service includes four different types of wagons.
- Pulman: This is the most affordable type of carriage, featuring facing seats and standard train seats. Each row of carriage has two double seats and one single seat. Passengers traveling to Kars from nearby destinations like Erzincan or Erzurum generally prefer Pullman carriages.
- Covered-couchette: This type of carriage features seats that can be converted into four-person beds. These extremely comfortable beds are also provided with clean linens. However, covered-couchette carriages lack a sink, but in addition to the seats, there’s a small table and a plug. To keep the carriage fully booked, you’ll need to pay for a four-person ticket, even if you’re traveling with two people.
- Sleeper: Double sleeper cars have two bunk beds, one on top and one below. The compartment also includes a sink, desk, mini-fridge, mirror, and power outlet. This type of car, available only on the Touristic Dogu Ekspresi , offers passengers a very comfortable journey.
- Dining: The dining cars, which feature tables arranged opposite each other, also feature a buffet where you can purchase food and drinks. You can enjoy breakfast, dinner, snacks, tea, and coffee at this buffet. You can also enjoy any food you bring with you at the tables.
3. Dogu Ekspresi 2026 Ticket Prices and Reservation Process
You can easily purchase your Dogu Ekspresi ticket through the TCDD website or mobile app. However, you’ll need to act quickly, as tickets are in high demand and sell out almost as soon as they go on sale. Dogu Ekspresi prices for 2026 are as follows:
- 2+1 Pullman (1st Class) Per Person: 720 TL
- Covered Couchette (1st Class) Per Person: 1240 TL
Room prices for the Touristic Dogu Ekspresi , which vary depending on the season, are listed as follows:
- Low season room fee: 14,000 TL
- Normal period room fee: 12,000 TL
- High season room fee: 15,000 TL
Dogu Ekspresi ticket sales begin 1 month before departure, usually in the early morning. Two people can stay in a room, and up to 2 children ages 0-6 can travel free of charge. Train tickets only cover the journey. If you plan to stay in the city after reaching the final stop, you can choose from the Kars hotels in the surrounding area and enjoy a delightful holiday.
4. Things to Know About Dogu Ekspresi
If you’ve never taken a long train journey and are worried about it, first, relax. Train journeys are beautiful, accompanied by idyllic scenery.
On your first day on the train, it will be dark, especially if you’ve chosen winter. You’ll pass many villages as you travel. In the evening, many houses will be lit. After nightfall, you’ll be left alone with the stars. Especially if you’re coming from a major city, be prepared to see more stars than you’ve ever seen before!
As the sun rises in the morning, the Anatolian landscapes will awaken you. Until you reach Kars, you’ll see countless plains, fields, villages, forests, rivers, lakes, streams—anything you can imagine about nature.
- Pets: Allowed with the purchase of a 50% discounted ticket.
- Food: There’s a restaurant in the dining car. If you stay in the sleeper car, you can store your own food in the refrigerator.
- Menu: Grilled and olive oil dishes predominate.
- Food Prices: A bit cheaper than at a tradesman’s restaurant, but relatively affordable compared to public transport.
Our suggestion: Bring your own food. There’s a small market at Ankara Train Station where you can buy food and essentials. You can also pick up snacks there.
- Toilets: Available in every carriage. Sleeper-carriage toilets are cleaner because fewer people use them. We recommend bringing your own toilet paper and hand soap.
- Hygiene: Meets everyone’s expectations. Linens are delivered washed and ironed. You can bring your own pillow, or at least a pillowcase. The carriages are cleaned after each trip.
- Luggage: You will need to take your luggage with you; there is no separate section on the train.
- Temperature: All carriages are warm enough and air-conditioned. You can adjust the temperature using the heating panels in the rooms. In summer, you can open the windows for natural air conditioning.
- Electricity: There are two sockets in the sleeping cars and one in the covered couchettes. There are no sockets in the Pullmans.
- Internet: No Wi-Fi. You can connect to the internet through your own network, but access is not guaranteed everywhere.
- Stops: Dogu Ekspresi has a 2-3-minute wait at smaller stations and an average of 10 minutes at larger stations, and has a total of 53 stops. The touristic Dogu Ekspresi has 28. Waiting times at Erzincan, İliç, and Erzurum stops can reach up to 3 hours. If you want to stop at the sights as you pass, consider this option.
- Trash: The trash can in the compartment is small. It’s a good idea to bring your own trash bag.
5. Recommendations for the Dogu Ekspresi Trip
- Full moon nights are when the most beautiful views are captured.
- Carry cash; POS machines sometimes don’t work.
- The pleasure of reading a book on the train is different.
- The lighting in the carriages is white fluorescent. You are welcome to bring your own light.
- A power strip is always handy.
- If you’re wondering “What should we do on our Kars tour?”, make the Ani Ruins a priority.
- If you’re travelling in a couchette, we mentioned that a total of four people can sleep in a compartment. If you’re traveling as a couple, it might be a good idea to purchase the remaining two seats to avoid sharing a room with strangers.
- It isn’t easy to find a seat on the touristic Dogu Ekspresi. Instead, you can try buying a ticket from one of the covered couchette cars on the Dogu Ekspresi .
- The most practical way to return from Kars is by plane.
6. Best Seasons to Travel with the Dogu Ekspresi
While the Dogu Ekspresi is preferred by thousands of tourists every season, some seasons stand out more depending on the travel purpose. Spring, with its ideal temperatures, is generally a popular time for trips. Ski enthusiasts, on the other hand, often prefer winter, especially February. A winter journey will offer breathtaking natural landscapes covered in snow. In summer, you can enjoy a refreshing stroll with the windows open. And, of course, in autumn you can also enjoy unique views in a nostalgic atmosphere dominated by brown tones. We think you’ll especially love full-moon nights!
7. Historical and Tourist Sites on the Dogu Ekspresi Route
The Dogu Ekspresi, one of Turkey’s most popular train journeys, owes its fame to the stunning historical and touristic sites along its route. Here are a few you should definitely visit:
7.1. Kars Baltic Houses
Built in the Baltic architectural style during the Russian Empire, Baltic houses stand out with their large windows, high ceilings, and ornate facades. Located in Kars city center, these houses are a significant symbol of the city’s history and cultural heritage.
7.2. Çıldır Lake
While you’re in Kars, you shouldn’t miss Lake Çıldır. You can explore this lake by boat in the summer and by sledge in the winter, and it’s a great spot for fun activities. For example, you can arrange with local fishermen to dig holes in the frozen lake during the winter and catch trout. In the summer, you can enjoy the lush greenery surrounding the lake, hiking, or picnicking.
7.3. Sarıkamış Ski Resort
At Sarıkamış Ski Resort, you can experience a unique skiing experience amidst crystalline snow found only in the Alps. A ski enthusiast’s paradise, this resort offers slopes suitable for all levels of skiers, from amateur to professional. Sarıkamış boasts a long ski season, with an average snow depth exceeding one meter.
7.4. Ani Ruins
The ancient city of Ani, bearing traces of the Armenian Kingdom, the Seljuk Empire, and numerous other civilizations, has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2016. Among the Armenian-era structures in the city, the Ani Ancient City Walls, the Tigran Honents Church, the Monastery of the Virgins, and the Nuns’ Monastery are still standing. The Seljuk Palace, the Seljuk Caravanserai, and the Abu’l Manuchehr Mosque are among the surviving Seljuk structures that are a must-see.
7.5. Sarıkamış Martyrs’ Cemeteries
At the martyrs’ cemeteries in the Allahuekber Mountains, you can visit the graves of over 90,000 heroes who fell on the Eastern Front of World War I. These cemeteries, one of the most meaningful points along the route, offer a chance to witness our recent history and commemorate our heroes. The cemeteries include the Allahuekber Hill Martyrdom, the Unknown Soldier Martyrdom, the Sarıkamış Martyrdom, the Dikenli Tepe Tabya Martyrdom, the Çakırbaba Martyrdom, the Ağababa Martyrdom, the Soğanlı Martyrdom, the Divik Village Martyrdom, and the Bardız Pass Martyrdom.
8. Food and Refreshments on the Dogi Ekspresi
We mentioned that the Dogu Ekspresi dining cars have a buffet where you can purchase food and drinks. This type of car has tables with seating facing each other, allowing you to enjoy meals purchased from the buffet or brought along comfortably. The buffets in the dining cars offer breakfast, dinner, snacks, tea and coffee, water, fruit juice, and a variety of beverages. The menus generally focus on grilled dishes and olive oil. If you’re staying in a sleeping car, you can store your food in the refrigerator designated for your compartment.
FAQs: Dogu Ekspresi
What’s the difference between the “Doğu Ekspresi” and the “Touristic Doğu Ekspresi”?
They run the same Ankara–Kars route, but the classic Doğu Ekspresi is a regular mainline train (Pullman 2+1 seats, Covered Couchette), while the Touristic train is built for the journey—private 2-bed sleeping compartments only, plus a dining car, and long sightseeing stops en route.
How long is the ride, and where does the touristic one stop for photos?
Both run Ankara–Kars. The Touristic service makes extended cultural/photo stops (e.g., Erzincan & Erzurum one way; İliç, Divriği & Sivas the other), so the total journey is longer but more experiential.
What are the seating/sleeping options?
- Doğu Ekspresi (classic): 2+1 Pullman seats and Covered Couchette (4-berth compartments that convert to bunks).
- Touristic Doğu Ekspresi: 2-bed private sleeper compartments (eight sleeper cars + one dining car; ~160 pax total).
When does the 2025–26 Touristic season run?
For winter 2025–26, official announcements list Ankara→Kars from 22 Dec 2025 to 27 Feb 2026 (Mon/Wed/Fri) and Kars→Ankara until 1 Mar 2026 (Wed/Fri/Sun)—60 trips total.
When do tickets go on sale, and where do we buy them?
- Touristic Doğu Ekspresi: season tickets opened 27 Oct 2025 via TCDD Taşımacılık channels; tour packages via authorized agencies.
- Doğu Ekspresi (classic): tickets typically open about 30 days ahead (often posted overnight); buy on TCDD’s website/app or station counters.
What about prices?
- Classic train (per person): dynamic but generally cheaper (Pullman < Couchette).
- Touristic (per room): 2025–26 media/official briefings cite tiers by direction/period, roughly ₺12,000–₺17,000 per room depending on low vs. high dates. Always check live fares; they update.
Is there a dining car and power outlets?
Yes, dining cars operate on both services (menus vary). Outlets: typically none in Pullman; one in many Covered Couchette compartments; two in Touristic sleepers—bring a splitter and power bank.
Luggage, pets, and bikes?
Carry-on luggage is fine (rack/compartment space). Small pets are accepted under sleeper rules on some services—check current TCDD policy when booking. Full-size bikes are generally not accommodated unless disassembled/folded as luggage. (Policies can change—confirm at purchase.)
Which side has better views?
Scenery alternates through valleys and high plateaus; many riders prefer window seats on river-side stretches near Erzincan/Erzurum. On the Touristic train you’ll also step off for viewpoints during long stops.
What’s the best season?
Winter is the legendary “snow-globe” ride—hence the Touristic train’s winter season. Classic trains run year-round and are beautiful in shoulder seasons, too.
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