Traveling on the Eastern Express, enjoying an intriguing novel, listening to music and resting in the chariot-lit journey to Kars in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey with breathtaking landscapes is one of the most popular vacation ideas, especially in winter. It is an experience in itself and not just a means of transport! So much so that it can sometimes be difficult to find tickets! Watch the changing geography step by step and taste this wonderful feeling as you walk through the canyons and villages.
1. Itinerary:
Ankara-Kırıkkale-Kayseri-Sivas-Erzincan-Erzurum-Kars is the route of the Eastern Express. In a 24-hour journey on the Eastern Express, a total of 1933 kilometers are covered. When you leave Ankara, the vast expanse of the steppe will greet you. As the roads of Kayseri and Sivas are traversed at night, you will arrive in Erzincan in the morning, passing streams and mountain slopes, and can take beautiful pictures while watching the winding wagons.
2. Expensive and Expensive:
Do not compare the speed of the Eastern Express train with that of high-speed trains! This is a nostalgic train after all, and it runs slow. It takes you on a peaceful tour of the area. The Eastern Express travels at an average speed of 80 km/h. A journey travel time between Ankara and Kars is approximately 24 hours.
3. Stops (Kırıkkale, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzurum):
Every day at 5:55 PM, the Eastern Express, considered one of the world's most beautiful railway lines, departs from Ankara Railway Station. It takes about 24 hours to reach Kars after passing through Kırıkkale, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan and Erzurum. As you approach Kars, you will see landscapes covered with white snow.
4. Wagon Types:
Covered bunk bed or car lighting? If you've never traveled by train or are taking a long train journey for the first time, don't worry! You have some great options to choose from depending on your taste of comfort. A sleeper car adds to the countryside and train travel experience, especially in winter, although it is not always available. It can accommodate two people on a bed and four people on a bunk bed. On either side are two chairs that are side by side. Also keep in mind that train seats are often wider and more comfortable than those on buses and airplanes.
5. Best Travel Times:
There is a strong belief that Eastern Express is more popular in winter thanks to the opening of Sarıkamış Ski Resort, one of the two special places in the world with crystal snow! What better way to spend a winter break than taking the Eastern Express to Kars and skiing in Sarıkamış? Winter activities in Kars start with the freezing of Lake Çıldr, festivals are held and the famous golden carp of Lake ldr is hunted. It's time to board the Eastern Express from Ankara and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Another option is that late April and early May are ideal times to take the Eastern Express to Kars to experience the emergence of lush nature emerging from beneath the snow. Seeing the most precious remains of history, the ancient city of Ani, and beholding this beautiful landscape among the bright flowers on the lush plains of Kars, which is known for its diversity of flowers, will be an unforgettable experience!