Sales start date and how to book individual tickets
Individual tickets for the 2026–2027 winter season of the Touristic Eastern Express go on sale on 26 October at 13:55 via TCDD Taşımacılık sales channels. Buy directly from the official website or the station kiosks to secure two-person sleeper compartments; reservations typically fill quickly once sales open. For best results, prepare passenger ID numbers beforehand and use desktop booking if you plan to purchase multiple compartments at once.
Number of departures, directions and travel dates
The service runs a total of 70 departures: 35 from Ankara to Kars and 35 from Kars to Ankara. Ankara→Kars departures operate between 21 December 2026 and 10 March 2027; Kars→Ankara departures operate between 23 December 2026 and 12 March 2027. Trains leave Ankara on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and depart Kars on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. That regular three-days-per-week pattern helps travelers plan itineraries around city stops and connecting transport.
Route stops and cultural sightseeing opportunities
The train mixes overnight travel with short daytime stops to let passengers explore local heritage. On the Ankara→Kars itinerary the train makes scheduled stops at Erzincan and Erzurum; on the Kars→Ankara return it stops for sightseeing at İliç, Divriği and Sivas. Each stop typically lasts long enough for guided walks to major landmarks: Erzurum’s historic center and Çifte Minareli Medrese, Divriği’s UNESCO-listed Great Mosque and Hospital, and Sivas’ Seljuk-era sites. Bring comfortable shoes and plan a single small daypack for these short excursions to move quickly between platform and sights.
Rolling stock, on-board service and compartment details
The service uses all-sleeper cars with meal service included. Two-person compartments contain bunk-style (or convertible) beds, secure storage for luggage, and climate control suitable for winter conditions. Train staff provide dinner and breakfast as part of the fare and assist with luggage handling at station stops. If you prefer lower berths, book early and note berth preferences when purchasing; TCDD assigns specific compartments at the time of ticketing.
Pricing: low-season and high-season fares explained
Ticketing centers price two-person sleeper compartments by season: low-season compartments cost 16,500 TRY and high-season compartments cost 20,000 TRY. Low-season dates correspond to quieter travel windows within the published service period; high-season prices apply to peak holiday dates and higher-demand departures. Note that the price is per compartment (for two people) and typically includes meals and the guided stopovers scheduled on the route.
Practical tips for planning a winter trip on the Eastern Express
Pack layered clothing for severe temperature swings between daytime stops and overnight rail cabins. Bring personal toiletries and any medicines; Although the train provides basic amenities, familiar products improve comfort on multi-day trips. Charge devices fully before boarding and pack a small power bank — plug access varies by carriage. If you plan city sightseeing during stopovers, allow extra time for local taxi waits or brief public-transport transfers from stations that lie outside compact historic centers.
How to increase your chance of getting desired dates and compartments
To maximize success when booking: (1) log in to the TCDD account and verify passenger details in advance, (2) open multiple browser tabs for different departure dates right at the 13:55 on-sale time, (3) use desktop web access for stability and faster form filling, and (4) have alternative departure dates ready in case your first choice sells out. For groups, consider booking adjacent compartments as soon as available rather than waiting for larger group options.
What to expect at each key station stop
Erzincan: short walks to local markets and historic churches; moderate altitude might bring colder winds. Erzurum: well-preserved Seljuk architecture and compact museum visits within a short distance of the station. İliç: rural town atmosphere with access to nearby valleys and natural viewpoints. Divriği: prioritize the Great Mosque and Hospital complex (UNESCO); Plan for a guided visit if you want historical context. Sivas: large Seljuk monuments and wide historic avenues—allow time for a café break to sample regional cuisine between visits.
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