Kars Train Station
The iconic Eastern Express offers a magical overnight journey through Turkey's stunning winter landscapes, connecting Ankara to Kars.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Snowy landscapes are magical
Kars Train Station
Best Time
Snowy landscapes are magical
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The iconic Eastern Express offers a magical overnight journey through Turkey's stunning winter landscapes, connecting Ankara to Kars.
"An incredibly beautiful landscapes accompanied us along the way. You can have a pleasant journey either lying down or sitting."
Book Directly with TCDD
Secure your Eastern Express tickets via the official TCDD Taşımacılık website to avoid third-party markups. :ticket:
Bring Your Own Food
The train canteen is limited and expensive. Pack plenty of snacks and meals for a comfortable journey. :knifeforkplate:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Eastern Express Journey
Ankara to Kars
An iconic overnight train ride through Turkey's stunning winter landscapes. A truly unforgettable travel experience.
Kars Train Station Architecture
Kars City Center
A grand and historic station, serving as the gateway to the Eastern Express and a point of appreciation for local hospitality.
Scenic Winter Vistas
Along the Eastern Express route
Witness breathtaking snow-covered mountains and serene landscapes unfold outside your window.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Eastern Express Tickets Early
Pack Smart for the Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Directly with TCDD
Secure your Eastern Express tickets via the official TCDD Taşımacılık website to avoid third-party markups.
Bring Your Own Food
The train canteen is limited and expensive. Pack plenty of snacks and meals for a comfortable journey. :knifeforkplate:
Consider Private Rooms
For couples or small groups, private rooms with bunks offer comfort and privacy. :bed:
Embrace the Slow Pace
The journey is about the experience. Relax, enjoy the views, and disconnect.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Directly with TCDD
Secure your Eastern Express tickets via the official TCDD Taşımacılık website to avoid third-party markups.
Bring Your Own Food
The train canteen is limited and expensive. Pack plenty of snacks and meals for a comfortable journey. :knifeforkplate:
Consider Private Rooms
For couples or small groups, private rooms with bunks offer comfort and privacy. :bed:
Embrace the Slow Pace
The journey is about the experience. Relax, enjoy the views, and disconnect.
Check Timetables Carefully
Timetables can change, especially for the touristic route. Confirm departure and arrival times. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers rave about the Eastern Express as a unique and unforgettable experience, particularly praising the comfortable cabins and the breathtaking winter landscapes. While the onboard canteen is considered expensive and limited, most visitors recommend bringing your own food. The warmth of the local people, especially in Kars, is also a frequently highlighted positive aspect of the journey.
"I think Eastern Express is a very different experience that every person should taste in their lifetime. Even though it was our first time traveling by train, we had no difficulty and enjoyed it very much. We traveled in rooms with covered bunks. It was very comfortable. The size of the room is ideal for 2 people. Generally, couples rent rooms for 4 people and travel as 2 people. The toilet of the covered bunk section was clean and had everything including soap and napkins. However, due to careless handling by the passengers, it became very dirty halfway through the journey, which is not a train-related situation anyway. Incredibly beautiful landscapes accompanied us along the way. You can have a pleasant journey either lying down or sitting. There is also a canteen in the train, but there isn't much of it and the things are expensive. I recommend that you bring your own food and even your stove."
Emrah
"The Train station 🚉 is huge big and the staff are helpful although all are good people from Kars, Personally I really appreciated people from Kars, Food, weather and its surrounded Mountains ranges and landscapes are very nice 👍…. This is what to be guest for Turkish People…"
ABDIKARIM MUSSE MAHAMUD
"If you happen to be in far east of Turkey like Kars, try to experience this unique ride called Dogu Ekspresi which actually goes all the way to Ankara but we stopped at Erzurum."
Z.B. Birsan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kars Train Station is conveniently located in the city center, making it easily accessible by local taxis or public transport from most accommodations in Kars.
The Eastern Express (Doğu Ekspresi) runs from Ankara to Kars, covering approximately 1,310 km. The touristic version makes stops at scenic locations.
Yes, the Eastern Express is operated by Turkish State Railways and is considered a safe and reliable mode of transport.
While you can drive to Kars, the Eastern Express offers a unique and scenic experience that many travelers prefer. Road conditions can vary, especially in winter.
Departure times can vary, especially for the touristic route. The touristic Eastern Express typically departs from Kars late at night, around 22:30. Always check the official TCDD Taşımacılık schedule.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are best purchased directly from the official TCDD Taşımacılık website (ebilet.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr) to ensure authenticity and avoid inflated prices.
Ticket prices vary depending on the type of carriage and season. For the touristic route, a two-person ticket can be around 13,000 TL.
It is highly recommended to book tickets several months in advance, especially for the touristic Eastern Express, as they sell out quickly.
Yes, there are different options, including standard seating and private cabins with bunk beds, which are more comfortable for overnight journeys.
While it might be possible to buy tickets at the station, it's not recommended due to high demand and the risk of them being sold out. Booking online in advance is the safest bet.
🎫 🧳 Onsite Experience
The train has a canteen, but it's limited and expensive. Private cabins offer beds, and some sections have shared toilets and sinks.
The journey from Ankara to Kars typically takes around 24 hours, while the touristic version can take longer due to scenic stops.
You'll witness diverse landscapes, from Anatolian plains to the snow-capped mountains of Eastern Turkey, especially beautiful in winter.
Wi-Fi is generally not available on the Eastern Express. It's a good opportunity to disconnect and enjoy the journey.
Pack warm clothing, comfortable shoes, toiletries, entertainment (books, games), and plenty of food and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
The most stunning photo opportunities are the ever-changing winter landscapes outside your window and the unique train interiors.
The touristic Eastern Express makes brief stops at scenic locations, allowing for quick photo opportunities. However, the standard express may not stop for sightseeing.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and interiors. A wide-angle lens can capture the vastness of the scenery. Don't forget extra batteries!
Use natural light from the windows and experiment with different angles to showcase the cozy cabin atmosphere and the train's vintage charm.
While specific spots depend on the route and stops, keep an eye out for dramatic mountain vistas, frozen rivers, and charming villages.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Focus on capturing the interplay of light and shadow on the mountains, the vastness of the plains, and the charming details of the train itself. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas and a telephoto lens for distant details. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards, as you'll be taking a lot of photos! ❤️ Couples and Romantic Getaways
Consider packing some special treats or a bottle of wine to enhance the romantic ambiance of your cabin. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Eastern Express
+1The journey is particularly renowned during winter months, when the landscapes transform into a breathtaking winter wonderland. Snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and serene, untouched scenery create a magical backdrop for the entire trip. Travelers often describe the experience as a 'winter fairy tale,' making it a bucket-list item for many.
+1Beyond the views, the Eastern Express offers a unique glimpse into Turkish life and hospitality. The people of Kars, in particular, are noted for their warmth and welcoming nature. While the train itself provides comfortable accommodations, especially in private cabins, the true essence of the journey lies in its slow travel appeal, allowing passengers to truly immerse themselves in the experience and the surrounding beauty.
Navigating Kars Train Station
Its location in the city center makes it easily accessible, and it even features amenities like a children's playground and park, suggesting a community-oriented space beyond just transit. This makes it a pleasant place to spend a little time before or after your train journey, offering a small respite and a chance to soak in the local atmosphere.
For those arriving in Kars, the station serves as a gateway to exploring the city and its surroundings. The warmth of the local people, coupled with the station's practical amenities, ensures a smooth transition for travelers eager to discover the unique charm of this historic eastern Turkish city.
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