Eastern Express is a touristic train journey that takes approximately 26 hours from Ankara to Kars. Touristic Orient Express plays an important role in terms of both tourism and transportation. The Eastern Express, preferred by thousands of people every year, passes 7 cities and offers nature views and a fun journey experience. It is one of the 10 most beautiful rail travel routes in the world. The train departs from Ankara and passes through the cities of Kırıkkale, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzurum and Kars and ends in Kars. The return route is to visit the same cities again. Thus, passengers can enjoy the majestic landscapes of eastern Turkey.
Railway tourism is an alternative holiday option that combines the sight, discovery and relaxation needs of tourists. While this type of tourism offers the opportunity to explore various cultures and geography, it is organized in many countries today and the train services and routes of some countries are recognized worldwide. For example; Trans-Siberian Railway (Russia), Ghan Express (Australia), Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (India), Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (until Istanbul) are among the travel routes for tourism purposes.
The 2022-2023 travel period calendar of the Touristic Orient Express has been prepared. There will be flights from Ankara between 12 December 2022 and 20 March 2023 and from Kars between 14 December 2022 and 22 March 2023. The train will depart from Ankara on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and from Kars on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Among the stops will be Erzincan and Erzurum (Ankara-Kars direction), İliç, Divriği and Sivas (Kars-Ankara direction). Wagons will be distributed by agencies to be used for groups, and a single bed wagon will be reserved for individual passengers. Ticket sales will be available within 30 days of travel. Tickets for the Eastern Express can be purchased via the TCDD online e-ticket system or mobile application.
Difference of Touristic Orient Express
The Eastern Express touristic journey route is made by train services offered by the Republic of Turkey State Railways (TCDD). There is a difference between the train services of TCDD throughout the year and the train services between December and March. For this reason, flights only between December and March are called “Touristic Orient Express”. Touristic Orient Express; It travels 1300 kilometers in approximately 31 hours from Ankara to Kars. In the 2021-2022 winter season, a total of 62 flights were made and 11,500 passengers traveled with the Eastern Express and 1411 passengers traveled with the Touristic Eastern Express.
As a result of the increase in the popularity of TCDD Eastern Express, passengers had difficulty in finding tickets, so touristic flights started in 2019. There are some differences between the two trains in terms of travel times and wagons. While there are sleeping cars on the touristic Eastern Express, only pullman and covered bunk options are available on the main line train. In addition, the mainline train stops at 53 stops and the stopover time is limited. Touristic Eastern Express stops at 29 stops and gives wide breaks lasting 2.5 – 3 hours at some stops. Thanks to wide breaks, passengers can visit the touristic stops they want to see in these cities and taste their famous dishes. With this train, passengers can discover different geographies, historical places and beauties of Anatolia.
Features of Touristic Orient Express
The Eastern Express stands out with its wagons that offer its passengers a comfortable travel experience while enjoying beautiful views. On the Eastern Express; There are 3 different types of wagons as pulman, covered bunk and sleeper. Pulman in the car; Passenger seats are arranged as 2+1 and although the seats can be slightly tilted back, beds cannot be made. Covered bunk wagon; It includes armchairs that can be bunk beds for 4 people. Sheets, piques and pillows are provided by TCDD Tasimacilik and the beds are made by the passengers. Sleeper wagons; On the other hand, it includes sofa beds, sink, refrigerator and table arranged in double rooms and is only available on the Touristic Orient Express. On the main line train, there is a pullman, a covered couch and a dining car.
There are tables with seating for 47-52 people in the dining car on the Touristic Orient Express. In addition, 3 meals a day are served in the dining wagons. Snacks, biscuits, sandwiches, tea, soft drinks and water are offered throughout the day. The restaurant is at the service of passengers around the clock and is open between 06:00 and 23:59. The food menu consists of delicious dishes of Turkish cuisine and provides paid service. All wagons have screens with Turkish, English and German language options.
High-speed trains operated on the Karaman, Konya, Ankara and Istanbul lines have stimulated tourism. High-speed trains have contributed to cultural tourism by making it possible to travel 200-300 kilometers daily. While the Eastern and Touristic Eastern Expresses attract great attention in the country and abroad, the tourism activity and economic benefits of the route they pass set an example for the operation of similar trains on other routes with tourism potential. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure is working to create new touristic train routes, apart from the Touristic East Express. Preparations are carried out taking into account the institutional possibilities, passenger potential, demands and other criteria.
