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Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said services for the Touristic Eastern Express’ 2025-2026 winter season will begin Dec. 22, 2025, and continue until March 1, 2026.
Uraloglu made the remarks in a statement on the upcoming winter season services.
Recalling that the train has welcomed thousands of domestic and foreign tourists since 2019, Uraloglu said it will continue to showcase Türkiye’s cultural heritage, natural beauty and historical texture along the rails.
He noted that along its route, the express offers passengers not only scenery but also the chance to experience the culture of the cities it passes through.
He explained that on the Ankara-Kars line, the train will run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between Dec. 22, 2025, and Feb. 27, 2026. In the Kars-Ankara direction, it will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays through March 1, 2026.
"In total, it will make 60 trips, offering 10,800 passengers a unique experience," he said.
Uraloglu said the train will stop for 2 hours and 30 minutes in Erzincan and 4 hours in Erzurum on the Ankara-Kars journey. On the return trip, it will stop for 3 hours in Ilic, 2 hours and 30 minutes in Divrigi, and 3 hours in Sivas.
He added that the 1,360-kilometer journey takes about 33 hours including stops, offering postcard-like views of snow-covered mountains, valleys and historical structures.
He also noted that the train consists of eight sleeper cars, each with 10 compartments, and one dining car, with a capacity of 160 passengers. Each sleeper compartment can accommodate two people.
Stressing that the Touristic Eastern Express has drawn strong interest from all segments of society, especially young people and nature enthusiasts, Uraloglu said, “Since 2019, our train has hosted more than 81,000 passengers, becoming one of Türkiye’s most distinctive tourism brands.”
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