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A new cultural and tourism-focused railway experience is set to begin as the Touristic Karaelmas Express embarks on its maiden voyage between Ankara and Zonguldak on Friday. Türkiye’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu confirmed that the new service will offer passengers a unique opportunity to rediscover the natural and cultural heritage of the Western Black Sea.
Minister Uraloglu, in a written statement, revealed that the launch comes through a protocol signed between TCDD Tasimacilik, the Western Black Sea Development Agency (BAKKA), and Zonguldak Provincial Administration.
“This train will allow passengers to explore the cultural and natural treasures of the Western Black Sea region,” said Uraloglu.
The Touristic Karaelmas Express will be operated as a round-trip service between Ankara and Zonguldak under this new agreement.
The train consists of seven carriages: two dining, four sleeper, and one couchette, offering a total capacity of 120 passengers.
The train will depart Ankara on Friday at 9:25 p.m., heading toward Zonguldak with several planned touristic stops.
On Saturday morning, passengers will enjoy a four-hour break in Karabuk/Yesilyenice, followed by arrival in Zonguldak. The return journey will commence on Saturday at 11:55 p.m., featuring multiple cultural stopovers: two hours in Cerkes, five hours in Cankiri, and two-and-a-half hours in Kalecik.
The train is expected to arrive back in Ankara at 7:02 p.m. on Sunday.
The Touristic Karaelmas Express will run eight reciprocal trips between summer and late autumn. Departures from Ankara are scheduled for:
The final return journey from Zonguldak will take place on Nov. 15, 2025.
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