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Türkiye's Touristic Eastern Express will resume services between Ankara and Kars on Dec. 21 for the 2026-2027 winter season, with tickets for individual passengers going on sale on Oct. 26, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu announced.
The sightseeing train, which brings together rail travel and the historical, cultural and natural attractions of Anatolia, will operate 70 services throughout the season, with 35 departures in each direction.
According to Uraloglu, Ankara-to-Kars services will run from Dec. 21, 2026, through March 10, 2027, while return journeys from Kars to Ankara will operate between Dec. 23, 2026, and March 12, 2027.
Unlike conventional passenger services, the Touristic Eastern Express includes scheduled sightseeing stops that allow travelers to explore cities along the route.
Trains departing from Ankara will stop in Erzincan and Erzurum, while services traveling from Kars to Ankara will include sightseeing breaks in Ilic, Divrigi and Sivas.
The train will depart from Ankara on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while return services from Kars will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Uraloglu confirmed that the trains will feature sleeping cars and a dining car, providing accommodation and onboard dining throughout the journey.
Each sleeping car will contain 10 private compartments, with two beds in each compartment.
Tickets for individual travelers will become available on Oct. 26 through the official sales channels of TCDD Tasimacilik, Türkiye's state railway passenger operator.
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