The train departs three times a week, operating in both directions. The most popular route is from Ankara to Kars, passing through cities such as Kırıkkale, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, and Erzurum, with stops for excursion programs, including UNESCO-listed sites. The return route from Kars to Ankara includes stops in İliç, Divriği, and Sivas. Passengers can choose comfortable compartments with beds, as well as enjoy a refrigerator and sink in the compartment or have dinner in the dining car.
The final destination is Kars—a city with a rich historical heritage, winter landscapes, and unique cuisine. Nearby is the ancient city of Ani, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where visitors can see preserved churches, mosques, and fortress walls reflecting the diverse heritage of the region.
In winter, Kars also impresses with its natural beauty: skiing and sledding are popular in Sarıkamış, while on the frozen Çıldır Lake, one can ride horse-drawn sleighs and observe local fishermen.
The cultural program in Kars makes the trip even more interesting: evening events include traditional poetic duels of aşık aytışması, Caucasian folk dances, and local delicacies such as goose dishes, Kars cheeses, rakı, and Eastern Anatolian wines. For gourmets, the Cheese Museum in the village of Boğatepe is open, where one can learn about cheese-making traditions and taste local cheese varieties.
Thus, the tourist Eastern Express combines magnificent landscapes and comfort, providing travelers with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural and natural heritage of Eastern Anatolia.
