Doğu Ekspresi (Eastern Express): Tickets, Cabins & Route Guide 2026

Quick answer: The Doğu Ekspresi runs Ankara–Kars in about 24 hours, crossing the Anatolian plateau and the Euphrates valley. Standard-service tickets go on sale roughly a month ahead on TCDD's site and sell out within minutes for winter dates; the separate Turistik Doğu Ekspresi runs in the high season with sightseeing stops and higher fares. Sleeper cabins are the only comfortable way to do it. Two trains, one route — know the difference Doğu Ekspresi (scheduled) Turistik Doğu Ekspresi Purpose Regular service used by locals Tourist service with photo stops Duration ~24 hours ~32 hours with overnight stops in Erzincan and Erzurum Tickets Cheap, released ~30 days ahead, sell out instantly Higher fare, released in blocks, includes cabin Season Year-round Mainly December–April and select summer dates What the journey is like Leaving Ankara in the evening, you wake to the plateau: frozen villages, storks' nests on poles, the Euphrates running beside the track through Erzincan. The dining car is the social centre — tea comes constantly, and the cook manages a short menu of soup, eggs and köfte. Bring your own water, fruit and snacks; the restaurant runs out on full winter services. Sleeper cabins hold two, with a fold-down bunk, washbasin and door lock. Couchettes are cheaper and shared. Seats-only for 24 hours is punishing in winter. Heating works but window seals are old — a sleeping bag liner and warm socks make a difference. Booking without disappointment Tickets appear on the TCDD site (and app) about 30 days before departure, usually just after midnight Türkiye time. Have an account and passport details ready in advance. Winter weekends sell out in under five minutes. Midweek January and February dates are marginally easier. If it sells out, watch for released cancellations 48 hours before departure, or book a private transfer for the Erzurum–Kars section and take the train only as far as you can get a berth. Foreign passport holders can book online; bring the same