We answer your questions about the Eastern Express tour! One of the most popular answers to the question of what to do and where to go in Turkey during winter is the Eastern Express. Therefore, we conducted general research about this magical journey. Let’s share what we have learned with you.
The Eastern Express, which you have heard much about recently, is a main-line train operating on the Ankara-Kars route. This route offers such beautiful landscapes that travelers and photographers prefer to take a train journey.
The Eastern Express has become quite famous, partly due to social media. Now, it’s not only travelers, photographers, and train enthusiasts who are interested, but it has captured everyone’s attention. As such, the demand for this journey has increased.
Eastern Express Carriage Types and Features
Before addressing questions like how to buy tickets for the Eastern Express or the ticket prices, let’s talk about the types of carriages because the ticket prices for the Eastern Express vary according to the kind of carriage. Therefore, knowing which type of carriage you want to buy a ticket for will be essential.
Sleeping Cars
Sleeping cars are usually the most preferred carriages on Eastern Express tours. These sleeper cars have a capacity of two people. The linen, blankets, and other items in the sleeping car are hygienic. There are also electrical outlets in the carriage.
Covered Couchette Cars
The covered couchette car is another type of carriage you can choose for your train journey! These cars consist of ten compartments. Each compartment has two seats facing each other. However, when you undo the belts of the seats, you’ll see that they can be converted into beds. Passengers can rest on two bunk beds facing each other throughout the journey.
Pullman Cars
You might be wondering what a Pullman car means. It refers to a carriage based on the train’s seating system. In other words, you can think of it as a journey made in seats, similar to other public vehicles.
Many TCDD’s (Turkish State Railways) mainline trains consist of Pullman cars. Pullman seats in the Eastern Express operated by TCDD are popular due to their economical nature. Additionally, you can travel with your pets in Pullman cars, another reason for their preference.
Dining Cars
In trains, the dining car is usually the last carriage. Passengers traveling in Pullman cars, covered couchette cars, or sleeping cars can all visit the dining car to eat. Payment for the meals purchased must be made in the dining car.
Dining cars on trains offer services 24/7, so there’s no need to worry. However, seating is limited. Generally, there are 12 tables on trains, meaning 47 or 52 seats are available. Additionally, the food you order is prepared in the shortest time possible.
The tables in the dining cars are pretty spacious, ensuring comfort while you dine or sip your drinks. Moreover, the menu offers a wide variety. You can choose snack items or options like breakfast and dinner. You can also buy cold or hot drinks.
How to Buy Eastern Express Tickets?
TCDD offers the opportunity to buy tickets up to 30 days before the start date of your train journey. This means that if it’s a specific date this month, you can only buy a ticket for a trip up to a month later. The train tour is top-rated, so that the demand will be high.
Tickets for the train journey are usually put on sale around 2 a.m. Also, let’s remind you that tickets sell out quickly. Therefore, you might need to refresh the Eastern Express ticket purchase page several times.
Eastern Express Ticket Prices 2023 Information
Now that we’ve discussed where and how to buy tickets for the train journey, one question remains: How much will this fantastic journey cost? Let’s look at the Eastern Express ticket prices.
If you’re buying your ticket for a Pullman car, you need to pay 189 TL. If you choose a covered couchette car, the price is 339 TL per person. Prices for sleeping cars are a bit steep, but the adventure is indeed worth it! Those opting for sleeping cars will pay 1550 TL per person.
There are some small discounts on ticket prices for certain groups for the train journey. You must be wondering if you’re in one of these special groups. Let’s share the discount list applied to particular groups.
2023 Pullman car ticket prices:
- Full fare: 189 TL
- Youth ticket price for ages 13-26: 161 TL
- Teacher ticket price: 161 TL
- Ticket price for ages 60-64: 161 TL
- Ticket price for ages 65 and above 95 TL
- TSK (Turkish Armed Forces) personnel ticket price: 161 TL
- Press personnel ticket price: 161 TL
- Child ticket price for ages 7-12: 95 TL
2023 Covered couchette car ticket prices:
- Full fare: 339 TL
- Youth ticket price for ages 13-26: 311 TL
- Teacher ticket price: 311 TL
- Ticket price for ages 60-64: 311 TL
- Ticket price for ages 65 and above 245 TL
- TSK personnel ticket price: 311 TL
- Press personnel ticket price: 311 TL
- Child ticket price for ages 7-12: 245 TL
What You Need to Know About the Eastern Express
Embarking on a journey is an incredible experience, especially if it’s a train journey! Are the praiseworthy stories told by those who have taken this journey and the beautiful pictures you see on social media prompting you to pack your bags? So, what else should you know about this magical journey? Let’s take a closer look at the details together.
Eastern Express Route
The train is a mainline service running departs from Ankara to Kars and from Kars to Ankara. However, you don’t necessarily have to arrive in Ankara to join this journey. The train stops at various cities to drop off and pick up passengers.
So, what cities are on the Eastern Express stops? The train passes through the provinces of Ankara, Kırıkkale, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzurum, and Kars. On its return route, the train visits these cities reversely. Of course, during this journey, you witness lovely landscapes!
How Many Days Does the Eastern Express Tour Take?
Let’s address another highly curious matter! Let’s answer right away for those wondering how long the train ride takes. The train completes its trip, visiting cities along the route in 26 hours.
This dream-like journey of 26 hours passes in the blink of an eye. The adventure offers beautiful landscapes and a delightful nostalgia package. You won’t have any time to get bored!
When Should You Go on the Eastern Express Journey?
When people think of train journeys, winter months often come to mind. You know, those snowy landscapes seen from the train windows! Quite exciting, isn’t it?
Winter is the most preferred season for the journey. Because you can enjoy the snowy landscapes along the train’s route. It’s an excellent opportunity for those who love photography!
As we conclude our exploration of the enchanting journey on the Eastern Express train in Turkey, remember that planning is critical. Whether securing your Eastern Express Turkey tickets or budgeting for them, be aware of the Eastern Express Turkey ticket prices to ensure a hassle-free experience. The Touristic Eastern Express Turkey offers an unforgettable voyage through Turkey’s mesmerizing landscapes, making every moment aboard this iconic train a cherished memory. So, embark on this spectacular journey and experience the unique allure of the Turkey Eastern Express.
