Eastern Express

The Doğu Ekspresi runs from Ankara to Kars in about twenty-four hours, crossing the central plateau, following the Euphrates through gorges around Erzincan, climbing to Erzurum and finishing on the high steppe at Kars. It was an ordinary long-distance service until social media discovered it around 2017, and it became a phenomenon: tickets for the sleeper compartments now sell out within minutes of release, and the railway added a slower Turistik Doğu Ekspresi that stops overnight at Erzincan and Erzurum so passengers can see the towns. The appeal is winter - snow across the plateau, frozen rivers, and the corridor windows - and a compartment culture of tea from the samovar, shared food and long conversations. It is not luxury: compartments are basic, the dining car is functional, and delays of several hours are routine. Booking is the hard part; tickets are released about a month ahead and go immediately.

The main sights

• The plateau crossing - steppe and snow through the windows.
• The Euphrates gorges - the line following the river near Erzincan.
• The compartment life - tea, shared food and long hours.
• The Kars arrival - the high border town at the end.

When to go

December to March for the snow that made the journey famous; the route runs year-round and is greener and easier in summer. Book the moment tickets are released.

Things to know

Tickets sell out within minutes - this is the main obstacle. Compartments are basic and delays of hours are normal. The tourist service costs several times the standard one. Twenty-four hours is a long time in a small space.

Nearby

Kars, Ani and Lake Çıldır are at the eastern end; Erzurum and Erzincan are stops on the way.