The best travel route from Ankara to Kars, Turkey. Traveling by sightseeing train Dogu Express
Ankara has not long ago emerged from the shadow of Istanbul to offer its guests some outlandish and interesting travel in Turkey. Usually, the eastern direction from Ankara means transit to the road to the Caucasus and is overcome by airplane. Our suggestion, however, is a bit adventurous but perfect for those looking for unique travel and unusual experiences in Turkey. The longest railroad route in Turkey is accompanied by extraordinary snowy landscapes outside the window, long stops in the cities of Kayseri - Sivas - Erzincan - Erzurum - Kars and tasty meals in the restaurant car (if you are lucky kebab is included). After taking the Dogu Express from Ankara to Kars you can continue your way to Georgia or, after exploring the final destination for a couple of days, return the same way.
How long the journey will be
The distance between the two points on the map will be a little 800 miles and you might think that it would be quite fast to travel by express train. But remember that the Ankara to Kars route is sightseeing and you'll be able to enjoy intermediate stops. If your interest in any of the cities causes you to linger, or your fellow travelers don't please you with conversation, you may well join the next train (only if you've taken care of the tickets in advance). The Dogu Express trip itself lasts more than a day, about 32 hours (unless part of your adventures are delays and tardiness, which is usually at least 3 hours).
When the Dogu Express excursion train rides
You won't believe it, but the route was built back in the 1930s, but until 2010 it wasn't popular and ran quite infrequently. YouTube word of mouth changed everything and the demand for the best railroad route in Turkey began to increase exponentially. Still, it took the Turkish authorities another 9 years to recognize the gem. So since 2019, the tourist rail route Ankara - Kars has acquired a regular rail transportation Dogu Express, which runs three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday).
The twin brother of Dogu Express, what are the differences
It wouldn't be so interesting if it were that simple - a favorite phrase of the detective genre. It turns out Dogu Express has two variants: classic and tourist. They coincide by the route and views outside the window, but differ in comfort, travel time and stops.
The classic variant is convenient for those who go between the two cities of Turkey Ankara and Kars not for adventure, but strictly for personal, business or working purposes. In this variant of the train in carriages there are only sitting places (seats and sofas), and stops last only for a short time. But their number is twice as much as in the tourist variant.
Tourist Dogu Express is equipped with sleeping places and makes three stops of 3 hours each (Divrigi, Erzincan, Erzurum).
The tourist version is equipped with mini refrigerators in each compartment.
Another distinctive feature of the two trains on the same route Ankara - Kars will be the price of the ticket. The tourist version of the train will be three to five times more expensive.
Where to buy a ticket and how much it costs
This is where the fun part starts. The demand for the tourist train Dogu Express in Turkey is so great that tickets are sold out at the speed of light. In addition, if you are traveling in a mixed-sex group, be prepared to buy out an entire cabin. According to the rules, you can't have different genders sharing one small space. This results in the train traveling unfilled and no tickets available. For luck to be on your side, check the website more often, because cancelations are also quite frequent and can be released immediately whole compartments. It is advisable to start looking at tickets a month in advance, as soon as the seats go on sale.
To buy a ticket you can use the website, mobile application App Store or Google Play, station ticket offices, agencies or PTT offices. The call center 444 82 33 has English-speaking managers. Many travelers recommend agencies because it is easier to find tickets through them.
A berth for two people costs 250 Turkish Liras (8 euros), a seat for one will cost 400 Turkish Liras (13 euros). In comparison, traveling on the classic version of the train will cost no more than 64 Turkish Liras (€2).
What amenities await you and what not to expect
The tourist Dogu Express is quite comfortable. Your compartment will have:
- A large seating sofa that converts into a double bed;
- An upper shelf that pulls out as a second-floor bed;
- Bedding;
- Mini fridge (juice, water, cookies, candy bar);
- Sink (cold water only);
- Lockers for small items;
- European standard sockets;
- Two toilets in the car.
What's Outside
Your comfortable journey will take you through alpine meadows, plains with rushing mountain rivers, canyons and ruins of ancient castles, heavenly snowy peaks and colorful towns with peaks instead of roofs. Stock up your phone or camera with memory, you can tear yourself away from the window only at nightfall.
Stops on the Ankara - Kars tourist route
The Dogu Express tourist train makes either two or three stops (you will find this out only during the trip or before the trip itself). Each of the stops lasts from 2.5 to 3 hours. The towns are small, so there's a chance to grab a bite to eat and do a bit of sightseeing.
Divrigi
The small paved streets of the town, which climbs up the slope, are packed with a variety of stores, souvenir stalls and plushies for tourists. Walk towards the main square to see the architecture, mosques and visit some worthwhile restaurants. The old market area will also present beautiful architectural scenery and the ancient Ulu Mosque, built in 1228. At the top of Divrigi Hill are the ruins of an ancient fortress.
Erzincan
A fairly large tourist town where you should know exactly where to run to, as three hours can be obnoxiously short. Waterfalls, ski resorts and unique lakes require a long stopover. But the urban architecture, large shopping malls, souvenir stores and colorful gastronomic establishments.
Erzurum
The main fortress and mosque of Ulu will be your goal to have time to admire the majestic tourist city, which can offer many interesting locations for those who stayed for a few days.
Kars - Final Destination
Don't plan ahead the time of your sightseeing visits, as things can shift by a few hours. If you arrive late enough to walk around, get a hotel room and then head to the ruins of Ani, the main attraction of Kars, the next day. The city can tell you many historical stories, enjoy oriental architecture, treat you to the best oriental dishes and give you many colorful walks.
What to take with you on the Dogu Express tourist train trip
Remember that you will travel for a day and a half, or even two days. And you can not count on the restaurant car, because places and food in it very quickly run out. Worry about food for yourself and especially for children, if you are traveling as a family. Mini fridges will allow the food to keep its usefulness and you won't go hungry.
Water bottles can also become the first necessity, if they are already sold out in the dining car (and the price for them in the store is much lower).
Take light comfortable shoes, the train is quite comfortable temperature.
