Tourist Eastern Express Completes 2025-2026 Winter Season with More than Ten Thousand Passengers, Boosting Rail Tourism Growth on Ankara–Kars Scenic Route in Turkey

The Tourist Eastern Express, which runs on one of the world’s most beautiful rail routes between Ankara and Kars, Turkey, has completed its 2025-2026 winter season successfully. The Tourist Eastern Express, run by the Turkish State Railways (TCDD), completed its service for the season on March 3, 2026. Not only is the successful completion of the season a reflection of the continued popularity of the Tourist Eastern Express, but it is also a reflection of the continued growth of Turkey’s travel and tourism sector, fueled by unique cultural immersion experiences.

A Scenic Journey Promoting Turkey’s Cultural and Natural Heritage

Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu celebrated the success of the Tourist Eastern Express, stating that the train’s service has become a key platform for promoting Turkey’s rich cultural and natural landscapes. “Operating on one of the most beautiful railway routes globally, the Tourist Eastern Express provided an unforgettable experience for 10,166 passengers this winter,” he said. The train has played an important role in connecting travelers of all ages with the diverse regions of Anatolia, offering them an in-depth look at the natural beauty and historical significance of Turkey’s inland areas.

Since its inception in 2019, the Tourist Eastern Express has consistently attracted both domestic and international visitors, further cementing its status as a top-tier attraction within Turkey’s ever-expanding tourism sector. The train has not only made a lasting impact on cultural tourism but has also drawn attention to railway tourism, a growing segment within the global travel market.

Boosting Turkey’s Tourism Growth with Cultural Immersion

The Tourist Eastern Express serves as an example of how transportation infrastructure can actively support tourism growth. The train’s seasonal journeys—which offer both luxury travel and cultural exploration—are key in drawing both adventure tourists and photography enthusiasts to Turkey. Minister Uraloğlu emphasized that over 91,000 travelers have experienced the train’s remarkable route, showcasing how transportation can foster tourism growth by connecting global visitors to local heritage.

The train’s ability to attract both domestic and international tourists has helped to promote Turkey’s diverse tourism offerings, including its historical landmarks, scenic vistas, and rich cultural traditions. This integration of rail tourism with cultural tourism positions Turkey as a unique and diverse destination, strengthening the country’s overall appeal in the global tourism market.

Strategic Travel Stops Supporting Regional Tourism

During the 2025-2026 winter season, the Tourist Eastern Express completed 60 trips, making 30 journeys in each direction between Ankara and Kars. The train, which includes eight sleeper cars and one dining car, provided tourism-oriented stops that encouraged passengers to explore cities along the route. These stops—such as Erzincan (2.5 hours), Erzurum (4 hours), Iliç (3 hours), Divriği (2.5 hours), and Sivas (3 hours)—have contributed to the growth of local tourism in these cities, allowing visitors to discover natural wonders, historical sites, and cultural landmarks.

By incorporating these scenic stops, the Tourist Eastern Express creates an opportunity for regional tourism growth, benefiting not just the major cities along the route but also smaller towns and villages that may not traditionally be high on the tourism map. This also encourages passenger spending in local markets, hotels, restaurants, and attractions, driving economic growth in those areas.

Educational Opportunities for University Students and the Future of Tourism

The Tourist Eastern Express also contributed to Turkey’s tourism sector growth by involving 126 university students in the U-FEST university programs. These students were selected through a lottery and had the unique opportunity to explore Anatolia’s cultural and natural heritage, while gaining insights into the railway sector itself. This educational component not only fosters awareness about Turkey’s tourism offerings but also provides young people with valuable exposure to both tourism and the transportation industry, which are crucial for future growth in the sector.

Such initiatives support the long-term sustainability of Turkey’s tourism growth by encouraging youth engagement in the industry, ensuring that the next generation of tourism professionals is well-equipped to further expand and develop Turkey’s tourism sector.

The Future of Tourism in Turkey: Growing Rail and Cultural Tourism

The success of the Tourist Eastern Express underscores the future growth potential of rail tourism in Turkey, especially as sustainable travel becomes a higher priority for tourists worldwide. The government and TCDD have recognized that train travel offers a sustainable, scenic, and eco-friendly way to explore Turkey’s diverse regions, making it an attractive alternative to other forms of transportation. As global tourism trends shift towards sustainable travel and experiential tourism, the Tourist Eastern Express provides a valuable model for how railway tourism can contribute to economic growth while preserving cultural heritage.

This success also points to the increasing importance of integrated tourism strategies, where transportation systems, such as rail, play a central role in tourism development. The ongoing promotion of cultural tourism alongside sustainable transportation options is likely to continue driving Turkey’s tourism growth, attracting new visitors each year.

A Key Contributor to Turkey’s Expanding Tourism Industry

The Tourist Eastern Express continues to be an essential part of Turkey’s tourism portfolio, encouraging rail tourism and cultural discovery while supporting regional tourism development. As it heads into the future, it is sure to remain an important tool in introducing both local and international travelers to Turkey’s incredible landscapes and cultural experiences.

As Turkey continues to focus on delivering an unforgettable experience for travelers, its tourism industry is sure to continue growing, fueled by efforts such as the Tourist Eastern Express that combine luxury travel experiences with cultural and educational opportunities. Not only is Turkey’s tourism market continuing to thrive, but the country is also ensuring that it continues to move forward as a leader in sustainable tourism, cultural tourism, and rail tourism.

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