Ankara to Kars Train
Ankara to Kars Train
Up to 1 daily departures
Train From Ankara to Kars
A train journey from Ankara to Kars is one of the most memorable ways to explore eastern Turkey. Covering more than 1,300 kilometres, the route is typically served by TCDD’s long-distance services such as the Dogu Ekspresi (Eastern Express). The trip usually takes around 26 hours, turning the journey itself into part of the experience. Travellers can relax in comfortable seats or sleeper cabins while the train winds past wide Anatolian plains, river gorges, and remote mountain villages. Whether you travel in summer, when the landscape is green and open, or in winter, when everything is blanketed in snow, the Ankara to Kars train offers a slow, scenic, and atmospheric way to reach the far east of Turkey from the capital.
Ankara to Kars Train Information
Departure station:
Ankara Railway Station
Eti Mahallesi, Celal Bayar Bulvarı No:78, 6930 Çankaya/Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye
Ankara Railway Station
Eti Mahallesi, Celal Bayar Bulvarı No:78, 6930 Çankaya/Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye
Distance by train:
1200 km
1200 km
Kars
Arrival station:
Kars Railway Station
İstasyon, 36100 Kars Merkez/Kars, Türkiye, Kars, Türkiye
Kars Railway Station
İstasyon, 36100 Kars Merkez/Kars, Türkiye, Kars, Türkiye
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Ankara to Kars Rail Map
This map highlights the main rail corridor between Ankara and Kars, showing key stations, route sections, and connections across central and eastern Anatolia. It gives you a clear overview of where the train travels as it leaves the capital, crosses the Anatolian plateau, and continues towards the Armenian border region. You can use the map to visualise intermediate stops, check how the rail line follows major valleys and mountain passes, and plan any additional travel before or after your train journey. For added convenience, you can book your Ankara to Kars train tickets directly on Rail Ninja, making it easy to secure seats or sleepers for this iconic route.
This map highlights the main rail corridor between Ankara and Kars, showing key stations, route sections, and connections across central and eastern Anatolia. It gives you a clear overview of where the train travels as it leaves the capital, crosses the Anatolian plateau, and continues towards the Armenian border region. You can use the map to visualise intermediate stops, check how the rail line follows major valleys and mountain passes, and plan any additional travel before or after your train journey. For added convenience, you can book your Ankara to Kars train tickets directly on Rail Ninja, making it easy to secure seats or sleepers for this iconic route.
Tips to Buy Train Tickets
- Book early for more choiceTCDD usually releases high-speed YHT and intercity timetables well in advance. Booking your Turkey train tickets early helps you secure better seat options and preferred departure times, especially on busy routes like Istanbul to Ankara or Konya, weekends, and public holidays.
- Stay flexible with your datesIf you can travel a day earlier or later, you’ll often find more departures and better prices. Being flexible with your travel dates and times makes it easier to avoid sold-out trains and gives you a wider choice of seats and classes.
- Travel outside peak timesJourneys on weekdays and non-holiday periods tend to be quieter and can sometimes be cheaper. Travelling outside the morning and evening rush makes boarding smoother, helps you avoid crowds, and creates a more relaxed experience onboard.
- Compare classes and ticket typesOn many Turkish routes you can choose between different classes, from standard seats to more spacious business-style carriages. Take a moment to compare options and fares before you book, so you can balance comfort and budget for each leg of your trip.
- Watch for deals and online offersCheck platforms like Rail.Ninja and official TCDD information for occasional promotions or advance-purchase savings on selected routes. Booking online not only secures your seat but can also give you access to special offers that may not be available at the station.
Book TCDD Train Tickets
Book TCDD Train Tickets
What to Know About the Ankara to Kars Train
Yes, the Ankara to Kars train is widely known for its scenery. The route crosses open steppes, rivers, and mountain ranges, with especially striking views as you approach eastern Anatolia. In winter, snow-covered landscapes and frozen rivers make the journey particularly impressive.
Most long-distance services from Ankara to Kars depart from Ankara Railway Station, the city’s main rail terminal. The station is centrally located and connected to the metro, buses, and taxis, so reaching your departure platform is straightforward.
The journey from Ankara to Kars usually takes about 26 hours on TCDD’s long-distance trains, depending on the service and timetable. Overnight travel is common, giving you time to rest, enjoy the views, and arrive in Kars the following day.
You can book train tickets online through platforms like Rail Ninja, where you can check current schedules, compare travel classes, and reserve your seats in advance. Booking early is recommended, especially for weekends, holidays, and peak travel periods.
Other Turkey Train Routes
Other Turkey Train Routes