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Kars to Ankara Trains

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Why book with RM

Route overview

Classes

Luggage

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Kars to Ankara Train Tickets & Timetable

The Kars to Ankara route features the Dogu Express and the Touristic Dogu Express, offering various train ticket options and classes such as Pullman, Covered Couchette, and Sleeper. Departing from Kars Station, the train makes stops at Erzurum and Kayseri. It is recommended to book tickets online in advance to secure preferred ticket availability. The price range for a one-way ticket is approximately ₺440–1,650 ($14–52 USD) depending on the train type and class. For accurate timetable information and prices, use the search page. Our online schedule provides real-time updates on Kars to Ankara departures and train times.

21May

Seats

Kars

Ankara

Each ticket has information about

Departure Time

Travel time

Arrival Time

Changes

Brand name / Train type

Ticket price

Morning trains

08:00

KarsStation

26h 27m

10:27

AnkaraAnkara Station

Direct

AH 92009

from

4003 USD

26h 27m, Direct

08:00

KarsStation

10:27

AnkaraAnkara Station

from

4003 USD

Direct

AH 92009

First train

08:00

Last train

08:00

Travel duration

23m

Daily departures

Departure station

Kars

Changes

direct

Arrival station

Ankara

Ticket price

$19

How to Book Train Tickets Online from Kars to Ankara

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Book Official Tickets Easily

Rail Monsters provides official tickets for the Kars to Ankara route, ensuring a reliable and authorized booking experience. With just a few clicks, you can confirm and purchase your tickets online and receive an electronic ticket if available from the Turkish State Railways.

24/7 Human Customer Support

Get assistance from our human support team, available 24/7 to answer your questions or assist with your online ticket booking. We are here to ensure the simplest booking experience for your journey across Turkey.

Secure Payment Options

Enjoy a safe booking process with multiple payment options, including credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other digital payment methods. Our online booking system offers secure transactions when you buy Kars to Ankara tickets.

Flexible Exchanges & Cancellations

We offer flexible exchange and cancellation policies for added convenience. Easily adjust your travel plans if needed, and modify your Kars to Ankara train tickets based on availability and the fare conditions of the rail operator.

All Travel Classes

All travel classes are supported — you can choose any class offered by the rail supplier for your route, including Pullman seats and sleeper compartments.

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Kars to Ankara Route Overview

The journey from Kars to Ankara is one of the most famous long-distance rail routes in Turkey, crossing the heart of Anatolia. The trip takes between 26 and 30 hours, offering scenery of the Euphrates river and snow-capped mountains. Passengers can choose between the standard Dogu Express, which stops at many regional stations, or the Touristic version designed for sightseeing with longer stops. Both services provide dining cars and sleeper options, making it suitable for travelers seeking a slow-travel experience across the Turkish landscape.

Travel time

23m

Train type

Anahat

Fastest trip

13m

Longest trip

27m

Kars

Kars - A city in northeastern Turkey known for its unique Russian-influenced architecture and proximity to the ancient Silk Road city of Ani.

Kars

Station

23m

Ankara

Ankara - The modern capital of Turkey and its political center, home to the sprawling Ataturk Forest Farm and the ancient Ankara Castle.

Ankara Station

Polatlı YHT

Eryaman Yht

Sincan

Polatli

Available Ticket Classes

On the Kars to Ankara route, classes include Pullman (standard reclining seats), Covered Couchette (four-person shared compartments that convert to bunks), and Sleeper (private two-person compartments with a sink and fridge). Availability depends on whether you book the standard or touristic service.

from

$4006

Economy Class

Practical Information for Dogu Express Travelers

Luggage Guidelines on Turkish Trains. Traveling on the Dogu Express includes rules for personal items and larger cabin luggage. Below are key points for bringing baggage aboard:

Luggage Allowance

Passengers may bring hand luggage and larger suitcases that fit within the cabin or compartment area. There is generally no strict weighing process for standard bags, but items should not block aisles or exits.

Storage Facilities

Standard Pullman cars feature overhead racks. In Couchette and Sleeper cabins, luggage is kept inside the compartment in designated floor spaces or upper niches, keeping your belongings within reach during the long journey.

Special Items

Musical instruments and sports equipment are permitted if they can be stored safely in your compartment. For larger items or bicycles, it is necessary to contact the station staff regarding freight van availability.

Average rating & reviews

4.7

Among mobile stores and search platforms

4.7

Among mobile stores and search platforms

Easy purchase and process

We went from Tokyo station to Hiroshima for the first time. We bought our tickets online, printed the tickets and had no issues. Great experience

Denise Harston

Thank you very much for your support

Even with very short time frame you suceeded to change our tickets. We are very gratefull. You are the best.

Mitja Bostner

Thank you, David!

Could not thank David from Rail Monsters enough, i made a couple of errors in my booking for japan and he fixed them asap with no hassle, customer service A1

Alan

Local Guide

Wonderful trip from Tokyo to Kyoto. Excellent service.

Marius-Adrian Nicoara

Very kind and helpful staff

Very kind and helpful staff who were very diligent and thorough in helping secure tickets for a sold out train. Thank you so much!

Allison Makhoul

Kars to Ankara Map

Plan your trip between Kars and Ankara on the main arterial rail line of Turkey. The route passes through station hubs like Erzurum, Erzincan, Sivas, and Kayseri. Along the journey, you will see the rugged terrain of eastern Anatolia and the high plateaus of the central region. The transport system utilizes the standard gauge tracks that connect the eastern border to the capital. This travel route provides a geographic cross-section of the country, moving from the Armenian highlands toward the central steppe.

Rail vs Bus vs Plane

Train

Changes

Travel time

Price from

Departures

Rating

Train

Changes

Direct

Travel time

25m

Price from

$19

Departures

Rating

Rail travel from Kars to Ankara is chosen for the experience and scenery, though it is slower than other modes. Flights are the fastest, taking under 2 hours, but require airport transfers and security checks. Buses are faster than the train but lack the sleeping facilities and space found on the Dogu Express. For travelers prioritizing landscape views and moving across the country overnight in a bed, the train remains the preferred choice over long-distance bus trips.

Plus, it’s a greener choice, reducing your carbon footprint

Travel time

Price range

Travel time

Price range

Travel time

Price range

Winner

Train

Apprx.

23m

$19-$19

Bus

Apprx.

15h 30m

$22-$35

Flight

Apprx.

1h 50m

$45-$95

Kars to Ankara Train

The Kars to Ankara route is served by two distinct services: the regular Dogu Express and the Touristic Dogu Express. The regular service reaches speeds up to 100 km/h (62 mph) and functions as a primary transit link for regional towns. The Touristic Dogu Express operates on a specialized schedule with three-hour stops in cities like Erzincan and Sivas to allow for local excursions. Both trains use diesel or electric locomotives depending on the section of the track. While not a high-speed line, the service provides climate-controlled cars and dining facilities for the duration of the 1,310 km trip.

Anahat

Discover Turkey's Anahat train, offering comfort at up to 200 km/h.

Learn more

Cities at Both Ends

Kars is a unique frontier city celebrated for its cheese, honey, and the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Ani. From Kars Station, the train travels westward to Ankara, the heart of the Turkish Republic known for the Roman Temple of Augustus and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Arriving at Ankara Central Station, you are positioned in a major transport hub. Both cities offer deep historical layers ranging from Urartian and Roman to Ottoman and Modern eras.

Ankara

The capital of Turkey, known for its museums and government buildings.

FAQ about the Kars - Ankara Route

How much is the train ticket from Kars to Ankara?

A Pullman seat on the standard train costs about ₺620 to ₺750 ($19 - $23 USD). Sleeper cabins are more expensive, ranging from ₺1,800 to ₺5,500 ($56 - $170 USD) depending on the specific service and demand markup. Prices vary significantly between the regular and touristic trains.

Is there a dining car on the Kars to Ankara train?

Yes, both versions of the train typically include a dining car that serves hot meals, snacks, and beverages. It is a social hub for passengers during the long journey across Anatolia, though many travelers also bring their own food.

How long does the train take from Kars to Ankara?

The standard Dogu Express takes approximately 26 hours to complete the trip. The Touristic Dogu Express scheduled for sightseeing takes roughly 30 to 32 hours due to extended stops at intermediate stations for passengers to visit local sites.

How to book tickets for the Dogu Express?

Tickets can be booked online via Rail Monsters or at TCDD stations. Because this route is extremely popular, tickets often sell out minutes after release. Booking at least 30 days in advance is highly recommended to secure a sleeper or couchette.

Learn more information at our

Country Guide