According to State Railways, 271,120 passengers rode on the Eastern Express from Jan. 1 to Dec. 18, 2018.
Photographers and videographers are frequent passengers, as the experience provides a wealth of landscapes and vistas, especially during wintertime.
For those seeking to be dazzled by a winter wonderland, January and February are ideal times for travel.
After leaving Ankara, the train makes brief stops in the eastern cities of Kırıkkale, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzurum before reaching Kars.
At the end of the trip, passengers stretch their legs – or take a sleigh ride – at the frozen Çıldır Lake in Kars, another famous photo-op.
Ticket prices range from 48 to 188 Turkish liras, depending on a choice of economy seats, sleeper car or a more luxurious two-person private cabins equipped with a table, sink and refrigerator.
Tickets are discounted for passengers aged 13-26, and for teachers, military personnel, seniors and groups larger than 12.
