Travelling to Bulgaria by train

Travelling to Bulgaria by train is a great way to explore the country and experience its beautiful scenery and diverse culture. The Bulgarian railway system connects the major cities and towns, offering both domestic and international routes.

The most popular train route for tourists is the Sofia-Istanbul Express, which runs daily between Sofia and Istanbul, Turkey, stopping at several towns and cities along the way, including Plovdiv, Edirne, and Halkali. The journey takes around 10-12 hours, depending on the route and the stops.

There are also several other domestic routes, including the Sofia-Varna Express, which runs between the capital city and the coastal town of Varna, and the Sofia-Plovdiv Express, which connects the capital with the historic city of Plovdiv.

Travelling by train in Bulgaria is generally safe and comfortable, with modern trains and affordable ticket prices. However, it’s important to keep in mind that some routes may be slower than others, and delays can sometimes occur.

To make your train journey in Bulgaria as smooth as possible, it’s recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially if you’re travelling during peak season. You can book your tickets online or at the train station ticket office.

Overall, travelling by train in Bulgaria is a great way to see the country and experience its culture and natural beauty. Whether you’re travelling for leisure or business, taking the train is a comfortable and convenient option that allows you to relax and enjoy the journey.

Can I go to Bulgaria by train?

Yes, you can travel to Bulgaria by train. The Bulgarian railway system connects the major cities and towns, offering both domestic and international routes. There are several international routes that connect Bulgaria with neighboring countries such as Romania, Serbia, Turkey, and Greece.

The most popular train route for tourists is the Sofia-Istanbul Express, which runs daily between Sofia and Istanbul, Turkey, stopping at several towns and cities along the way, including Plovdiv, Edirne, and Halkali. However, there are also several other domestic routes that allow you to explore the country’s diverse regions, such as the Sofia-Varna Express, which connects the capital city with the coastal town of Varna, and the Sofia-Plovdiv Express, which connects the capital with the historic city of Plovdiv.

Travelling by train in Bulgaria is generally safe and comfortable, with modern trains and affordable ticket prices. However, it’s important to keep in mind that some routes may be slower than others, and delays can sometimes occur.

To make your train journey in Bulgaria as smooth as possible, it’s recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially if you’re travelling during peak season. You can book your tickets online or at the train station ticket office.

Overall, travelling by train is a great way to see the country and experience its culture and natural beauty. Whether you’re travelling for leisure or business, taking the train is a comfortable and convenient option that allows you to relax and enjoy the journey.

Can I travel between EU countries by train?

Yes, you can travel between EU countries by train. The European Union has a well-developed railway network that connects most of its member states, making train travel a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore Europe.

There are several international train routes that connect major cities and towns in different countries, such as the Thalys high-speed train that connects Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, and the Eurostar train that connects London, Brussels, and Paris. These trains offer comfortable and efficient travel, with high-speed trains reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h.

Travelling by train between EU countries is generally safe and comfortable, with modern trains and affordable ticket prices. However, it’s important to keep in mind that some routes may require you to change trains or purchase additional tickets, depending on the country and the route.

To make your train journey in Europe as smooth as possible, it’s recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially if you’re travelling during peak season. You can book your tickets online or at the train station ticket office.

Overall, travelling by train is a great way to explore different countries in the European Union. It allows you to see the beautiful scenery, experience the different cultures and cuisines, and make new friends along the way.

Tips an important advices for travelling Bulgaria with train

Travelling in Bulgaria by train is a convenient and affordable way to explore the country’s beautiful scenery and rich cultural heritage. Here are some tips and important advice for travelling Bulgaria with train:

Book your tickets in advance: To avoid long queues at the train stations and to secure your seat on the train, it’s advisable to book your train tickets in advance. You can book your tickets online or at the train station ticket office.

Be aware of train schedules: Train schedules in Bulgaria can be subject to change, so it’s important to check the train schedule before your journey. You can check the train schedule online or at the train station.

Pack wisely: When travelling by train, it’s important to pack wisely and bring only the essentials. Make sure to bring comfortable clothing and shoes, a jacket or sweater in case of cold weather, and any necessary medication.

Bring snacks and drinks: While some trains may offer food and drinks, it’s always a good idea to bring some snacks and drinks with you for the journey.

Be aware of your surroundings: While Bulgaria is generally a safe country, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings when travelling on public transport.

Learn some basic Bulgarian: Learning some basic Bulgarian phrases can help you communicate with locals and make your travel experience more enjoyable. It’s always appreciated when tourists make an effort to learn the local language.

Explore off-the-beaten-path destinations: Bulgaria has many hidden gems that can be easily reached by train. Consider exploring some off-the-beaten-path destinations to get a more authentic travel experience.

Travelling in Bulgaria by train is a unique and rewarding experience that allows you to see the country’s diverse landscapes and cultures. With these tips and advice, you can make the most out of your train journey in Bulgaria.

High-speed train Bulgaria

At the moment, there are no high-speed trains in Bulgaria. The Bulgarian railway system primarily consists of regional and intercity trains, which operate at moderate speeds. However, there are plans to introduce high-speed trains in the future, as part of Bulgaria’s efforts to modernize its transportation infrastructure.

One of the proposed high-speed train projects is the Sofia-Varna High-Speed Railway, which would connect the capital city of Sofia with the Black Sea port of Varna, via Plovdiv and Burgas. The project aims to reduce travel time between Sofia and Varna from the current 8 hours by train to just 2-3 hours by high-speed train.

Another proposed high-speed train project is the Balkan Express, which would connect Sofia with other major cities in the Balkans, such as Belgrade, Bucharest, and Thessaloniki. The project would require significant investments in railway infrastructure, but could potentially boost tourism and trade in the region.

While high-speed trains may not currently be available in Bulgaria, the country’s railway system offers a reliable and affordable way to travel across the country. With frequent train connections and stunning scenic routes, travelling by train in Bulgaria is a unique and enjoyable experience.

Travelling to Bulgaria with train cost

The cost of travelling to Bulgaria by train depends on various factors, such as the distance travelled, the class of service, and the type of train. Generally speaking, train travel in Bulgaria is relatively affordable compared to other modes of transportation.

For example, a one-way ticket from Sofia to Varna, which is one of the longest train routes in Bulgaria, can cost around 40-50 BGN (around 20-25 EUR) for a second-class ticket and 70-80 BGN (around 35-40 EUR) for a first-class ticket. Shorter distances, such as a trip from Sofia to Plovdiv, can cost as little as 10-15 BGN (around 5-8 EUR) for a second-class ticket.

It’s worth noting that international train travel to Bulgaria may be slightly more expensive than domestic travel. For example, a one-way ticket from Belgrade to Sofia can cost around 30-40 EUR, while a trip from Bucharest to Sofia can cost around 25-35 EUR.

Overall, travelling to Bulgaria by train can be a cost-effective option for budget-conscious travellers, especially for those who are travelling long distances.

Travelling to Bulgaria with train from UK

s not possible to travel to Bulgaria from the UK directly by train due to the English Channel, but there are several options available if you’re looking to make the journey.

One option is to take the Eurostar train from London to Paris, then transfer to a train to Munich or Vienna, and from there take a train to Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria. Alternatively, you can take a train from London to Belgrade, the capital city of Serbia, and then transfer to a train to Sofia.

Both routes require multiple transfers and can take upwards of 24 hours, so it’s important to plan ahead and book your tickets in advance. It’s also a good idea to bring snacks and entertainment to make the journey more comfortable.

While travelling to Bulgaria by train from the UK may not be the fastest or most convenient option, it can be a scenic and enjoyable way to see Europe and experience the unique culture and beauty of Bulgaria.

Bulgaria train tickets

Train tickets in Bulgaria can be purchased online, at train stations, or at certain travel agencies. Online ticket booking is available through the website of the Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ), which allows travellers to search for train schedules, select seats, and purchase tickets using a credit or debit card.

Train tickets can also be purchased in person at train stations, either from the ticket counter or from automated ticket machines. It’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular routes and during peak travel season, to ensure availability.

There are two classes of service available on Bulgarian trains: second class and first class. Second-class tickets are more affordable and provide comfortable seating, while first-class tickets offer more spacious seats and additional amenities such as air conditioning.

In addition to individual tickets, there are also various discount options available for frequent travellers, students, and seniors. For example, the Bulgarian Railways offers a RailPlus discount card, which provides discounts on train tickets in Bulgaria and other European countries.

Overall, purchasing train tickets in Bulgaria is a straightforward process, and with a little planning, travellers can save money and enjoy a comfortable and convenient way to explore the country.

Bulgarian central train station contact details

The main train station in Bulgaria is the Sofia Central Railway Station, located in the capital city of Sofia. The contact details for the Sofia Central Railway Station are as follows:

Address: Bul. Kniaz Aleksandar Dondukov 1, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 932 3971
Email: info@bdz.bg

The Sofia Central Railway Station is the largest and busiest train station in Bulgaria, serving numerous domestic and international destinations. It’s easily accessible by public transportation, including metro, tram, and bus, and is conveniently located near the city center.

If you’re planning to travel by train in Bulgaria, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the Sofia Central Railway Station and its facilities. This includes checking the train schedules, purchasing tickets in advance, and knowing the location of amenities such as restaurants, restrooms, and luggage storage. With this information in hand, you can travel comfortably and confidently throughout Bulgaria by train.