Rail passengers and fans of long-distance train adventures can now travel by direct train from Romania to Bulgaria and Türkiye, thanks to the reintroduction of the national railway operator’s summer timetable.
CFR Călători relaunched its high season “România” services on 12 and 13 June, linking the Romanian capital with Varna, Sofia, and Istanbul. With daily departures from now until 11 October for Varna and 12 October for Sofia and Istanbul Halkalı, (terminating a day earlier if travellers are coming in the opposite direction), the long-distance routes, including sleeper options, all have fares under €60, offering holidaymakers “comfortable and affordable” journeys to the Black Sea and popular summer destinations, the operator said.
The Bucharest to Varna schedule will depart every day from Bucharest North at 10:46 am and arrivals in Varna at 7:56 pm, connecting the two cities in just over nine hours. Returns also leave in the morning, pulling out of Varna at 9:30 am, and into Bucharest at 4:56 pm. Single fares in second class come in at €27.
Travelling from Bucharest to Sofia, passengers will also depart Bucharest at 10:46 am, reaching Sofia nearly 10 hours later at 8:41 pm. The return train departs Sofia earlier in the morning, at 7:00 am, arriving in Bucharest at 4:56 pm. Second-class single tickets can be snapped up for just €33.60.
The overnight Istanbul service again leaves Bucharest North at 10:46 am with arrival at Istanbul Halkalı station in time for a Turkish breakfast at 9:56 am the following morning. Coming back the other way, trains depart Istanbul at 8:00 pm, reaching Bucharest at 4:56 pm the next day. A couchette accommodating four people can be secured from €57.80 one way.
The advent of the international summer schedule fits with a growing consumer appetite for sustainable travel, sleeper services, and rail adventures. “Through these direct international routes, CFR Călători supports passengers who choose to spend their holidays or vacations in Bulgaria and Turkey,” the rail operator said, announcing the schedules.
Tickets for international journeys can be purchased up to 90 days in advance of travel, in person from international CFR Călători stations and agencies, or online from the https://bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro/ro/booking/search webpage. There are a range of ways to receive proof of purchase. For destinations in Bulgaria and Türkiye, tickets can be collected from the train station or delivered by courier within Romania. For trips to Bulgaria, tickets can also be sent directly on passengers’ mobile devices. Interrail tickets can also be purchased at the same outlets and used for trips to both Bulgaria and Türkiye.
