Direct trains from Bucharest to Istanbul, Sofia, and Varna have resumed: schedule, prices, and where to buy tickets?

The Romanian railway operator CFR Călători has resumed seasonal service to Bulgaria and Turkey—tickets start at 27 euros. Find out the schedule for direct trains from Bucharest to Varna, Sofia, and Istanbul, and how to buy tickets

Book bus, train, plane tickets to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world

BUY

Romania’s national railway operator, CFR Călători, has resumed seasonal international service to Bulgaria and Turkey. Every day through mid-October, passengers will be able to travel on direct trains from Bucharest to Varna, Sofia, and Istanbul. Euronews reports this.

The seasonal service, called “România,” began on June 12 with the resumption of the Bucharest–Varna route. The following day, direct trains to Sofia and Istanbul resumed service. All routes will operate until October 12, with the exception of the route to Varna: the last train from there will depart on October 11.

Read also: New luxury rail route in Austria — Vienna to be connected to an Alpine alternative to Hallstatt.

Bucharest–Varna: A beach resort in 9 hours starting at 27 euros

The train to the Bulgarian resort city of Varna departs from Bucharest North Station at 10:46 a.m. and arrives at its destination at 7:56 p.m. Travel time is approximately 9 hours and 10 minutes.

In the opposite direction, the train departs from Varna at 09:30 and arrives in Bucharest at 16:56.

Second-class ticket prices start at 27 euros one way.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Bucharest — Sofia: The Bulgarian capital in less than 10 hours

The train to Sofia also departs from Bucharest at 10:46 a.m. and arrives in the Bulgarian capital at 8:41 p.m. The journey takes about 9 hours and 55 minutes.

The return trip departs from Sofia at 07:00 and arrives in Bucharest at 16:56.

Second-class ticket prices start at 33.60 euros one way.

Bucharest — Istanbul: a night train for 57.80 euros

For those traveling to Turkey, there is a night route available. The train departs from Bucharest at 10:46 and arrives at Istanbul-Halkali Station at 09:56 the following day. The total travel time is approximately 23 hours and 10 minutes.

In the opposite direction, the train departs from Istanbul at 8:00 p.m. and arrives in Bucharest at 4:56 p.m. the following day.

A seat in a four-berth sleeper car starts at 57.80 euros one way.

Where and when to buy tickets?

Ticket sales open 90 days before the departure date. You can purchase them through the official CFR Călători website or at ticket offices at train stations that sell international tickets. Interrail pass holders can also use these routes under the standard terms of their pass.

For Ukrainians planning a more complex itinerary — for example, first by bus to Bucharest, and then by train or plane to the next destination — it’s convenient to book all tickets in one place. Visit Ukraine is particularly well-suited for such multimodal trips: here you can find tickets for buses, trains, and flights without having to switch between multiple platforms.

We remind you! The organization Back-on-Track has created an interactive map of all night train routes in Europe for 2026. Read about which new lines have been added, which popular routes have been canceled, and why night trains are becoming increasingly popular among travelers.

Photo: bilahata / Freepik

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.