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Rail passengers can once again catch a direct train from Bucharest to Istanbul, Sofia and Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast this summer.
CFR Călători, Romania’s national rail operator, has restarted its seasonal international “România” service, with daily trains running to Varna, Sofia and Istanbul Halkalı until mid-October.
According to the operator, the direct international routes are designed to give travellers a “comfortable and affordable” travel option, particularly for summer holidays in Bulgaria and Türkiye.
The seasonal service began on 12 June with the return of the Bucharest-Varna route, while direct trains to Sofia and Istanbul resumed a day later. Services will operate until 12 October, with the Varna train ending one day earlier on 11 October for outbound departures.
The relaunch continues a growing trend across Europe towards international rail travel, as more passengers look for alternatives to short-haul flights and sleeper services enjoy renewed popularity.
Passengers can book tickets up to 90 days in advance, either online through CFR Călători’s website or at railway stations and ticket offices offering international ticket sales. The routes are also available to travellers using Interrail passes, the operator has confirmed.
The journeys
Bucharest to Varna: The train departs Bucharest North at 10:46 am and arrives in Varna at 7:56 pm, making the journey in around 9 hours 10 minutes. The return service leaves Varna at 9:30 am, arriving back in Bucharest at 4:56 pm. Second class tickets start from €27 one way.
Bucharest to Sofia: Passengers leave Bucharest at 10:46 am, reaching Sofia at 8:41 pm after a journey of approximately 9 hours 55 minutes. The return train departs Sofia at 7 am, arriving in Bucharest at 4:56 pm. Second class fares start from €33.60 one way.
Bucharest to Istanbul: For travellers heading further afield, the international train departs Bucharest North at 10:46 am and arrives at Istanbul Halkalı station at 09:56 am the following morning, making it an overnight journey of roughly 23 hours 10 minutes. The return service leaves Istanbul at 8 pm, reaching Bucharest at 4:56 pm the next day. A berth in a four-person couchette compartment starts from €57.80 one way.