Romania’s national rail operator, CFR Călători, has resumed its seasonal international train services linking Bucharest with Bulgaria and Turkey for the summer travel season.
The restored routes provide direct rail connections from the Romanian capital to Varna, Sofia and Istanbul, offering travelers an alternative to air travel for summer holidays in the Balkans and along the Black Sea coast.
Tickets are available up to 90 days before departure through CFR Călători’s official sales channels and can also be used by Interrail pass holders.
Direct Trains Return To Varna
The seasonal service between Bucharest and :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} operates with a journey time of approximately 9 hours and 10 minutes.
Trains depart Bucharest at 10:46 and arrive in the Bulgarian Black Sea resort city at 19:56. The return service leaves Varna at 09:30 and reaches Bucharest at 16:56.
Fares start from €27 one way, and the route is scheduled to operate until 11 October.
Varna remains one of Bulgaria’s most popular summer destinations, known for its beaches, Roman baths and archaeological attractions.
Sofia Connection Available Until October
CFR Călători has also restored direct services between Bucharest and :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
The journey takes approximately 9 hours and 55 minutes, with trains departing Bucharest at 10:46 and arriving in the Bulgarian capital at 20:41.
Return services leave Sofia at 07:00 and arrive in Bucharest at 16:56.
Ticket prices start from €33.60, and the route will operate through 12 October.
Sofia continues to attract visitors with its historic landmarks, affordable prices and vibrant food scene.
Overnight Service To Istanbul
The longest route in the summer programme connects Bucharest with :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} via the city’s Halkalı railway station.
The journey takes approximately 23 hours and 10 minutes. Trains depart Bucharest at 10:46 and arrive in Istanbul at 09:56 the following morning.
The return service leaves Istanbul at 20:00 and reaches Bucharest around 17:00 the next day.
Fares in four-berth sleeper compartments start from €57.80.
The Istanbul service will also operate until 12 October.
Alternative To Summer Flights
The seasonal rail links are being promoted as a comfortable and affordable alternative to flying, particularly for travelers heading to Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast or Turkey’s largest city.
With direct services, overnight accommodation options and competitive fares, the routes offer another transport choice for visitors exploring southeastern Europe during the peak summer season.
