Yet another exciting new train route has been added to Europe’s roster. The latest? That’d be the relaunch of Romanian national rail operator CFR Călători’s international summer services from Bucharest, which venture respectively to Varna, Sofia, and Istanbul Halkalı.
Designed to offer travellers a ‘comfortable and affordable’ alternative to flying, according to euronews, the trains are aimed at travellers who have summer holidays booked in Bulgaria and Türkiye.
If you’re keen to get organised, you can book a ticket on any of the three services up to 90 days in advance, through the CFR Călători official website or at train station ticket offices. Got an interrail pass? These routes are available to you, too.
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Which routes have been relaunched and how much are tickets?
The first service to be re-inaugurated was the Bucharest-Varna route, which ferries travellers from the Romanian capital to the coastal Bulgarian city (a popular summer holiday destination) in nine hours and 10 minutes.
It departs from Bucharest North at 10.46am, arriving in Varna at 7.56pm, and the return service leaves the coast at 9.30am and arrives at 4.56pm. Tickets for this start at just €27.
Bucharest to Sofia is a slightly longer journey, totalling nine hours and 55 minutes. The outbound service leaves Bucharest at 10.46am and arrives in Sofia at 8.41pm, while the return leaves earlier at 7am and arrives back at 4.56pm. Starting fares for this journey are €33.60.
Lastly is the leg to Istanbul, which totals a hefty 23 hours and 10 minutes, with tickets in a four-person compartment starting at €57.80. After the 10.46am departure, this train arrives in the Turkish capital at 9.56am the following morning, leaving Istanbul at 8pm for the return to Bucharest just before 5pm the following evening.
It’s worth noting that the services aren’t a permanent fixture: the train to Varna will conclude on October 11, with the ones to Sofia and Istanbul ceasing on October 12.
Why you should book
If you’re after a less spoiled and far less busy alternative to a summer holiday on the Med, the Black Sea could be your answer.
Varna is the largest resort on the coast and is known as Bulgaria’s maritime capital. Along with plenty of beaches, it has a Roman Baths complex in the city centre, as well as one of the country’s largest museums in the Varna Archaeological Museum.
Sofia is one of ’s favourite budget-friendly city breaks, and brags not just Roman ruins, Byzantine architecture and nods to its communist past, but also plenty of cheap local wine, beer and food, arguably best enjoyed on a free Balkan food tour.
Lastly, Istanbul is a city lined with standout beaches as well as hundreds of years of Euro-Asian history, stunning architecture and places of worship, and seriously knock-out food. Have a read of our guide to all things Istanbul.
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