Trains in Bulgaria

The train network in Bulgaria is operated by the Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ). You can look up train times on the Interrail train timetable or on the BDZ website.

Domestic trains in Bulgaria

Expresen Vlak

• ​Faster trains (routes: Sofia to Plovdiv, Sofia to Varna, Sofia to Burgas).

• Reservations are required (approximately €0.25, or BGN 0.50 in local currency).

Barz Vlak

• Local 'rapid' trains.

• No reservation needed.

Patnicheski

• Slower local trains.

• No reservation needed.

You can bring your bike on the train in Bulgaria. The fee is 2 BGN (Bulgarian lev, approximately €1) and you can pay this at the ticket desk. 

Which trains in Bulgaria require reservations?

• Expresen Vlak

• Cost: Approximately €0.25, or BGN 0.50 in local currency.

• You may have to pay an extra commission.

How can I make reservations for Expresen Vlak trains in Bulgaria?

• At Rila travel agencies, which you can find at train stations across Bulgaria.

• Check locations on the BDZ website.

• A reservation is called "zapazeno myasto" in Bulgarian.

Sofia has direct international train connections to several countries. Reservations are recommended.

*The train from Sofia to Istanbul ends at Istanbul Halkali station for an undefined period of time. This is a suburban station about 25 kilometers west of the city's central station.