Last updated on March 17, 2026
Bulgaria by train: Ultimate survival guide
Traveling by train in Bulgaria is one of the best ways to see the country if your itinerary allows it.
The Bulgaria rail network isn’t particularly fast and the trains are rarely modern, but they are surprisingly reliable and connect most major cities and many smaller towns. More importantly, some of the routes pass through landscapes you would never see from a highway.
If you’re considering using Bulgaria trains during your trip, it helps to know a few things beforehand: how the timetable works, where to buy tickets, which trains are worth choosing, and what small quirks still exist in the Bulgarian railways system.
Once you know what to expect, traveling by train here becomes much easier and even part of the adventure.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click through and book or buy something, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
These resources will help you plan your trip to Bulgaria:
- Flights: I compare prices on Kiwi, Skyscanner, and Omio.
- Accommodation: I mostly book with Booking, Vrbo, and Agoda.
- Tours & activities: I plan with GetYourGuide and Viator.
- Transfers: If i need an airport pickups or a transfer, I’d go to GetTransfer.
- Car rental: I compare prices on LocalRent or GetRentACar
- Mobile internet: Use eSIMs like Saily.
- Travel insurance: I usually check HeyMondo (5% off) or SafetyWing.
Types of Bulgarian trains and which one to choose
When using Bulgaria trains, the first thing to look at is surprisingly simple: is the train direct, or does it require changes?
This matters more than the official train category. The Bulgarian rail network is extensive, but connections are not always designed for smooth transfers. A route that looks efficient on paper can quickly turn into a long day of waiting on platforms.
Direct trains
If you have the option, choose a direct train.
Direct trains are usually the fastest and least stressful way to travel across the Bulgarian rail network. You board once, stay in your seat, and get off at your destination. No transfers, no guessing which platform you need next.
That said, “fast” in Bulgarian railways terms should be understood in context. Even the faster services are rarely comparable to Western European high-speed trains.
Still, avoiding transfers removes the main source of uncertainty in the system.
Trains with changes
Some routes in the Bulgaria rail network require changing trains along the way.
This means getting off one train and boarding another, often in smaller regional stations. Occasionally the connection works smoothly. Other times the timing is less forgiving.
If your first train runs late, the second one may wait – or it may leave without you. And if the connection time is long, you could be standing on a quiet rural platform for quite a while.
In summer that means heat.
In winter it means cold.
Sometimes the change does take you through places most travelers never see, which can be interesting if you’re not in a hurry. But if your goal is simply getting from A to B, direct trains are usually the better choice.
Bulgarian State Railways train types
On the official BDZ (Bulgarian State Railways) website, you’ll see a legend explaining different train categories and icons. The descriptions there are not always particularly clear, so here’s what travelers actually need to know.
These are the main types of trains you’ll encounter when using Bulgaria trains:
- IC-INT (International trains) – these are cross-border services operated by Bulgarian Railways. Currently they connect Bulgaria with Bucharest (Romania) and Halkalı / Istanbul (Turkey).
- ICF (Intercity Fast trains) – They stop only at major stations and usually use slightly newer rolling stock (though “new” is a flexible concept here). A seat reservation is mandatory, typically adding around €0.50 to the ticket price.
- EXP (Express trains) – In practice, EXP trains no longer operate. Most of them have been replaced by ICF services.
- SU (Suburban trains) – Suburban (commuter) trains connect major cities with nearby towns and villages. They are designed mainly for daily commuting rather than long-distance travel. You’ll encounter them around larger cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna.
REG / ORD (Regional trains) – These are the most common trains on the Bulgaria rail network. Regional trains stop at almost every station along the line, which makes them slower but useful if you’re traveling to smaller towns that faster trains skip. If your destination is somewhere rural, there is a good chance you’ll end up on one of these.
Stef’s local tip
If you browse the BDZ legend, you may notice icons for bistro and restaurant cars.
In theory, they exist.
In practice, many travelers (myself included) have never seen them. Treat them as a pleasant surprise rather than something to rely on.
According to BDZ’s official Facebook page, bistro wagons sometimes operate:
- During the summer season (June 15 – September 15)
- On route Sofia – Burgas – Sofia (trains 3601 and 3602)
- On route Sofia – Varna – Sofia (trains 2601 and 2602)
Until proven otherwise, assume there will be no food service on your train and bring your own snacks.
If I ever encounter one of these bistro wagons in the wild, I’ll update this guide. For now, consider them a rare sight on the Bulgaria trains network.
Types of seats and classes on Bulgarian trains
Another way to understand Bulgaria trains is by the type of seating or sleeping arrangement available on board.
Most trains in the Bulgarian rail network are simple seated carriages, but on certain routes – especially longer journeys – you’ll also find sleeping compartments.
Here’s what the options usually look like:
- First class – First class is available only on certain trains and routes within Bulgarian Railways. The difference is not dramatic, but it’s noticeable. Seats are usually larger and more comfortable, and the carriages tend to be quieter and less crowded.
- Second class – Second class is the default option on most Bulgaria trains and by far the most common. These carriages are perfectly usable and widely available across the entire Bulgarian rail network, though comfort levels can vary depending on the age of the train. It’s part of the experience.
- Seat reservations – On some trains – especially ICF (Intercity Fast) services – seat reservations are mandatory. The reservation usually costs around €0.50 and is added to the ticket price.
- Sleeping car (berth) – Sleeping cars appear on some overnight Bulgaria trains, particularly on the Sofia – Burgas – Sofia and Sofia – Varna – Sofia routes. When booking online, this option is usually listed as a “berth.”
- Couchette – A couchette is the more basic version of a sleeping compartment. You’ll still get a horizontal bunk, but the setup is simpler and shared with more passengers.
Attraction trains
There is another category of Bulgaria trains that doesn’t appear in the official BDZ (Bulgarian State Railways) legend at all: attraction trains.
These are special trains used for tourist journeys, historical demonstrations, or occasional themed trips. They don’t operate on regular schedules and usually require separate booking or advance announcements from Bulgarian Railways.
At the moment, there are five attraction trains operating within the Bulgaria rail network:
- Rhodope Narrow Gauge Railway – The Rhodope Narrow Gauge Railway runs between Septemvri and Dobrinishte, crossing deep valleys and high mountain passes in the Rhodope Mountains. This is the last surviving narrow-gauge railway in Bulgaria, and it moves slowly enough that the landscape becomes part of the experience.
- Corona Express – The Corona Express consists of historic railcars built in Germany between 1938 and 1939 for the royal family of Bulgaria. These carriages were originally used for the official travels of Tsar Boris III, Tsarina Ioanna, and Prince Kiril.
- Vitosha Express – The Vitosha Express represents a different chapter of Bulgarian history. Built in Germany in 1975, this train composition was used by Todor Zhivkov, the long-time head of state during the socialist period.
- Steam locomotive trains – Several restored steam locomotive compositions are still operational in Bulgaria. Riding behind one of these engines is less about efficiency and more about atmosphere – the whistle, the coal smoke, and the slow rhythm of old rail travel.
- Diesel Train Unit 19 0001 – А restored retro train with both first- and second-class seating. Its most distinctive feature is the fully equipped bar, which changes the mood of the journey quite a bit.
Now, let’s understand how Bulgarian railways timetables and ticket systems work – because that part of the experience deserves its own explanation.
Reading the Bulgarian train timetable
As of 2026, BDZ (Bulgarian State Railways) is still the only operator running passenger trains in the country. Until that changes, the entire Bulgaria rail network operates under a single timetable system, which makes route planning relatively straightforward.
You simply enter your departure and arrival stations, and the system displays all available Bulgaria trains for that route.
That said, it’s still useful to understand how the timetable works. The interface is fairly clear, but small details – like transfers, seat types, or hidden connection times – can change how convenient a journey actually is. And those details are easy to miss at first glance.
Fortunately, the current system is also the most reliable version BDZ has had so far.
To see how it works, let’s look at a typical example: traveling from Sofia to Ruse.
When you search this route, you’ll usually see several options. Two common ones might look something like this.
Example 1: Direct train
The first option is a direct train.
In most cases, this is the best choice. Direct trains are usually faster, simpler, and sometimes even cheaper than routes that require transfers. More importantly, they remove the risk of missing a connection somewhere along the way.
On the far left of the timetable you’ll see:
- Departure and arrival stations: Sofia → Ruse
- Departure and arrival times: for example 20:10 – 02:33
Next to that, the system shows several key details:
- Train type: for example Fast train
- Train number: for example 9647
- Total travel time: 6 hours 23 minutes
If you click on “More information” the system expands the details. In this case there are no surprises – the journey is exactly what it looks like.
On the right side you’ll also see small icons. These indicate what type of seating is available on that particular train. In this example: 2nd class seating
Example 2: Train with a change
The second option is marked as the fastest but involves two transfers.
In this case, you would first travel from Sofia to Sofia Sever, switch trains to Gorna Oryahovitsa, then switch trains and continue from Gorna Oryahovitsa to Ruse.
At first glance, the timetable only shows one train type and number, along with icons indicating Electric multiple unit train.
However, the important details appear once you click “More information”.
Now the system reveals the full journey.
Now you see all train numbers and types, available seating types and all the stops and transfer waits.
In this example:
- You have 10 minutes to transfer to the second train
- The second train offers second-class seating only
- You have 17 minutes to transfer to the third train
- The third train offer second-class seating only and requires seat reservation
This is exactly why expanding the details matters. These are the kind of details you want to notice before buying the ticket – not when you arrive at a train station you’ve never been to before.
Train tickets
Buying tickets for Bulgaria trains is fairly straightforward. The most convenient option is usually purchasing them online through the BDZ system, which can save you a trip to the ticket counter.
However, the online platform still doesn’t include the full range of services available at BDZ ticket offices. Some special tickets, discounts, or more complex routes may still require buying in person.
For most standard journeys across the Bulgaria rail network, though, the online system works perfectly well.
Online train tickets
Purchasing an online ticket
To purchase tickets online, use the official Bulgarian Railways booking platform: bileti.bdz.bg
The process is relatively simple and only takes a few minutes.
Step 1: Create an account
- Go to: bileti.bdz.bg/register
- Register for an account before booking your first ticket.
- Make sure the name you enter matches your ID document exactly, as this may be checked during ticket inspection. After registering, confirm your account using the verification email sent by BDZ.
Step 2: Search for your trip
- Visit bileti.bdz.bg and enter your: Departure station; Arrival station; Departure date; Return date (if needed)
- The system will show available Bulgaria trains for your route.
- You can book tickets for up to five passengers, but you’ll need to enter each passenger’s personal details during the process.
Step 3: Select travel details
- Choose your class of travel: 1st class; 2nd class; Sleeping cabin (if available)
- Then click “Choose Scheme” to open the seat map.
- Seats marked in white are available, and you can select your preferred one directly.
- It’s worth paying attention to your assigned seat. Some Bulgarian railways routes fill up quickly, and if you’re sitting in someone else’s reserved seat, they will usually ask you to move.
Step 4: Make the payment
- Proceed to payment and select BORIKA if you want to pay by card.
- There is also an ePay option, but this requires having an account registered on the ePay platform.
- Once payment is completed, your digital ticket will be issued through the system and can be shown during ticket inspection.
Using an online ticket
After purchasing a ticket through the Bulgarian Railways (BDZ) system, the ticket will be sent to your email and also appear in your account under the “Tickets” section on the BDZ website.
When boarding Bulgaria trains, you don’t need to print anything. The conductor will simply scan the ticket on your phone during inspection, so keep it accessible during the journey.
Cancelling an online ticket
If your plans change, you can cancel an unused ticket as long as it’s still within the allowed cancellation window.
The deadlines are:
- Up to 3 hours before departure for standard seat tickets
- Up to 24 hours before departure for sleeping cabin tickets
After that point, the ticket can no longer be cancelled.
To cancel your ticket in the system:
- Go to Profile → Tickets
- Select the ticket you want to cancel
- Click the “X – cancellation” button next to the printing option
- You’ll then see a confirmation message. Unfortunately, this message is not translated into English, but the process is simple – click “Send” to confirm the cancellation request.
- Once submitted, the refund will be processed by Bulgarian Railways and returned via bank transfer.
Refunds and cancellation fees
BDZ does not issue full refunds for cancelled tickets.
A 10% cancellation fee is deducted from the ticket price, and the seat reservation fee (around €0.50) is non-refundable.
Refunds are typically processed within 30 days after the cancellation is confirmed, so it may take some time before the amount appears in your bank account. This is normal for the BDZ ticket system and doesn’t usually indicate a problem with the request.
Stef’s local tips
- Not all trains are available online. In theory, tickets for passenger trains marked ПВ (ORD) and suburban trains marked КПВ (SUB) can’t be purchased online. These abbreviations appear before the train number in the timetable. That said, the system occasionally allows it, so it’s always worth trying – the website will simply tell you if online purchase isn’t possible.
- You can only buy tickets within a short time window. The BDZ online system allows ticket purchases up to 5 days before departure and no later than 3 hours before the train leaves.
- Return tickets often don’t work online. The Bulgarian Railways booking system sometimes refuses round-trip tickets. You can try selecting a return journey, but if it doesn’t work you’ll have to buy two one-way tickets, which means missing the small discount usually included with return tickets.
- Check the timetable first, then buy the ticket. Occasionally, you’ll notice that some Bulgaria trains appear in the BDZ timetable but not in the ticket system (and sometimes the opposite). When that happens, it’s safer to trust the timetable and avoid booking trains that aren’t listed there.
- If your trip requires a transfer, search each segment separately. The system doesn’t always show combined tickets for journeys with changes. If you can’t find your full route (for example Sofia → Plovdiv → Dyulevo), try booking each ticket individually.
- Traveling with a bike requires buying your ticket at the station. You’ll need a bike pass, which unfortunately can’t be purchased online. Both your train ticket and the bike ticket must be bought at a BDZ ticket office.
Check the current restrictions before booking. BDZ occasionally updates the limitations of the online system. You can find the latest notes on bileti.bdz.bg while logged out of your account, usually displayed on the side of the page.
Tickets at the train station
You can always buy tickets for Bulgaria trains directly at a BDZ ticket office at the train station. This can be done either on the day of travel or in advance, depending on the route.
In some cases, buying at the station is actually the better option. The BDZ online system still doesn’t cover every ticket type available across the Bulgarian rail network.
One small complication involves sleeping cabins. Sometimes you cannot reserve them ahead of time and need to upgrade after boarding the train. The exact rules for when this applies are not always clear, so if a sleeper is important for your journey, it’s worth asking the staff at the ticket office.
You’ll need to buy your ticket at the station if:
- You want a return ticket with the standard BDZ discount
- You’re traveling internationally
- The train you need doesn’t appear in the online ticket system
- You’re traveling with a bicycle and need a bike pass
Tickets on the train
If none of the other options work, you can also buy a ticket directly on board.
This situation usually happens when you board at a small stop that doesn’t have a ticket office, which is fairly common on parts of the Bulgaria rail network.
In that case, the conductor who checks tickets will sell you one during inspection.
I’ve personally never had to do this, but it’s widely known that tickets purchased on the train can be slightly more expensive than buying them in advance. The difference is usually small – typically a couple of euros, not a major surcharge.
Stef’s local tip
If you plan to buy your ticket this way, make sure to bring cash, as card payments are generally not available on board Bulgarian trains.
Tickets from a station machine
Some larger stations on the Bulgarian rail network also have self-service ticket machines.
These machines are fairly straightforward to use and include an English language option, which makes them a practical alternative if the ticket office is busy.
The process is simple:
- Enter your departure station, arrival station, and travel date
- Choose one-way or return ticket
- Select your preferred train
- Enter the number of passengers
The machine will then display the final ticket price. After confirming your selection, you’ll have the option to enter any discount pass details if applicable.
Payment is made by credit or debit card, and the machine prints your ticket immediately.
Using international rail passes in Bulgaria
If you plan to travel mainly by train across the Bulgaria rail network, international rail passes can sometimes be a convenient option.
These passes are typically purchased through providers like Rail Europe, which distribute Eurail passes covering multiple European countries, including Bulgarian Railways (BDZ).
To check available passes:
- Go to the Rail Europe website
- Open the Rail Passes section
- Select your destination country
- Enter your travel details (including your country of residence, travel dates, and number of passengers).
For Bulgaria trains, there are usually two relevant pass options.
Eurail Global Pass (multi-country)
The Eurail Global Pass allows travel across multiple European countries, including Bulgaria.
There are two main versions:
- Eurail Global Mobile Pass (Continuous) – This pass allows unlimited train travel during the validity period. Available durations typically include 15 or 22 days; 1, 2 or 3 months. This option makes sense if you plan to travel frequently across several countries.
- Eurail Global Mobile Pass (Flex) – The flexible version gives you a set number of travel days within a longer period. Example 1: 4, 5, or 7 travel days within 1 month; Example 2: 10 or 15 travel days within 2 months. You only activate a travel day when you actually take a train.
Both Global Pass options allow you to choose 1st or 2nd class.
Eurail Bulgaria Pass (single country)
If you plan to explore only Bulgaria by train, the Eurail Bulgaria Mobile Pass may be more practical.
This pass is valid for one month from the start date you select, and within that period you choose how many travel days you want: 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8 days.
Like the Global Pass, you can choose 1st or 2nd class.
Stef’s local tip
If you’re considering a 1st-class pass, it’s worth checking your planned routes first in the BDZ timetable. Many trains simply don’t offer 1st class at all. If most of the trains on your itinerary actually offer 1st class, the upgrade might make sense. If they don’t, there’s little reason to pay extra.
Bulgaria rail network: where you can travel by train
The Bulgaria rail network is fairly extensive and connects most major cities and regional towns. That said, it doesn’t reach everywhere, so some destinations still require a bus or car for the final stretch.
Below you can see the official map of the Bulgarian railway infrastructure.
*Map of Bulgarian rail routes and infrastructure; Source: https://www.rail-infra.bg/en/12
In general, Southern Bulgaria is particularly well connected. Cities such as Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas, and Stara Zagora are linked by multiple rail routes, which makes traveling between them relatively straightforward.
Northern Bulgaria is also easy to navigate if you stay within that half of the country.
Where things become less direct is when you try to travel between northern and southern Bulgaria. The Balkan Mountains run through the middle of the country, and there are only three rail routes that cross the mountains.
As a result, trips between the two halves of the country often require at least one train change, and sometimes more depending on your departure time and the route you choose.
BDZ (Bulgarian Railways) contact information
Hopefully you won’t need to contact BDZ customer support while traveling on Bulgaria trains. But if you do, here are the main ways to reach Bulgarian Railways or find the information you need.
BDZ call center:
- +359 2 931 11 11
- English-language support is available Monday-Friday from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Outside those hours, the line may still work, but responses are usually pre-recorded messages rather than a live operator.
Other resources:
- If you’re traveling within Bulgaria, you can find phone numbers and working hours for domestic railway information desks here
- If you’re traveling internationally by train, check the international railway information desks here
- If you need to check the train timetable, use the official BDZ schedule system here
- If you want to see whether your train is delayed, BDZ provides live updates on these pages: BDZ Live online timetable and BDZ Live updates information
Stef’s local tips
- In summer, take early morning or night trains. Older wagons can get very hot during the day.
- Bring water and snacks. Food service on Bulgaria trains is rare.
- Bring toilet paper or tissues. Some trains run out quickly.
- Avoid toilets in older wagons if possible. They are… not always pleasant.
- Carry a power bank. Electrical outlets don’t exist on every train – and when they do, they may not work.
- Download entertainment in advance. There is no Wi-Fi on the Bulgarian railways network, so download e-books, movies, music, or podcasts before your trip. You can also check BDZ’s small collection of railway-themed books and PDFs.
- A book or e-reader works just as well. Bulgarian train journeys can be long but surprisingly peaceful.
- Travel on weekdays if possible. Trains tend to be less crowded outside weekends and holidays.
- Don’t rely on the last train before a flight or important event. Delays do happen. Taking an earlier train is usually the safer option.
- Traveling with a bicycle requires a bike ticket. Here’s the official BDZ information page (the English version is not updated, so use a live translation of this one).
- Book a sleeper cabin if traveling overnight. It makes long journeys across the Bulgaria rail network much easier.
- Watch the platform numbers carefully. At some stations, you may see letters next to the track number (for example in Plovdiv, where you might see something like 1глу). This usually indicates a secondary platform located in a different area, so if you’re unsure, it’s best to ask a station employee or another passenger.
- Keep your phone or camera charged. Some routes across the Bulgaria rail network pass through genuinely beautiful landscapes, especially in mountain regions and river valleys. You’ll likely want photos.
- BDZ occasionally runs heritage and charter journeys. You can check the official tariff page orr contact them directly at +359 887 003 229 (08:00-16:45).
FAQs
Are trains in Bulgaria bad?
No, Bulgaria trains are not bad, but expectations should be realistic. Most trains in the Bulgarian railways system are quite old and relatively slow compared to Western European rail networks. That said, they are generally reliable and perfectly usable for traveling around the country.
Are Bulgarian trains on time?
Most Bulgaria trains follow their scheduled timetable. You’ll often hear people say that Bulgarian railways are unreliable, but the situation has improved quite a bit over the years. In my experience, delays are usually minor – often just a few minutes.
How do you buy train tickets in Bulgaria?
For most Bulgaria trains, you can buy tickets through the BDZ online ticket system. If online purchase isn’t available for your train, you can still buy tickets at a train station ticket office, from a ticket machine at the station, or on board the train from the conductor.
Does Bulgaria have a train system?
Yes. Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) operates the national rail service. The Bulgaria rail network connects all major cities and many smaller towns and stations across the country. It also includes international routes linking Bulgaria with neighboring countries.
How fast are trains in Bulgaria?
Trains in Bulgaria are not particularly fast, which is why many locals prefer buses or car sharing for shorter trips. Despite the slower speeds, trains remain a comfortable and reliable way to travel, especially for longer distances where the journey itself becomes part of the experience.
Are Bulgarian trains air-conditioned?
Most Bulgaria trains do not have air conditioning, or the systems may not always work reliably. During summer, this can make daytime travel quite hot. In winter, trains do have heating. However, older carriages may still feel cold because the windows are not always well sealed.
Where can I find the train schedule for Bulgaria?
You can check the official BDZ train timetable at https://razpisanie.bdz.bg/en. This is the main place to search routes, check departure times, and explore connections across the Bulgarian railways network.
What is the closest country to Bulgaria by train?
The easiest international train connections from Bulgaria are to Romania and Turkey. There are routes connecting Bulgaria with Bucharest and Istanbul, making them the most straightforward cross-border train journeys from the Bulgaria rail network.
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Stefani Gospodinova
Founder and Content Creator
Stefani is a travel content creator born and raised in Bulgaria, and the founder of Kiss My Backpack. Having explored the country since childhood, she shares practical tips, local insights, and her own photography to help visitors plan their trip.
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