A direct train service connecting the popular European cities of Bucharest, Sofia, and Istanbul has recommenced for the summer, providing an affordable and convenient travel option for holidaymakers. The routes, operated by Romanian rail company CFR Calatori, began their seasonal operations on 12 June 2026 and are scheduled to run daily until 12 October 2026.
Travellers departing from Bucharest can now access direct connections to Sofia and Varna in Bulgaria, as well as an overnight service to Istanbul in Turkey. The daytime trains to Sofia and Varna leave Bucharesti Nord at 10:46 BST, arriving in Varna at 19:56 BST and Sofia at 20:41 BST respectively. Second-class tickets for these Bulgarian routes are available from approximately £23.40 (€27) each way.
For those looking to journey further, the overnight service to Istanbul Halkali offers a 23-hour trip, arriving at 09:56 BST the following day. Prices for this extended journey begin at around £50.10 (€57.80) for a four-seat berth car, presenting a budget-friendly alternative to air travel for those exploring the region.
CFR Calatori has highlighted that these direct international routes aim to support passengers choosing to spend their holidays in Bulgaria and Turkey, by offering a comfortable and economical travel solution. Tickets can be secured up to 90 days in advance, either online or directly from CFR Calatori stations, allowing for forward planning.
This reintroduction of services comes as Europe's rail network continues to see developments. Separately, a new long-distance direct train service is set to launch this month, linking major cities in Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland. Operated by Czech private rail company Leo Express, this daily service, starting from £8.65 (€10), will connect destinations such as Frankfurt, Leipzig, Dresden, Prague, and Kraków, with one end of the route being Przemyśl, near the Ukrainian border.
The resumption of these routes offers a more sustainable and scenic way to travel across Eastern Europe, appealing to a growing number of travellers looking for alternatives to flying. It also underscores the ongoing efforts by European rail operators to enhance connectivity and make train travel more accessible and appealing.