Direct Rail Links Revived for the Summer Season

Romania’s national passenger rail operator, CFR Călători, has confirmed the return of direct international train services connecting the capital with three major Balkan destinations. The "România" train will operate daily between June 12 and October 12, 2026, restoring vital rail corridors to Varna, Sofia, and Istanbul. This seasonal schedule offers travelers a scenic and cost-effective alternative to flying or driving, linking Romania with Bulgaria and Turkey once again.

Schedules and Fares for Key Routes

The service to the Bulgarian Black Sea resort city of Varna resumes on June 12. Trains depart from Bucharest North station at 10:46 a.m., arriving in Varna at 7:56 p.m. A one-way second-class ticket is priced at EUR 27. Direct connections to Sofia and Istanbul/Halkalı begin the following day, June 13.

Passengers bound for the Bulgarian capital also depart Bucharest North at 10:46 a.m. The journey takes approximately 10 hours, with arrival in Sofia at 8:41 p.m. A second-class seat on this route costs EUR 33.6. For those heading to Turkey, the international service leaves Bucharest at 10:46 a.m. and arrives at Halkalı station in Istanbul at 9:56 a.m. the next morning. A berth in a four-person couchette compartment is available for EUR 57.8.

Booking Options and Interrail Compatibility

Tickets for these international journeys can be purchased up to 90 days in advance. Travelers can buy tickets at CFR Călători ticket offices authorized for international traffic or online via the company’s dedicated booking platform. For destinations in Bulgaria and Turkey, tickets can be collected at railway stations or delivered by courier within Romania. Those traveling to Bulgaria have the added convenience of receiving tickets electronically in PDF format.

CFR Călători has also confirmed that Interrail passes are valid for journeys to both Bulgaria and Turkey. The passes work in both continuous and flexible travel formats, making the resumed services attractive to European rail enthusiasts and backpackers looking to explore the region by train this summer.