elf2kk
Traveller
19 comments
Posted 9 years ago
Hi folks
I'm hoping you kind people can help me. We (family of 2 adults and 2 children) tend to travel over the summer months. As noted above is the beginning but I'm trying to establish a cost for the train travel to give us some idea of cost. I know most don't publish prices until 90 days before but is there a way to get a ballpark figure? Also would it be cheaper to get the Balkan flexi-pass? If so, do you have to pay extra if you are taking the overnight trains?
Thank you.
Elf
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
Hi Elf!
The Balkan Flexi pass makes no sense as the only country where it is valid on your trip would be Romania - or have you planned on travelling to other countries too?
Especially if your kids are under 11 a 5in10 Interrail pass may be interesting as your children would travel for free then: [u]https://rail.cc/en/interrail-global-pass[/u]
However you should then think about adding one extra destination to make full use of the 5 travel days.
If you want to make a longer trip which would last more than the ten day period of the Interrail pass you will have to buy single tickets.
Prague - Krakow buy at Czech Railways at [u]https://rail.shop/cd[/u]
Krakow - Budapest cannot be bought online you have to do it at a station. There are special fare deals from 39€ however these have limited availability and have to bought at least three days in advance. Normal fare is about 80€ per person; children under 12 pay half fare.
Budapest - Brasov can be bought online from Hungarian Railways at [ux]https://rail.shop/mav[/ux]
Brasov - Bucuresti can be bought online from Romanian Railways at [u]https://rail.shop/cfr[/u]
You can search prices for dates prior to the 90 day booking period (which is 60 day for trains to/from Poland) to get an impression on fares.
Flo 8)
elf2kk
Traveller
19 comments
Hi Flo
Thank you so much for your response. I didn't want to put people off answering my query so I just put down the first leg of it :os
We are still at the planning stage so from Bucharest we plan to travel to Plovdiv, Sofia, Skopje, Tirana, Kosovo, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Zagreb and Bratislava. 8)
Knowing this do you reckon Balkan pass or inter-rail pass would be better? Children are 13 and 10.
Thank you kindly again for responding, it is greatly appreciated.
Elf
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
Could you think of starting your trip in Krakow? This would make onward travelling much easier/more comfortable, as the daytime connections from Krakow towards Bratislava/Budapest are quite bad and the night train arrives really early in Bratislava.
Similarly, do you have a fixed city where you want to finish your trip? Going back all the way to Bratislava seems a bit odd for me.
The Balkan Flexi Pass is valid in RO, BG, TR, GR, MK, RS, MNE, BIH. Buy it locally as it is much more expensive if you buy it online through an agency. 7 travel days within one month 120€ for adults, 60€ for children up to 12 years in 2nd class. Dont bother with 1st class as many trains do not offer 1st class. If you want to travel 1st class on a particular stretch of route you can buy an upgrade locally.
To travel to Albania you will have to rely on buses; when going to Kosovo pay attention to the current immigration rules, especially on the border to Serbia. You can go to Kosovo by train from Skopje, but I think it is then not possible to continue directly into Serbia, you would have to travel back via Skopje.
Overall I think you would be better off with a combination of regular tickets plus Balkan Flexi Pass.
elf2kk
Traveller
19 comments
Much appreciated. Starting point and finish we had thought of Prague due to such low flight costs. I'm stuck at the moment from Bucharest to Sofia as it seems the night train has been suspended and spending over 9 hours on a day train with children doesn't appeal so might break that journey up.
Upon reflection I also think we will miss Kosovo. Rethink is now needed!
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
Have a look at Wizzair which would fly Belfast - Katowice; from there it is about two hours to Krakow.
Split and Dubrovnik could also serve as airports for flying home probably?
Have a look at Veliko Tarnovo as intermediate stop between Bucuresti and Plovdiv, before heading to Sofia.
Since the Sofia - Beograd night train can be a bit shabby and you would have to change at Nis to the night train to Skopje (or stay overnight) I would recommend adding Thessaloniki to your list and travel Sofia - Thessaloniki - Skopje.
In Macedonia, Ohrid would also be interesting from where you should be able to continue to Albania by bus.
Then it would also be interesting to go to Montenegro and take the train from there back to Belgrade... :)
elf2kk
Traveller
19 comments
Excellent suggestions thank you so much. My concern with flights with WizzAir is the time - late at night with children could be a challenge but will give it some further thought.
Many thanks Flo
elf2kk
Traveller
19 comments
Flo could I check this route with you?
Krakow - Budapest - Brasov - Bucharest - Veliko Franovo - Plovdiv - Sofia - Thessaloniki - Skopje - Belgrade - Zagreb - Split
Would you foresee any problems with this route or make any suggestions for changes? I know we are missing out a few places but it's getting complicated to fit in Tirana and Sarajevo unless I have missed something?
Many thanks
Elf
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
Looks good to me. What about Prague and Bratislava, are you skipping these too?
You could fit in Sarajevo by using a bus from Belgrade there; Sarajevo - Zagreb can be done by train.
elf2kk
Traveller
19 comments
Had a change of plan, will start with Prague but yes going to miss Bratislava and Sarajevo. Looking at the time available I believe this is the best option for us. Based on this do you still reckon the flexi-pass and point to point the most suitable?
Many thanks again.
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
Well, the 10in22 would not cover all journeys and you havent told me your overall timeframe yet. ;)
A Balkan Flexi Pass for 5 days would cover Bucharest - Belgrade except for one trip in Bulgaria for 88€ adult, 44€ child.
The reason I recommend the 5 day pass is that if you buy the BFP in Romania, only a direct journey to/from the border is allowed (similar regulations are valid for instance when you would buy the BFP in Serbia; but not in Greece - this is different from country to country).
Then you would also need Brasov - Bucuresti which is about 11€ full fare and either Veliko Tarnovo - Plovdiv or Plovdiv - Sofia, both of which wont be much more than 5€ or so if bought locally.
Beograd - Zagreb will be between 30 and 40€; I cant tell you the exact fare.
Zagreb - Split is about 30€.
Prices/Links for Prague - Brasov I have listed above; as you can buy advance fare tickets on most parts of this route (except for Krakow - Budapest) you would have to look for prices yourself on different dates to get an impression. ;)
Unless you could manage to cover your whole route with a 10in22 Interrail I think you would be better off with regular tickets plus BFP.
elf2kk
Traveller
19 comments
My head is pickled with this part, but I won't let it beat me 8)
I was thinking of using 17 days for the trip. What is confusing is that when I tried to get a price for say an overnight with 4 couchettes from Prague to Krakow or Krakow to Budapest with the exchange rate it was quoting me £265 :o I really must be doing something wrong surely it can't be that price? Which is why I thought the Interail 10 in 22 would be better but I didn't realise I couldn't use it on certain journeys.
Any additional help would be appreciated. Thank you.
Elf
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
Where did you look for prices Prague - Krakow and Krakow - Budapest?
17 days would include the stays in Prague at the beginning and in Split at the end of the trip?
elf2kk
Traveller
19 comments
We would add more days at Split to relax a little longer in one place before flying home.
For the prices I went through a link from this site MAVSTART to check the Prague to Krakow route.
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
For Prague to Krakow use the website of Czech Railways: [u]https://rail.shop/cd[/u]
Prague - Krakow on the night train in a 4bed couchette would be 120€ for all four of you (I've been looking for Tuesday in one weeks time).
Krakow - Budapest cannot be bought online as I said before; the full fare is 80€, your younger child would be eligible for half fare price.
Reservation costs for the night train: [u]https://rail.cc/en/interrail-night-train/krakow-budapest-en-402/124[/u]
elf2kk
Traveller
19 comments
Thank you so much.
For the Sofia - Thessaloniki - Skopje route am I correct in thinking the trains are back on? Can you provide me with the link for this information?
Thank you
Elf
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
Pete and I travelled Beograd - Thessaloniki and Thessaloniki - Sofia last September, so the trains are running again. ;)
However, due to a derailment because of flood damage the line is currently closed in Greece and a rail replacement service is in order.
[u]http://www.trainose.gr/en/passenger-activity/international-services/international-railway-services/[/u]
[u]https://rail.cc/blog/belgrade-thessaloniki-train-video/[/u]
elf2kk
Traveller
19 comments
Beautiful photographs 8)
Just a few more questions if you don't mind?
Firstly, would you recommend I attempt to pre-book as much of the overnight journeys I can before we go? Secondly, would you recommend the European Rail Timetable Summer Edition - would this provide us with up-to-date information for our needs?
Are there any further tips you could recommend?
Thank you so much for your help.
Elf
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
Yeah, I'd certainly book at least the Prague - Krakow train beforehand and if possible also the Krakow - Budapest night train.
From Budapest to Brasov you have three available trains so it should be fine to get the reservations on the go.
I'd recommend getting the ERT; either the summer edition or the latest monthly edition available. Have a look here: [u]https://rail.cc/blog/european-rail-timetable/[/u]
elf2kk
Traveller
19 comments
I will book the Prague to Krakow overnight train as you suggest. How do I go about booking the Budapest to Brasov as it doesn't appear I can do this online?
Would you suggest I book the rest of the overnight journeys as I arrive in each destination?
Thanks again for all your help.
Oh, will be purchasing the ERT, is there a specific link I can use through this site?
Thanks
Elf
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
You can phone up Deutsche Bahn hotline, they should be able to book both Krakow - Budapest and Budapest - Brasov reservations.
Anyway, it would be cheaper to buy them locally in Prague.
What other night train journeys have you planned except for Prague - Krakow - Budapest - Brasov? Cant think of any... :)
Buy the ERT online on their website at [u]http://europeanrailtimetable.eu/[/u] :)
elf2kk
Traveller
19 comments
Overnight trains are as follows:
Prague - Krakow
Krakow - Budapest
Budapest - Brasov
Skopje - Belgrade
Zagreb - Split
Thank you very much.
Elf
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
Book Skopje - Belgrade and Zagreb - Split during your trip at a station. :)
elf2kk
Traveller
19 comments
Thank you. I'm concerned that there would not be enough couchettes for the overnight from Spokje to Belgrade or Zagreb to Split. Is that a possibility or am I just worrying too much? :os
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
If you buy them straightaway in Prague it should be no problem. ;)
Otherwise you may phone up Deutsche Bahn UK at +44 8718 80 80 66 and see if they can make these bookings for you.
elf2kk
Traveller
19 comments
As always thank you :)
I need further advice. I am trying to book the overnight train from Zagreb to Split but I've been told that I can only book the couchette that sleeps 6. As we are a family of 4 with 2 children I am not happy having to share with 2 other strangers. I have been told I can't book the full compartment.
What options do I have?
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
Hmm...indeed, you cannot book 4bed couchettes on domestic services in Croatia. :|
You could book two 2bed sleeper compartments, but that will be rather expensive with 4x33€, given that the overnight trip is rather short. It may also work to book 6beds in a couchette plus two extra tickets but this probably would add up to about the same price as getting sleeper reservations...
Or travel during the day - the line is very scenic. :)
elf2kk
Traveller
19 comments
Thanks for the suggestions. I do think we should change plans and travel during the day with an extra overnight in Split as that would work out cheaper than the 2 x 2bed sleepers :)
Thank you again.
Elf
elf2kk
Traveller
19 comments
Hi again :)
Close to our trip so have another query! The train from Bucharest to Veliko Tarnovo changes at Gorna Orjahovica. The train from Gorna Orjahovica to Veliko Tarnovo requires reservation. I telephoned DB Bahn but they can't seem to book the 2nd leg of the journey.
Any ideas why that is?
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
Where does it say that this train requires a reservation? I dont think so.
More problematic would be the short connection time at Gorna, as you can read in recent reports from there: [u]https://rail.cc/en/bucharest-istanbul-night-train/f1639[/u] and [u]https://rail.cc/en/bucharest-istanbul-night-train/f1639[/u]
Anyway, no need to make a reservation beforehand.
elf2kk
Traveller
19 comments
HI Flo
We are in Bucharest at the moment hoping to head to Veilko Tornovo tomorrow, just wanted to double check you don't think we need to reserve train from Gorno?
Thanks
ELF
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
You wont need a reservation. The journey from Gorna takes only fifteen minutes anyway. Make sure to tell the conductor on the train to Gorna that you need the connection - in case you would miss the connection there is another train at 8pm too or you can look for a taxi or minibus ride for the short way to Veliko Tarnovo.
Would be very pleased to hear from your experiences! :)
elf2kk
Traveller
19 comments
Thank you.
Happy to share experiences on our return. Our first overnight from Prague to Krakow did not go as planned, due to severe thunder storms we had to disembark about 2hrs out from Krakow and find a bus due to trees fallen across line!
Train from Krakow to Budapest was an hour delay with 2 stops for police to check passports.
Overnight train from Budapest to Brasov we received a breakfast which we were not expecting so that was a nice surprise :)
I wonder what is in store for us next lol.
Thanks
Elf
elf2kk
Traveller
19 comments
HI Flo
Train to Gorno was 30 mins late but they held the connecting train to VT for us. Luckily we had tickets so not sure what one would do if you didn't have a ticket since there was no time to buy any!
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
Thanks for the updates! :)
elf2kk
Traveller
19 comments
Hi Flo
I'd like to thank you for all your help and suggestions for our travel round Eastern Europe. We really enjoyed the trip and travelling to places that we would not have thought off such as Veliko Tarnovo which I would have to say was one of the best places to visit for us :)
Just a update on our journey from Thessaloniki to Belgrade, it was the journey from hell for us. The train was the most disgusting, flea invested train I have ever been on in my life - and I travelled during the late 80's, 90's inter-railing! The toilets were so bad that you would have needed a gas mask just to enter them, the stench of ammonia smell from the build up of urine was a serious health concern. Coupled with the fact this journey took 19 hours - YES 19 HOURS. The train was VERY slow to the point people on bicycles were passing us.
Having said all that it was a very sad journey. We got to see at first hand the migrant camps and how people are having to live. One positive note about our journey was that in Macedonia, the train stopped and allowed migrants on 2 of the carriages that didn't have many people. They travelled with us to Belgrade - after that I'm not sure what happened to them. I can only hope they were offered some help there.
I wish everyone who has yet to start their journey a good trip.
Take care
Elf
Peter
Traveller
9333 comments
Hi Elf.
That's interesting to read. And I can confirm your experiences with the Thessaloniki-Belgrade train. Not the best at all.
Flo is currently traveling as well in Eastern-Europe and will be back in about 10 days. I'm sure you will get a reply from him. :)
Have sunny days, Pete :)
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
Hej!
Thanks for your report!
As you may know I have been travelling myself the past weeks, more or less in the opposite direction.
Our train from Belgrade to Thessaloniki got into Thessaloniki about 4 hours late...
Glad you enjoyed Veliko Tarnovo. :)
Regarding the situation at the Macedonian border, apparently the situation is now finally improving after the massive troubles this past week.
Flo 8)