KimKochRasmussen
Traveller
29 comments
Posted 6 years ago
Hi
In Bulgaria you normal need to have a return ticket stamped by the station staff before boarding the return train - otherwise the ticket is not valid.
What about an e-ticket? I can not find info regarding this in the rules...
Just bought return tickets for Sofia-Varna, and they are issued as return tickets (out an in on the same paper), so info is very welcome.
Another question:
In the rules it says that I have to show them on paper, or digital on a screen - but in all info on the pages and in the e-mails with the tickets it says that I have to print it on white A4 paper. Have anyone here tried to just show them digital, and was the accepted?
As my Bulgarian are non existent I will for sure print them in order not to be in trouble, but would like to know if it will be easy to buy an other ticket during my holiday where a printer is not on hand...
Kind regards
Kim
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
Hi Kim!
I have never used neither a return nor an e-ticket in Bulgaria.
I would firstly show the ticket on your mobile/laptop when you travel from Sofia to Varna; this would be a good clue as to whether it is common not to show the printout. If this works without troubles then you could buy another e-ticket during your travel without printout.
Anyway, I always found it quite easy and interesting as well to buy my tickets locally at the train station; this always worked smoothly so I wouldnt worry too much.
I will try to look up some more information about that issue though.
Flo
KimKochRasmussen
Traveller
29 comments
Thanks
Buy local: yes sure, but going to the Black Sea in July, and want two sleepers - I like it when I can book in advance in such cases...
Mostly for the peace of mind... ;-)
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
Yeah of course...I would also book the night trains in advance. ;)
Would love to hear from your experience on the night train; from what I\'ve read the coaches are rather bland inside.
KimKochRasmussen
Traveller
29 comments
UPDATE: A stamp is not necessary on an e-ticket for the return, but forget about showing it on a phone...
The sleeping attenden got very angry at me, when I suggested that he could just use his scanner on the barcode (he did had a scanner). Well the ticket was in the bag and we where blocking the aisle, so I decided just to pass him (and well also ignore him a little) and go to our cabin, where I could get the printout.
After I went back and gave him the printout he was more cooperative...
Funny fact: they don\'t stamp the printout, but print out a talon confirming you are on the train, and attach this to your ticket. So yes, they have scanners and printers, and according to paragraph 6 on their site you can show your ticket on a screen, but...
I was very tempted to show him the Bulgarian text from their website the next morning stating that I was allowed to show it on a screen, but did not - I would not understand his reply anyway... ????
The wagon was nice, had a shower and the one end, and nice clean zink in the cabin. Sheet and blankets was provided, but no water, no breakfast and no towel...