Sofia - Istanbul sleeper train - Reservations

nltrainer
Traveller
1404 comments

This train only runs summertime-when enough of these young passholders travel-last date still uncertain, but likely around sept-maybe early/maybe late.

MisterSteve
Traveller
1092 comments

The website of Bulgarian Railways says reservations are possible from 2 months in advance. But it's not simple, because it says they have to be made at certain stations in Bulgaria not online. https://www.bdz.bg/en/a/office-for-international-rail-tickets Turkish railways are less helpful. The Man in Seat61 says in person or via a Finnish company - but they can't be bothered to complete their website.

MisterSteve
Traveller
1092 comments

nltrainer is correct, the almost hidden schedule on the Bulgarian website says 30th October as last day eastbound https://p.bdz.bg/www/s/o/sofia-istanbul-sofia-25062022-3065.pdf

Flo
Traveller
10724 comments

Hi!

Reservations are only available at (international) ticket desks at larger stations for example at Sofia.
In November it normally is no problem to buy the reservation on the day of departure, especially during the week. If possible I would buy it beforehand though for ease of mind.

Again, information by nltrainer is not correct since the train is schedules to run daily (unless covid decides otherwise).
The linked schedule is for the summer period with direct car also from Bucharest to Istanbul.
The winter schedule with direct cars from Sofia only is here https://p.bdz.bg/www/s/o/sofiya-khalkali-sofiya-zima-3064.pdf

Flo

Diana2022
Traveller
1 comments

thank you so much for your responses :)