harry2233
Traveller
1 comments
Posted 11 years ago
Hello,
I am from Australia, and I am travelling solo from Istanbul to Budapest in late november this year. I would like to travel by train, and I believe there is a service that stops off in Belgrade and continues onto Budapest.
I would like to book the ticket before I leave, and was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction to where I could purchase a ticket to Budapest / or offer some advice on how to go about it.
Thank you in advance,
Harry
Flo
Traveller
10723 comments
Hej Harry,
you are talking about this train:
:arr: [u]https://rail.cc/en/night-train/istanbul-belgrade-d-490-492/135[/u]
However, due to long term construction works on the rail tracks between Istanbul and the border there is a bus replacement service in operation between Istanbul and Kapikule. This means you would have to travel overnight in a bus which certainly is not a as comfortable as staying in a sleeper.
Anyway, there are no other trains so if you want to go by train this is your only option. Moreover, due to the bad state of Serbian Railways the train Sofia - Beograd is currently suspended which means the through cars Istanbul - Beograd doe not operate. This means you can only go as far as Sofia, where you would have to spend the day, and continue in the evening with the Sofia - Beograd night train which currently is the only train on this route.
:arr: [u]https://rail.cc/en/night-train/sofia-belgrade-b-292/180[/u]
Overall, expect delays and worn down carraiges on that route.. ;)
If you decide to go by train, you can buy your ticket Istanbul - Beograd at the station in Istanbul, for the remainder Beograd - Budapest I would recommend to buy a Budapest Special ticket at the station in Beograd.
:arr: [u]https://rail.cc/en/train/belgrade-to-budapest[/u]
Flo 8)
harry2233
Traveller
1 comments
Thanks for your detailed response flo.
If you can think of any, what alternative options would I have in regards to catching the train to budapest? Could I catch a plane to Belgrade and then continue onto Budapest? Or would it simply be just easier and cheaper to catch a plane to Budapest straight through from Istanbul?
I was eager to catch the train so I could take in some of the scenic country side, so I would like to still try and do that.
Peter
Traveller
9332 comments
Hi.
I personally would prefer travelling by train - as well as we are a rail travel forum and definitely do not recommend travelling by plane. ;)
Peter :)
nltrainer
Traveller
1346 comments
your best-and cheapest-option for overland is by bus and via Romania. You canNOT even buy advance or via web train (nor bus) tickets for this route-thats way too advanced. Expect service levels to be that from 1950/60 or so.
Adjust your mindset to that period-maybe ask granddad. As peter also said this is rail info website.
Even when the trains ran as they should-think of before 2000, this route would take 2 nights and the day in between.
mikhand
Traveller
13 comments
Hello,
I am planning a trip with my wife from Paris to Istanbul, but I have some doubts.
Does anyone know if with InterRail Global Pass 2nd class can i reserve 2 bed compartments in trains Paris - Munich , Budapest-Brasov and Bucharest - Istanbul?
Thanks!
Peter
Traveller
9332 comments
Hi.
Check the links for details.
Paris - Munich: [u]https://rail.cc/en/night-train/paris-munich-cnl40451/32[/u]
Budapest - Brasov: [u]https://rail.cc/en/night-train/budapest-brasov-ic-407/118[/u]
Bucharest - Istanbul: currently the train stops at the Turkish border, so use a normal seated car - [u]https://rail.cc/en/night-train/bucharest-istanbul-d-461/465/134[/u]
Peter :)