Bucharest Gets Its Summer Trains Back
CFR Călători has restarted its seasonal international "România" train, restoring daily direct links between Bucharest and Varna, Sofia and Istanbul Halkalı for summer 2026. The Bucharest–Varna route returned on 12 June, with Sofia and Istanbul services following on 13 June. Trains are scheduled to run until 12 October, although Varna has slightly different end dates by direction.
Tickets can be booked up to 90 days ahead through CFR Călători’s website, stations and international ticket offices. Interrail pass holders can also use the trains during the seasonal period. The operator says the routes are aimed at summer holiday travel across Bulgaria and Türkiye, giving passengers a direct rail option instead of planning separate border connections by bus or train.
Routes, prices and booking details
The main schedule and starting fares are listed by route, but travellers should search their exact travel date before booking because availability and prices can change during the season.
- Varna: Bucharest 10:46–19:56; return 09:30–16:56; second class from €27
- Sofia: Bucharest 10:46–20:41; return 07:00–16:56; second class from €33.60
- Istanbul Halkalı: Bucharest 10:46–09:56 next day; return 20:00–16:56 next day; couchette from €57.80
The restored trains make three different summer trips easier. Varna brings Bulgaria’s Black Sea beaches and resorts within a direct rail day, while Sofia works for museums, restaurants and mountain day trips. Istanbul adds an overnight option into Türkiye, arriving at Halkalı with onward access to the city’s metro network, historic districts, markets, ferries and Bosphorus neighbourhoods.
The service is most useful for people building a wider Balkan trip around Bucharest. Varna is the simplest beach option, Sofia suits a slower city stop, and Istanbul needs an overnight plan rather than a rushed arrival. Flights will still be faster, but the train cuts out extra changes. Book early, check passport rules and leave buffer time for onward plans.