Epic Four-Day Train Journey from Paris to Istanbul via Night Trains
A four-day train journey from Paris to Istanbul was recently completed using three different night trains, offering a scenic and efficient way to travel across Europe. The journey began at Paris-Est station with the Nightjet, a sleeper service operated by the Austrian National Railway ÖBB in cooperation with the French National Railway SNCF. The Nightjet, which currently operates three times a week, is expected to increase its frequency to daily in the future. For this leg of the trip, a seat reservation was purchased for €19 with an Interrail Pass, making it an affordable option for travelers. The train traveled through Eastern France and Germany before arriving in Vienna.
Upon arrival in Vienna, passengers had time to explore the city before continuing their journey on the EuroNight Dacia, which runs from Vienna to Bucharest, Romania. This section of the journey spans more than 20 hours, and travelers have the option to book couchettes or upgrade to a sleeping compartment for added comfort. The train passed through Hungary and along the Danube River, offering picturesque views of rural landscapes before reaching Bucharest.
In Bucharest, passengers boarded the final train of the journey—the Bosphorus Express, which connects Bucharest with Istanbul. This service operates primarily during the summer months and takes travelers across the Danube into Bulgaria before arriving in Türkiye. During the journey, passengers passed through the Balkan Mountains and underwent passport control at the Kapikule border crossing. The train arrived in Istanbul’s Halkali station, completing the journey after four days of travel.
This journey showcases the convenience and appeal of European night trains, providing a unique travel experience that combines scenic views and comfortable overnight accommodations. The route from Paris to Istanbul offers travelers a slow-paced and memorable alternative to air travel, with multiple opportunities to see the changing landscapes of Europe.