BDZ Trains Bulgaria: A Complete Guide to Rail Travel & Scenic Routes

Bulgaria‘s rail network has a reputation that puts many first-time visitors off before they even set foot on a platform. The old BDZ website crashed constantly, English information was patchy at best, and half the forum advice you found online was from 2019. In 2026, the picture is genuinely better — the booking system has been rebuilt, a proper mobile app exists, and new locomotives are running on the most-travelled corridors. But rail travel in Bulgaria still works differently from what most Western Europeans or North Americans expect, and knowing the rules before you show up at Sofia Central Station saves real stress. This guide covers everything: train types, ticket buying, scenic routes, overnight carriages, and where BDZ fits alongside buses, metro, and taxis.

Understanding BDZ Train Types and Classes

BDZ (Български държавни железници — Bulgarian State Railways) divides its passenger services into three broad categories, and the differences matter for both journey time and the ticket-buying process.

Passenger Trains (Пътнически влак)

These are the slowest services, stopping at nearly every station and halt along the route. They are cheap and useful for very short hops between towns, but covering 100 kilometres can easily take three or four hours. Think of them as a local bus that runs on rails.

Fast Trains (Бърз влак)

Fast trains skip the smaller stops and connect regional centres at a reasonable pace. They are the workhorse of the network — most mid-distance journeys between cities use this category. A seat reservation is optional, and you will usually find a mix of open saloon carriages and compartment coaches.

Express Trains (Експресен влак)

Express trains make the fewest stops and run between major cities: Sofia to Varna, Sofia to Burgas, Sofia to Plovdiv. A mandatory seat reservation is required when you book. By 2026, several express services on the Sofia–Varna and Sofia–Burgas corridors now use new Siemens Smartron locomotives, which noticeably reduces vibration and noise compared to the older traction that was standard before 2024.

Classes

Most trains offer 2nd class only. On fast and express services, 1st class is available, giving you a more spacious seat and a quieter carriage. A 1st class ticket costs roughly 30–50% more than the 2nd class equivalent — not a huge jump in absolute terms given how low Bulgarian fares are, but worth considering on a long overnight run.

How to Buy BDZ Tickets in 2026 (Step-by-Step)

The ticketing process has improved significantly. Here are all your options, from most convenient to least.

Option 1 — BDZ Website (www.bdz.bg)

1. Go to www.bdz.bg and look for the journey planner on the homepage.
2. Select “Купи билет” (Buy Ticket), then enter your departure station, arrival station, date, and preferred travel time.
3. Choose your train from the results, then select class (2nd or 1st) and any extras — seat reservation, sleeping car, or couchette.
4. For express trains and overnight services, you will need to enter your name and passport or ID number at this step.
5. Pay by Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, ePay.bg, Google Pay, or Apple Pay.
6. Your e-ticket arrives by email. Show it on your phone or print it — both are accepted by conductors.

The website was completely rebuilt in 2025. Real-time seat availability and proper English-language support are now part of the system, which was not reliably the case before 2024.

Option 2 — BDZ Mobile App

The BDZ Mobile app launched in early 2025 on both Apple App Store and Google Play. It handles everything the website does — journey planning, ticket purchase, digital ticket storage, and live train status updates. Register an account, log in, and your tickets are stored directly in the app. For regular travellers, this is the most practical option.

Option 3 — Ticket Counters at the Station

Walk up to the ticket office (каса) and state your destination, date, time, and class. Cash (BGN) and cards are both accepted. For busy routes in summer, queues at Sofia Central Station can be long — give yourself at least 20 minutes before your train departs.

Option 4 — Self-Service Kiosks

Major stations now have touch-screen kiosks with multilingual interfaces in Bulgarian, English, and German. They accept card payments and sometimes cash. The number of kiosks has expanded since 2024, though smaller regional stations may not have them yet.

Option 5 — Buying from the Conductor Onboard

If you board at a station with no open ticket office and no working kiosk, the conductor will sell you a ticket with a small surcharge of BGN 2.00 (approximately EUR 1.00). If you board where facilities were available and simply skipped them, you risk a penalty fare — so do not treat the conductor as a convenient shortcut.

BDZ Fares and 2026 Budget Reality

Bulgarian train fares remain among the lowest in Europe. An average 4% fare increase was applied in January 2025, but the overall cost is still very accessible by any standard. Below are real 2026 price examples for the most-travelled routes.

Sofia – Plovdiv (approx. 160 km, 2.5–3 hours)

• Budget (2nd class, fast train): BGN 11.50 / EUR 5.90
• Comfortable (1st class, fast train): BGN 15.00 / EUR 7.70

Sofia – Varna (approx. 500 km, 7–8.5 hours)

• Budget (2nd class, express): BGN 33.00 / EUR 16.90
• Mid-range (1st class, express): BGN 45.00 / EUR 23.00
• Couchette supplement (6-berth): BGN 12.00 / EUR 6.15 on top of the ticket fare



• Couchette supplement (4-berth): BGN 15.00 / EUR 7.70
• Sleeping car double berth: BGN 35.00 / EUR 17.90 per person
• Sleeping car single: BGN 60.00 / EUR 30.70 per person

Sofia – Burgas (approx. 400 km, 6–7 hours)

• Budget (2nd class, express): BGN 28.00 / EUR 14.30
• Mid-range (1st class, express): BGN 38.00 / EUR 19.40

Septemvri – Dobrinishte Narrow Gauge (approx. 125 km, 5 hours)

• 2nd class: BGN 9.00 / EUR 4.60

Seat reservations for express trains cost BGN 0.50 / EUR 0.25 — effectively negligible. Children under 7 travel free. Children aged 7–14 pay 50% of the base fare. Students with a valid ISIC card or Bulgarian student ID receive a 25% discount. Groups of 10 or more can expect 10–20% off depending on the service.

The Scenic Routes Worth Planning Your Trip Around

Some rail journeys in Bulgaria are not just transport — they are the reason to travel. These three routes stand out.

Septemvri to Dobrinishte — The Narrow Gauge Railway

This is the one. The 125-kilometre narrow gauge line winds through the Rhodope and Rila mountains over roughly five hours, passing through steep river gorges, dense pine forests, and tiny villages that feel untouched by the twenty-first century. The train climbs to Avramovo station at 1,267 metres — the highest railway station in the Balkans — before descending toward Dobrinishte near the Bansko ski resort. The windows are worth keeping your eyes on the whole way. On autumn mornings, the mist sits low in the gorges and the birch trees along the track are copper and yellow — the kind of scene that stays with you long after you get home. The train rocks gently on the narrow gauge, and the rhythm of it combined with that landscape makes the slow pace feel like a feature, not a flaw.

Sofia to Karlovo / Kazanlak — Crossing the Balkans

This route crosses the Stara Planina (Balkan Mountains) and passes through a series of tunnels, forested valleys, and views over traditional villages. The approach to the Rose Valley from the mountains is particularly striking in late May and early June, when rose cultivation is at its peak and the fields between Kazanlak and Karlovo carry a faint sweetness that drifts through the open windows of slower carriages.

Sofia to Burgas/Varna via the Sub-Balkan Line

The express trains to the coast typically use the faster route via Plovdiv. Some slower services take the sub-Balkan (Podbalkanski) line, which traverses the Rose Valley and keeps the Balkan mountain range in view for much of the journey. If you have time, this is a more scenic alternative to the express, though it adds significant hours to the trip.

Sleeping Cars and Overnight Trains

Taking an overnight train from Sofia to Varna or Burgas is a practical way to travel — you save on a night’s accommodation, and you arrive at the coast in the morning without having spent a chunk of your day on the road. BDZ runs overnight services on both routes.

Couchettes (Кушет) are shared compartments with bunk beds — either four or six berths per compartment. They are basic but clean on the refurbished rolling stock. You get bedding. The door locks from the inside. It is not a luxury experience, but it is entirely comfortable for a single night.

Sleeping cars (Спален вагон) offer private compartments — single, double, or triple (T3) configurations. The double and single options give you a proper lockable room, which makes a meaningful difference if you are travelling with valuables or simply want uninterrupted sleep.

Book overnight berths early in summer — sleeping car berths on the Sofia–Varna overnight in July and August fill up days ahead. The supplement costs are listed in the fares section above — even the single sleeping car at BGN 60.00 / EUR 30.70 on top of the base fare is competitive with what you would pay for a budget hotel room in coastal Bulgaria in peak season.

Luggage, Bikes, Discounts, and Accessibility

Luggage

BDZ allows a reasonable amount of hand luggage and one or two larger bags stored in overhead racks or luggage areas at no extra charge. There is no formal weight limit enforced at gates, but use common sense — if your bags block the aisle or other passengers’ space, the conductor will ask you to move them.

Bikes

Bicycles can travel in designated wagon sections on most trains for a fee: BGN 4.00 / EUR 2.05 for shorter distances, BGN 8.00 / EUR 4.10 for longer routes. Not every train has a dedicated bike space — check on bdz.bg or ask station staff before you show up with a bike expecting it to come aboard. The narrow gauge line from Septemvri to Dobrinishte is popular with cyclists who take the train one way and cycle back through the mountains.

Discounts Summary

• Children under 7: free (no seat reservation included)
• Children 7–14: 50% off base fare
• Students (ISIC or Bulgarian student ID): 25% off
• Bulgarian seniors (women over 60, men over 63): 25–50% off depending on fare type
• Groups of 10+: 10–20% off

Season and Multi-Journey Passes

Traditional paper season passes have been phased out. All multi-journey and season pass options are now linked to a personalized BDZ ID card, which requires a one-time in-person registration at a station ticket office. If you are spending an extended period in Bulgaria and using trains regularly, this is worth setting up.

Accessibility

Honest answer: accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility remains limited across much of the BDZ network. Older rolling stock dominates on regional and local routes, with narrow doors and no step-free access. Newer and refurbished coaches on express services have improved — wider doors and accessible toilets are present on some of these trains. Contact BDZ customer service directly before travel if you have specific mobility needs, so they can advise on which specific services have appropriate facilities.

Other Ways to Get Around Bulgaria

BDZ is not always the right choice for every journey. Here is how the alternatives compare.

Intercity Buses

Bulgaria’s bus network is extensive and, on many routes, faster than the train due to more direct roads and fewer stops. Main operators include Union Ivkoni (www.union-ivkoni.com), Biomet (www.biomet-bg.com), and Karat-S (www.karat-s.com). Fares are comparable to trains: Sofia–Plovdiv runs BGN 15–18 / EUR 7.70–9.20, and Sofia–Varna costs BGN 35–45 / EUR 17.90–23.00. Book online or at the bus station. Buses are often the better option for reaching towns not well-served by rail.

Domestic Flights

Bulgaria Air (www.air.bg) operates Sofia Airport (SOF) to Varna (VAR) and Burgas (BOJ). Flight time is about 50 minutes. Fares range from BGN 80–250 / EUR 40–125 one way depending on season and how far in advance you book. Flying makes sense if you are very short on time, but for most travellers the cost and airport logistics make the train or bus more practical for Black Sea coast trips.

Sofia Metro

Within Sofia, the metro (www.metropolitan.bg) runs three lines (M1, M2, M3) and connects Terminal 2 of Sofia Airport directly to the city centre — roughly 25 minutes to Serdika station. A single trip costs BGN 1.60 / EUR 0.80. A 10-trip card costs BGN 12.00 / EUR 6.15. A daily pass covering all Sofia public transport is BGN 4.00 / EUR 2.05. Contactless bank card payment works directly at the metro gates for single trips. The metro runs 05:00–24:00.

Taxis and Ride Apps in Sofia

Use Yellow Taxi (Yellow 333) via their app at www.yellow333.com or TaxiMe at www.taxime.bg — both are reliable and price-transparent. Day rates in 2026: initial fee BGN 1.00–1.20, per kilometre BGN 1.30–1.60. Night rates (22:00–06:00) run 10–20% higher. For the airport, use the official OK Supertrans taxis at the designated stands — a city centre ride costs BGN 18–25 / EUR 9–13. Avoid random drivers who approach you inside the terminal.

Car Rental

Widely available at airports and major cities through both international brands (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Enterprise) and local companies like Top Rent A Car (www.toprentacar.bg). Economy cars run BGN 50–150 / EUR 25–75 per day depending on season and insurance package. Non-EU citizens should carry an international driving permit alongside their national licence. Minimum rental age is typically 21–23.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on BDZ Trains

• Assuming all trains are fast: A passenger train on a 200 km route can take five or six hours. Always check the train category before you commit to a departure time.
• Skipping the seat reservation on express trains: It is mandatory and only costs BGN 0.50. Turning up without one causes problems with the conductor.
• Leaving overnight bookings until the last minute: Sleeping car berths on summer overnight trains to Varna sell out days ahead. Book via the BDZ Mobile app or website as early as possible.
• Ignoring the kiosk surcharge logic: If you board at a station where the ticket office was open and you skipped it, buying on board is not just inconvenient — it can result in a penalty fare.
• Not verifying bike transport in advance: Not every train carries bikes. A quick check on bdz.bg before you plan a cycling and rail itinerary prevents an awkward situation on the platform.
• Trusting random taxi drivers at the airport: This is not a train issue, but it is the most common getting-around mistake in Bulgaria. Use the official taxi stands or a booked app ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by train in Bulgaria?

Yes. BDZ trains are generally safe for travellers. Petty theft can occur on busy overnight routes, particularly in couchette compartments, so keep valuables with you and use the compartment lock. The newer and refurbished express train stock used on main corridors since 2024 has improved overall journey conditions considerably.

Can I buy a BDZ train ticket online without a Bulgarian bank card?

Yes. The rebuilt bdz.bg website and the BDZ Mobile app both accept international Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro cards, as well as Google Pay and Apple Pay. You do not need a Bulgarian bank account or card. The e-ticket is sent to your email and shown on your phone to the conductor.

How far in advance should I book BDZ trains in Bulgaria?

For express trains and overnight services in summer (June–September), book at least a week ahead, and two to three weeks for sleeping car berths on the Sofia–Varna or Sofia–Burgas routes. For day trains and off-season travel, booking a day or two before — or even on the day — is generally fine.

Is the Septemvri to Dobrinishte narrow gauge train worth the time?

For travellers with any interest in scenery, mountain landscapes, or simply an unusual travel experience — absolutely yes. The five-hour journey through the Rhodope and Rila mountains is one of the most distinctive train rides in the Balkans. The slow pace is the point. Pair it with a night in Bansko or Dobrinishte to make the logistics work comfortably.

How does taking the train compare to taking a bus in Bulgaria?

Buses are often faster on many routes because they use motorways and make fewer stops. Fares are broadly similar. Trains win on comfort for long journeys, especially with sleeping car options, and the scenic routes have no bus equivalent. For destinations like Plovdiv or the Black Sea coast, both are valid — check departure times and pick whichever fits your schedule best.

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📷 Featured image by Vladislav Georgiev on Unsplash.