I traveled by train from Sofia to Bucharest, a 530-kilometer international journey between the capitals of Bulgaria and Romania. On paper, it looks simple. In reality, it’s one of the most varied and fascinating rail trips in Europe.
This journey includes:
- Old-school Bulgarian rolling stock
- First and second class compartments
- Long operational stops and shunting movements
- A major railway junction at Gorna Oryahovitsa
- The spectacular Iskar Gorge railway
- One of the most fascinating border crossings in Europe: the Danube Bridge
- A change of cars and locomotives at Ruse
- The final run across the Romanian plains to Bucharest This is not a fast journey.
It’s a slow, varied, and atmospheric rail experience across two countries. A perfect example of classic European train travel.
Trip details:
Route: Sofia Sever → Ruse → Giurgiu Nord → Bucharest Nord
Distance: ~530 km
Classes: Bulgarian 1st Class + Romanian 2nd Class
Border crossing: Danube Bridge (Ruse–Giurgiu Nord)
If you enjoy railway journeys with history, scenery, and real operational details, this one is for you. Thanks for riding with me!