CFR Călători resumes direct trains to Varna, Sofia and Istanbul, for the summer season. How much are the tickets
The CFR Călători company announces the resumption of the international train “Romania”, which will ensure this summer, between June 12 and October 12, 2026, direct daily connections between Bucharest and destinations in Bulgaria and Turkey.
Thus, from June 12, travelers will be able to reach Varna directly, and from June 13, direct connections to Sofia and Istanbul/Halkali will also be available.
“Through these direct international routes, CFR Călători supports passengers who choose to spend their holidays or vacations in Bulgaria and Turkey, offering a comfortable and affordable travel option,” says the company in a press release issued on Thursday.
Traffic schedule and fares
SPRING
- International train “Romania” 461 (461/9623): Bucharest Nord (departure 10:46) – Varna (arrival 19:56), runs between 12.06 and 11.10.2026;
- International train “România” 460 (9620/460): Varna (departure 09:30) – Bucharest North (arrival 16:56), runs between 13.06 and 12.10.2026.
- The price of a ticket Bucharest North – Varna (or return), in 2nd class, is 27 euros.
SOFIA
- International train “Romania” 461: Bucharest Nord (departure 10:46) – Sofia (arrival 20:41), runs between 13.06 and 12.10.2026;
- International train “România” 460 (20231/460): Sofia (departure 07:00) – Bucharest Nord (arrival 16:56), runs between 13.06 and 12.10.2026.
- The price of a ticket Bucharest North – Sofia (or return), in 2nd class, is 33.6 euros.
ISTANBUL / HALKALI
- International train “Romania” 461 (461/465/493/12504): Bucharest North (departure 10:46) – Istanbul/Halkali (arrival 09:56), runs between 13.06 and 12.10.2026;
- International train “România” 460 (12503/492/464/460): Istanbul/Halkali (departure 20:00) – Bucharest Nord (arrival 16:56), operates between 11.06 and 10.10.2026.
- The price of a Bucharest Nord – Istanbul/Halkali ticket (or return), in a 4-seater sleeper car, is 57.8 euros.
How to purchase tickets
Tickets for international travel can be purchased up to 90 days in advance from CFR Călători stations and agencies open to international traffic, as well as online, directly from cfrcalatori.ro, in the section for purchasing in international traffic.
For destinations in Bulgaria and Turkey, tickets can be picked up from the train station or delivered by courier on Romanian territory. For trips to Bulgaria, tickets can also be received in PDF format (A4RT), directly on your mobile phone.
Also, for trips in Bulgaria and Turkey, the Interrail offer can be used, both in the continuous and flexi versions. Interrail tickets are available at ticket offices in stations and CFR Călători agencies selling in international traffic.
Information about train traffic is available on www.cfrcalatori.ro, on the phone number 021 9521 (domestic traffic), on 021 314 55 28 (international traffic – Gara de Nord Bucharest) or directly at CFR Călători stations.
