How to Book Train Travel From Serbia to Bulgaria

Train travel from Serbia to Bulgaria offers a scenic view of each country. Bulgaria, known as the "Jewel of the Balkans," is east of Serbia on the Black Sea. It is well-known for both ski and summer resorts that boast some of the lowest prices in Western Europe.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Passport
• Computer with internet access

Book Your Trip From Serbia to Bulgaria

1. Book your ticket directly from Rail Europe by calling them at (888) 382-RAIL or visiting their Web site (see Resources).

2. Save money with a Balkan Flex Pass, which offers unlimited travel for 5 days, 10 days or 15 days in a single month for less than $200 to start with. This pass is then good for travel in all of the Balkan countries, including Serbia and Bulgaria.

3. Check with the embassy to see if you need a visa, since you'll be crossing the border into Bulgaria.

4. Arrive early so that you have time to find your train. The station in Belgrade is small and often overcrowded.

5. Call a travel agent or book the trip yourself. There are many sites devoted to European train travel including Raileurope or Europrail.

Choose a Destination in Bulgaria

6. Note the time change when you travel. Bulgaria is 1 hour ahead of Serbia.

7. Determine which city you will be visiting. The capital of Bulgaria is Sofia. Varna and Burgas are both on the Black Sea and are both easily accessible by train.

8. Decide when you want to travel, as you will need specific dates when you purchase your tickets. Consider seasonal attractions, such as skiing in the winter. You may want to attend a local event like the Festival of Roses in June.

9. Make a stop at one of Bulgaria's well-known spas once you arrive. There are over 600 hot springs in this country and at least 300 have been turned into spas like the Karlovo Mineral Baths in Banya, which are known for their curative waters.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit the Bulgarian State Railways Web site (see Resources) for further details.
• You cannot currently book tickets on the Bulgarian Railways Web site.
• Watch for the change in timetables that happens each June and December.
• If you want to stay up-to-date on railway conditions, check the Bulgarian Railways Web site. It offers current railway news that can alert you to possible delays.
• If you are going to travel at night, spend the extra money to book the sleeping car (couchette) when you make your reservations. It's about an 11-hour trip from the capital city of Belgrade to Sofia.
• If you purchase the Balkan Rail Pass, it must be validated at the train station prior to its first use.
• If you are not versed in the local language, keep in mind that in the Balkans, nodding your head up and down means "no" and moving your head right to left means "yes"!
• Don't expect help with your luggage; take only what you can carry yourself.
• Keep track of your bags while at the station, since personal belongings have been stolen.