Overnight Train Journey from Istanbul to Sofia

The recently restored overnight service between Sofia and Istanbul will whirl two adventures into one, leaving the place where east meets west in Istanbul and depositing you in Bulgaria’s laid-back capital city 11 hours later.

iBestTravel’s resident train expert Tom Hall took the journey and tells you what to expect hour by hour.

Why You Should Take the Night Train

Night trains are booming in popularity across climate-conscious Europe. The restored Istanbul-Sofia Express offers unforgettable cross-border adventure – think an interrupted night’s sleep, late-hour passport checks, and stops at remote-feeling towns. This train departs from one of the world’s great cities into European Turkey, threading across fortress-like frontiers into Bulgaria and crossing mountain passes before arriving in underrated and very affordable Sofia. A night in the Yatakli Vagon (sleeping car) delivers as a stand-alone journey or an add-on to a city break.

What You Need to Know Before Your Trip on the Istanbul-Sofia Express

Make Sure to Stock Up on Food and Drink

While sleeper compartments are pre-stocked with a few candies, pretzel sticks, and cartons of water, there is no catering on the train or at Halkali station, so eat in advance. You’ll have endless choices for a sustaining dinner in Istanbul, including traditional Turkish staples and fish dishes. Istanbul also offers tasty pastries and other supplies you may need.

Public Transport in Istanbul and Sofia

With the prepaid Istanbulkart travel card, the fare from any station in the city to Halkali is halved. A single fare on the Sofia metro will get you from Central Station to key interchanges, such as the airport or anywhere else on the network.

Accommodations at Either End of the Trip

A mid-range hotel in Istanbul starts at $100. If staying in more affordable Sofia, this will be closer to $60.

Why Train Lovers Appreciate the Istanbul-to-Sofia Overnight Route

Considering it’s designed as a night train, this route over-delivers on adventure. Leaving Istanbul, you’ll cross ancient landscapes and borders, then take in superb scenery as you chug through Bulgaria’s mountains. From Sofia, pathways open up to further epic journeys across Europe.

Day One: A Whirlwind Tour of Istanbul

One of the world’s most popular city destinations, Istanbul is a wonderful place to start any trip. If you have just a few hours, head to Hagia Sophia, the stunningly beautiful site that remains politically charged. If you have a full day, consider one or two other key sights in Sultanahmet, including the Basilica Cistern and the Blue Mosque. The city has much to explore, from the cultural venues of Karakoy to the youthful Asian-side neighborhood of Kadıköy.

Day Two: It’s Train Time

Unless you’ve arranged a ticket in advance, a visit to the Turkish Railways (TCDD) sales counter at Sirkeci station is where most travelers begin their journey to Sofia. The historic Sirkeci station remains busy, with an atmosphere reminiscent of the Orient Express. You’ll need to take a commuter service to Halkali station, where the Istanbul-Sofia Express departs.

8:45 PM: Pull Out of Istanbul, and Get Comfortable On Board

After a baggage x-ray and a ticket check, passengers are directed to their compartment on the train, which consists of two Europe-bound night trains. The train leaves promptly to reach the border effectively. On board, compartments are comfortable and air-conditioned. There is no Wi-Fi, but power sockets are available.

1:30 AM (ish): Wake Up to Pass Through Border Checkpoints

This train does not offer an undisturbed night—after passing Edirne, you’ll halt at the border post of Kapıkule. Here, sleepy passengers must disembark to get a stamp in their passports. The whole process takes about an hour, followed by a crawl into Bulgaria.

3:30–6:30 AM: Get a Few Hours of Sleep

Once you’re through Bulgaria, you’ll have the chance to grab some sleep before arriving in Sofia. However, if you choose to stop at Plovdiv, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited town.

9:35 AM: Arrive in Sofia

After a long and sleep-interrupted night, travelers may wish to remain in one place for a while. There’s plenty to do in the Bulgarian capital, from visiting Aleksander Nevski Cathedral to exploring local brunch spots like Fabrika Daga.

Where Do the Tracks Lead from Here?

Local recommendations suggest a scenic journey on the narrow-gauge train from Septemvri to Dobrinishte as a beautiful detour from the Plovdiv-Sofia line. From Sofia, Bucharest is the most logical destination for onward travel into Western Europe.