Sofia-Belgrade train
   

Belgrade to Sofia by train

The train ride between Belgrade and Sofia by train is a fascinating adventure across the Balkans on a route taken by the famous Orient Express until 1977.  However, it currently involves 2 trains and a bus because of work to rebuild the line between Nis & Dimitrovgrad in Serbia.  If you use this route, feedback would be appreciated!

The sorry tale of this once-great line

The Belgrade-Sofia route has had its ups and downs over the last few years, the result of limited resources and poor management.  There used to be a direct day train and overnight train all year round, by 2013 this had dwindled to just an overnight train consisting of one Serbian couchette car.  They then reinstated the day train, briefly restoring two trains per day before discontinuing the night train.  In 2018 the direct day train was made summer-only, with a 3-train combo the rest of the year.  All service was discontinued in 2020 for the duration of the pandemic, but a train service Belgrade-Nis and Dimitrovgrad-Sofia now operates, with a 104km gap in the middle.  Let's hope these two capital cities get a better train service in future years.

Belgrade ► Sofia 2023

Sofia ► Belgrade 2023

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

What are the trains like?

Serbian electric train, Belgrade-Nis   Seating on the Serbian electric train, Belgrade-Nis

The modern air-conditioned Serbian electric train between Belgrade & Nis.  1st & 2nd class with accessible toilet.  Photos courtesy of Dr Denis McCullough & Linnie Rawlinson.

Scenery from the train between Nis & Dimitrovgrad

Scenery from the train between Nis & Dimitrovgrad.  Courtesy of Steven Bodnar...

Seats on the Dimitrovgrad-Sofia train   The Dimitrovgrad-Sofia train, arrived at Sofia

The Bulgarian train between Dimitrovgrad & Sofia.  Just two cars, 2nd class only.  It's comfortable enough, bring your own food & drink.  Photo courtesy of Steven Bodnar.


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