Train from Zagreb to Istanbul

  • 28 January 2024
  • 2 replies
  • 173 views

Hi, 
I'm creating my interrail itinerary for late April/early May, over 2 and a half weeks, starting from France. 

I haven't had any trouble planning it to Zagreb. I want to go from Zagreb to Istanbul, stopping in Belgrade and Sofia. 
I've seen that there's a train, but I don't know if it's usable or not. 


Can you tell me if this route is feasible, and if so, how?

If not, what route can I take from Zagreb to Istanbul? 


Thank you :)

 

Hektor 3 months ago

If you’d like to have an adventure: 

Zagreb to Beograd

06.31 from Zagreb to Novska, change there to Tovarnik (arrives 13.25)

need to walk into Serbia (about 2 hours)

14.58 / 17.18 / 18.53 from Šid to Beograd (arrives 16.29 / 18.53 / 21.25)

Beograd to Sofia

03.54 / 07.25 / 13.01 / 15.06 from Beograd to Niš (arrives 10.37 / 13.42 / 19.20 / 21.34)

from Niš to Sofia by bus (about 4 hours / 15 €).

Sofia to Istanbul

18.45 from Sofia to Halkalı (arrives 06.34 or later)

from Halkalı into Istanbul by frequent suburban train

But of course every normal traveller will go via Bucuresti or Craiova to Istanbul...

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2 replies

Userlevel 7
Badge +5

There’s no train after Zagreb towards Serbia and Bulgaria due to engineering works and political issues. The Interrail map is totally outdated and wrong unfortunately.

The route would be Zagreb - Budapest + night train to Bucharest, also possible to get off in Craiova and connect to Sofia. Don’t expect fast trains, take your time :)

If you’d like to have an adventure: 

Zagreb to Beograd

06.31 from Zagreb to Novska, change there to Tovarnik (arrives 13.25)

need to walk into Serbia (about 2 hours)

14.58 / 17.18 / 18.53 from Šid to Beograd (arrives 16.29 / 18.53 / 21.25)

Beograd to Sofia

03.54 / 07.25 / 13.01 / 15.06 from Beograd to Niš (arrives 10.37 / 13.42 / 19.20 / 21.34)

from Niš to Sofia by bus (about 4 hours / 15 €).

Sofia to Istanbul

18.45 from Sofia to Halkalı (arrives 06.34 or later)

from Halkalı into Istanbul by frequent suburban train

But of course every normal traveller will go via Bucuresti or Craiova to Istanbul...

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