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Looking to travel from Istanbul to London by train, but having some difficulties with planning. Can someone confirm if the Bosporus Express is definitely running? Also, how does this train work with an Interrail Pass, given that you can’t book in advance online, and can only secure tickets at the ticket office in Hakalli Station. Do you just show the pass at the office, and do you have to pay any extra money? Also, how likely is it that there will be spare places onboard, given that we will only be able to arrive at the station just before the journey.


It’s my first time getting an Interrail Pass, and so not quite sure how the system works.

  1. The Bosporus Express is running. Timetable is here. I've read multiple trip reports from after its reinstatement.
  2. Reservations from Istanbul can only be bought in person at a ticket office in Turkey. At Halkali station but also at Sirkeci station in the city centre.
  3. To book, you say you have an Interrail pass and would like to buy a reservation. That's how it has worked everywhere for the past 50 years.
  4. Especially in the couchette coach to Bucharest, there is always space.

You should make the Eurostar reservation as soon as you know the travel date.

There is a limited number of pass holder seats on the Eurostar and on popular departures and during high season those sell out weeks, and sometimes months in advance.

The best place to see the availability of passholder seats on the Eurostar is 

https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Booking/Pass#TravelWish

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