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Istanbul to Sofia . . . getting your hands on tickets in any way?

  • January 19, 2026
  • 1 reply
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Z
Engin-ius
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I know/understand that pass holder fares from Istanbul to Sofia can only be bought in person at a ticket counter in Istanbul.

Unfortunately I can’t afford to take the risk that having made it to Istanbul I can’t get back out again.

Is there any mechanism at all that I can use to *reserve* my place on the train, but only present my pass when I make it to Istanbul?

For info/context, I aim to arrive in Istanbul around Thursday 2nd April and leave that Sunday night.

I even thought of flying to Istanbul on the cheapest flight possible, booking my train and flying home, but it rather blows the “overland from Istanbul” plan if I have to fly there to get the ticket.

Best answer by rvdborgt

In April that should be fine.

In addition, Seat61 suggests a few travel agents you can use:

https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/bucharest-and-sofia-to-istanbul-by-train.htm#how-to-buy-tickets

    1 reply

    R
    Railmaster
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    • rvdborgt
    • Railmaster
    • Answer
    • January 19, 2026

    In April that should be fine.

    In addition, Seat61 suggests a few travel agents you can use:

    https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/bucharest-and-sofia-to-istanbul-by-train.htm#how-to-buy-tickets

    Please ask questions in the community and not via a private message. That's the quickest way to get a response. I don't work for Eurail/Interrail.
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