Hi all,

This isn’t actually a journey I will actually be using my pass for (it’s too cheap!), but it does form part of a larger Interrail trip so I hope I’m not abusing the forum too much by asking this…

I’m planning to take a couple of trains in Bulgaria late next month, but I don’t know how reliable the information on the BDZ website is at the moment (I know it is complicated by the major works going on around Sofia station), and I’m really just looking for reassurance that I’ll be able to get a seat if I buy a ticket at the station on the day.

When I messaged BDZ themselves, they just sent an automated response saying that trains could only be booked 5 days in advance, so I’ve got that bit. But I still have a couple of questions about the two specific trains I plan to take.

Firstly, the BV7625 from Vidin to Sofia; this does appear within the 5 day window, but apparently only has one 2nd class carriage? If correct, that’s a massive reduction from the usual three 2nd class and one 1st class (https://www.vagonweb.cz/razeni/vlak.php?zeme=BD%C5%BD&kategorie=BV&cislo=7625&rok=2024), and I’d guess that one carriage could easily sell out before I arrive. So I’m wondering whether the sole carriage displayed on the BDZ website is simply the only one that has reserved seats; perhaps the other three carriages are still there, but just for customers with non-reserved seat tickets bought at the station. Does this sound plausible?

Secondly, the BV5617 from Sofia to Petrich; this train is more problematic because there doesn’t seem to be any way of booking it, even 5 or fewer days in advance. The seat selection menu simply does not load (which is what other trains look like ahead of the booking window). I’m guessing this is also one to book at the station, and that it is currently running?

Thanks for any help :-)