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Bulgaria
Venture out on a unique rail adventure, as you glide through the impressive landscapes of Bulgaria. Explore the capital city of Sofia, the Roman ruins in Plovdiv and the coastal city of Varna – with your Interrail Pass. When you travel by train in Bulgaria, don't be surprised if you find more than you imagined.
Bulgaria quick facts
Trains in Bulgaria
Find out about Bulgaria’s rail network, different train types and reservation requirements.
More about trains in Bulgaria
Interrail passes for Bulgaria
Places to visit
Nesebar, Bulgaria
Beautiful Bulgarian nature
Bulgaria's very own natural pride and joy is the Pirin National Park in the southwest of the country. Sparkling glacial lakes, tumultuous waterfalls and expanses of alpine woodland make this a real treat for hikers, bikers and climbers alike. Another way to get deep inside of Pirin is via one of its cave networks. Sun-worshippers will love the Bulgarian Black Sea coast – the country's main pulling power. Nesebâr is a favourite – a tiny island connected to the mainland by a manmade isthmus.
Nesebâr is a short bus ride from the city of Burgas.
Rila mountains, Bulgaria
Bulgaria's great outdoors
As soon as the Bulgarian snow hits Bansko, located at the foot of the Pirin mountain range, it comes alive with insatiable skiers and snowboarders. The resort has around 75 kilometres of decent runs for all levels of experience. The nightlife is also well-renowned. For mountain bike enthusiasts, the Rila Mountains have trails winding through Bulgaria's untouched countryside. Get off the beaten track and experience the heart of Bulgaria with adrenaline rushing through your veins.
The train brings you into the centre of the town of Bankso.
Beach Bar Bulgaria
Buzzing beach bars
For nightlife, Bulgaria's capital is unlikely to disappoint. During summer months, the Black Sea coast awakens with buzzing bars and clubs opening up their doors to locals and tourists from afar. Varna is a popular destination from which to embrace the Bulgarian beaches by day and dazzling bars and clubs by night. Hit the resort of Albena for unparalleled beaches and an energetic buzz, as the bars and clubs rock on until the early hours.
Varna can be reached by train. To get to Albena it is necessary to connect to a bus in Varna.
Rila Monastery interior
Journey through Bulgaria’s long history
Plovdiv is Bulgaria's second biggest city and in many ways more inviting than its big brother. The old quarter is a visual feast of Thracian fortifications jumbled around Byzantine ruins and a superb 2nd century A.D. Roman amphi theatre. Not to forget architecture dating from the Renaissance period and mosques from the Ottoman rule. Built in the 10th century the Rila Monastery – south of the capital in the Rila Mountains – is one of the country's proudest architectural treasures. The interiors are laden with intricate and colourful frescoes.
From Tsentralna station in Plovdiv it's a 10-minute walk to the old quarter.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia
Sofia: Get around on foot
Bulgaria’s capital city Sofia, is often overlooked in favour of the country’s enigmatic coastline, but be sure to spend a couple of days exploring what’s on offer. The city is compact and easily explored on foot. Include a visit to the fascinating Archaeological Museum housed within a 15th century mosque. Exhibits date back to the Thracian tribe that founded Bulgaria some 3,000 years ago. Alexander Nevsky cathedral is the city´s visual gem, especially twinkling under the night sky.
The Archaeological Museum is a 20-minute walk from the main train station and Alexandar Nevsky cathedral is another 10 minutes from there.
Go the last mile
Found yourself at the end of the line, but not at your destination? When public transportation ends, it's time to take matters into your own hands: rent a car for the last few miles!
Interrailers get up to a 15% discount on all Avis retail prices.
You can find more information in the Terms & Conditions.
