Travelling by train from Varna to Istanbul is an adventurous and rewarding experience — especially if you’re planning your 2026 trip through the Balkans and want to cross from Bulgaria into Turkey by rail. With the growing interest in overland travel and international sleeper trains, many travellers are now researching routes like “Varna to Istanbul train”, “Varna Istanbul rail route 2026”, or “Bulgaria to Turkey night train” — and this guide covers everything you need to know to plan the journey yourself.
During my own trip, I discovered that while there’s no direct nonstop train from Varna to Istanbul, it’s easy to piece together a smooth and scenic route with regional trains, a comfortable sleeper car, and one simple change along the way. In this article, I’ll walk you through each step — where to buy tickets, when the trains depart, what to expect on board, and a few insider tips I learned first-hand.
1. Buying Your Ticket in Varna
At Varna train station, head to the international ticket office — staff speak English and you can ask for help with the route. I did exactly that one day before my departure, and it made everything much smoother.
2. Varna → Stara Zagora (Regional Train)
My journey began with a regional Bulgarian train:
- Train no: 8632
- Departure from Varna: 17:10
- Arrival at Stara Zagora: 21:03
This leg takes you south through the Bulgarian interior and is part of your connection toward Turkey. It’s a simple Bulgarian regional train without air conditioning. Sit back, watch the landscape change, and talk to the friendly locals. I shared my compartment with two Bulgarian workers on their way home. They did not speak English but with the help of a translation-app we managed to chat for a while. When they left the train they gave me a package of cookies. I felt this was such a sweet gesture.
3. Stara Zagora → Dimitrovgrad (Regional Train)
From Stara Zagora I boarded the next regional train:
- Train no: 465
- Departure: 21:15
- Arrival at Dimitrovgrad: 22:30
Here things got interesting. I expected to change trains in Dimitrovgrad, but instead the conductor came around right when we left Stara Zagora and told me to move into a sleeper carriage that was already attached to the train. That meant I did not have to leave the train in Dimitrovgrad — even though that was the planned change point.
4. Sleeper Night Train to Istanbul
In Dimitrovgrad, the sleeper car I was already sitting in, was attached to the main international sleeper train that travels from Sofia to Istanbul. I just had to move into my assigned sleeper compartment and get comfortable. Then the journey continues:
- Train no: 493
- Departure from Dimitrovgrad: 23:03
- Arrival at Istanbul Halkalı: 09:56 (next day)
This is the overnight segment: you sleep in the compartment, arrive fresh in Istanbul in the morning, ready to explore.
5. The Sleeper Experience – Night Train to Istanbul
Once the sleeper carriage was attached to the main night train in Dimitrovgrad, the real adventure began. The conductor came by to check tickets and passports and handed out bedding and bottled water. He took my reservation ticket and left. That confused me in the beginning. But another traveller explained to me it’s normal on international night trains that the conductor keeps the reservation and usually hands it back later on. The compartment was simple but cozy — two bunk beds (so four beds in total) and clean sheets. I had the entire compartment to myself.
There’s something magical about night trains, especially when crossing borders. The gentle movement of the train, the low sound of the rails, and the excitement of waking up in a new country — it’s all part of what makes overland travel so special.
6. Border Crossing Between Bulgaria and Turkey
Sometime after midnight, the train stopped at Svilengrad, a small town near the Bulgarian–Turkish border. Border officers boarded the train to collect everyone’s passports. The process was calm and efficient — after about 30 minutes, they returned the passports, and we continued our journey toward Turkey.
Roughly half an hour later, we arrived at the Turkish border checkpoint. This time, everyone had to leave the train with their passports and luggage. The procedure was straightforward but took around 40–50 minutes in total. First, luggage was scanned at a small customs area, and then passengers went to a nearby building where Turkish immigration officers checked and stamped passports.
💡 Useful tip for travelers in 2026:
When entering Turkey, remember you’re leaving the EU. Some nationalities require an e-Visa, which can easily be applied for online before your trip — make sure to arrange it in advance to avoid any issues at the border.
Once I cleared immigration, I returned to my sleeper compartment. It took a little while until all passengers were back on board, but soon the night train to Istanbul was moving again — quiet and peaceful until sunrise.
7. Arrival in Istanbul Halkalı Station
Around 9:56 a.m., the train finally arrived at Istanbul Halkalı, which is the final stop of the international trains coming from Europe. The station is modern and organized, with ATMs, cafés, and a small ticket counter for onward travel.
Since Halkalı is located about 25 km west of the city centre, you’ll need to continue your journey by Marmaray suburban train — a modern underground line that connects directly to central Istanbul. Simply follow the signs for Marmaray and buy an Istanbulkart – a rechargeable card to use public transport in Istanbul. Tap your IstanbulKart at the gates and ride straight into Sirkeci or Sultanahmet.
8. My Thoughts on the Varna–Istanbul Train Route
This route from Varna to Istanbul by train is quite an interesting journey full of variety: taking various trains, changing at small Bulgarian stations and crossing a border into a new country. So far this is one of the most exciting train rides on my overland trip from Berlin to Singapore.
If you enjoy slow travel and want to experience a real cross-border train adventure, this route is for you. Plus, you’ll meet other travelers, share stories, and experience the nostalgic charm of sleeper trains that modern travel often lacks.
Would I do it again? Absolutely
Berlin to Singapore Overland
📍 Varna to Istanbul
🚅 Transportation: 2 regional trains, 1 night train
💻 Booked via: Varna station international ticket office
🛣️ Distance travelled since Berlin: 2,200 km