Traveling is not just about the destination, but also about the journey. In 2019, the Meadows in the Mountains festival in Bulgaria promoted a wonderful initiative to reduce their carbon footprint: offering free festival tickets to those who arrived using public transportation. This inspired the decision to go on a train journey from Berlin to Sofia, embracing the ethos of slow travel and the unique experiences it offers.
- Why Travel Slowly?
- Berlin to Budapest by train: A Fortunate Start – Planning the Route
- Budapest to Belgrade by train: Navigating Interruptions
- Belgrade to Sofia by train: The Final Leg β An Unexpected Turn
- SUMMARY – Costs and Links to buy tickets
Why Travel Slowly?
The trip from Berlin to Sofia covers approximately 1,300 kilometers. Opting for public transportation not only reduces your carbon footprint but also enriches the travel experience. Slow travel allowed us to engage more deeply with the changing landscapes and cultures encountered along the way. It softens the cultural shock often experienced when transitioning between climates and settings. We wandered through city neighborhoods we might never have visited otherwise and appreciated the beauty of old trains and the stories they seemed to hold.
Berlin to Budapest by train: A Fortunate Start – Planning the Route
We allocated a full week for our journey, with planned stops in Budapest and Belgrade. The adventure began at Berlin Hauptbahnhof, where we boarded a night train to Budapest. Tickets were reasonably priced at β¬39 for a couchette and β¬49 for a bed in a cozy 2-bed sleeper when booked in advance. However, online booking is not always possible, requiring a visit to a Deutsche Bahn travel center, like the one at Ostbahnhof.
On the night train to Budapest, we had chosen the couchette option. Luckily, no additional passengers joined our compartment, allowing us to stretch out and enjoy the beds for ourselvesβa small luxury on a long journey. (See what to do in Budapest on a budget).
Budapest to Belgrade by train
To travel from Budapest to Belgrade, the easiest and most straightforward option is by direct train. This journey offers a comfortable and scenic route across the Hungarian and Serbian countryside. You can catch the EuroCity train, known as Avala, which departs daily from Budapest Keleti railway station and arrives at Belgrade Centar station. The journey takes approximately 8 hours, providing a smooth ride with the convenience of direct service without the need for transfers. Tickets are very affordable, especially if booked in advance, with prices typically around β¬15. This fare often includes air-conditioned carriages, ensuring a pleasant trip even during warmer months. The same low fare is usually available for those who prefer to purchase tickets on the day of travel (there are always spare tickets).
Belgrade to Sofia by train: The Final Leg β An Unexpected Turn
Our journey from Belgrade to Sofia took an unexpected turn right from the start. On the morning we were set to leave, we learned that our train was unexpectedly canceled, leaving us momentarily stranded and uncertain. However, as luck would have it, we soon found an alternative through BlaBlaCar. We were fortunate enough to connect with a German-Turkish man through BlaBlacar who was driving to the Black Sea and was happy to take us along.
The ride turned out to be a really memorable part of our trip. Our new friend was traveling with his loyal dog in a comfortably outfitted caravan, which added a cozy, homely feel to our travel. As we drove through the scenic landscapes of Serbia and Bulgaria, we shared stories and experiences, finding common ground in our diverse backgrounds. The conversation flowed effortlessly, touching on topics from cultural differences and travel stories to personal anecdotes about life in Germany and Turkey.
The journey typically involves taking a train from Belgrade to NiΕ‘ and then connecting to a bus from NiΕ‘ to Sofia. Here’s a breakdown of the travel steps and detailed information as we struggled a bit to get to Sofia (update 2024):
- Train from Belgrade to NiΕ‘: Start your journey with a train ride from Belgrade to NiΕ‘. This segment of the trip usually takes about six hours and offers comfortable, air-conditioned regional train service. Remember, there’s no catering on these trains, so it’s advisable to bring your own food and beverages.
- Bus from NiΕ‘ to Sofia: After arriving in NiΕ‘, the next leg of your journey to Sofia is by bus. The bus ride from NiΕ‘ to Sofia takes about five hours. The bus station in NiΕ‘ is a short distance from the train station, easily accessible by a quick taxi ride or a walk, depending on your luggage and time.
The total travel time can be approximately 11 hours, excluding transfer times in NiΕ‘.
How much does it cost?
- Belgrade to NiΕ‘ by train: The fare is approximately 914 dinars (β¬8).
- NiΕ‘ to Sofia by bus: This segment costs about 2,060 dinars (β¬18).
Additional Information
Interrail & Eurail passes: These passes will cover the train portion of your journey from Belgrade to NiΕ‘, but note that they do not apply to the bus ride from NiΕ‘ to Sofia.
SUMMARY – Costs and Links to buy tickets
