Bulgaria Unveils Spectacular High-Speed Summer Train Service Revolutionizing Travel from Sofia to the Stunning Black Sea Coast

Sunday, June 15, 2025

Bulgaria is redefining summer travel with its newly introduced high-speed train service, offering passengers an exclusive blend of comfort, efficiency, and breathtaking scenery as they journey from Sofia to the iconic Black Sea coast. Designed to meet the soaring demand for convenient coastal getaways, this revolutionary rail experience combines state-of-the-art air-conditioned coaches, luxurious first-class seating, and seamless daily schedules that eliminate the hassle of long road trips or congested highways. By delivering unmatched comfort and accessibility, Bulgaria’s summer express trains are set to transform domestic tourism, making seaside escapes faster, easier, and more enjoyable for thousands of travelers.

BDZ Introduces New High-Speed Summer Rail Service Connecting Sofia to Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast

Bulgaria’s state-owned railway operator BDZ is set to transform summer travel with the introduction of its new express trains, offering daily connections between the nation’s capital and its most popular seaside destinations — Burgas and Varna. The seasonal high-speed services, which are scheduled to operate from June 15 to September 15, 2025, are designed to cater to the growing demand for faster, more comfortable access to Bulgaria’s scenic Black Sea coast.

Fast, Efficient Summer Travel for Tourists and Locals

The newly launched express trains are part of BDZ’s ongoing strategy to modernize its passenger services and provide more convenient travel options during the peak tourist season. With carefully optimized schedules, these trains will offer some of the fastest travel times available between Sofia and the two coastal cities.

Every morning, two express trains will depart from Sofia, making it possible for passengers to reach the coastline by midday. The train bound for Burgas will leave Sofia’s central station at 6:15 AM, arriving in Burgas at 11:40 AM, while the service to Varna will depart from Sofia North station at 7:55 AM, pulling into Varna at 2:27 PM.

Return journeys are equally convenient for travelers. The return service from Burgas is scheduled to leave the coastal city at 5:05 PM, arriving in Sofia at 10:25 PM. Likewise, the train departing Varna will set off at 4:35 PM and reach the capital by 11:12 PM. These schedules provide passengers with ample time to enjoy the coastal cities for business or leisure while ensuring same-day round-trip possibilities for those seeking a quick getaway.

Modern Comfort on Board with Bistro Cars and Air-Conditioned Coaches

BDZ has invested in upgraded rolling stock to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey for all passengers. Each express train will feature three fully air-conditioned German saloon-type passenger cars, providing modern seating and a relaxing atmosphere even during the hot summer months. In addition, a bistro car will be available on every train, offering refreshments, snacks, and additional seating, allowing passengers to dine or simply relax while enjoying the picturesque Bulgarian countryside.

The train to Burgas will make limited stops along its route, calling at Iskarsko Shose, Karlovo, Kazanlak, Dabovo, and Sliven. Meanwhile, the Varna express will stop at Mezdra, Pleven, Gorna Oryahovitsa, and Shumen, ensuring rapid travel while still serving several key regional hubs along the way.

Affordable Ticket Prices with Discounts for Return Trips

BDZ has structured its ticket pricing to make the new express service accessible to a wide range of passengers. A one-way second-class ticket between Sofia and Burgas is priced at 38 leva, which includes a mandatory seat reservation fee of 1 leva. For the Sofia to Varna journey, a second-class one-way ticket costs 47 leva.

Travelers who plan to make round-trip journeys can take advantage of a twenty percent discount, reducing the price for Sofia-Burgas to 57.30 leva and Sofia-Varna to 66.90 leva. These discounted prices are designed to encourage more travelers to enjoy Bulgaria’s coastline without the hassle and expense of driving.

First-Class Travel for Enhanced Comfort

For those seeking a premium travel experience, BDZ’s bistro cars offer 18 first-class seats, providing extra space, enhanced comfort, and superior amenities. First-class one-way fares are set at 47.30 leva for the Sofia-Burgas route and 58.50 leva for Sofia-Varna. Round-trip first-class tickets are available for 70.40 leva and 84.40 leva, respectively. This first-class option provides an ideal solution for business travelers or anyone who desires a more relaxed, luxurious journey to the seaside.

Supporting Bulgaria’s Domestic Tourism Growth

The launch of these high-speed summer express services reflects BDZ’s broader commitment to supporting domestic tourism, easing road traffic congestion, and promoting rail as a sustainable, efficient alternative for long-distance travel within Bulgaria. With the Black Sea coast continuing to attract both Bulgarian and international visitors each summer, these new train connections are expected to play a significant role in boosting regional tourism and offering a convenient travel solution for thousands of passengers.

As travel demand increases during the busy summer months, the express trains are also expected to relieve pressure on Bulgaria’s highway system, reduce environmental impact, and offer passengers a stress-free journey free from traffic jams and long road trips.

Bulgaria revolutionizes summer travel with its new high-speed train service, offering luxurious comfort, rapid connections, and effortless access from Sofia to the stunning Black Sea coast, making seaside getaways faster and more enjoyable than ever.

A New Era for Bulgarian Rail Travel

With the introduction of these express trains, BDZ is taking an important step towards modernizing Bulgaria’s rail system, delivering faster connections, improved service quality, and greater passenger satisfaction. The summer express routes to Burgas and Varna not only make the Black Sea more accessible but also reaffirm BDZ’s role as a vital part of Bulgaria’s growing transportation network.