We recently took the train from Varna to Plovdiv and used the opportunity to review Bulgarian train service in general.
The Bulgarian train network spans over 4000 km and connects all of the major cities and towns in Bulgaria.
Bulgarian trains are antiquated and slower than buses between cities. So if you are looking for the fastest way to get around Bulgaria then the Bulgarian train is not your best option.
But if you are not in a hurry taking the Bulgarian train is a unique experience that is retro and cool. The train cars have a very communist feel – they appeared to us to be old East German passenger cars.
Riding a Bulgarian train gives you a feel for what life was like in communist Bulgaria in ways that are both positive and negative – but always interesting!
There are three types of Bulgarian Trains: ekspresen (express), barz (fast) or patnicheski (slow).
Express trains and fast trains connect the major cities while the slow trains provide connections to the smaller or more remote towns.
Travelling by train in Bulgaria is cheap. An express cross-country trip between Sofia and Varna costs about $20.
Our one-way second class Bulgarian Train tickets from Varna to Plovdiv cost 18.60 leva ($10.70).
Reservation are available online at
https://bdztickets.com/en/ but only on certain routes...and the online booking system is buggy.
Overall taking the train in Bulgaria is a pretty cool experience if you have the time.
More details:
https://readyjetroam.com/bulgarian-train-service/
Disclaimer: that link leads to an article I wrote on a website that I have a financial interest in.