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Night train Sofia - Istanbul
D 493/81031 Balkan Express (D 493)
Night train D 493 from Sofia to Istanbul. Where to buy tickets. Schedule information, seats, couchettes and sleepers.
Check times&prices 
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The night train from Sofia to Istanbul operates again to Halkali station from February 2017. The train conveys couchette and sleeping cars only.
From June 2, a direct couchette car will operate from Belgrade via Sofia to Istanbul and the train will also convey sleeper and couchette cars from Bucharest to Istanbul from the station of Dimitrovgrad.
The trains terminate at Halkali station on the outskirts of Istanbul. To get to the city centre a shuttle bus to Sirkeci station is provided.
The timings are for valid for summertime until October 28; from October 29 timings in Turkey are +1 hour (arrival Halkali 07:49).
Read more in the blog, see link below.
From June 2, a direct couchette car will operate from Belgrade via Sofia to Istanbul and the train will also convey sleeper and couchette cars from Bucharest to Istanbul from the station of Dimitrovgrad.
The trains terminate at Halkali station on the outskirts of Istanbul. To get to the city centre a shuttle bus to Sirkeci station is provided.
The timings are for valid for summertime until October 28; from October 29 timings in Turkey are +1 hour (arrival Halkali 07:49).
Read more in the blog, see link below.
| Station | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|
Sofia
(Gare Centrale) |
21:00 | |
|
Septemvri
(Гара) |
22:38 | 22:39 |
|
Pazardzhik
(Station) |
22:49 | 22:50 |
|
Plovdiv
(Tsentralna Gara) |
23:15 | 23:20 |
|
Dimitrovgrad, Bulgaria
(Station) |
00:01 | 00:16 |
|
Svilengrad
(Station) |
01:00 | 01:45 |
Kapıkule
|
03:00 | 03:52 |
|
Edirne
|
04:07 | 04:09 |
|
Çerkezköy
|
06:15 | 06:17 |
|
Istanbul
(Halkalı Garı) |
07:49 |
You do not have to change trains. The times are for information only.
Connection available on these week days (1=Monday / 7=Sunday)
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
Travel this route in reverse direction:
D 81032 / Istanbul-Sofia
| Category | |
|---|---|
| Couchette 6 | 6-berth-compartment | 2nd class |
|
| Couchette 4 | 4-berth-compartment | 2nd class |
|
| Sleeper 2 | 2-bed-compartment | private washing facility | 2nd class |
|
| Sleeper 1 | 1-bed-compartment | private washing facility | 1st class |
|
| Note: for ticket fares please follow the given booking links. Prices may vary depending on the route, purchase date and comfort category. | |
Category: Only the available categories are listed.
Eurail: if you want to travel this route by Eurail instead of train tickets, have a look here for reservation fees and further information.
Do you have further questions and need assistance? Do not hesitate to ask in our friendly forum where you always get detailed help.
