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Train services in Bulgaria: search, tickets, rights

In Bulgaria you check trains on the official site of the national carrier, Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ), and you buy a ticket through its online reservation system, at railway offices and stations, or on board. This article gives no times or fares; it describes the site's tools, the ticket channels and the rights an EU rail passenger has after a delay.

Transport · Last reviewed: 2026-10-07

How to search for trains

On the BDZ site you choose a departure and arrival point to see journeys, and you can also search by a specific train number. Results can be filtered for fast trains, direct journeys, sleeping cars, first-class cars and cars equipped for passengers with reduced mobility. Timetables change by season and date, so we state no times here; search again before every journey.

The site says pricing is dynamic and depends on the journey duration and the chosen day and time. It is therefore normal to see different prices for the same route on different days; do not look for a fixed tariff.

Where to buy a ticket

  1. Online reservation and ticket

    BDZ offers an online reservation and ticketing system; after you search for a train you buy the ticket from the same service.

  2. Railway offices and stations

    Tickets are sold at railway offices and stations around the country; if it is your first time, leave enough time before departure.

  3. On board

    The site also mentions purchase options on board; we have not verified the conditions (for example whether a surcharge applies), so read the passenger information on the site.

Rights after a delay or cancellation under EU rules

According to the EU's Your Europe page, if your train arrives 60 minutes or more late you can claim 25% of the ticket price for a delay of 1 to 2 hours or 50% for more than 2 hours, and the railway company must pay within 1 month of your request. If a train is cancelled and the delay exceeds 60 minutes you can choose a full or partial refund plus return, re-routing on comparable terms, or re-routing at a later date; where physically possible meals, refreshments and accommodation are also provided.

In exceptional circumstances such as extreme weather, major natural disasters or pandemics, compensation may not be due; according to the page, strikes by railway staff are not considered extraordinary circumstances. A complaint goes to the railway company within 3 months of the incident; the company replies within 1 month (3 months in justified cases), and if you are dissatisfied you turn to the relevant national authority within 3 months of the rejection.

Keep your evidence

Keep your ticket, proof of payment and a record of the delay (a screenshot or a station notice). A compensation claim relies on them.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I check a train in Bulgaria?

On the BDZ site, by departure and arrival point or by train number; results can be filtered for fast trains, direct journeys, sleeping cars and first class.

Is the ticket price fixed?

No. The site says pricing is dynamic and depends on the journey duration and the chosen day and time.

Can I get compensation for a late train?

According to the EU page, for a delay of 60 minutes or more you can claim 25% of the ticket price (1-2 hours) or 50% (over 2 hours); exceptional circumstances may exclude it, and a strike by railway staff is not one.

Sources

The information on this page is based on the official sources listed below. Legislation changes — open the links and verify the current position.

  1. Български държавни железници (БДЖ) — Пътнически превози: разписание, билети, права на пътниците — https://www.bdz.bg/bg · 2026-10-07
  2. Your Europe (AB) — Tren yolcu hakları — https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/rail/index_en.htm · 2026-10-07

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Train services in Bulgaria: search, tickets, rights | Bulgaristan.bg