Istanbul to Bucharest by train
Replies: 2 - Last Post: Oct 6, 2012 6:39 AM Last Post By: Man_in_Seat_61
jump to
Istanbul to Bucharest by train
My husband and I have bought tickets for a bus/train trip from Istanbul to Bucharest. I have a few questions, and I figured I'd ask them here as there is a bit of a language barrier to overcome at the station and we're a little confused.1. We got the cheapest tickets. Will this get us a seat only, or will it be some kind of carriage with berths? We would prefer to stay together, but according to the Man in Seat 61 website the carriages with berths are single sex unless all the people in them are travelling together. We are quite happy with seats if that is what we have got. And I realise that obviously we will be able to sit together on the two bus legs of the journey.
2. Do we need to make seat reservations for this journey, or do we only need the tickets?
Thanks!
1
Yes, you probably just have a seat. If reservations were compulsory (I think they are), I'm sure you would have been sold those reservations at the station when you bought the tickets. Do your tickets list a wagon/seat? If you didn't specifically request a sleeping couchette or compartment, you probably don't have one.Several years ago when I was on that train, I upgraded to a sleeping compartment with the conductor while on the train. I think I paid him 10 or 20 euros for a compartment with a bed.
In my experience in the Istanbul train station, I was able to find an English speaking person. They usually have an info desk, don't they? I might just head back down there and try and find someone who speaks English that can help. It's tough for us to know what you have when we weren't there and don't see your tickets.
Some additional information:
- It's my understanding that the train tracks are under construction south of the Bulgaria-Istanbul border. Last I heard, the service departs Istanbul on a bus, and then drops you off at the border or nearby to get on the train. Not sure if this is still the case, so ask about that.
- Bring snacks/food. I don't think there is a restaurant car on the train.
2
Normally I'd say always book a sleeper or at least a couchette, never sit up all night in seats, it's a false economy. But with the bus currently replacing the train between Kapikule on the Turkish border and Istanbul, it's not much of an issue.
