Train information

The national railway company is Balgarski Darzhavni Žheleznitsi (BDŽ): www.bdz.bg
Train types:
Expresen Vlak (faster trains), reservations required; Barz Vlak (rapid trains) and Patnicheski (slower trains), no reservations required.

Sofia is the main hub of the country for national trains and direct international connections with Belgrade, Bucharest, Istanbul, Budapest, Vienna and Thessaloniki/Athens, reservations are recommended.
Reservations can be made at the Rila travel agencies and cost about 2,50 BGN, plus a possible administration cost.
Bikes are allowed on most domestic trains upon payment of a supplement based on
the distance (base rate: 2 BGN).

Ferries, ships, buses… everything but train

Every town has it own bus station and bus services will take you everywhere around the country (www.bgrazpisanie.com).

Food and drink

Eat traditional stews or grilled meat - the most popular national dish. Try Gyuvech
(beef and vegetables) or Kavarma (spicy meat). Vegetarians can try Sirene (the local
feta) or one of the many salads as a starter: ask for Meshana (mixed); or Snezhanka
(cucumber-yogurt, also known as Snow White for its colour).
Drink local wine or a strong native spirit, popular companions to the local cuisine.

Accommodation

Private accommodation is a wise solution: clean, cheap, widely available and usually very comfortable.
Hostels are rare and usually lacking home comforts, but they are very affordable. An interesting alternative is to stay in a monastery.
Hotels are divided into pre and post communist architecture: the latter offers more luxury while the
former, once state-owned, certainly offer their individual charm.

Camping: free camping is forbidden. (Note: there are not many camp sites available once you are away from the seaside and the most popular destinations). 

Travel information

• Local Tourism Board: www.bulgariatravel.org
• National Parks: www.bulgariannationalparks.org
• Websites of the local regions, cities and even villages can be easily found at: www.guide-bulgaria.com