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Date of the journey:- September 2019
Distance travelled:- 91 miles
On our arrival at the Central bus station in Sofia the previous day. We took the short 5-minute walk to the Central train station to purchase our onward train tickets to Plovdiv. Tickets for the 1025 hrs train, number 8651 were purchased for 9 Bulgarian Lev each, for second class seats.
On the day of our departure from our accommodation at the Airbnb Superb quiet studio accommodation, we decided to take the tram to the Central train station. Having walked the 1.5km in the heat the previous day, we didn’t want to do it again.
To get to the Central train station, we took a 4 min walk to Tsentralni Khal tram stop in front of Banya Bashi. From there we took tram number 12 for 3 stops to pl. Tsentralna Gara for the Central train station. As this was our only use of public transport while we were in Sofia, we purchased the tickets from the tram driver.
As a rule, each journey requires a new ticket and one ticket costs 1.60 BGN. After purchasing a ticket it has to be validated with the use of one of the perforators located on the tram. Usually, there are at least 4 or 5 of these in every tram. Each tram’s perforator leaves a unique series of holes on the validated ticket, so it can’t be re-used. The system appears primitive, but it works.
Having already purchased our onward train tickets the previous day saved time at the station. Buying tickets here is quite slow, so ensure sufficient time is allowed.
Tips
Firstly, when travelling on Bulgarian trains, book the seat when the ticket is purchased. It only costs 0.5 Bulgarian Lev and for a long journey, it can save moving multiple times at different stations. Very difficult if you have a number of bags.
Secondly, don’t forget to ensure that your tickets are stamped when purchased. Don’t know why this is required but they must be.
Identifying the platform that our train was departing from was easy. Departure boards display the train number that is printed on the ticket. Our 1025 hrs train to Plovdiv departed on time for the 98 miles, 2 hr 37 min journey. Slowly meandering through the outskirts of Sofia, stopping at some small intermediate stations on the way.
The train was comfortable but busy, with some people not being able to find a seat. We were seated in a 6 seat compartment with ample storage racks for our backpacks. The first hour of the journey leaving Sofia was slow. Passing through areas with many derelict and abandoned Soviet Bloc looking buildings.
Clearing the suburbs of Sofia, the train gathered speed and we passed through the well tendered agricultural countryside. With the mountains of Rila National park visible to our left, as we passed shepherds with their sheep. Passing old abandoned industrial buildings, stopping at stations reminiscent of Bulgaria’s Communist past.
Our arrival at Plovdiv train station was on time. With a majority of the people on the train getting off along with us, the station was busy.
The station was exactly as we were expecting. Big, square, with signs using the Cyrillic alphabet. Making life a little difficult, as you can’t even make an educated guess as to what the signs say.
Immediately outside the train station, there are a plethora of bus stops. Tickets are available from onboard conductors at a cost of 1 Bulgarian Lev per person per journey.
Our accommodation, MouseHouse, The Sculpture Studio, was in the bohemian Kapana district of the city, close to the old town. To get there from the train station, we took a short journey on bus number 26. Get off the bus after going through the tunnel under the old town. The same stop is required for the old town as well.