Secure a Eurail Pass. If you're a U.S. or Canadian citizen and plan to keep traveling before and after your trip to Budapest, you'll want to secure a Eurail Pass for travel within 17 European countries, including Hungary.
Have your updated passport ready when you go to book your train tickets. If you purchase online, many services require you to give your passport number before issuing tickets.
Book your tickets through the Rail Europe Web site (see Resources below). You can also book by phone at 1-888-382-RAIL. The journey will be inexpensive to moderately priced.
Get more information about the areas you'll be traveling through from the Web sites of the Bulgarian State Railway (BDZ) and the Hungarian State Railway (MAV) (see Resources below).
Consider using a travel agent. Travel agents in the U.S. can book your train tickets, but if you speak Bulgarian, you can also work with a local agent in Sofia.
Book a train ticket at the Sofia Central Station using a credit card or Bulgarian currency known as "lev."
Research transportation options within Budapest so you can get to your final destination from the train station.
Visit the Web site for the BKV, or the Mass Transport Company of Budapest. This company runs the public transportation within the city limits of Budapest. Look up public transit routes for buses, trollies, trams, the metro and suburban railway.
