Determine your desired travel dates and times, keeping in mind that it takes several hours to get from Bulgaria to Turkey.
Decide whether you want a sleeping car. This may depend on whether you travel during the day or in the evening.
Go to the Bulgarian State Railway Web site for specifics on Bulgaria's train system, and to view maps and read up on traveling regulations (see Resources below).
Check out Turkey's official State Railway Web site (see Resources below). Here you can look at train maps, schedules and travel regulations.
Select a departure city inside Bulgaria. Sofia is the most convenient, as it is the nation's capital and train hub, with a full-service international airport.
Select a destination city in Turkey, such as Ankara (the capital city) or Istanbul, both of which have international airports.
Book your ticket through the Turkey State Railway Web site. There is a daily train that runs between Sofia, Bulgaria, and Istanbul, Turkey. Consider purchasing a return ticket at the same time you purchase your departure ticket.
Print out all confirmation numbers and the itinerary provided at the time of purchase, as well as any follow-up emails sent from the ticket agent.
Request any follow-up information from your ticket agent such as travel tips, lodging recommendations and restaurant information within Turkey. Further information can also be found at the Turkey Travel Planner Web site (see Resources below).
