Book your ticket through Rail Europe by visiting the Web site (see Resources) or calling a North American agent at (888) 382-RAIL.
Book a 6-bunk couchette for the most affordable sleeping arrangement. It is not the roomiest of accomodation but you will be able to recline and get a far better night's sleep than in a regular seat.
Consider a more private accomodation if traveling with a significant other or with your family. The Bosphorus Express features 1, 2 and 3-bed cabins that each feature a washbasin. The 3-bed cabins are perfect for a small family.
Keep your travel documents close at hand for the trip as you'll be crossing 2 separate international borders along the way. You'll have to get off the train for a passport stamp at each stop but it should not take very long. Don't worry, you'll be back in bed before you know it!
Access the Turkish State Railways Web site (see Resources) for information about the Bosphorus Express including timetables, sleeping accomodations and pricing information.
Review your trip details and decide on the route you'd like to take between Istanbul and Bucharest. The direct trip will take 18 hours on the Bosphorus Express that leaves Istanbul nightly at 10:00 p.m. Because of how long the trip will take, many travelers opt to break the trip into segments and visit other sites along the way.
Decide on the accomodation you'd prefer for the trip. While the Bosphorus Express features regular seats for those that are on the tightest of budgets, these seats are not recommended for such a long journey. Sleeping accomodation offers a far more comfortable trip.
Consider purchasing a Eurail pass instead of a point to point ticket if you plan on continuing train travel beyond Bucharest. Some passes allow you to pre-purchase a set amount of travel days in a region that can be used over a period of time. Check to see whether you qualify for any age-based discounts.
