A special tourist train featuring vintage passenger cars is set to captivate narrow-gauge railway enthusiasts this July. The train will operate every Saturday and Sunday, offering a unique travel experience from Septemvri station to Velingrad and Tsvetino stations.
This initiative coincides with the 51st Velingrad Culture Festival, making its debut journey on July 6th, the holiday of Velingrad city.
This vintage train promises an extraordinary experience for both history buffs and railway fans. It will run with a fascinating mix of carriages representing various periods in the narrow-gauge railway’s history.
The train will include two retro cars—one from 1926 and another from 1941—a standard passenger car from the 1970s, a buffet car added three years ago, and a box car. The diesel locomotive that will pull these carriages adds to the nostalgic journey through time.
The train’s schedule is designed to offer a comprehensive and leisurely experience. Departing from Septemvri station at 09:30 a.m., the train will arrive in Velingrad at 11:20 a.m. before continuing to the picturesque Tsvetino station, reaching there at noon.
The return trip from Tsvetino starts at 12:25 p.m., arriving back in Velingrad at 1:00 p.m. After a short break in Velingrad, the train will resume its journey at 2:25 p.m.
The itinerary includes a scheduled stop at Cepina station to visit the Narrow Gauge House-Museum, providing a deeper insight into the railway’s history. The train is expected to return to Septemvri station by 4:20 p.m.
To accommodate this special service, the regular suburban passenger train from Septemvri to Avramovo will not operate at 10:50 a.m., nor will the 2:05 p.m. service from Avramovo to Septemvri during weekends in July.
Ticket prices for the various routes offer flexibility for different travel plans. For the complete journey from Septemvri to Tsvetino and back, tickets are priced at BGN 45.00 for adults and BGN 23.50 for children up to 10 years old.
For the shorter route from Septemvri to Cepina and back, adults can travel for BGN 40.00, while children’s tickets are BGN 21.00. For those opting for the Velingrad to Tsvetino round trip, the prices are BGN 15.00 for adults and BGN 8.50 for children.
Tickets are available for purchase online at bileti.bdz.bg and at ticket offices and railway desks across the country. Given the historical significance and the limited number of seats, early booking is highly recommended to ensure a place on this unique journey.
This special train service not only celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Velingrad but also brings to life the golden era of railway travel.
Passengers will have the rare opportunity to experience a nostalgic trip, witnessing how rail travel has evolved from the early 20th century to the present day.
As the vintage train chugs through the scenic landscapes of Bulgaria, it promises to be a memorable adventure for all aboard.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members