Starting October 1, 2024, Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) will introduce a new direct train service between Sofia and Ruse, aiming to provide enhanced travel options for passengers commuting between the capital and the Danube city.
The service will feature newly acquired German-made passenger cars, promising a more comfortable and efficient travel experience.
The decision to launch this direct service comes as part of BDZ’s broader strategy to improve intercity rail services and cater to increasing passenger demand.
The route will be served by two daily trains—Train No. 4610 departing from Sofia and Train No. 4611 departing from Ruse.
New Schedule for Direct Trains
Train No. 4610 will begin its journey from Sofia Central Station at 2:35 p.m., arriving in Ruse at 10:03 p.m., offering an afternoon and evening travel option for those heading to northern Bulgaria.
In the opposite direction, Train No. 4611 will depart from Ruse distribution station at 6:06 a.m., reaching Sofia Sever station at 12:15 p.m.
Passengers on this service can then transfer to suburban Train No. 20264, which departs Sofia Sever at 12:32 p.m., to complete their journey to Sofia Central Station.
The train’s schedule has been carefully crafted to cater to both business and leisure travelers, allowing for more convenient travel times across the country.
First Month of Service to Undergo Evaluation
The new Sofia-Ruse route will be subject to a comprehensive review during its first month of operation. BDZ will analyze passenger demand and service effectiveness to assess the potential for further improvements.
This trial period will help determine whether any changes to the service, such as adjustments to the schedule or additional trains, are necessary to meet customer needs.
Discounts and Ticketing Information
To encourage the use of the new service, BDZ is offering a 20% discount on return tickets for passengers who book round-trip journeys on the Sofia-Ruse route. This incentive is expected to boost ridership, particularly for frequent travelers.
Tickets can be purchased through a variety of methods, including at station ticket offices and specialized railway desks.
For added convenience, passengers can also book their tickets online via the BDZ online ticketing platform at https://bileti.bdz.bg/. The online system allows customers to plan their trips and secure tickets in advance, avoiding potential queues at stations.
Access to Train Information
To make travel planning more straightforward, BDZ customers can access train schedules and service updates through several channels.
The electronic guide on BDZ’s official website, www.bdz.bg, offers detailed information about the routes and timings. Additionally, passengers can consult staff at ticket offices or call the national information line at +359 2/931 11 11 for further assistance.
Enhancing Travel in Bulgaria
The introduction of the direct Sofia-Ruse train is seen as a significant improvement in Bulgaria’s rail network, particularly for passengers traveling between two of the country’s key cities.
The use of modern German passenger cars, combined with more convenient schedules and ticketing options, is expected to enhance the overall travel experience and attract more passengers to rail transport.
As BDZ continues its modernization efforts, the new Sofia-Ruse service represents a step forward in creating a more efficient and passenger-friendly railway system in Bulgaria. Travelers can now look forward to a faster, more comfortable, and more reliable journey on one of the country’s most important routes.