Bulgarian state railways BDZ has announced a series of festive steam-powered train excursions to mark the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays. The special journeys, designed to bring nostalgic charm to the winter season, will run along two picturesque routes: Sofia–Bankya–Sofia and Gorna Oryahovitsa–Veliko Turnovo–Gorna Oryahovitsa.
Each train will include three thematically decorated passenger cars and a retro carriage from the iconic Vitosha Express. The vintage carriage will host Father Christmas and Snow White, who will greet children and distribute gifts during the festive journey.
The first excursion will depart on December 13, when the Christmas train pulled by steam locomotive No. 01.23 leaves Sofia Central Station at 9.50am.
It is scheduled to arrive in Bankya at 10.21am. Passengers will then have ample time to explore the retro carriage, meet the holiday characters and enjoy the festive atmosphere at the centre of the spa town before the return journey at 12.30pm, arriving back in Sofia at 1pm.
A second train on the Sofia–Bankya route will run on December 14. This festive trip will depart from Sofia at 9.45am, reaching Bankya at 10.16am. After a similar holiday programme in the town, the return leg will depart at 12.40pm, with the train expected to reach Sofia Central Station at 1.10pm.
Beyond the capital region, BDZ will also operate a special steam-powered Christmas service on December 20 between Gorna Oryahovitsa and Veliko Turnovo. This journey, using locomotive No. 16.27, offers passengers a unique winter experience along the scenic banks of the Yantra River.
The morning train will depart from Gorna Oryahovitsa at 9.50am, arriving in Veliko Turnovo at 10.20am. The return trip begins at 11.20am, reaching the starting point at 11.51am. In the afternoon, the festive train will leave Veliko Turnovo at 2.05pm, arriving in Gorna Oryahovitsa at 2.41pm, before departing again at 3.40pm for a final arrival in Veliko Turnovo at 4pm.
BDZ highlighted that the two journeys between Gorna Oryahovitsa and Veliko Turnovo provide an “unusual perspective” for passengers, including picturesque views along the river and travel through two tunnels beneath historical buildings. The train will make scheduled stops at Trapezitsa station, offering another boarding point for residents of Veliko Turnovo.
During stops, passengers with tickets will be able to tour the retro carriage and meet Father Christmas and Snow White, who will have special surprises prepared for the youngest travellers. BDZ emphasized that these festive excursions aim to combine family entertainment with the charm of classic rail travel.
Ticket prices include a reserved seat. Fares for the Sofia–Bankya–Sofia route are set at 46 leva for adults and 23 leva for children up to 10 years old. For the Gorna Oryahovitsa–Veliko Turnovo and Veliko Turnovo–Gorna Oryahovitsa routes, round-trip tickets cost 40 leva for adults and 20 leva for children.
With these festive journeys, BDZ seeks to revive the allure of steam-powered travel while bringing families together to celebrate the holiday spirit across some of Bulgaria’s most scenic winter landscapes.