Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) will organize a series of special steam locomotive trips in December, dedicated to train enthusiasts and families, on the occasion of the winter holidays.
The themed trains will run on the Sofia–Bankia–Sofia and Gorna Oreahovitsa–Veliko Tarnovo–Gorna Oreahovitsa routes, offering a retro experience complete with festive decorations and activities for children.
Steam trains between Sofia and Bankia on the weekend of December 13–14
The first holiday train will be pulled by steam locomotive No. 01.23 and will depart on Saturday, December 13, from Sofia Central Station at 9:50 a.m., arriving in Bankia at 10:21 a.m. Upon arrival, passengers will have time to visit the retro carriage of the “Vitosha Express,” meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, and take part in activities organized in the resort center. The return train departs at 12:30 p.m., arriving in Sofia at 1:00 p.m.
On Sunday, December 14, the train will run in the same format: departure from Sofia at 9:45 a.m., arrival in Bankia at 10:16 a.m., and the return will take place at 12:40 p.m., arriving in the capital at 1:10 p.m.
Steam locomotive 16.27 will run between Gorna Oreahovitsa and Veliko Tarnovo on December 20
On December 20, BDZ will operate a second festive train, pulled by steam locomotive No. 16.27, on the Gorna Oreahovitsa – Veliko Tarnovo – Gorna Oreahovitsa route.
The morning train departs at 09:50 from Gorna Oreahovița and arrives in Veliko Tarnovo at 10:20. The return train departs at 11:20 and arrives back in Gorna Oreahovița at 11:51. In the afternoon, a second train will depart from Veliko Tarnovo at 14:05, arriving in Gorna Oreahovița at 14:41. The return train departs at 15:40 and arrives in Veliko Tarnovo at 16:00.
The route offers passengers the opportunity to admire the landscapes of the Iantra River valley and pass through the two tunnels located literally under the city’s buildings. The train will stop in both directions at the Tărapezitsa station, which is accessible to the residents of Veliko Tarnovo.
Retro experience and activities for children
The trains will consist of three themed carriages and a retro carriage from the “Vitosha Express”, where Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will give gifts to the children. Passengers will be able to visit the carriage during stops, and the little ones will be greeted with surprises prepared especially for the event.
Fares
Return tickets include seat reservations.
- On the Sofia – Bankia – Sofia route, the fares are:
- 46 leva (EUR 23) for adults;
- 23 leva (EUR 11.5) for children up to 10 years old.
- On the routes Gorna Oreahovița – Veliko Târnovo and Veliko Târnovo – Gorna Oreahovița, the fares are:
- 40 leva (EUR 20) for adults;
- 20 leva (EUR 10) for children.
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