Hi, looking for recent information on getting from Sarajevo to Sofia in mid to late July. Sarajevo to Belgrade then train seems to be one option, although I'm not 100% that train is running past Nis. Any other options? Could fly via Istanbul back to Sofia but will already be flying via Istanbal from Sofia to Vietnam. First time poster so please be kind! Thanks.
Posted by
Washington DC
28065 posts
That's a tough area for international ground transportation. All I can tell you is that during September 2015 I took a bus from Sofia to Nis. I was headed to Montenegro rather than Sarajevo, but I suggest seeing what Rome2Rio.com coughs up for your desired routing. Do not rely on its travel times and costs; keep drilling down till you find a link to the bus companies providing the service, then try to find actual schedules on their websites.
Tourist offices in that part of the world are pretty good about knowing the train and bus options, but I always head to the bus station ASAP to try to get on-the-spot info.
International buses occasionally sell out, so don't wait till the last minute to buy a ticket. For mission-critical trips in the Balkans, I bought my tickets at least 24 hours ahead of time or upon my arrival in the city from which my next bus would depart.
The Deutsche Bahn website is usually reliable for schedule info on European trains. However, the infrastructure in that area is not in great shape, so rail service sometimes is cancelled for protracted periods so the tracks (I assume) can be updated. In 2015 I met a tour-group on a rail itinerary through the Balkans. They had already ended up on one overnight bus in lieu of the expected train, and they were facing a second long bus trip in a few day' time. I think the entire tour was less than two weeks long, so that's a lot of missing trains.
I assume you've already discovered from looking at schedules that you shouldn't expect to cover more than about 30 mph by either train or bus.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
You probably should expect to use buses and to confirm schedules in person as you travel.
This Nis news is according to the June edition of the European Rail Timetable: We understand that the BALKAN direct service between Beograd and Sofia will resume for the summer period from June 1 to September 17.
DB schedules are also reflecting the once-daily train through Sept. 17.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks for your help, people. This is certainly turning out to be a bit tricky. Will let you know how we get on. Cheers!