Is There a Train From Istanbul to London?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re planning a trip from Istanbul to London, you may be wondering if there is a train that takes you directly to your destination. While there isn’t a direct train from Istanbul to London, there are still plenty of options for making the journey.

Routes

One popular route is to take the train from Istanbul to Sofia, Bulgaria and then transfer to another train that goes to Belgrade, Serbia. From Belgrade, you can take the EuroCity train which goes through Hungary, Austria, Germany and finally arrives in London. This route may take longer than other options but it offers scenic views of Eastern Europe.

The Istanbul-Sofia Leg

The first leg of this journey starts in Istanbul. You can catch a train at the Halkali train station on the outskirts of the city. The train will take you through Turkey’s countryside and across the border into Bulgaria where it will stop at several cities including Plovdiv and Sofia.

The Sofia-Belgrade Leg

Once you arrive in Sofia, you’ll need to transfer to another train that goes to Belgrade. The Belgrade Express runs twice a week and takes around 8 hours to reach its destination.

The Belgrade-London Leg

From Belgrade, you’ll need to catch the EuroCity train which goes through Hungary, Austria, Germany and finally arrives in London. This journey takes around 24 hours so make sure you pack enough snacks and entertainment for the ride.

  • Train tickets can be purchased online or at the station.
  • You’ll need your passport with you as you’ll be crossing international borders.
  • There are sleeping compartments available on some trains if you want more comfort during your journey.

Conclusion

While there isn’t a direct train from Istanbul to London, the journey can still be made by taking a combination of trains through Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Austria and Germany. This route may take longer than other options but it offers stunning views of Eastern Europe and is a great way to see multiple countries on one trip. Just be sure to pack enough snacks and entertainment for the ride and enjoy the journey!