Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
»The second lists, if applicable, the call-out fee (of about 0.50 lv) if you preorder a taxi
(almost never necessary).
»The third (or second-last) lists the starting fee (0.30 lv to 0.50 lv).
»The fourth (last) lists the cost for waiting per minute (0.15 lv to 0.30 lv).
Some drivers try to overcharge unwary foreigners by claiming the meter 'doesn't work' (it
must work by law) or offering a flat fare (which will always be at least double the proper
metered fare). Dishonest drivers congregate outside airports, train and bus stations and big
city centres and in the resorts along the Black Sea coast.
Train
Bâlgarski Dârzhavni Zheleznitsi (БДЖ) - the
Bulgarian State Railways
(BDZh;
www.bdz.bg
)
boasts an impressive 4278km of tracks across the country, linking most size-
able towns and cities, although some are on a spur track and connected to a major railway
line only by infrequent services.
Most trains tend to be antiquated, shabby and not especially comfortable, and journey
times slower than buses. On the plus side, though, you'll have more room in a train com-
partment, and the scenery is likely to be more rewarding.
Trains are classified as
ekspresen
(express),
bârz
(fast) or
pâtnicheski
(slow passenger).
Unless you absolutely thrive on train travel or you want to visit a more remote town, use a
fast or express train.
Two of the most spectacular train trips are along Iskâr Gorge, from Sofia to Mezdra,
and on the narrow-gauge track between Septemvri and Bansko. Railway buffs often go on
these trips for no other reason than the journey itself.
Train travel in Bulgaria is a normally safe and enjoyable experience, but there have
been reports of robberies, pickpocketing and minor annoyances (such as drunkenness) on
some cross-border routes, such as to/from Turkey or Serbia. If you are travelling late at
night, sit with other passengers rather than in an empty compartment, and if you are mak-
ing a long overnight trip across the border, try booking a bed in a couchette.
