Travelers in the Sofia region should prepare for significant adjustments to rail services at the end of May. The Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) has announced a temporary reorganization of train traffic in the eastern direction between Sofia Central Station, Poduyane Passenger Station, and Iskar Station.
The service changes are scheduled to take effect from 23:40 on May 30 until 13:40 on May 31. This disruption is required to facilitate the transition of rail traffic from existing tracks to newly constructed ones, marking a key phase in the ongoing reconstruction of the railway junction in the Sofia area managed by the National Railway Infrastructure Company.
Impact on Regional Travel
During the designated timeframe, all trains traveling to and from Plovdiv will be unable to depart from or arrive at Sofia Central Station. Passengers should note that operational adjustments are based on the type of train: motor train compositions passing through the Sofia-Iskar section will be redirected to Poduyane Passenger Station, while locomotive-hauled trains will arrive at and depart from Iskar Station.
Following the initial transition, further finishing work will necessitate a second, shorter service interruption. Traffic between Sofia and Poduyane Passenger Station will be halted again on June 7, between 07:30 and 13:30. This subsequent event is expected to affect a smaller number of trains.
Planning Your Journey
Passengers are encouraged to stay updated on the latest schedule changes through the official BDZ website at www.bdz.bg. Real-time information is also available through station ticket offices, “Information” desks, or by calling the national information hotline at 02 931 11 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are these changes happening?
The changes are due to the transition of rail traffic from existing tracks to newly built infrastructure as part of a larger project to reconstruct the railway junction in the Sofia area.
Will Plovdiv trains be affected?
Yes, all trains traveling to and from the direction of Plovdiv will not reach or depart from Sofia Central Station during the specified periods on May 30 and 31.
Is there another disruption planned?
Yes, an additional, shorter interruption is scheduled for June 7 between 07:30 and 13:30, which will impact fewer trains.
How do you typically adjust your travel plans when major infrastructure upgrades affect your local transport network?
