Veliko Tarnovo is a beautiful city in the central-north of Bulgaria famous for its medieval ruins and its picturesque cityscape – it was built on the steep banks of the Yantra river as it snakes through the foothills of the Balkan Mountains. Veliko Tarnovo is very popular among tourists due to many monuments and its unique architecture. At the heart of the Old Town stands the imposing Tsarevets Fortress, visitors can walk through narrow cobblestone streets surrounded by traditional houses and medieval fortifications. Trains in Veliko Tarnovo connect the city with important cities.
Many domestic trains to Veliko Tarnovo require changing at Gorna Oryahovitsa station located less than 10 km from Veliko Tarnovo. Passengers can cover the route between Gorna Oryahovitsa and Veliko Tarnovo by train, bus or taxi.
For example, there is no direct train between Sofia and Veliko Tarnovo, but you can change train and Gorna Oryahovitsa station and continue your journey to Veliko Tarnovo.
Veliko Tarnovo has a very good train connection with Bucharest and Halkali (Istanbul). International trains stop at Veliko Tarnovo station.
Trains in Veliko Tarnovo – useful websites
Bulgarian Railways – online shop
Live departures from Veliko Tarnovo station online
Varna – Sofia train timetable with changes
Train travel in Bulgaria – an ultimate guide
There is a direct train Veliko Tarnovo – Plovdiv once a day in each direction.
There are direct trains Veliko Tarnovo – Stara Zagora.
There are direct trains from Gorna Oryahovitsa to Sofia, Varna, Pleven, Ruse and Vraca
Live departures from Gorna Oryahovitsa online
Trains in Veliko Tarnovo – stations
There are two railway stations in Veliko Tarnovo:
Veliko Tarnovo train station – a charming building opened on 8 October 1900 is located in the outskirts of the city – approximately 2 kilometers from most important attractions. There are cheap buses to the city center every 20 minutes (weekdays) or 40 minutes (weekends). Alternatively you can take a taxi. The bus stop is located 50 meters east of the station. A bus ride to center takes about 10–15 minutes. Ticket office, hot drinks vending machines and toilet. No luggage lockers.
Trapezitsa – a small train stop renovated in 2016. On 22 September 1908, the royal train with King Ferdinand I and Bulgarian political elite stopped at the station. From the station, the king, statesmen and other citizens head to the church to read the declaration of independence of Bulgaria. The station building was completed in 1910. After renovation is a very nice but closed. Trapezitsa station is located near the fortress.