For anyone dreaming of going from Austria to Armenia entirely by train (with just a few short bus hops), this route makes it happen. It’s a wild mix of landscapes, cultures, and train vibes – and one of the most sustainable, slow travel adventures out there. Here's a detailed breakdown of the route, how the connections work, and what’s worth seeing along the way.
Vienna – Bucharest
The journey kicks off at Vienna Central Station. Every evening at 19:42, a direct night train heads to Bucharest. It takes about 20 hours, arriving the next day at 16:13. Travelers usually book a 4-berth couchette – a solid balance between comfort and budget for the start of the trip. Bucharest is loud, wild, and full of contrasts. The city is all about gritty charm, street art, and lively cafés. It’s definitely worth a pause before heading further east.
Bucharest – Istanbul
Next up is the night train from Bucharest to Istanbul, running from June 4 to October 3. Departure is at 10:55, with arrival the next morning at 05:34. The journey takes around 19 hours, and passengers sleep in 4-berth sleepers – more privacy and a bit of retro train charm. If the night train isn’t available, there are good alternatives: take a bus to Sofia, then hop on the night train to Istanbul from there. Another option is the Optima Express, a direct car train from Villach (Austria) to Edirne, on the Turkish side of the border.
Istanbul isn’t a place to rush through. It deserves a few days at least. Between the bazaars, mosques, ferries, and cafés, this city on two continents pulses with life – in the most relaxed way possible.
Istanbul – Ankara – Erzurum
Ready to roll again? High-speed trains run up to ten times daily from Istanbul to Ankara. This leg is fast, modern, and super comfortable – crossing Western Anatolia at top speeds.
Once in Ankara, it’s time for a legendary Turkish rail journey: the Doğu Ekspresi (Eastern Express). It departs at 17:55 and arrives in Erzurum at 15:55 the next day – a 22-hour ride. This part of the journey winds through mountain ranges, villages, rivers, and wide open plains. The train only has seated coaches, but the stunning views make it worth it. Add some snacks, a blanket, and it becomes a scenic road trip on rails.
Erzurum – Batumi
Erzurum sits deep in eastern Turkey and is the launch point for the cross-border journey to Georgia. First, there’s a 5-hour bus ride to Hopa, a small town on the Black Sea coast. From there, the final 30 kilometers to Batumi are typically done by taxi – think of it as a private car ride. For a smoother ride, skip Erzurum and board the direct daily bus from Istanbul to Batumi. It leaves at 16:00 and arrives around 11:00 the next morning. No, it’s not a train – but for this stretch, the direct route is worth considering, especially if time is short.
Batumi – Tbilisi
Once in Batumi, the Georgian leg of the journey begins. This Black Sea city surprises with palm-lined boulevards, bold architecture, and hearty Georgian food. Trains run three times a day from Batumi to Tbilisi – a scenic 6-hour ride through rolling hills and rural villages. Tbilisi itself is where East meets West: think European cafés, Soviet-era buildings, Art Nouveau, sulphur baths, and a thriving alternative scene.
Tbilisi – Yerevan
The final leg heads from Tbilisi to Yerevan, Armenia’s capital. The night train runs every two days – and daily in summer. Departure is at 20:20, with arrival at 06:55 the next morning. The 4-berth sleeper compartments are cozy and quiet – ideal for getting some good rest before rolling into the last destination of this cross-continental train trip.
Prices and Comfort
Estimated cost for the full journey (Berlin to Tbilisi): from around €385 per person, including booking fees Vienna–Bucharest: 4-berth couchette Bucharest–Istanbul: 4-berth sleeper Ankara–Erzurum: seat coach Tbilisi–Yerevan: 4-berth sleeper
Bonus tip: This route is ideal for travelers craving authentic experiences, deep connections, and ever-changing scenery. It’s train travel at its most diverse – sustainable, slow, and full of adventure.
Happy traivels! 🚄💛
27.03.2024
