Vicky Train travel has been more popular in recent years. And with the train network being so easy across Europe, you can take trains from Edinburgh to Istanbul, just like the historical trips that our family members might have taken. If you are looking to take the trains from London to Bucharest, there is no single “through” train. You’ll connect across Europe, and exact trains/times change by season. This article has a reliable sample itinerary from London to Bucharest by train that you can book. Always verify times and train numbers for your exact date. For travelling with an Interrail pass, pop over here.
Overview And Booking Strategy For London To Bucharest By Train
You’ll travel to London → Brussels/Paris → Germany → Vienna/Budapest → Bucharest. The most predictable and comfortable route for UK travellers is via Brussels and Vienna, then take the direct Vienna–Bucharest sleeper. Book in legs: Eurostar (London–Brussels), high‑speed/IC to Vienna, then the Nightjet/EuroNight sleeper to Bucharest. Use: Eurostar (for London–Brussels), ÖBB (Austrian Rail) for Germany–Austria legs and the sleeper, or a reputable retailer like Trainline/DB/ÖBB for cross-border tickets.
Day One
London to Vienna (with an overnight stay in Vienna) Start at London St Pancras International. Take Eurostar to Brussels-Midi, then a fast ICE/Railjet to Vienna.
London St Pancras → Brussels-Midi on Eurostar. Typical morning departures at around 06:16–11:04. The journey is about 2 hours, and don’t forget you need to add an hour onto that for the time difference. Eurostar ES 9116 (London 09:01 → Brussels 12:05). Arrive at St Pancras at least an hour before your train is due to leave, because you need to clear security and passport control. Check your ticket for the times of the gate closing. When you arrive in Brussels, you need to leave the Eurostar international platforms and find the domestic trains.
You need to travel from Brussels-Midi → Frankfurt (Main) Hbf on ICE. These trains typically depart once every couple of hours for a direct service. For example, the ICE 315 (Brussels 12:25 → Frankfurt 15:31). Or you can get an indirect service that changes at Cologne. Sometimes, there is only a 15-minute turnaround between arriving at Brussels and needing to be on the next train. It is doable, just make sure you know which platform you need to head to.
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf → Wien Hbf (Vienna) on ICE or Railjet. From Frankfurt, you can take the ICE 229 (Frankfurt 16:21 → Wien Hbf 23:05) or direct ÖBB Railjet RJX options via Passau (often ~6h). Aim to arrive in Vienna by late evening. Overnight in Vienna near Wien Hbf for the easiest transfer the next day.
Day 2
You are going to travel from Vienna to Bucharest (direct sleeper). It’s the most straightforward, family-friendly option with couchettes/sleepers and avoids multiple Balkan changes. Take the Vienna (Wien Hbf) → București Nord on the Dacia sleeper (EuroNight). Typical train: EN 346 “Dacia”. Usual timings (subject to change): departs Wien Hbf at 19:42 and arrives București Nord around 15:26 the next day (it takes approx. 19–20 hours). Cars include seated coaches, 4 or 6 berth couchettes, and 1, 2, or 3‑berth sleepers (some with washbasin). Book via ÖBB (nightjet.oebb.at or ÖBB app). Make sure you bring snacks; there may be a small bar/restaurant carriage on some days, but assume limited catering and stock up in Vienna Hauptbahnhof. You don’t want to be on a train for 20 hours without anything to eat or drink.
Another option is to take the route from Vienna to Budapest and spend some time there. There is also a night train from Budapest to Bucharest. Travel from Vienna to Budapest Keleti on Railjet/EuroCity (RJ/EC) roughly every 2 hours. The journey is about 2h40. Example: RJX 63 (Wien Hbf ~13:40 → Budapest-Keleti ~16:19). Budapest Keleti → București Nord on EN 472 “Ister” (name varies by timetable). Typical departure is 19:10, and arrival in Bucharest is 10:35 the next day. Book via MÁV (Hungarian Rail) or ÖBB. Similar couchette/sleeper options. There is also the Dacia 347 from Budapest at 23:05 and arrives in Bucharest at 14:26. What to expect on the sleeper:
- Border checks happen overnight; keep passports handy.
- Staff will take/scan tickets after departure.
- Bedding is provided in couchettes/sleepers.
- Compartments lock from inside.
- Morning views across Transylvania are gorgeous — have your camera ready.
- Arrival is at București Nord, well connected by metro (M1) and taxis.
There is an alternative with fewer train changes; you can try London → Paris (Eurostar), then Paris Est → Stuttgart/Munich (TGV/ICE), then Munich → Vienna (Railjet). Time is similar; the Brussels route has simpler interchanges.
London To Bucharest By Train In The Day Time
If you prefer to travel by daytime, so you can make the most of the scenery, you can easily work it into your trip. Romania has some beautiful scenery to see throughout the day, especially in Transylvania.
Day 1: London → Vienna as above (or overnight sleeper from Paris to Vienna if timetables allow).
Day 2: Vienna → Brașov by day (Railjet to Budapest + IC to Cluj/Brașov, varying patterns), overnight in Brașov.
And Day 3 morning: Brașov → Bucharest IR/IC (~2.5–3.5h). This breaks up the long sleeper but takes more hotel nights and planning.
Booking Tips And Seat/couchette Choices
For the Eurostar, you can get the best deals by booking earlier, rather than later. Make sure you arrive with plenty of time for security and passport control.
Germany/Austria legs: If travelling off-peak, DB/ÖBB Sparschiene fares can be excellent but are train-specific and non-refundable; consider flexible fares if you prefer buffer times.
Sleeper: Families often prefer a 4-berth couchette for value and privacy. Solo or pair travellers might choose a 2‑berth sleeper. Pack earplugs, an eye mask, and snacks. Power sockets are usually available; carry a power bank.
Connections: Build in at least 40–60 minutes for major interchanges (Brussels, Frankfurt) to cushion delays. In winter, longer buffers are wise.
Luggage, Food, And Comfort
Keep one small daypack per person for easy transfers; you don’t want to be running between platforms with loads of bags.
Stock up at station supermarkets: St Pancras (Marks & Spencer), Brussels (Carrefour), Frankfurt (REWE-to-go), Vienna Hbf (Billa, bakeries).
On night trains, water and light snacks are invaluable. Many compartments have a small washstand in sleeper class; couchettes use shared facilities at the carriage ends.
Accessibility And Safety From London To Bucharest By Train
All stations en route are major hubs with lifts; allow extra time for platform changes. Keep tickets, passports, and valuables in a money belt or zipped pouch. Night staff are used to families and solo travellers; don’t hesitate to ask for help.
On Arrival In Bucharest
You’ll arrive at București Nord. The metro (M1 line) and rideshare/taxis are signposted; use official taxi stands or reputable apps. ATMs are inside the station; exchange rates can be better in town, so withdraw modestly for immediate needs.
