Are you a corporate, public or non-profit organization? Discover our tailor-made rail retreat offer.
2-week Paris to Istanbul by Train Itinerary
StartParis
Duration2 weeks
TypeOne way
Legs5
Itinerary Overview
Leg 1: Paris to Munich
Train|Direct
5h40
Additional information
- There is a one train per day.
- Book your train ticket several weeks ahead to benefit from best pricing.
Recommended duration
- 2-3 days in Munich.
What to do in Munich?
- Historic Landmarks: Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, Frauenkirche.
- Art and Museums: Deutsches Museum, BMW Museum.
- Beer Gardens and Oktoberfest: One of the largest beer festival in the world, taking place annually at the end of Sept.
Leg 2: Munich to Vienna
Train|Direct
4h00 - 4h20
Operator(s):OBB (RailJet Express)
Additional information
- Multiple trains throughout the day.
- Book your ticket ahead to benefit from best pricing.
Recommended duration
- 3-4 days in Vienna.
What to do in Vienna?
- Imperial Palaces and Historic Landmarks: Schönbrunn Palace and the Hofburg, St Stephen's Cathedral and the Belvedere Palace.
- Classical Music and Arts: Music performances at the Vienna State Opera and the Musikverein; Art at the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Albertina.
- Cafes and Culinary Delights: Coffeehouse culture at Café Central or Café Sacher, try out Wiener Schnitzel and Sachertorte.
Leg 3: Vienna to Budapest
Train|Direct
2h40
Operator(s):OBB (EuroCity /Railjet Xpress)
Additional information
- There are trains on an hourly-basis.
- Book your train ahead to benefit from the best pricing.
Recommended duration
- 3-4 days in Budapest.
What to do in Budapest?
- Historic and Thermal Baths: Széchenyi and Gellért Baths.
- Architectural Splendor: The Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and Fisherman's Bastion.
- Vibrant Culture and Nightlife: Numerous museums, theaters, and ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter.
Leg 4: Budapest to Bucharest
Train|Direct
15h00 to 16h30
Operator(s):CFR Calatori (IRN International)
Additional information
Recommended duration
- 1-2 days in Bucharest.
What to do in Bucharest?
- History and Architecture: Palace of Parliament, Old Town, Romanian Athenaeum.
- Parks: Herastrau Park, Cismigiu Gardens.
- Culture: Village Museum, National Muserum of Art.
Leg 5: Bucharest to Istanbul
Train|Direct
20h00
Operator(s):CFR Calatori (Interregional)
Additional information
- During summer (June to Oct),daily train leaving Bucharest around 11AM and arriving the next day at 7AM in Istanbul.
- Make sure to book your train several weeks ahead as it's often sold out.
- Reservation open 2 months in advance.
- Note the Istanbul Halkali train station is located slighty outside Istanbul.
- You'd need to transfer train to reach the city center.
Recommended duration
- 3 days in Istanbul.
What to do in Istanbul?
- Historic Sites: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace.
- Vibrant Markets: Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar.
- Cultural Fusion: Stroll through diverse neughborhoods to experience the unique blend of East and West.