Wagone | Rail Adventures

2-week Paris to Istanbul by Train Itinerary

StartParis

Duration2 weeks

TypeOne way

Legs5

Cost210 - 300€

Embark on a journey through Europe, beginning in the romantic streets of Paris with its iconic landmarks. Continue to Munich, where Bavarian traditions meet modern charm, and then to the imperial elegance of Vienna. Discover the vibrant culture of Budapest along the Danube, explore the historical depth of Bucharest, and conclude in the enchanting city of Istanbul, where East meets West in a tapestry of rich history and diverse culture.

Itinerary Overview

2-week Paris to Istanbul by Train Itinerary

Starting from another city?

Leg 1

From Paris to Munich

Leg 2

From Munich to Vienna

Leg 3

From Vienna to Budapest

Leg 4

From Budapest to Bucharest

Leg 5

From Bucharest to Istanbul

Leg 1: From Paris to Munich

Train|Direct

5h40

70-100€

Departure:Paris Gare de l'EstFrance

Arrival:Munich HauptbahnhofGermany

Operator(s):SNCF (TGV INOUI)

Additional Information

There is a one train per day.
Book your train ticket several weeks ahead to benefit from best pricing (price can go as high as 150-200€ for last minute booking).
For exact sales opening dates check here.

Recommended Duration

2-3 days in Munich.

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: From Munich to Vienna

Train|Direct

4h00 - 4h20

30-50€

Departure:Munich HauptbahnhofGermany

Arrival:Vienna HauptbahnhofAustria

Operator(s):OBB (RailJet Express)

Additional Information

Multiple trains throughout the day.
Book your ticket ahead to benefit from best pricing (price can increase up to 110€ for last minute booking).

Recommended Duration

3-4 days in Vienna.

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: From Vienna to Budapest

Train|Direct

2h40

25-55€

Departure:Vienna HauptbahnhofAustria

Arrival:Budapest-KelenfoeldHungary

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.

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: From Budapest to Bucharest

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 5: From Bucharest to Istanbul

Train|Direct

20h00

<40€

Departure:Bucuresti NordRomania

Arrival:Istanbul HalkaliTurkey

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.
Price is for a 6-bed couchette.
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.

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.

2-week Paris to Istanbul by Train Itinerary

StartParis

Duration2 weeks

TypeOne way

Legs5

Cost210 - 300€

Itinerary Overview

Starting from another city?

Leg 1

From Paris to Munich

Leg 2

From Munich to Vienna

Leg 3

From Vienna to Budapest

Leg 4

From Budapest to Bucharest

Leg 5

From Bucharest to Istanbul

Leg 1: From Paris to Munich

Train|Direct

5h40

70-100€

Departure:Paris Gare de l'EstFrance

Arrival:Munich HauptbahnhofGermany

Operator(s):SNCF (TGV INOUI)

Additional Information

There is a one train per day.
Book your train ticket several weeks ahead to benefit from best pricing (price can go as high as 150-200€ for last minute booking).
For exact sales opening dates check here.

Recommended Duration

2-3 days in Munich.