[1][2] It runs together with the Istanbul-Sofia Express[3] as far as Dimitrovgrad upon entering Bulgaria, where the latter continues to Sofia.

[4] The train serves several important cities including Istanbul, Edirne, Stara Zagora, and Bucharest.

İstanbul–Kapıkule Kapıkule–Dimitrovgrad Dimitrovgrad–Gorna Oryahovitsa Gorna Oryahovitsa–Russe Russe–Bucharest Between Dimitrovgrad and Russe, one or two BDŽ Coaches are added to the train for domestic travel.

The journey starts at Halkali station[5] in the suburb of Marmaray, 27 km (17 mi) from Istanbul's Sirkeci Terminal.

After circling the city, the train enters from the northwest into Bucharest North railway station.