Trains from Istanbul to Budapest
 

I am looking at travelling from Istanbul to Budapest by train in early December. Any information as to train or bus services would be wonderful. Also should I purchase rail tickets before I leave Australia or is it just as easy to purchase once I'm over there as have no set plans,I just know which cities I want to go to and need to be in Malta by Christmas. Am looking at sleeper trains and how much time in advance we need to make a reservation. I'm travelling with my 11 yr old child.

In case you don't know this website, lots of information about your route, Istanbul to Budapest here:
https://www.seat61.com/Turkey.htm#Train times Istanbul London

Further down the page, "If you're in Istanbul...They can sell open travel tickets to destinations as far away as Budapest...valid 2 months and allowing unlimited stopovers..."

Sorry about the inadequate link. In any case, scroll down to the westbound-from-Istanbul part, "London to Istanbul via Bucharest" then keep going for the rest.

Note: I have done the Belgrade (actually Nis) to Sofia leg on the Belgrade route. We spent hours waiting at the border, both sides.

for train schedules check www.bahn.de/en - for general info check www.seat61.com; www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com. You can I think take a night train to Budapest from maybe Sofia or some place.

Thank you for your help with information. Much appreciated!