- Must visit
National Museum of Art of Romania
Romania’s leading fine arts museum, housed in the former Royal Palace, with major Romanian and European collections.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Athens to Bucharest
Showing times and prices for Jul 12
Cheapest price
$99
Average price
$99
Fastest journey
19 h 40 m
Average duration
19 h 40 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
744 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Athens to Bucharest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Athens to Bucharest will cost around $99 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $99.
Fast buses
Of the 1 buses that leave Athens for Bucharest on Sun, Jul 12, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 12 the direct buses cover the 744 km distance in an average of 19 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 19 h 40 m .
On Sun, Jul 12 the slowest buses will take 19 h 40 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FlixBus5:35 PM19h40Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού)1:15 PMBucurești, Autogara Militari$991One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus5:35 PM19h40Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού)1:15 PMBucurești, Autogara Militari$991One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Athens to Bucharest
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Athens to Bucharest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $69. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 57m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.7 - 1.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $69, and a flight costs an average of $37.
Distance: 462 miles (744 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$100 Average price Cheapest | $166 Average price | $333 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
21h 6m Average total duration 20h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 57m Average total duration Fastest 6h 57m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 39m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.7 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.2 - 4.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Athens to Bucharest is a bus with an average price of $100 (€82).
This is compared to other travel options from Athens to Bucharest:
A bus is $66 (€54) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Athens to Bucharest costing on average $166 (€136).
The fastest way to travel from Athens to Bucharest is by flight with an average journey time of 6h 57m.
Other travel options to Bucharest take longer:
Bus takes on average 20h 36m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Athens and Bucharest including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Athens to Bucharest among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $100 (€82) compared to roughly $333 (€274) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $233 (€191). The journey takes 20h 36m versus 13h 39m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Union Ivkoni International, Infobus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Athens to Bucharest Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 02:45AM | Duration 21h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 21h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator Lilian Express | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 19h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $109 |
Live departures
Athens to Bucharest bus times
The table below shows live departures for Athens to Bucharest buses for today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 5:35 PM Athens, Leof. Andrea Siggrou (Αθήνα, Λεωφ. Ανδρέα Συγγρού) | 19h40 | 1:15 PM București, Autogara Militari | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Athens to Bucharest by bus or flight
Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book Athens to Bucharest buses with Omio?
Union Ivkoni International as well as Infobus, Citylines, KTEL Thessalonikis and more offer buses services from Athens to Bucharest.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Athens to Bucharest.
Why book with Omio vs Union Ivkoni International?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Union Ivkoni International, but also compare tickets for the likes of Infobus, Citylines or KTEL Thessalonikis to find the best option for your trip from Athens to Bucharest.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Union Ivkoni International with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Athens to Bucharest.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Wanderu or Busbud?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Athens to Bucharest.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Athens to Bucharest
Greece
Romania
Buses from Athens to Bucharest run on average 2 times per day, taking around 20h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $69 (€57) but you can travel from only $37 (€30) by flight.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:03, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 462 miles (744 km) distance in 16h 0m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $37 (€30)
Distance 462 miles (744 km) |
Average bus duration 20h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $69 (€57) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 16h 0m |
First bus 2:03 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 42 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $37 (€30)
Bus providers: Union Ivkoni International, Infobus, Citylines, KTEL Thessalonikis from Athens to BucharestYou can travel by bus between Athens to Bucharest with Union Ivkoni International, Infobus, Citylines, KTEL Thessalonikis for as low as $37 (€30). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Infobus
About
Infobus is an international IT company that operates as an online service for finding and purchasing bus, train, and plane tickets, rather than being a bus company itself. Established in 2002, Infobus acts as an intermediary between passengers and various transport carriers, particularly helping smaller bus companies offer online booking services. They utilize their own "BusSystem" to manage routes and ticket sales globally. Infobus covers over 30 countries and 300 cities, offering a wide range of routes and daily departures. While amenities can vary by carrier, Infobus aims to provide affordable and convenient travel with features like online booking, 24/7 support, and prompt notifications.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
16h 0m
Cheapest Price
$95 (€78)
Infobus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; may require prior reservation and an additional fee.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets may require a separate ticket.
Union Ivkoni International
About
Union Ivkoni International is a prominent bus company based in Sofia, Bulgaria, established in 1992. It is recognized as the largest bus carrier in Bulgaria and a leader in bus transport across Europe. The company offers extensive services, including regular bus lines, bus rentals, and bus tours, with over 715 daily departures to more than 100 towns in Bulgaria and over 150 towns in Central and Western Europe, Greece, and Turkey. Union Ivkoni also operates its own tourist brand, Uni Holidays, providing various excursions, vacations, and plane tickets.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
22h 30m
Cheapest Price
$62 (€51)
Union Ivkoni International frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs and one checked bag up to 50 lbs.
Additional luggage
10 USD per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a full refund in the form of a travel credit.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Service animals allowed.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Citylines
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
19h 30m
Cheapest Price
$80 (€66)
Citylines frequency
1 a day
KTEL Thessalonikis
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
20h 0m
Cheapest Price
$112 (€92)
KTEL Thessalonikis frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Bucharest
Things to do in Bucharest
Discover the best of Bucharest — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bucharest trip today.
- Must visit
Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History
One of Bucharest’s most popular museums, known for fossils, wildlife dioramas, and family-friendly natural science exhibits.
- Recommended
The National Museum of the Romanian Peasant
A beloved ethnographic museum showcasing traditional rural life, crafts, textiles, and religious folk art.
- Must visit
Old Town
Bucharest’s best-known historic core, filled with restored streets, nightlife, small churches, and many of the city’s classic sights.
- Must visit
Calea Victoriei
The city’s most famous avenue, ideal for architecture walks, cultural landmarks, and weekend pedestrian events.
- Must visit
Herastrau Park
Bucharest’s largest popular park, wrapping around a lake and favored for walks, boating, and relaxed open-air time.
- Gluten-free
Sarmale
Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice, usually served with polenta and sour cream. It is one of Romania’s best-known festive comfort foods.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Mămăligă Cu Brânză Și Smântână
Soft polenta layered or served with salty cheese and sour cream. A classic rustic Romanian dish found in homes and traditional restaurants.
- Gluten-free
Ciorbă De Burtă
A rich tripe soup soured with vinegar and enriched with cream and egg yolk, often served with garlic and chili. It is a Bucharest favorite in traditional eateries.
The Artist
Fine dining restaurant recognized for modern tasting menus and polished service, offering a more contemporary high-end Bucharest experience.
Lacrimi Și Sfinți
Well-known restaurant focused on refined Romanian cuisine, with creative takes on traditional recipes and a stylish yet relaxed dining room.
Caru' Cu Bere
Historic Bucharest beer hall and restaurant known for classic Romanian dishes, ornate interiors, and lively atmosphere in the Old Town.
Romanian Leu
Affordable by EU capital standards. Meals, coffee, and local transport are good value; upscale dining costs more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- RON 25-40 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- RON 60-120 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- RON 180+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- RON 12-18 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
About 10% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up in taxis. Small tips are appreciated for delivery, hotel staff, and hairdressers.
Info TB
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 3 RON
- Day pass
- 8 RON
To the city center
Bucharest Filaret Bus Station -> Piața Unirii, Bucharest
- Distance
- 3 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Validate your ticket before boarding or immediately after boarding using the official STB methods. Contactless card payment is available on many STB vehicles, but not all.
- Use Metrorex separately from STB because metro tickets are not included in standard STB surface tickets. The official STB app helps with routes and ticketing options.
FAQs: Bus from Athens to Bucharest
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Athens to Bucharest by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Bucharest, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Athens to Bucharest can start from as little as $69 (€57) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Athens to Bucharest is $100 (€82) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Athens to Bucharest is 16h 0m to travel the 462 miles (744 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Athens to Bucharest leaves at 2:03 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Athens to Bucharest leaves at 11:30 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Athens to Bucharest with Union Ivkoni International, Infobus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Athens to Bucharest, you can count on Union Ivkoni International, Infobus, Citylines, KTEL Thessalonikis for the best way to get you to Bucharest. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Athens and Bucharest and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Bucharest from Athens is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 16h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Athens to Bucharest is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Athens and Bucharest including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Athens to Bucharest:
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- Union Ivkoni International
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Service animals allowed.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Athens to Bucharest for bus company Union Ivkoni International, Infobus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Bucharest are:
- Palace of the Parliament, the world's heaviest building and a symbol of Romania's communist era
- Romanian Athenaeum, an iconic concert hall known for its stunning neoclassical architecture
- Village Museum, an open-air museum showcasing traditional Romanian village life and architecture
- Herăstrău Park, a large public park offering recreational activities and scenic views
- Old Town, a historic district filled with vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and cultural landmarks.
The best things to do in Bucharest include:
- Explore the National Museum of Art of Romania, housing an extensive collection of Romanian and European art
- Take a leisurely stroll through Cismigiu Gardens, the oldest public garden in Bucharest
- Enjoy a guided tour of the Palace of the Parliament, a colossal government building and architectural marvel
- Attend a concert or event at the Romanian Athenaeum, a cultural hub in the city
- Discover the vibrant atmosphere and historic charm of Bucharest's Old Town.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Athens to Bucharest depends on the bus companies:
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
- Union Ivkoni International
- You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a full refund in the form of a travel credit.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Union Ivkoni International, Infobus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Athens to Bucharest.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Athens to Bucharest:
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
- Union Ivkoni International
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs and one checked bag up to 50 lbs.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Athens to Bucharest:
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- Union Ivkoni International
- 10 USD per additional bag.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Athens to Bucharest. The following conditions apply:
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets may require a separate ticket.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Athens to Bucharest with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International, Infobus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Athens to Bucharest with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International, Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Athens to Bucharest with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International, Infobus.
Since both Athens and Bucharest are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Athens to Bucharest among Omio's users.
The currency used in Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON). Travelers often find it convenient to use cards for most purchases, especially in cities and larger establishments, though carrying some cash is recommended for small vendors, rural areas, and transportation where card acceptance may be limited.
In Bucharest, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, public transport, and tourist attractions. Common scams include taxi drivers overcharging or taking longer routes, so using authorized taxi services or ride-hailing apps is recommended. Additionally, travelers should avoid unofficial currency exchange booths to prevent counterfeit bills. Staying vigilant in busy places and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular bus connections from Athens
More options for your journey from Athens to Bucharest
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bucharest and Athens
Most popular bus connections to Bucharest
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