- Must visit
Regional Archaeological Museum Plovdiv
Major archaeological museum with Thracian, Greek, and Roman finds. Essential for understanding Plovdiv's long and layered history.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Athens to Plovdiv
Showing times and prices for Aug 04
Cheapest price
€58
Average price
€73
Fastest journey
14 h 55 m
Average duration
15 h 38 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
471 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Athens to Plovdiv is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Athens to Plovdiv will cost around €73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €58.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave Athens for Plovdiv on Tue, Aug 04, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct buses cover the 471 km distance in an average of 15 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 14 h 55 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest buses will take 16 h 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.
6:15 AM16h00Athens10:15 PMPlovdiv€581One-way0 transfers
3:35 PM14h55Athens6:30 AMPlovdiv€671One-way0 transfers- 5:15 AM16h00Athens9:15 PMPlovdiv€941One-way0 transfers
- 3:35 PM14h55Athens6:30 AMPlovdiv€671One-way0 transfers
- 6:15 AM16h00Athens10:15 PMPlovdiv€581One-way0 transfers
- 5:15 AM16h00Athens9:15 PMPlovdiv€941One-way0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Athens to Plovdiv
Greece
Bulgaria
Buses from Athens to Plovdiv run on average 3 times per day, taking around 14h 44m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €46 if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:30, the last at 19:00. The fastest bus covers the 292 miles (471 km) distance in 14h 55m.
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
Distance 292 miles (471 km) |
Average bus duration 14h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price €46 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 14h 55m |
First bus 4:30 AM |
Last bus 7:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 63 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
Athens to Plovdiv Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 16h00 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price €68 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 16h00 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price €53 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price €61 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €66 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 14h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €66 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 14h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €70 |
Live departures
Athens to Plovdiv bus times
The table below shows live departures for Athens to Plovdiv buses for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7316535 | 7:00 PM Athens | 14h00 | 9:00 AM Plovdiv | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Athens to Plovdiv buses with Omio?
City Lines as well as ArdaTur, Infobus, Union Ivkoni International, Citylines and more offer buses services from Athens to Plovdiv.
Omio is the only official third party seller for City Lines tickets.
Why book with Omio vs City Lines?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for City Lines, but also compare tickets for the likes of ArdaTur, Infobus, Union Ivkoni International or Citylines to find the best option for your trip from Athens to Plovdiv.
- 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.
Why book with Omio over Busbud or Checkmybus?
- Official reseller: City Lines tickets can only be bought on Omio or City Lines's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for City Lines tickets. Busbud or Checkmybus do not sell City Lines tickets as they are not official sellers.
Bus providers: City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus, Union Ivkoni International, Citylines, KTEL Thessalonikis from Athens to PlovdivYou can travel by bus between Athens to Plovdiv with City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus, Union Ivkoni International, Citylines, KTEL Thessalonikis for as low as €46. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
City Lines
About
"City Lines" can refer to several different bus companies. One prominent example is Citylines, a leading Bulgarian bus company headquartered in Sofia. It operates an extensive network of 44 routes, connecting 22 cities across Bulgaria and serving 9 European nations with an average of 19 trips daily. Citylines coaches offer amenities such as air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Another is Rochester City Lines, a family-owned and operated charter bus company in Minnesota, United States, providing services for college, corporate, event, religious, school, and workforce transportation. They offer a fleet including motorcoaches, minibuses, and executive vans. Historically, National City Lines, Inc. (NCL) was a significant public transportation holding company in the United States, founded in 1920. NCL acquired numerous local transit systems, often converting streetcar lines to bus operations, a practice sometimes referred to as "bustitution." Additionally, "City Line" is also the name of a bus rapid transit (BRT) line in Spokane, Washington, operated by the Spokane Transit Authority. This 6-mile route, which opened in 2023, utilizes modern, zero-emission battery-electric buses and connects key areas including downtown Spokane and the University District.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
13h 30m
Cheapest Price
€60
City Lines frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 20% fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible restrooms.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; must be booked in advance.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
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
14h 55m
Cheapest Price
€59
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
15h 15m
Cheapest Price
€48
Union Ivkoni International frequency
2 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.
ArdaTur
About
ArdaTur is a bus company based in Haskovo, Bulgaria, established in 1991. It offers extensive bus services across seven countries, including Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Germany. ArdaTur operates over 233 daily departures, primarily from major cities like Istanbul, Sofia, and Thessaloniki, providing both intercity and regional routes. The company emphasizes passenger comfort with amenities such as Wi-Fi, restrooms, individual monitors, and complimentary food and drinks on international lines. ArdaTur maintains a modern fleet of over 80 luxury buses and has its own garage and service facility to ensure vehicle reliability and safety.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
14h 0m
Cheapest Price
€60
ArdaTur frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage up to 15 kg and two pieces of checked luggage up to 35 kg each are included.
Additional luggage
Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket class, individual trips, or promotions, with refunds ranging from 50% to 100% depending on the time before departure, and no refunds for cancellations less than 24 hours prior.
Refund
If the trip is delayed through the fault of the carrier, 100% of the ticket value and compensation for direct costs to the place of departure will be refunded with supporting documents.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are possible when buying a ticket or at Arda Tur offices up to 24 hours before departure during weak periods and 72 hours during busy periods.
Toilets
Accessibility
Passengers with disabilities receive discounts and priority seating, and folding wheelchairs are transported free of charge with advance registration.
Bikes
Only foldable bikes are allowed.
Citylines
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
14h 0m
Cheapest Price
€35
Citylines frequency
1 a day
KTEL Thessalonikis
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
13h 30m
Cheapest Price
€59
KTEL Thessalonikis frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Plovdiv
Things to do in Plovdiv
Discover the best of Plovdiv — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Plovdiv trip today.
- Must visit
Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv
Museum in the celebrated 1847 house of merchant Argir Kuyumdzhioglu, showing rich interiors and exhibits on Plovdiv's cultural past.
- Recommended
Regional History Museum Plovdiv
Housed in a grand Revival mansion, this museum presents Bulgarian history from the 15th to 20th centuries with well-curated period displays.
- Must visit
Old Town
Plovdiv's historic hill district with cobbled lanes, Revival houses, and major monuments. The city's most atmospheric walking area.
- Must visit
Kapana
Creative central quarter filled with lanes, street art, galleries, and events. Popular for strolling and discovering Plovdiv's contemporary vibe.
- Recommended
Knyaz Alexander I Street
Long pedestrian thoroughfare linking key sights, shops, and Roman remains. A practical and lively route for first-time visitors.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Shopska Salata
Shopska salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onion, and grated sirene cheese. A Bulgarian staple often eaten before rakia and common across Plovdiv.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Patatnik
Patatnik is a Rhodope potato cake with onion, herbs, and sometimes sirene. It reflects the nearby mountain region and is a beloved local comfort food.
- Gluten-free
Kavarma
Kavarma is a slow-cooked clay-pot stew of pork or chicken with onions, peppers, and tomatoes. It is a classic hearty Bulgarian dish served in traditional taverns.
Puldin Restaurant
Established Bulgarian restaurant in Old Town known for traditional dishes, wine, and a historic house setting with a refined but welcoming atmosphere.
Dayana Restaurant 1
Popular traditional tavern serving grilled meats, salads, and Bulgarian classics in a lively rustic setting near the center.
Restaurant Rahat Tepe
Stylish fine dining venue with contemporary Bulgarian and European plates, polished service, and strong wine options in central Plovdiv.
Bulgarian lev (лв.)
Budget-Friendly for EU city breaks: hotels, meals and local transit are generally cheaper than in Western Europe, with good value for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- 10-18 лв. for fast food or street food.
- Mid-range
- 25-45 лв. per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- 60+ лв. per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- 3-5 лв. for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service, round up taxi fares, and small change is fine in cafes.
Moovit
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 1.00 лв.
- Day pass
- None
To the city center
Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) -> Plovdiv Central Square
- Distance
- 1.5 km
- Travel time
- 20 min
- Buy tickets on board from the conductor or driver when available; carry small cash in лв. as card payment is not consistently available on Plovdiv buses.
- Validate or keep your ticket until the end of the ride, and use Moovit for live route planning because official real-time tools are limited.
FAQs: Bus from Athens to Plovdiv
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Athens to Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Athens to Plovdiv can start from as little as €46 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Athens to Plovdiv is €63 ; 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 Plovdiv is 14h 55m to travel the 292 miles (471 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 Plovdiv leaves at 4:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Athens to Plovdiv leaves at 7:00 PM.
Yes, there are 3 direct buses a day from Athens to Plovdiv with City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus, Union Ivkoni International, Citylines. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Athens to Plovdiv, you can count on City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus, Union Ivkoni International, Citylines, KTEL Thessalonikis for the best way to get you to Plovdiv. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Athens and Plovdiv and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Yes, you can take a bus between Athens and Plovdiv.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Athens to Plovdiv for bus company City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus, Union Ivkoni International.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Athens to Plovdiv:
- City Lines
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible restrooms.
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- ArdaTur
- Passengers with disabilities receive discounts and priority seating, and folding wheelchairs are transported free of charge with advance registration.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Athens to Plovdiv depends on the bus companies:
- City Lines
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 20% fee.
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
- ArdaTur
- Cancellation policies vary by ticket class, individual trips, or promotions, with refunds ranging from 50% to 100% depending on the time before departure, and no refunds for cancellations less than 24 hours prior.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company City Lines, ArdaTur, 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 Plovdiv.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Athens to Plovdiv:
- City Lines
- One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
- ArdaTur
- One piece of hand luggage up to 15 kg and two pieces of checked luggage up to 35 kg each are included.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Athens to Plovdiv:
- City Lines
- 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- ArdaTur
- Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Athens to Plovdiv. The following conditions apply:
- City Lines
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets may require a separate ticket.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Athens to Plovdiv with the following bus company: City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus, Union Ivkoni International
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Athens to Plovdiv with the following bus company: City Lines, Infobus, Union Ivkoni International.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Athens to Plovdiv with the following bus company: City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus, Union Ivkoni International.
The currency used in Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cash is widely preferred in smaller towns and markets, while cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores in cities.
In Plovdiv, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers who do not use meters and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It is advisable to use official taxis and keep personal belongings secure to avoid these issues.
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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Athens to Plovdiv
Most Athens to Plovdiv buses use the Athens (Αθήνα) to Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) station pair, with some services arriving at Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг). Use this guide to compare Athens and Plovdiv bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Athens
Arrival bus stations in Plovdiv
Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη)Athens, Pl. Karaiskaki 2, 10437
City-centre transport
Getting to Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη) from Athens city centre
Bus051 · 4m · €2 · every ~10 min
Athens ChiouAthens Chiou,Chiou 14,10438
City-centre transport
Getting to Athens Chiou from Athens city centre
Train1 · 4m · €2 · every ~4 min
Bus790, 057 · 4m · €2 · every ~6 min
Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг)
City-centre transport
Getting to Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) from Plovdiv city centre
Bus7, 20, 26 · 9m · €1 · every ~22 min
16 · 17m · €1 · every ~7 min
27 · 18m · €1 · every ~7 min
Пловдив, Централна гара (Plovdiv, Tsentralna gara)
City-centre transport
Getting to Пловдив, Централна гара (Plovdiv, Tsentralna gara) from Plovdiv city centre
Bus7, 20, 26 · 11m · €1 · every ~22 min
16 · 13m · €1 · every ~7 min
27 · 19m · €1 · every ~7 min
Most popular bus connections from Athens
More options for your journey from Athens to Plovdiv
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Plovdiv and Athens
Most popular bus connections to Plovdiv
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