Athens to Plovdiv bus with Infobus

Fri, Sep 18
+ Add return
City Lines
ArdaTur
Infobus
Union Ivkoni International
Citylines
2,000+ travel companies
City Lines
ArdaTur
Infobus
Union Ivkoni International
Citylines
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from Athens to Plovdiv

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18

Cheapest price on Sep 18

$81

Average ticket price on Sep 18

$82

Fastest journey on Sep 18

14 h

Average journey duration on Sep 18

14 h

Buses on Sep 18

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 $82 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $81.

Fast buses

On Fri, Sep 18, we found 3 buses from Athens to Plovdiv, including 3 direct services.

On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 471 km distance in an average of 14 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 14 h .

On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest buses will take 14 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.

  • ArdaTur7425176
    5:30 PM14h00
    Athens
    7:30 AMPlovdiv
    $811One-way
    0 transfers
  • ArdaTur0
    5:30 PM14h00
    Athens
    7:30 AMPlovdiv
    $811One-way
    0 transfers
  • Infobus0
    7:00 PM14h00
    Athens
    9:00 AMPlovdiv
    $851One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus for Athens to Plovdiv

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Athens to Plovdiv among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $81 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 14h 33m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $81, while a bus costs an average of $81.

Distance: 292 miles (471 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Driving

$81

Average price

Cheapest

$248

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

14h 33m

Average total duration

Fastest

14h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

10h 7m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Infobus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Athens to Plovdiv is a bus with an average price of $81.
The fastest way to travel from Athens to Plovdiv is by bus with an average journey time of 14h 3m.
Yes, you can take a bus between Athens and Plovdiv.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Athens to Plovdiv 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 $81 compared to roughly $248 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $167. The journey takes 14h 3m versus 10h 7m 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 City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus, Union Ivkoni International, Citylines.

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 Plovdiv Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Union Ivkoni
Departure Time
05:15AM
Arrival Time
09:15PM
Duration
16h00
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$114
Operator
Union Ivkoni
Departure Time
06:15AM
Arrival Time
10:15PM
Duration
16h00
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$71
Operator
Infobus
Departure Time
02:35PM
Arrival Time
05:30AM
Duration
14h55
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$74
Operator
Infobus
Departure Time
03:35PM
Arrival Time
06:30AM
Duration
14h55
Departure days
Tue, Sun
Cheapest price
$82
Operator
ArdaTur
Departure Time
05:30PM
Arrival Time
07:30AM
Duration
14h00
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$81
Operator
Infobus
Departure Time
07:00PM
Arrival Time
09:00AM
Duration
14h00
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$85

Live departures

Athens to Plovdiv bus times

The table below shows live departures for Athens to Plovdiv buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
ArdaTur74320285:30 PM Athens
14h00
7:30 AM Plovdiv0 transfersDirect
Infobus07:00 PM Athens
14h00
9:00 AM Plovdiv0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Athens to Plovdiv by bus

Compare bus 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.

Fri
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sat
Sep 26
Sun
Sep 27
Mon
Sep 28
Tue
Sep 29
Wed
Sep 30
Thu
Oct 01

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.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Athens to Plovdiv

GreeceGreece
BulgariaBulgaria
Icon of bus

Buses from Athens to Plovdiv run on average 2 times per day, taking around 14h 3m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $63 if you book in advance.

There are 2 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 13h 30m.

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 3m
Cheapest ticket price
$63
Buses per day
2
Direct buses
2
Fastest bus
13h 30m
First bus
4:30 AM
Last bus
7:00 PM
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
1 day
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

Bus providers: Infobus, ArdaTur, Union Ivkoni International from Athens to PlovdivYou can travel by bus between Athens to Plovdiv with Infobus, ArdaTur, Union Ivkoni International for as low as $63. 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 Infobus Duration
13h 30m
Cheapest Infobus Price
$72
Infobus frequency
1 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 Union Ivkoni International Duration
16h 0m
Cheapest Union Ivkoni International Price
$63
Union Ivkoni International frequency
1 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 ArdaTur Duration
14h 0m
Cheapest ArdaTur Price
$73
ArdaTur frequency
1 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.

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 Archaeological Museum Plovdiv

Major archaeological museum with Thracian, Greek, and Roman finds. Essential for understanding Plovdiv's long and layered history.

  • 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.

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.

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Athens to Plovdiv can start from as little as $63 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Athens to Plovdiv is $81 ; 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 13h 30m 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 2 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.
When departing from Athens , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Athens (Αθήνα), Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη) . When arriving in Plovdiv , you can end your journey in bus stations like Plovdiv (Пловдив), Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Athens (Αθήνα), which is located around 1 miles (3 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Plovdiv (Пловдив), located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Plovdiv from Athens is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 13h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Athens to Plovdiv is August.
Yes, you can take a bus between Athens and Plovdiv.
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.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Athens to Plovdiv for bus company City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus, Union Ivkoni International.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Plovdiv are:
  • Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, a well-preserved Roman theater still used for performances and events
  • Old Town Plovdiv, a historic area with cobblestone streets and traditional Bulgarian architecture
  • Kapana Creative District, a vibrant neighborhood known for its art galleries, cafes, and cultural events
  • Plovdiv Roman Stadium, the remains of a large Roman stadium partially visible in the city center
  • Alyosha Monument, a Soviet-era statue offering panoramic views of the city from a hilltop location.
The best things to do in Plovdiv include:
  • Regional Ethnographic Museum, a museum showcasing Bulgarian cultural heritage and traditional crafts
  • Visit the Plovdiv City Garden, a relaxing green space perfect for a leisurely stroll
  • Explore the Plovdiv Regional Historical Museum, which offers insights into the city's rich past
  • Enjoy a wine tasting tour in the Thracian Valley, known for its excellent local wines
  • Attend a cultural event or festival, such as the Plovdiv Jazz Fest or the International Folklore Festival.
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.
Since both Athens and Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv among Omio's users.
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 (Пловдив) 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

Which Athens station do buses to Plovdiv leave from?

Buses from Athens to Plovdiv leave from Athens (Αθήνα). The station is 2 miles (4 km) from Athens city centre at Dafni, Greece.
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

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone