- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
One of Bulgaria’s key archaeology museums, housed in a former mosque. Highlights include Thracian, Roman, and medieval artifacts of major national importance.
Cheapest price
$74
Average price
$74
Fastest journey
12 h
Average duration
12 h 28 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
525 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Athens to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Athens to Sofia will cost around $74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $74.
Of the 3 buses that leave Athens for Sofia on Wed, May 27, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 27 the direct buses cover the 525 km distance in an average of 12 h 28 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 12 h .
On Wed, May 27 the slowest buses will take 12 h 45 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.






Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Athens to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $50. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 39m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.5 - 1.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $50, and a flight costs an average of $92.
Distance: 326 miles (525 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$72 Average price Cheapest | $271 Average price | $242 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 38m Average total duration 12h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 39m Average total duration Fastest 2h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.6 - 3.1kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Athens to Sofia:
A bus is $198 (€160) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Athens to Sofia costing on average $271 (€219).
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 8m.
Tickets start at around $72 (€58) compared to roughly $242 (€195) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $169 (€137). The journey takes 12h 8m versus 8h 43m 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, City Lines, Infobus, Union Ivkoni, ArdaTur, Euroticket, FlixBus.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Euroticket | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 11h20 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator LikeBus | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 11h20 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 11h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $74 |
The table below shows live departures for Athens to Sofia buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, May 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:15 AM Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη) | 12h45 | 9:00 PM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:20 AM Athens Chiou | 12h40 | 9:00 PM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:00 PM Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη) | 12h00 | 6:00 AM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Athens to Sofia run on average 3 times per day, taking around 12h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $50 (€40) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:00, the last at 23:44. The fastest bus covers the 326 miles (525 km) distance in 10h 50m.
Distance 326 miles (525 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $50 (€40) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 10h 50m |
First bus 4:00 AM |
Last bus 11:44 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Sofia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sofia trip today.
One of Bulgaria’s key archaeology museums, housed in a former mosque. Highlights include Thracian, Roman, and medieval artifacts of major national importance.
Bulgaria’s largest museum, covering prehistoric finds, medieval treasures, and modern history. A strong choice for understanding the country beyond Sofia’s city center.
Set in the former Central Mineral Baths building, this museum presents Sofia’s development from Roman Serdica to the modern capital in an elegant historic setting.
Sofia’s main pedestrian boulevard, lined with shops and city life, with memorable views toward Vitosha Mountain. It is the classic central walking area.
Sofia’s best-known park, offering long walks, sports facilities, and a more local side of city life. Excellent for open-air time in the capital.
The mountain rising above Sofia is one of the city’s biggest lifestyle attractions, offering viewpoints, trails, and easy nature access close to the capital.
A classic Bulgarian salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and grated sirene cheese. It is one of the country’s most iconic dishes and a staple at Sofia tables.
A beloved pastry made with thin filo layers, eggs, and white cheese, often eaten for breakfast. It is one of the most traditional everyday foods in Bulgaria.
A cold summer soup of yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnuts. It is especially popular in Sofia during warm weather and is distinctly Bulgarian.
A popular central venue serving refined Bulgarian dishes and local wines in a stylish setting inspired by national traditions.
A highly regarded cozy restaurant with creative seasonal cooking, popular brunches, and a warm home-style ambiance.
A well-known traditional Bulgarian restaurant with rustic décor, folk atmosphere, and a broad menu of classic regional dishes.
Affordable by European capital standards. Meals, coffee, and local transport are good value; central hotels cost more.
About 10% in restaurants if service is good; check if a service charge is added. Round up for taxis. Small tips are appreciated in cafes, bars, salons, and for hotel staff.
Official public transport app
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara -> Serdika, Sofia
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Athens to Sofia 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 Sofia, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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