Athens to Sofia bus with Ourbus

Thu, Feb 26
+ Add return
Ourbus
City Lines
Infobus
ArdaTur
FlixBus
1,000+ travel companies
Ourbus
City Lines
Infobus
ArdaTur
FlixBus
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Athens to Sofia

Showing times and prices for Feb 26

Cheapest price

$68

Average price

$68

Fastest journey

12 h 30 m

Average duration

12 h 30 m

Buses per day

1

Distance

525 km

Cheap tickets

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 $68 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.

Fast buses

Of the 1 buses that leave Athens for Sofia on Thu, Feb 26, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Feb 26 the direct buses cover the 525 km distance in an average of 12 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 12 h 30 m .

On Thu, Feb 26 the slowest buses will take 12 h 30 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.

Union Ivkoni
05:30PM12h30
Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη)
06:00AMSofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)
$681One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and flight for Athens to Sofia

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 $66. 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 $66, and a flight costs an average of $92.

Distance: 326 miles (525 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Flight

$74

Average price

Cheapest

$223

Average price

12h 46m

Average total duration

12h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 39m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 39m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.5 - 1.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

1.6 - 3.1kg

CO2 emissions

Ourbus

Most popular bus company

Aegean Airlines

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Athens to Sofia Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Euroticket
Departure Time
07:00AM
Arrival Time
05:50PM
Duration
10h50
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$77
Operator
LIKEBUS
Departure Time
07:00AM
Arrival Time
05:50PM
Duration
10h50
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$77
Operator
Union Ivkoni
Departure Time
07:30AM
Arrival Time
08:30PM
Duration
13h00
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
Union Ivkoni
Departure Time
08:15AM
Arrival Time
09:30PM
Duration
13h15
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$63
Operator
Ilias Travel
Departure Time
05:30PM
Arrival Time
05:30AM
Duration
12h00
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$56

Live departures

Athens to Sofia bus times

The table below shows live departures for Athens to Sofia buses for today, Wednesday, February 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 4:27 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
ams_infobus5:00 PM Athens
11h45
4:45 AM Sofia0 transfersDirect
Thursday, February 26
unionIvkoni3:30 PM Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη)
12h30
4:00 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 prices and tickets Athens to Sofia 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 Sofia buses with Omio?

Ourbus as well as City Lines, Infobus, ArdaTur, FlixBus and more offer buses services from Athens to Sofia.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Athens to Sofia.

Why book with Omio vs Ourbus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Ourbus, but also compare tickets for the likes of City Lines, Infobus, ArdaTur or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Athens to Sofia.
  • 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 Ourbus with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Athens to Sofia.

Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Wanderu or Busbud?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of City Lines, Infobus, ArdaTur or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Athens to Sofia.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Athens to Sofia.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Athens to Sofia

GreeceGreece
BulgariaBulgaria
Icon of bus

Buses from Athens to Sofia run on average 3 times per day, taking around 12h 17m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $55 (€44) 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 11h 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
Distance
326 miles (525 km)
Average bus duration
12h 17m
Cheapest ticket price
$55 (€44)
Buses per day
3
Direct buses
3
Fastest bus
11h 0m
First bus
04:00
Last bus
23:44
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: Ourbus, City Lines, Infobus, ArdaTur, FlixBus, Citylines from Athens to SofiaYou can travel by bus between Athens to Sofia with Ourbus, City Lines, Infobus, ArdaTur, FlixBus, Citylines for as low as $55 (€44). 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
11h 45m
Cheapest Price
$69 (€55)
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
11h 0m
Cheapest Price
$67 (€53)
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.

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12h 35m
Cheapest Price
$28 (€22)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

Ourbus

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
11h 45m
Cheapest Price
$54 (€43)
Ourbus 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.

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
11h 30m
Cheapest Price
$70 (€56)
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
11h 0m
Cheapest Price
$39 (€31)
Citylines frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Bus from Athens to 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Athens to Sofia can start from as little as $55 (€44) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Athens to Sofia is $73 (€58) ; 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 Sofia is 11h 0m to travel the 326 miles (525 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 Sofia leaves at 4:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Athens to Sofia leaves at 11:44 PM.
Yes, there are 3 direct buses a day from Athens to Sofia with Ourbus, City Lines, ArdaTur, FlixBus, Citylines. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Athens to Sofia, you can count on Ourbus, City Lines, Infobus, ArdaTur, FlixBus, Citylines for the best way to get you to Sofia. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Athens and Sofia 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 Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη), Athens Chiou, Athens (Αθήνα), Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού), Athens, Akominatou / Favierou (Αθήνα, Ακομινάτου / Φαβιέρου) . When arriving in Sofia , you can end your journey in bus stations like Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара), Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика), Sofia (София), Sofia, Letishche Sofia Terminal 2 (София, Летище София Терминал 2), Sofiya Airport - Terminal T1, София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη), which is located around 0 away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара), located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Sofia from Athens is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 11h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Athens to Sofia is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Athens and Sofia including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Athens to Sofia:
  • City Lines
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible restrooms.
  • Infobus
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
  • Ourbus
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Service animals allowed.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Athens to Sofia for bus company Ourbus, City Lines, Infobus, ArdaTur, FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Sofia are:
  • Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a stunning Orthodox cathedral known for its impressive architecture and golden domes
  • Vitosha Boulevard, a vibrant pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants
  • National Palace of Culture, a multifunctional conference and exhibition center surrounded by beautiful gardens
  • Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its medieval frescoes
  • Sofia Central Mineral Baths, a historic building showcasing beautiful architecture and housing a museum.
The best things to do in Sofia include:
  • Borisova Gradina, a large and scenic park ideal for leisurely walks and outdoor activities
  • Sofia Zoo, one of the oldest and largest zoos in the Balkans, home to a wide variety of animals
  • Sofia History Museum, offering insights into the city's rich past and cultural heritage
  • Serdika Archaeological Complex, where you can explore ancient Roman ruins in the heart of the city
  • Sofia Opera and Ballet, where you can enjoy world-class performances in a beautiful setting.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Athens to Sofia 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.
  • Ourbus
    • 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 Ourbus, City Lines, 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 Sofia.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Athens to Sofia:
  • 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).
  • Ourbus
    • 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 Sofia:
  • City Lines
    • 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
  • Infobus
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • Ourbus
    • 10 USD per additional bag.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Athens to Sofia. 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.
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Athens to Sofia with the following bus company: Ourbus, City Lines, Infobus, ArdaTur, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Athens to Sofia with the following bus company: Ourbus, City Lines, Infobus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Athens to Sofia with the following bus company: Ourbus, City Lines, Infobus, ArdaTur, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Athens to Sofia

Athens
Sofia
The major bus station for departures in Athens is Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη) for your trip from Athens to Sofia.
Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη)
Athens Chiou
information
Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού)
information

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