- Must visit
Regional History Museum Stara Zagora
Major regional museum presenting archaeology, ethnography, and history, including exceptional finds from prehistoric and Roman Stara Zagora.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Athens to Stara Zagora
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 13
Cheapest price on Sep 13
€80
Average ticket price on Sep 13
€80
Fastest journey on Sep 13
16 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 13
16 h 30 m
Buses on Sep 13
1
Distance
520 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Athens to Stara Zagora is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Athens to Stara Zagora will cost around €80 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €80.
Fast buses
On Sun, Sep 13, we found 1 buses from Athens to Stara Zagora, including 1 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 13 the direct buses cover the 520 km distance in an average of 16 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 16 h 30 m .
On Sun, Sep 13 the slowest buses will take 16 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.
07:00 PM16h30Athens11:30 AMStara Zagora€801One-way0 transfers
- 07:00 PM16h30Athens11:30 AMStara Zagora€801One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus for Athens to Stara Zagora
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Athens to Stara Zagora among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €69 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 16h 36m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €69, while a bus costs an average of €69.
Distance: 323 miles (520 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
€69 Average price Cheapest | €230 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 36m Average total duration Fastest 16h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Athens to Stara Zagora is a bus with an average price of €69.
The fastest way to travel from Athens to Stara Zagora is by bus with an average journey time of 16h 6m.
Yes, you can take a bus between Athens and Stara Zagora.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Athens to Stara Zagora 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 €69 compared to roughly €230 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €161. The journey takes 16h 6m versus 10h 42m 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, ArdaTur, Infobus, 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 Stara Zagora Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 11:46PM | Duration 17h31 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €61 |
Operator Ilias Travel | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €47 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €68 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €68 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 09:15AM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €67 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €75 |
Live departures
Athens to Stara Zagora bus times
The table below shows live departures for Athens to Stara Zagora buses for today, Saturday, September 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 7:00 PM Athens | 16h30 | 11:30 AM Stara Zagora | 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 Stara Zagora 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.
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Sep 13
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Why should you book Athens to Stara Zagora buses with Omio?
Union Ivkoni International as well as City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus, Citylines and more offer buses services from Athens to Stara Zagora.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Athens to Stara Zagora.
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 City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus or Citylines to find the best option for your trip from Athens to Stara Zagora.
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Athens to Stara Zagora
Greece
Bulgaria
Buses from Athens to Stara Zagora run on average 2 times per day, taking around 16h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €61 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:00, the last at 19:00. The fastest bus covers the 323 miles (520 km) distance in 15h 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 323 miles (520 km) |
Average bus duration 16h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price €61 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 15h 30m |
First bus 3:00 AM |
Last bus 7:00 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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 Stara ZagoraYou can travel by bus between Athens to Stara Zagora with Infobus, ArdaTur, Union Ivkoni International for as low as €61. 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
15h 30m
Cheapest Infobus Price
€64
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 30m
Cheapest Union Ivkoni International Price
€61
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
15h 45m
Cheapest ArdaTur Price
€61
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 Stara Zagora
Things to do in Stara Zagora
Discover the best of Stara Zagora — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stara Zagora trip today.
- Must visit
Neolithic Dwellings Museum
Preserved Neolithic dwellings from the 6th millennium BCE, among Europe’s best-preserved prehistoric homes and a unique archaeological attraction.
- Recommended
Museum Augusta Traiana
Underground museum beneath the modern post office, showing a Roman street level and urban remains from ancient Augusta Traiana.
- Must visit
Ayazmoto Park
Large central park famous for straight alleys, greenery, sculptures, and open space; ideal for walking and a defining part of the city.
- Recommended
Tsar Simeon Veliki Boulevard
Main pedestrian boulevard lined with shops and public buildings, perfect for a stroll and for experiencing the city’s everyday rhythm.
- Recommended
Central City Square
Historic central square near key civic buildings and Roman remains, often used for events and a practical starting point for sightseeing.
- Vegetarian
Banitsa
A baked filo pastry pie with white cheese and eggs, eaten across Bulgaria for breakfast. In Stara Zagora it is a staple in bakeries and homes.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Tarator
A chilled yogurt, cucumber, dill, and walnut soup. It is especially popular in the hot Thracian summers and showcases Bulgaria’s famous yogurt.
- Gluten-free
Kebapche
Grilled minced meat rolls seasoned with cumin and pepper. A classic Bulgarian barbecue dish widely loved in Stara Zagora taverns and beer gardens.
Chevermeto
Traditional Bulgarian tavern known for grilled meats, salads, and rakia in a rustic mehana setting popular with locals.
Uniqato
Casual local spot for barbecue, salads, and hearty Bulgarian comfort food with a relaxed atmosphere.
Forum Restaurant
Established restaurant offering Bulgarian and European dishes in a more polished setting, suitable for a longer dinner.
Bulgarian lev (лв.)
Budget-friendly for Bulgaria: hotels, meals, and local transport are usually cheaper than in Sofia and many EU city breaks.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- 12-20 лв. for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- 25-40 лв. per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- 50+ лв. per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- 3-5 лв. for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10%. For taxis, round up the fare. In cafes, small change is enough.
FAQs: Bus from Athens to Stara Zagora
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Athens to Stara Zagora 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 Stara Zagora, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Athens to Stara Zagora can start from as little as €61 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Athens to Stara Zagora is €69 ; 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 Stara Zagora is 15h 30m to travel the 323 miles (520 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 Stara Zagora leaves at 3:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Athens to Stara Zagora leaves at 7:00 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Athens to Stara Zagora with Union Ivkoni International, City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus, Citylines. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Athens to Stara Zagora, you can count on Union Ivkoni International, City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus, Citylines for the best way to get you to Stara Zagora. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Athens and Stara Zagora 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 Stara Zagora , you can end your journey in bus stations like Stara Zaragora, Stara Zagora, Avtogara (Стара Загора, Aвтогара) .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 Stara Zaragora, located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Stara Zagora from Athens is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 15h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Athens to Stara Zagora is May.
Yes, you can take a bus between Athens and Stara Zagora.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Athens to Stara Zagora for bus company Union Ivkoni International, City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Athens to Stara Zagora:
- City Lines
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible restrooms.
- ArdaTur
- Passengers with disabilities receive discounts and priority seating, and folding wheelchairs are transported free of charge with advance registration.
- Union Ivkoni International
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Service animals allowed.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Stara Zagora are:
- Regional History Museum, a museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits from Stara Zagora's rich history and cultural heritage
- Roman Forum, the remains of an ancient Roman city center with well-preserved ruins and historical significance
- Ayazmoto Park, a large urban park offering walking trails, picnic areas, and a zoo
- Antique Forum Augusta Traiana, an archaeological site featuring remnants of a Roman forum and amphitheater
- Stara Zagora Art Gallery, a gallery displaying a diverse collection of Bulgarian art from various periods.
The best things to do in Stara Zagora include:
- Geo Milev House Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the famous Bulgarian poet and publicist
- Explore the vibrant local markets, offering a taste of Bulgarian culture and cuisine
- Visit the Stara Zagora Opera House for a captivating performance
- Enjoy a wine tasting tour at a nearby vineyard, experiencing the flavors of the region
- Participate in a guided walking tour to discover hidden gems and historical insights of the city.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Athens to Stara Zagora 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.
- 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.
- 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, City Lines, ArdaTur.
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 Stara Zagora.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Athens to Stara Zagora:
- City Lines
- One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
- ArdaTur
- One piece of hand luggage up to 15 kg and two pieces of checked luggage up to 35 kg each are included.
- 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 Stara Zagora:
- City Lines
- 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
- ArdaTur
- Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
- Union Ivkoni International
- 10 USD per additional bag.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Athens to Stara Zagora. 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 Stara Zagora with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International, City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Athens to Stara Zagora with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International, City Lines, Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Athens to Stara Zagora with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International, City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus.
Since both Athens and Stara Zagora 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 Stara Zagora 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 Stara Zagora, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded areas and avoid unlicensed taxi services to prevent overcharging. Scams involving inflated prices at some local markets or restaurants can occur, so it’s advisable to agree on prices beforehand. Overall, the city is considered relatively safe, but staying alert in busy spots helps ensure a smooth 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Athens to Stara Zagora
Most Athens to Stara Zagora buses use the Athens (Αθήνα) to Stara Zaragora station pair, with some services arriving at Stara Zagora, Avtogara (Стара Загора, Aвтогара). Use this guide to compare Athens and Stara Zagora 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 Stara Zagora
Which Athens station do buses to Stara Zagora leave from?
Buses from Athens to Stara Zagora 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
Which Stara Zagora station do buses from Athens arrive at?
Buses from Athens to Stara Zagora most often arrive at Stara Zaragora. Some services arrive at Stara Zagora, Avtogara (Стара Загора, Aвтогара), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Stara Zagora arrival station.
Stara ZaragoraPromishlena Zona Zapad, bul. Slavjanski 18, 6002 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
City-centre transport
Getting to Stara Zaragora from Stara Zagora city centre
Stara Zaragora is 1 km from Stara Zagora city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
Stara Zaragora bus station facilities and services
Stara Zaragora has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Small cafe with snacks and drinks available.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Stara Zaragora. ATMs are available at Stara Zaragora.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Stara Zaragora.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Stara Zaragora: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Stara Zaragora: Wheelchair access provided at entrance.
Stara Zagora, Avtogara (Стара Загора, Aвтогара)Stara Zagora Bus Station Slavianski, Boulevard Slavianski 18, 6002
Most popular bus connections from Athens
More options for your journey from Athens to Stara Zagora
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Stara Zagora and Athens
Most popular bus connections to Stara Zagora
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