- Must visit
Regional History Museum Stara Zagora
Major regional museum presenting archaeology, ethnography, and history, including exceptional finds from prehistoric and Roman Stara Zagora.
Cheapest price
$53
Average price
$61
Fastest journey
15 h 45 m
Average duration
16 h 8 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
520 km
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 $61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.
Of the 2 buses that leave Athens for Stara Zagora on Thu, Jul 30, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 30 the direct buses cover the 520 km distance in an average of 16 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 15 h 45 m .
On Thu, Jul 30 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.




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 prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 16h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $27, and a bus costs an average of $27.
Distance: 323 miles (520 km)
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$62 Average price Cheapest | $228 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 39m Average total duration Fastest 16h 9m 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 |
Tickets start at around $62 (€62) compared to roughly $228 (€228) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $166 (€166). The journey takes 16h 9m 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 City Lines, Union Ivkoni International, 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 10:46PM | Duration 17h31 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 11:46PM | Duration 17h31 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator Ilias Travel | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
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, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator Ilias Travel | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 09:15AM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $75 |
The table below shows live departures for Athens to Stara Zagora buses for today, Wednesday, July 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7210926 | 5:30 PM Athens | 15h45 | 9:15 AM Stara Zagora | 0 transfersDirect | |
7302803 | 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 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.
Buses from Athens to Stara Zagora run on average 2 times per day, taking around 16h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $27 (€27) 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 45m.
Distance 323 miles (520 km) |
Average bus duration 16h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€27) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 15h 45m |
First bus 3:00 AM |
Last bus 7:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Stara Zagora — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stara Zagora trip today.
Major regional museum presenting archaeology, ethnography, and history, including exceptional finds from prehistoric and Roman Stara Zagora.
Preserved Neolithic dwellings from the 6th millennium BCE, among Europe’s best-preserved prehistoric homes and a unique archaeological attraction.
Underground museum beneath the modern post office, showing a Roman street level and urban remains from ancient Augusta Traiana.
Large central park famous for straight alleys, greenery, sculptures, and open space; ideal for walking and a defining part of the city.
Main pedestrian boulevard lined with shops and public buildings, perfect for a stroll and for experiencing the city’s everyday rhythm.
Historic central square near key civic buildings and Roman remains, often used for events and a practical starting point for sightseeing.
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.
A chilled yogurt, cucumber, dill, and walnut soup. It is especially popular in the hot Thracian summers and showcases Bulgaria’s famous yogurt.
Grilled minced meat rolls seasoned with cumin and pepper. A classic Bulgarian barbecue dish widely loved in Stara Zagora taverns and beer gardens.
Traditional Bulgarian tavern known for grilled meats, salads, and rakia in a rustic mehana setting popular with locals.
Casual local spot for barbecue, salads, and hearty Bulgarian comfort food with a relaxed atmosphere.
Established restaurant offering Bulgarian and European dishes in a more polished setting, suitable for a longer dinner.
Budget-friendly for Bulgaria: hotels, meals, and local transport are usually cheaper than in Sofia and many EU city breaks.
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.
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.

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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need