- Must visit
Varna Archaeological Museum
Major museum known for the world-famous Varna Gold, the oldest processed gold treasure in the world, plus rich Thracian, Greek, Roman, and medieval collections.
Cheapest price
$87
Average price
$89
Fastest journey
19 h 15 m
Average duration
23 h 10 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
680 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Athens to Varna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Athens to Varna will cost around $89 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $87.
Of the 3 buses that leave Athens for Varna on Sun, Jun 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 680 km distance in an average of 23 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 19 h 15 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 1 d 3 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.
FlixBus · FlixBus



FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Athens to Varna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $68. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 42m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.7 - 1.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $68, and a flight costs an average of $183.
Distance: 422 miles (680 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$89 Average price Cheapest | $365 Average price | $340 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
20h 40m Average total duration 20h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 42m Average total duration Fastest 2h 42m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.7 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.0 - 4.1kg 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 Varna:
A bus is $276 (€226) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Athens to Varna costing on average $365 (€299).
Other travel options to Varna take longer:
Bus takes on average 20h 10m.
Tickets start at around $89 (€73) compared to roughly $340 (€278) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $251 (€205). The journey takes 20h 10m versus 13h 50m 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 ArdaTur, City Lines, Union Ivkoni, Infobus.
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 | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 22h45 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 21h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 21h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 21h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 27h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 19h15 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $90 |
The table below shows live departures for Athens to Varna buses for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. 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) | 22h45 | 7:00 AM Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:35 PM Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού) | 27h30 | 9:05 PM Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 6:00 PM Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη) | 19h15 | 1:15 PM Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) | 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 Varna run on average 1 times per day, taking around 20h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $68 (€56) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:30, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 422 miles (680 km) distance in 18h 45m.
Distance 422 miles (680 km) |
Average bus duration 20h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $68 (€56) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 18h 45m |
First bus 6:30 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Varna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Varna trip today.
Major museum known for the world-famous Varna Gold, the oldest processed gold treasure in the world, plus rich Thracian, Greek, Roman, and medieval collections.
A private museum inside Grand Mall showcasing socialist-era cars, household items, wax figures, and memorabilia from everyday life in communist Bulgaria.
The city’s main fine arts gallery, featuring Bulgarian painting, sculpture, graphics, and rotating contemporary exhibitions in a central historic building.
Varna’s signature seaside park with promenades, gardens, monuments, sea views, and cultural venues; the city’s essential walking and sunset area.
Central beach strip beside the Sea Garden, popular for sea views, long walks, and the lively summer atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors.
Main pedestrian-friendly central boulevard lined with shops, historic facades, and city life, ideal for getting a feel for downtown Varna.
A classic Bulgarian salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and grated Sirene cheese. It is one of the country’s signature starters and very common in Varna taverns.
A cold yogurt soup with cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnuts, especially refreshing on the Black Sea coast in summer.
Black Sea mussels cooked with white wine, garlic, and herbs. Varna is a strong place to try them because fresh mussels are a local coastal specialty.
A well-known Varna restaurant serving Bulgarian dishes, grilled meats, and regional specialties in a rustic traditional atmosphere.
A popular seafood restaurant set on a ship-themed venue, known for fish, mussels, and sea views near the coast.
An established casual restaurant with a broad menu of Bulgarian and European dishes, appreciated for reliable food and central location.
Generally affordable for tourists. Meals, coffee, and local transport cost less than in many EU beach cities, while summer seafront venues charge more.
About 10% in restaurants for good service. Round up in cafes and taxis. Hotel staff may receive small tips, but tipping is not obligatory.
Official public transport app
Varna, Avtogara -> Varna Cathedral
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Athens to Varna 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 Varna, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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