- Must visit
Acropolis Museum
World-class museum for Acropolis finds, with superb archaic sculptures and Parthenon marbles displayed in a striking modern building.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$53
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$69
Fastest journey on Sep 18
10 h
Average journey duration on Sep 18
10 h 19 m
Buses on Sep 18
4
Distance
451 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Blagoevgrad to Athens is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Blagoevgrad to Athens will cost around $69 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 4 buses from Blagoevgrad to Athens, including 4 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 451 km distance in an average of 10 h 19 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest buses will take 11 h 15 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 flight as it is the most popular option from Blagoevgrad to Athens among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $60 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 30m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the bus is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.5 - 1.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $60, while a flight costs an average of $345.
Distance: 280 miles (451 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$60 Average price Cheapest | $345 Average price | $220 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 58m Average total duration 10h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration Fastest 3h 30m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.7kg 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 Blagoevgrad to Athens:
A bus is $284 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Blagoevgrad to Athens costing on average $345.
Other travel options to Athens take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 28m.
Tickets start at around $60 compared to roughly $220 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $160. The journey takes 10h 28m versus 7h 41m 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, ArdaTur, 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 FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator Ilias Travel | Departure Time 05:45PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator Ilias Travel | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $73 |
The table below shows live departures for Blagoevgrad to Athens buses for tomorrow, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:15 PM Blagoevgrad | 11h15 | 3:30 AM Athens | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:30 PM Blagoevgrad | 10h00 | 3:30 AM Athens | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:45 PM Blagoevgrad | 10h00 | 3:45 AM Athens | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:45 PM Blagoevgrad | 10h00 | 4:45 AM Athens | 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 Blagoevgrad to Athens run on average 3 times per day, taking around 10h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $40 if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:30, the last at 19:30. The fastest bus covers the 280 miles (451 km) distance in 9h 40m.
Distance 280 miles (451 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $40 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 9h 40m |
First bus 1:30 AM |
Last bus 7:30 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Athens — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Athens trip today.
World-class museum for Acropolis finds, with superb archaic sculptures and Parthenon marbles displayed in a striking modern building.
Greece’s premier archaeology museum, spanning prehistory to late antiquity. Essential for masterpieces from across the country.
Outstanding museum of Cycladic art and ancient Greek culture. Known for elegant figurines and thoughtful contemporary presentation.
Athens’ oldest neighborhood charms with neoclassical houses, lanes, and easy access to major ancient sites and traditional atmosphere.
Busy square and market district known for street life, shopping, and strong transport links. Ideal for feeling the city’s energy.
Central ceremonial square before Parliament. A practical hub for visitors and a prime place to watch the guard-changing ritual.
Moussaka is a baked casserole of eggplant, minced meat, potato, and béchamel, iconic in Greek home cooking and tavern menus.
Souvlaki is grilled skewered pork or chicken, a classic Athens street food, usually served with pita, onions, and tzatziki.
Spanakopita is a flaky pie filled with spinach, herbs, and feta, a beloved everyday snack found in bakeries across Athens.
Michelin-starred restaurant offering refined modern Greek cuisine and Acropolis views in an elegant setting.
Long-standing Psiri taverna serving classic Greek dishes, live music, and a warm traditional atmosphere.
Historic central market taverna known for grilled meats and traditional meze in a lively, old Athens setting.
Moderate for Europe; hotels in peak season rise, but dining and transit stay fairly reasonable for tourists.
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants, round taxi fares up, and leave small change at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Blagoevgrad to Athens 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 Athens, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Blagoevgrad to Athens buses use the Blagoevgrad, Avtogara (Благоевград, Автогара) to Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη) station pair, with some services arriving at Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού). Use this guide to compare Blagoevgrad and Athens bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού) is 3 km from Athens city centre. Public transport options include:
Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού). ATMs are available at Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού).
Ticket office support is available at Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού).
Available at Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού): Ramps available for wheelchair access.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need