- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
Bulgaria’s main archaeological museum, housed in a former Ottoman mosque, with major Thracian, Roman, and medieval collections.
Cheapest price
$24
Average price
$42
Fastest journey
6 h 35 m
Average duration
7 h 6 m
Buses per day
10
Distance
296 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bucharest to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bucharest to Sofia will cost around $42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $24.
Of the 10 buses that leave Bucharest for Sofia on Thu, Jun 25, 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jun 25 the direct buses cover the 296 km distance in an average of 7 h 6 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 35 m .
On Thu, Jun 25 the slowest buses will take 7 h 25 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.

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FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
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FlixBus
FlixBus
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bucharest to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 31m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $14, and a flight costs an average of $103.
Distance: 183 miles (296 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$30 Average price Cheapest | $291 Average price | $84 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 50m Average total duration 7h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 31m Average total duration Fastest 2h 31m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 1.8kg 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 Bucharest to Sofia:
A bus is $261 (€215) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bucharest to Sofia costing on average $291 (€240).
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 20m.
Tickets start at around $30 (€25) compared to roughly $84 (€69) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $54 (€45). The journey takes 7h 20m versus 5h 23m 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, FlixBus, Union Ivkoni, Infobus, Pegasus, Euroticket, LikeBus, Union Ivkoni.
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 Pegasus | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Max Trans | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator LikeBus | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Euroticket | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator LikeBus | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator LikeBus | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Euroticket | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $28 |
The table below shows live departures for Bucharest to Sofia buses for today, Wednesday, June 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 10:10 AM București, Autogara Militari | 7h25 | 5:35 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:00 PM București, Autogara Militari | 7h45 | 11:45 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:10 PM Bucharest | 7h50 | 6:00 AM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:10 PM Bucharest | 7h50 | 6:00 AM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 10:10 PM Bucharest | 7h40 | 5:50 AM Sofia (София) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:35 PM Bucharest | 7h25 | 6:00 AM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:35 PM Bucharest | 7h25 | 6:00 AM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:30 PM București, Autogara Militari | 7h20 | 6:50 AM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:45 PM București, Autogara Militari | 6h45 | 6:30 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 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 Bucharest to Sofia run on average 2 times per day, taking around 7h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $14 (€11) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:10, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 183 miles (296 km) distance in 6h 20m.
Distance 183 miles (296 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $14 (€11) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 6h 20m |
First bus 4:10 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Sofia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sofia trip today.
Bulgaria’s main archaeological museum, housed in a former Ottoman mosque, with major Thracian, Roman, and medieval collections.
The country’s largest art museum, displaying Bulgarian and international art in a grand modern complex near Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
A well-curated city museum inside the former Central Mineral Baths, covering Sofia’s urban, political, and cultural history.
Sofia’s main pedestrian boulevard, lined with shops and lively city views, with Vitosha Mountain often visible at the southern end.
A central open-air archaeological zone integrated into the modern city, popular for walking, photos, and easy access to Roman ruins.
Sofia’s best-known large park, offering tree-lined walks, monuments, sports areas, and a local daily-life atmosphere.
A classic Bulgarian salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and grated sirene cheese. It is one of the country’s most iconic dishes and a staple in Sofia restaurants.
A traditional baked pastry made with thin layers of dough, eggs, and white cheese. It is a beloved breakfast and snack across Sofia and Bulgaria.
A cold yogurt soup with cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnuts, especially popular in warm weather. It is refreshing and distinctly Bulgarian.
An established central Sofia restaurant focused on refined Bulgarian cuisine, local wines, and stylish interiors inspired by national traditions.
A popular and established restaurant on Vitosha Boulevard offering a broad menu, dependable service, and a lively atmosphere suited to a casual meal in central Sofia.
A well-known traditional Bulgarian restaurant with folklore decor, regional specialties, and a rustic atmosphere popular with visitors seeking classic local dishes.
Affordable by European capital standards. Public transport, casual dining, and coffee are low cost; hotels vary by season and location.
About 10% in restaurants for good service. Round up taxis. Small tips for hotel staff are appreciated but not required. No tip is expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara -> Serdika, Sofia
On most days of the week, there are usually two daily buses from Bucharest to Sofia operated by budget bus operator Flixbus. Buses between these capital cities take seven hours and the route is direct. Bus times are pretty consistent, typically scheduled to run at 10 a.m. and 11.30 p.m. Buses don't tend to run on Thursdays and Sundays, and other days of the week alternate availability. Peak times of the year offer a greater choice of buses.
Budget operator Flixbus runs the buses along this route most days of the week. In peak seasons, buses are near-daily or run on a daily basis, but typically buses don't operate on Thursdays or Sundays.
The bus between these Romanian and Bulgarian capital cities takes seven hours to make the 220-mile journey. These buses are direct.
There are usually two daily buses run by Flixbus. These are typically scheduled to allow the biggest number of passengers possible to travel, as one usually departs at around 10 a.m. and one is scheduled for an 11.30 p.m. departure. The latter is an overnight bus that arrives in Sofia at 6.30 a.m. and is available on alternating weekdays, but consistently on Fridays and Saturdays.
Departure bus station: Buses depart Bucharest at Autogara Militari, one of Bucharest's largest bus terminals, which is located just over five and a half miles west of central Bucharest. To reach Autogara Militari from central Bucharest, passengers can take the number 69 bus and the M3 metro from the George Cosbuc Colegiul National in Bucharest's city center with the journey taking between 45 and 60 minutes.
Arrival bus station: Buses arrive in Sofia at Sofia Centralna Avtogara station, which is just over a mile from central Sofia. This takes roughly 20 minutes to walk, or passengers can take a quick journey on the city's local metro system, which also takes 20 minutes. There is also a local bus number 18 that services this route. This is a large bus station with cafes and shops for passengers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bucharest 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.

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