- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
Bulgaria’s leading archaeological museum, housed in a former mosque and displaying Thracian, Roman, and medieval treasures.
Cheapest price
€80
Average price
€115
Fastest journey
18 h 30 m
Average duration
21 h 10 m
Buses per day
14
Distance
631 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Budapest to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Budapest to Sofia will cost around €115 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €80.
It's difficult to get from Budapest to Sofia without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Budapest to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €33. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 51m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.6 - 1.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €33, and a flight costs an average of €21.
Distance: 392 miles (631 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€60 Average price Cheapest | €164 Average price | €166 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 2m Average total duration 12h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 51m Average total duration Fastest 2h 51m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.6 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.9 - 3.8kg 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 Budapest to Sofia:
A bus is €104 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Budapest to Sofia costing on average €164.
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 32m.
Tickets start at around €60 compared to roughly €166 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €106. The journey takes 12h 32m versus 7h 58m 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 FlixBus, Karat-S, ArdaTur, Infobus, City Lines, 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 FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 18h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €98 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50AM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 19h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 19h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 18h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 24h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 17h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €68 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 17h30 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €68 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 17h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 24h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:55AM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 23h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €88 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 25h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €94 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 20h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €75 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:55PM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 25h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €114 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 24h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €90 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 24h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €90 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 25h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €93 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:55PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 25h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €80 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 24h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €120 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 15h15 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €91 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 26h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €119 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €49 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 12:55PM | Duration 13h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €90 |
The table below shows live departures for Budapest to Sofia buses for today, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:55 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 19h40 | 9:35 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:55 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 15h15 | 11:10 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 8:30 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 13h40 | 11:10 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, August 1 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:30 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 18h30 | 8:00 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:00 AM Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Kerepesi út) | 24h30 | 6:30 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:30 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 24h00 | 6:30 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:55 AM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 23h35 | 6:30 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:35 AM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 25h00 | 9:35 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 2 transfers | |
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 Budapest to Sofia run on average 7 times per day, taking around 12h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €33 but you can travel from only €21 by flight.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:55, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 392 miles (631 km) distance in 12h 5m.
Distance 392 miles (631 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price €33 |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 12h 5m |
First bus 12:55 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 2 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 leading archaeological museum, housed in a former mosque and displaying Thracian, Roman, and medieval treasures.
A major branch of the National Gallery featuring Bulgarian and international art in a large modern exhibition space.
This museum traces Sofia’s past from antiquity to modern times, with standout displays in the restored Central Mineral Baths.
Sofia’s iconic pedestrian boulevard lined with historic buildings, churches, shops, and constant city life.
A long Roman-era pedestrian zone with ruins, fountains, and metro access, ideal for understanding ancient Serdica.
A vast landscaped park with lakes, sports facilities, and quiet paths, favored by locals for walks and relaxation.
Shopska salad mixes tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onion, and sirene cheese. It is a Bulgarian staple and a classic start to meals across Sofia.
Tarator is a cold yogurt soup with cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnuts. It is especially traditional in summer and widely loved in Bulgarian homes.
Banitsa is a flaky pastry filled most often with eggs and sirene cheese. It is a beloved breakfast and a symbol of Bulgarian home cooking and holidays.
Upscale venue focused on modern Balkan and Bulgarian tasting menus, polished service, and a contemporary fine dining setting.
Refined Bulgarian restaurant in a historic house, known for seasonal local cuisine, regional wines, and an elegant but warm atmosphere.
Traditional Bulgarian tavern with folk style decor, grilled meats, salads, and classic dishes in a lively, old Sofia setting.
Budget-friendly for Europe. Hotels, meals, and public transport usually cost less than in major EU capitals, making Sofia good value for tourists.
Restaurants: 5-10% if service is good. Cafes: round up or leave small change. Taxis: round up the fare; larger tips are optional.
Official public transport app
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara -> Serdika, Sofia
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Budapest 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.

Most Budapest to Sofia buses use the Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar to София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) station pair, with some services arriving at София, (Sofia). Use this guide to compare Budapest and Sofia bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar is 5 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Népliget (in the station), Gulyás Tér (0.5 km), Pesti Burger (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar.
Available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar: Elevators, ramps.
Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás is 4 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Kelenföld (in the station), Bistro Budapest (0.5 km), Café Central (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás.
Available at Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás: Elevators, ramps.
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) is 1 km from Sofia city centre. Public transport options include:
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Serdika (in the station), Bistro Bulgaria (0.2 km), Sofia Grill House (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика).
Available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика): Elevators, ramps.
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