- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
One of Sofia’s key museums, displaying Thracian treasures, Roman finds, and medieval artifacts in a former mosque.
Cheapest price
$67
Average price
$80
Fastest journey
12 h 5 m
Average duration
16 h 33 m
Buses per day
15
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 $80 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $67.
Of the 15 buses that leave Budapest for Sofia on Tue, Jun 16, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 16 the direct buses cover the 631 km distance in an average of 16 h 33 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 12 h 5 m .
On Tue, Jun 16 the slowest buses will take 18 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.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
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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 $40. 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 $40, and a flight costs an average of $26.
Distance: 392 miles (631 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$74 Average price Cheapest | $203 Average price | $205 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 $129 (€104) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Budapest to Sofia costing on average $203 (€164).
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 32m.
Tickets start at around $74 (€60) compared to roughly $205 (€166) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $131 (€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 $91 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50AM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 19h55 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 19h30 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 18h15 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 24h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 17h35 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 17h30 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 17h20 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 24h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:55AM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 23h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 25h55 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 25h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $114 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 25h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 20h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:55PM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 25h50 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 24h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 24h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 25h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $106 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:55PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 25h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $107 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 24h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 26h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 12:55PM | Duration 12h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $111 |
The table below shows live departures for Budapest to Sofia buses for today, Monday, June 15. 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 | 4:25 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 24h10 | 5:35 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:10 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 25h50 | 8:00 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus | 8:30 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 13h40 | 11:10 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
7099069 | 11:50 PM Budapest | 12h05 | 12:55 PM Sofia (София) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:50 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 19h55 | 11:45 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:15 AM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 19h30 | 11:45 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:30 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 18h15 | 11:45 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 | 5:10 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 17h35 | 11:45 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:15 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 17h30 | 11:45 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:25 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 17h20 | 11:45 PM 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 | 6:40 AM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 25h55 | 9:35 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:30 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 20h05 | 9:35 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 1 transfer | |
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 $40 (€33) but you can travel from only $26 (€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 $40 (€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.
One of Sofia’s key museums, displaying Thracian treasures, Roman finds, and medieval artifacts in a former mosque.
Bulgaria’s largest history museum, covering Thracian, medieval, and modern heritage with major gold and archaeological collections.
Housed in the former Central Mineral Baths, this museum presents Sofia’s urban history through archaeology, design, and civic life exhibits.
Sofia’s main pedestrian boulevard, lined with shops and terraces, with classic views toward Vitosha Mountain.
Sofia’s best-known park, offering lakes, sports grounds, monuments, and spacious walking areas favored by locals.
Historic central park beside the National Theatre, popular for short walks, people-watching, and a classic Sofia atmosphere.
Bulgaria’s signature salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and grated sirene cheese. It is a staple in Sofia and a classic start to a traditional meal.
A beloved pastry made with layers of filo and a filling of eggs and white cheese. It is one of the most common traditional breakfasts in Sofia.
A cold yogurt soup with cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnuts, especially popular in warm weather. It is refreshing and strongly associated with Bulgarian home cooking.
One of Sofia’s established old-style Bulgarian restaurants, famous for traditional recipes, grilled meats, and tavern-style ambiance under large trees.
A polished central Sofia restaurant focused on Bulgarian cuisine and regional wines, offering a more refined setting while keeping traditional flavors.
A well-known traditional Bulgarian restaurant with rustic decor, folk atmosphere, and a broad menu of classic dishes such as banitsa, kavarma, and grills.
Affordable by European capital standards. Meals, coffee, and local transport are low cost, while upscale dining and central hotels cost more.
A 10% tip is common in restaurants if service is good. Round up for taxis. Small tips are appreciated in cafes, bars, salons, and for hotel staff, but not mandatory.
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.

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