- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
Bulgaria’s leading archaeological museum, housed in a former mosque and displaying Thracian, Roman, and medieval treasures.
Cheapest price
$191
Average price
$195
Fastest journey
1 d 9 h 15 m
Average duration
1 d 12 h 9 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
1544 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Dortmund to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Dortmund to Sofia will cost around $195 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $191.
It's difficult to get from Dortmund to Sofia without transferring at least once.
FlixTrain+
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Dortmund to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $72. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $72, and a flight costs an average of $31.
Distance: 959 miles (1544 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$111 Average price Cheapest | $139 Average price | $385 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
32h 28m Average total duration 31h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 28m Average total duration Fastest 2h 28m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 19h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Dortmund to Sofia:
A bus is $28 (€28) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Dortmund to Sofia costing on average $139 (€139).
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Bus takes on average 31h 58m.
Tickets start at around $111 (€111) compared to roughly $385 (€385) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $273 (€273). The journey takes 31h 58m versus 19h 52m 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, Karat-S.
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 01:15AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 32h55 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:55AM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 38h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $143 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 33h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $108 |
Operator | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 30h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $143 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:27PM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 40h08 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $168 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:32PM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 39h03 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $141 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:27PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 37h43 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $156 |
The table below shows live departures for Dortmund to Sofia buses for today, Thursday, July 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixTrain+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:27 PM Dortmund Hbf | 40h08 | 9:35 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:27 PM Dortmund Hbf | 37h43 | 11:10 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 2 transfers | |
| Friday, July 24 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:45 AM Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 33h15 | 8:00 PM 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 Dortmund to Sofia run on average 3 times per day, taking around 31h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $72 (€72) but you can travel from only $31 (€31) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 01:15, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 959 miles (1544 km) distance in 30h 45m.
Distance 959 miles (1544 km) |
Average bus duration 31h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $72 (€72) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 30h 45m |
First bus 1:15 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 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 Dortmund 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 Dortmund to Sofia buses use the Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf to София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) station pair, with some services arriving at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика). Use this guide to compare Dortmund and Sofia bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Express (in the station), Bistro Central (0.2 km), Restaurant Heimatliebe (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance of the station.
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf.
Available at Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf: 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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