- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
Bulgaria’s leading archaeological museum, housed in a former mosque and displaying Thracian, Roman, and medieval treasures.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$103
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$110
Fastest journey on Sep 19
1 d 2 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
1 d 4 h 55 m
Buses on Sep 19
3
Distance
1349 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Karlsruhe to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Karlsruhe to Sofia will cost around $110 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $103.
It's difficult to get from Karlsruhe to Sofia without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Karlsruhe to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $141 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 17m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $141, while a flight costs an average of $214.
Distance: 838 miles (1349 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$141 Average price Cheapest | $214 Average price | $179 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
27h 27m Average total duration 26h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 17m Average total duration Fastest 2h 17m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 16h 59m 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 Karlsruhe to Sofia:
A bus is $74 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Karlsruhe to Sofia costing on average $214.
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Bus takes on average 26h 57m.
Tickets start at around $141 compared to roughly $179 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $38. The journey takes 26h 57m versus 16h 59m 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 Karat-S, Union Ivkoni International, 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 02:55AM | Arrival Time 06:35AM | Duration 27h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $158 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:55AM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 27h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 25h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $127 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:23PM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 42h12 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $119 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 29h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $121 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 32h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 25h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $127 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 26h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 34h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $163 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 34h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $134 |
The table below shows live departures for Karlsruhe to Sofia buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:55 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 27h40 | 9:35 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:30 PM Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof (Südeingang) | 25h00 | 2:30 PM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:00 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 29h00 | 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 Karlsruhe to Sofia run on average 3 times per day, taking around 26h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $84 but you can travel from only $46 by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 01:45, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 838 miles (1349 km) distance in 25h 0m.
Distance 838 miles (1349 km) |
Average bus duration 26h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $84 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 25h 0m |
First bus 1:45 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe to Sofia buses use the Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe and Sofia bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof (Südeingang) is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof (Südeingang) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof (Südeingang). ATMs are available at Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof (Südeingang).
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof (Südeingang).
Available at Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof (Südeingang): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof (Südeingang): The station is accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
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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