Lyon to Sofia bus with FlixBus

Sat, Aug 29
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Union Ivkoni International
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Union Ivkoni International
Alsa
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Rede Expressos
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Lyon to Sofia

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Aug 29

Cheapest price on Aug 29

$172

Average ticket price on Aug 29

$179

Fastest journey on Aug 29

1 d 8 h 30 m

Average journey duration on Aug 29

1 d 10 h 55 m

Buses on Aug 29

3

Distance

1507 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Lyon to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Lyon to Sofia will cost around $179 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $172.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Lyon to Sofia without transferring at least once.

  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
    11:00 PM33h35
    Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland)
    9:35 AMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
    $1721One-way
    2 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    8:05 AM38h40
    Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland)
    11:45 PMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
    $1801One-way
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
    12:05 AM32h30
    Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland)
    9:35 AMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
    $1851One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and flight for Lyon to Sofia

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Lyon to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $187 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 25m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the bus is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 1.5 - 3.8kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $187, while a flight costs an average of $826.

Distance: 936 miles (1507 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Flight
Driving

$187

Average price

Cheapest

$826

Average price

$641

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

31h 58m

Average total duration

31h 28m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 25m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 25m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

19h 32m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

1.5 - 3.8kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

4.5 - 9.0kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Lufthansa

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Lyon to Sofia is a bus with an average price of $187.

This is compared to other travel options from Lyon to Sofia:

A bus is $639 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lyon to Sofia costing on average $826.

The fastest way to travel from Lyon to Sofia is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 25m.

Other travel options to Sofia take longer:

Bus takes on average 31h 28m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Lyon and Sofia including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Lyon to Sofia among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

Tickets start at around $187 compared to roughly $643 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $456. The journey takes 31h 28m versus 19h 32m 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.

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.

Lyon to Sofia Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
12:05AM
Arrival Time
09:35AM
Duration
32h30
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$156
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:10AM
Arrival Time
08:00PM
Duration
39h50
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$143
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:05AM
Arrival Time
11:45PM
Duration
38h40
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Sat
Cheapest price
$136
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
09:30PM
Arrival Time
09:35AM
Duration
35h05
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$144
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:00PM
Arrival Time
09:35AM
Duration
33h35
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$157

Live departures

Lyon to Sofia bus times

The table below shows live departures for Lyon to Sofia buses for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus11:00 PM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland)
33h35
9:35 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)2 transfers
Saturday, August 29
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus12:05 AM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland)
32h30
9:35 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)2 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus8:05 AM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland)
38h40
11:45 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 prices and tickets Lyon to Sofia by bus or flight

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.

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Why should you book Lyon to Sofia buses with Omio?

FlixBus as well as Union Ivkoni International offer buses services from Lyon to Sofia.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Lyon to Sofia.

Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Union Ivkoni International to find the best option for your trip from Lyon to Sofia.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Lyon to Sofia.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trainline or Checkmybus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Union Ivkoni International to find the best option for your trip from Lyon to Sofia.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Lyon to Sofia.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Lyon to Sofia

FranceFrance
BulgariaBulgaria
Icon of bus

Buses from Lyon to Sofia run on average 2 times per day, taking around 31h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $81 but you can travel from only $24 by flight.

The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:00. The fastest bus covers the 936 miles (1507 km) distance in 29h 10m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $24
Distance
936 miles (1507 km)
Average bus duration
31h 28m
Cheapest ticket price
$81
Buses per day
2
Fastest bus
29h 10m
First bus
12:05 AM
Last bus
11:00 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
28 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $24

Bus providers: FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International from Lyon to SofiaYou can travel by bus between Lyon to Sofia with FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International for as low as $81. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
29h 10m
Cheapest Price
$81
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

Union Ivkoni International

About
Union Ivkoni International is a prominent bus company based in Sofia, Bulgaria, established in 1992. It is recognized as the largest bus carrier in Bulgaria and a leader in bus transport across Europe. The company offers extensive services, including regular bus lines, bus rentals, and bus tours, with over 715 daily departures to more than 100 towns in Bulgaria and over 150 towns in Central and Western Europe, Greece, and Turkey. Union Ivkoni also operates its own tourist brand, Uni Holidays, providing various excursions, vacations, and plane tickets.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
30h 30m
Cheapest Price
$124
Union Ivkoni International frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs and one checked bag up to 50 lbs.
Additional luggage
10 USD per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a full refund in the form of a travel credit.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Service animals allowed.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.

Complete guide to Sofia

Things to do in Sofia

Discover the best of Sofia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sofia trip today.

  • Must visit

National Archaeological Museum

Bulgaria’s leading archaeological museum, housed in a former mosque and displaying Thracian, Roman, and medieval treasures.

  • Must visit

National Gallery Kvadrat 500

A major branch of the National Gallery featuring Bulgarian and international art in a large modern exhibition space.

  • Must visit

Regional History Museum Sofia

This museum traces Sofia’s past from antiquity to modern times, with standout displays in the restored Central Mineral Baths.

Bulgarian lev (лв.)

Budget-friendly for Europe. Hotels, meals, and public transport usually cost less than in major EU capitals, making Sofia good value for tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
15-25 лв. for fast food or casual meals.
Mid-range
30-50 лв. per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
80+ лв. per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
4-7 лв. for cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 5-10% if service is good. Cafes: round up or leave small change. Taxis: round up the fare; larger tips are optional.

FAQs: Bus from Lyon to Sofia

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lyon 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Lyon to Sofia can start from as little as $81 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Lyon to Sofia is $203 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Lyon to Sofia is 29h 10m to travel the 936 miles (1507 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Lyon to Sofia leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Lyon to Sofia leaves at 11:00 PM.
There are 2 buses a day from Lyon to Sofia which require at least one change with FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Lyon to Sofia, you can count on FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International for the best way to get you to Sofia. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Lyon and Sofia and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Sofia from Lyon is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 29h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Lyon to Sofia is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Lyon and Sofia including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Lyon to Sofia:
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
  • Union Ivkoni International
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Service animals allowed.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Lyon to Sofia for bus company FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Sofia are:
  • Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a stunning Orthodox cathedral known for its impressive architecture and golden domes
  • Vitosha Boulevard, a vibrant pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants
  • National Palace of Culture, a multifunctional conference and exhibition center surrounded by beautiful gardens
  • Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its medieval frescoes
  • Sofia Central Mineral Baths, a historic building showcasing beautiful architecture and housing a museum.
The best things to do in Sofia include:
  • Borisova Gradina, a large and scenic park ideal for leisurely walks and outdoor activities
  • Sofia Zoo, one of the oldest and largest zoos in the Balkans, home to a wide variety of animals
  • Sofia History Museum, offering insights into the city's rich past and cultural heritage
  • Serdika Archaeological Complex, where you can explore ancient Roman ruins in the heart of the city
  • Sofia Opera and Ballet, where you can enjoy world-class performances in a beautiful setting.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Lyon to Sofia depends on the bus companies:
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
  • Union Ivkoni International
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a full refund in the form of a travel credit.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Lyon to Sofia.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Lyon to Sofia:
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
  • Union Ivkoni International
    • One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs and one checked bag up to 50 lbs.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Lyon to Sofia:
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
  • Union Ivkoni International
    • 10 USD per additional bag.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Lyon to Sofia. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Lyon to Sofia with the following bus company: FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Lyon to Sofia with the following bus company: FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Lyon to Sofia with the following bus company: FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International.
Since both Lyon and Sofia are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Lyon to Sofia among Omio's users.
The currency used in Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cash is widely preferred in smaller towns and markets, while cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores in cities.
In Sofia, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, public transport, and popular tourist sites. Taxi scams are common; using official taxis with meters or ride-hailing apps is recommended to avoid overcharging. Avoid unlicensed guides and be wary of distraction techniques used by thieves. Overall, staying alert and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Lyon to Sofia

Most Lyon to Sofia buses use the Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) 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 Lyon and Sofia bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Lyon
Arrival bus stations in Sofia

Which Lyon station do buses to Sofia leave from?

Buses from Lyon to Sofia leave from Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland). The station is 1 miles (3 km) from Lyon city centre at 52 Av. Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France.
Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland)52 Av. Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, FranceWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) from Lyon city centre

Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) is 2 km from Lyon city centre. Public transport options include:

BusN734 · 15m · $1

Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) bus station facilities and services

Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland). ATMs are available at Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland).

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland): Station is accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.

Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache13 Cours de Verdun, 69002 Lyon, FranceWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache from Lyon city centre

Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache is 1 km from Lyon city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainTer · 5m · $1 · every ~5 min

Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache bus station facilities and services

Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Café de la Gare (in the station), Le Bistrot de Lyon (0.5 km), Brasserie Georges (0.6 km).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache: Elevators, ramps.

Lyon, St Exupéry AéroportLyon St Exupéry Aéroport, 69125 Colombier-Saugnieu, FranceWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Lyon, St Exupéry Aéroport from Lyon city centre

Lyon, St Exupéry Aéroport is 2 km from Lyon city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRx · 29m · $20 · every ~8 min
BusS766, 776, 787, N760, N1759, 1776, 1624, N746, 1779, S1736, 1606, 1787, 1676 · 38m · $2 · every ~1 min

Lyon, St Exupéry Aéroport bus station facilities and services

Lyon, St Exupéry Aéroport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Lyon, St Exupéry Aéroport. ATMs are available at Lyon, St Exupéry Aéroport.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Lyon, St Exupéry Aéroport.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Lyon, St Exupéry Aéroport: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Lyon, St Exupéry Aéroport: Access ramps and services available.

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