- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
One of Bulgaria’s key archaeology museums, housed in a former mosque. Highlights include Thracian, Roman, and medieval artifacts of major national importance.
Cheapest price
$140
Average price
$185
Fastest journey
1 d 8 h 30 m
Average duration
1 d 10 h 55 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
1507 km
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 $185 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $140.
It's difficult to get from Lyon to Sofia without transferring at least once.
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FlixBus · FlixBusOmio 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 prices starting from $94. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 28m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.5 - 3.8kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $94, and a flight costs an average of $34.
Distance: 936 miles (1507 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$172 Average price Cheapest | $311 Average price | $639 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
32h 6m Average total duration 31h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 28m Average total duration Fastest 3h 28m Onboard + 3h 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 |
![]() 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 Lyon to Sofia:
A bus is $138 (€111) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lyon to Sofia costing on average $311 (€250).
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Bus takes on average 31h 36m.
Tickets start at around $172 (€139) compared to roughly $639 (€514) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $467 (€376). The journey takes 31h 36m 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:05AM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 32h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $135 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 38h40 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $125 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 35h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $119 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 33h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $132 |
The table below shows live departures for Lyon to Sofia buses for today, Friday, May 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:00 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, May 30 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:05 AM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) | 32h30 | 9:35 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:05 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 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 Lyon to Sofia run on average 2 times per day, taking around 31h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $94 (€75) but you can travel from only $34 (€27) 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 31h 30m.
Distance 936 miles (1507 km) |
Average bus duration 31h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $94 (€75) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 31h 30m |
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 Mon |
Best time to book 35 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 Bulgaria’s key archaeology museums, housed in a former mosque. Highlights include Thracian, Roman, and medieval artifacts of major national importance.
Bulgaria’s largest museum, covering prehistoric finds, medieval treasures, and modern history. A strong choice for understanding the country beyond Sofia’s city center.
Set in the former Central Mineral Baths building, this museum presents Sofia’s development from Roman Serdica to the modern capital in an elegant historic setting.
Sofia’s main pedestrian boulevard, lined with shops and city life, with memorable views toward Vitosha Mountain. It is the classic central walking area.
Sofia’s best-known park, offering long walks, sports facilities, and a more local side of city life. Excellent for open-air time in the capital.
The mountain rising above Sofia is one of the city’s biggest lifestyle attractions, offering viewpoints, trails, and easy nature access close to the capital.
A classic Bulgarian salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and grated sirene cheese. It is one of the country’s most iconic dishes and a staple at Sofia tables.
A beloved pastry made with thin filo layers, eggs, and white cheese, often eaten for breakfast. It is one of the most traditional everyday foods in Bulgaria.
A cold summer soup of yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnuts. It is especially popular in Sofia during warm weather and is distinctly Bulgarian.
A popular central venue serving refined Bulgarian dishes and local wines in a stylish setting inspired by national traditions.
A highly regarded cozy restaurant with creative seasonal cooking, popular brunches, and a warm home-style ambiance.
A well-known traditional Bulgarian restaurant with rustic décor, folk atmosphere, and a broad menu of classic regional dishes.
Affordable by European capital standards. Meals, coffee, and local transport are good value; central hotels cost more.
About 10% in restaurants if service is good; check if a service charge is added. Round up for taxis. Small tips are appreciated in cafes, bars, salons, and for hotel staff.
Official public transport app
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara -> Serdika, 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.

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