- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
Bulgaria’s leading archaeological museum, housed in a former mosque and displaying Thracian, Roman, and medieval treasures.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Lyon to Sofia
Showing times and prices for Jul 15
Cheapest price
$227
Average price
$260
Fastest journey
1 d 8 h 30 m
Average duration
1 d 11 h 25 m
Buses per day
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 $260 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $227.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Lyon to Sofia without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus8:05 AM38h40Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland)11:45 PMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)$2271One-way1 transfer- FlixBus · FlixBus9:30 PM35h05Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland)9:35 AMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)$2611One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus12:05 AM32h30Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland)9:35 AMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)$2911One-way2 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus12:05 AM32h30Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland)9:35 AMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)$2911One-way2 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus9:30 PM35h05Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland)9:35 AMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)$2611One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus8:05 AM38h40Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland)11:45 PMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)$2271One-way1 transfer
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 prices starting from $92. 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 $92, and a flight costs an average of $33.
Distance: 936 miles (1507 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$168 Average price Cheapest | $303 Average price | $624 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Lyon to Sofia is a bus with an average price of $168 (€139).
This is compared to other travel options from Lyon to Sofia:
A bus is $135 (€111) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lyon to Sofia costing on average $303 (€250).
The fastest way to travel from Lyon to Sofia is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 28m.
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Bus takes on average 31h 36m.
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 $168 (€139) compared to roughly $624 (€514) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $456 (€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.
Lyon to Sofia Bus Timetables
| 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 $226 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 38h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $133 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 35h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $261 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 33h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $170 |
Live departures
Lyon to Sofia bus times
The table below shows live departures for Lyon to Sofia buses for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| 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 | |
| Wednesday, July 15 | |||||
| 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 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?
Union Ivkoni International as well as FlixBus 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 Union Ivkoni International?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Union Ivkoni International, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus 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 Union Ivkoni International 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 Checkmybus, Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus 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
France
Bulgaria
Buses from Lyon to Sofia run on average 2 times per day, taking around 31h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $92 (€75) but you can travel from only $33 (€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.
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 $33 (€27)
Distance 936 miles (1507 km) |
Average bus duration 31h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $92 (€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 |
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 $33 (€27)
Bus providers: Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus from Lyon to SofiaYou can travel by bus between Lyon to Sofia with Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus for as low as $33 (€27). 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
32h 30m
Cheapest Price
$92 (€75)
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
28h 30m
Cheapest Price
$123 (€101)
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 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.
- Must visit
Vitosha Boulevard
Sofia’s iconic pedestrian boulevard lined with historic buildings, churches, shops, and constant city life.
- Must visit
Ancient Serdica Archaeological Complex
A long Roman-era pedestrian zone with ruins, fountains, and metro access, ideal for understanding ancient Serdica.
- Must visit
Borisova Gradina
A vast landscaped park with lakes, sports facilities, and quiet paths, favored by locals for walks and relaxation.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Shopska Salad
Shopska salad mixes tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onion, and sirene cheese. It is a Bulgarian staple and a classic start to meals across Sofia.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Tarator
Tarator is a cold yogurt soup with cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnuts. It is especially traditional in summer and widely loved in Bulgarian homes.
- Vegetarian
Banitsa
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.
Andre
Upscale venue focused on modern Balkan and Bulgarian tasting menus, polished service, and a contemporary fine dining setting.
Cosmos
Refined Bulgarian restaurant in a historic house, known for seasonal local cuisine, regional wines, and an elegant but warm atmosphere.
Hadjidraganovite Kashti
Traditional Bulgarian tavern with folk style decor, grilled meats, salads, and classic dishes in a lively, old Sofia setting.
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.
Urban Mobility Sofia
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 1,60 лв.
- Day pass
- 4,00 лв.
To the city center
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara -> Serdika, Sofia
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless bank card payment is available in metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses through the city validator system.
- Use the same contactless card for inspections and transfers; fare products are linked to the card used at validation.
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Lyon to Sofia can start from as little as $92 (€75) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Lyon to Sofia is $168 (€139) ; 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 31h 30m 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 Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Lyon to Sofia, you can count on Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus 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 31h 30m 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, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Lyon to Sofia for bus company Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus.
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.
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 Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus.
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: Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Lyon to Sofia with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Lyon to Sofia with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus.
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.
Most popular bus connections from Lyon
More options for your journey from Lyon to Sofia
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Sofia and Lyon
Most popular bus connections to Sofia
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