- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
Bulgaria’s leading archaeological museum, housed in a former mosque and displaying Thracian, Roman, and medieval treasures.
Cheapest price
Kč5655
Average price
Kč6071
Fastest journey
2 d 8 h 36 m
Average duration
2 d 8 h 48 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
2253 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Sofia will cost around Kč6071 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only Kč5655.
It's difficult to get from Madrid to Sofia without transferring at least 2 times.
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from Kč1074. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 9h 7m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 2.3 - 5.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of Kč1074, and a bus costs an average of Kč3492.
Distance: 1399 miles (2253 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
Kč5132 Average price | Kč2918 Average price Cheapest | Kč12341 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
39h 45m Average total duration 39h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 7m Average total duration Fastest 9h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 29h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
2.3 - 5.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 6.8 - 13.5kg 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 Madrid to Sofia:
A flight is Kč2213 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Sofia costing on average Kč5132.
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Bus takes on average 39h 15m.
Tickets start at around Kč5132 compared to roughly Kč12341 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about Kč7209. The journey takes 39h 15m versus 29h 23m 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 | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 49h30 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price Kč3732 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 57h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price Kč6292 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 56h36 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price Kč5655 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Sofia buses for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:00 AM Madrid Mendez Alvaro Estacion Sur | 47h30 | 10:30 AM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 57h00 | 9:35 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:59 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 56h36 | 9:35 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 2 transfers | |
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 Madrid to Sofia run on average 3 times per day, taking around 39h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at Kč3492 but you can travel from only Kč1074 by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:40, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 1399 miles (2253 km) distance in 47h 30m.
Distance 1399 miles (2253 km) |
Average bus duration 39h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price Kč3492 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 47h 30m |
First bus 12:40 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 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 Madrid 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 Madrid to Sofia buses use the Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) 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 Madrid and Sofia bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Rodilla, Mahoudrid
ATMs are aTMs located throughout T4, major cards accepted .
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid).
Available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets.
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km), La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses.
Available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: 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.
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) is 1 km from Sofia city centre. Public transport options include:
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара).
Available at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара): Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need