- Must visit
National Museum of History
Bulgaria’s largest museum, covering Thracian, medieval, and modern history in a substantial collection outside the city center.

Cheapest price
$261
Average price
$261
Fastest journey
56h 36m
Average duration
56h 36m
Buses per day
1
Distance
1269 km
Omio 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 $75. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 8h 45m. 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 $75, and a bus costs an average of $149.
Distance: 1399 miles (2253 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$233 Average price | $202 Average price Cheapest | $575 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
40h 3m Average total duration 39h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 45m Average total duration Fastest 8h 45m 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 $31 (€25) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Sofia costing on average $233 (€192).
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Bus takes on average 39h 33m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 57h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $164 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 56h36 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $238 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Sofia buses for today, Wednesday, July 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | |
| Thursday, July 9 | |||||
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 | |
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 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $149 (€122) but you can travel from only $75 (€62) 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 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $149 (€122) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 47h 30m |
First bus 12:40 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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 largest museum, covering Thracian, medieval, and modern history in a substantial collection outside the city center.
Set in a former Ottoman mosque, this museum presents some of Bulgaria’s most important archaeological finds from prehistory to the Middle Ages.
A contemporary art museum in a converted arsenal building, known for changing exhibitions by Bulgarian and international artists.
Sofia’s best-known pedestrian boulevard, lined with shops and city views toward Vitosha Mountain, especially lively in the evening.
The monumental central area around the ancient Serdica remains and socialist-era buildings, popular for architecture and photography.
A central green space beside the National Theatre, ideal for people-watching, short walks, and classic Sofia atmosphere.
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 in Sofia restaurants.
A beloved pastry made with layers of filo dough, eggs, and white brined cheese. It is a traditional breakfast and snack found in bakeries across Sofia.
A cold summer soup made with yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnuts. It is refreshing, distinctly Bulgarian, and commonly served in Sofia during warm weather.
A well-known Sofia favorite for gourmet burgers and craft beer, included for a casual modern option with consistently good reputation and lively vibe.
A popular, well-established restaurant on Vitosha Boulevard known for a broad Bulgarian and European menu, polished service, and lively central atmosphere.
A stylish central restaurant focused on Bulgarian cuisine and wine, combining traditional recipes with a more refined presentation.
Affordable for most visitors. Meals, transit, and coffee are cheap; central hotels cost more in peak season.
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, and for hotel staff.
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.
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