- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
Bulgaria’s leading archaeological museum, housed in a former mosque and displaying Thracian, Roman, and medieval treasures.
Cheapest price
$25
Average price
$32
Fastest journey
2 h 8 m
Average duration
2 h 24 m
Buses per day
12
Distance
132 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Plovdiv to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Plovdiv to Sofia will cost around $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
Of the 12 buses that leave Plovdiv for Sofia on Fri, Aug 21, 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Aug 21 the direct buses cover the 132 km distance in an average of 2 h 24 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 8 m .
On Fri, Aug 21 the slowest buses will take 2 h 36 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
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0Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Plovdiv to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 23m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $7, and a bus costs an average of $12.
Distance: 82 miles (132 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$26 Average price | $8 Average price Cheapest | $36 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 53m Average total duration Fastest 2h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 1m Average total duration 3h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Plovdiv to Sofia:
A train is $18 (€14) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Plovdiv to Sofia costing on average $26 (€21).
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 31m.
Tickets start at around $26 (€21) compared to roughly $36 (€29) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $10 (€8). The journey takes 2h 23m versus 1h 46m 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 Karat-S, Union Ivkoni International, City Lines, Infobus, FlixBus, Citylines, Union Ivkoni, BG Razpisanie.
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 Infobus | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 02:47PM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 2h08 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 03:42PM | Arrival Time 05:56PM | Duration 2h14 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 07:49PM | Duration 2h19 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
The table below shows live departures for Plovdiv to Sofia buses for tomorrow, Friday, August 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 10:10 AM Plovdiv | 6h45 | 4:55 PM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 1:15 PM Plovdiv | 5h55 | 7:10 PM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 1:15 PM Plovdiv | 5h45 | 7:00 PM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 1:30 PM Plovdiv | 5h55 | 7:25 PM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 1:30 PM Plovdiv | 5h30 | 7:00 PM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 1:30 PM Plovdiv | 5h40 | 7:10 PM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 1:30 PM Plovdiv | 6h05 | 7:35 PM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 2:47 PM Plovdiv | 2h08 | 4:55 PM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 2:47 PM Plovdiv | 2h25 | 5:12 PM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 2:47 PM Plovdiv | 2h36 | 5:23 PM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 5:30 PM Plovdiv | 2h19 | 7:49 PM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 5:30 PM Plovdiv | 2h30 | 8:00 PM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Plovdiv to Sofia run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 23m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) but you can travel from only $7 (€6) by train.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 23:31. The fastest bus covers the 82 miles (132 km) distance in 1h 59m.
Distance 82 miles (132 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 1h 59m |
First bus 1:00 AM |
Last bus 11:31 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 70 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 Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv to Sofia buses use the Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) to Sofia (София) station pair, with some services arriving at Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София). Use this guide to compare Plovdiv and Sofia bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Plovdiv (Пловдив) is 1 km from Plovdiv city centre. Public transport options include:
Plovdiv (Пловдив) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack kiosks and fast food available.
Wi-Fi is available at Plovdiv (Пловдив). ATMs are aTM located inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Plovdiv (Пловдив).
Available at Plovdiv (Пловдив): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Plovdiv (Пловдив): Wheelchair accessible entrance available.
Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) is 1 km from Plovdiv city centre. Public transport options include:
Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi available inside the station. ATMs are aTM located in the main hall.
Ticket office support is available at Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг).
Available at Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг): Ramps and assistance available for disabled individuals.
Sofia (София) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Small cafes available nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at Sofia (София). ATMs are aTM machines available onsite.
Ticket office support is available at Sofia (София).
Available at Sofia (София): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia (София): Facilities are accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София) is 6 km from Sofia city centre. Public transport options include:
Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София). ATMs are aTMs are available nearby.
Ticket office support is available at Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София).
Available at Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София): The station has basic accessibility.
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