- 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
$25
Average price
$30
Fastest journey
1 h 59 m
Average duration
2 h 16 m
Buses per day
3
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 $30 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
Of the 3 buses that leave Plovdiv for Sofia on Sat, May 23, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, May 23 the direct buses cover the 132 km distance in an average of 2 h 16 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 59 m .
On Sat, May 23 the slowest buses will take 2 h 30 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 19m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $7, and a bus costs an average of $11.
Distance: 82 miles (132 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$29 Average price | $8 Average price Cheapest | $35 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 49m Average total duration Fastest 2h 19m 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 $21 (€17) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Plovdiv to Sofia costing on average $29 (€24).
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 31m.
Tickets start at around $29 (€24) compared to roughly $35 (€28) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $6 (€5). The journey takes 2h 19m 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, Union Ivkoni, 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 Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 01:30AM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 07:29PM | Duration 1h59 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
The table below shows live departures for Plovdiv to Sofia buses for today, Friday, May 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 5:30 PM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 2h30 | 8:00 PM Sofia (София) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 5:30 PM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 1h59 | 7:29 PM Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 5:30 PM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 2h19 | 7:49 PM Sofia (София) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 10 times per day, taking around 2h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $11 (€9) but you can travel from only $7 (€6) by train.
There are 10 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 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 (€9) |
Buses per day 10 |
Direct buses 10 |
Fastest bus 1h 59m |
First bus 1:00 AM |
Last bus 11:31 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
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.
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 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.

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