- 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
$24
Average price
$30
Fastest journey
5 h 30 m
Average duration
5 h 48 m
Buses per day
4
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 $24.
Of the 4 buses that leave Plovdiv for Sofia on Tue, Jul 07, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jul 07 the direct buses cover the 132 km distance in an average of 5 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 30 m .
On Tue, Jul 07 the slowest buses will take 6 h 5 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, 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 01:30PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
The table below shows live departures for Plovdiv to Sofia buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, July 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 1:30 PM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 5h40 | 7:10 PM Sofia (София) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 1:30 PM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 5h30 | 7:00 PM Sofia (София) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 1:30 PM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 5h55 | 7:25 PM Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 1:30 PM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 6h05 | 7:35 PM Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище 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.
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 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 София, (Sofia) station pair, with some services arriving at Sofia, Sofia International Airport (T1) (София, Летище София (T1)). 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.
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