- Must visit
Regional History Museum Stara Zagora
Major regional museum presenting archaeology, ethnography, and history, including exceptional finds from prehistoric and Roman Stara Zagora.
Cheapest price
kr67
Average price
kr68
Fastest journey
1 h 35 m
Average duration
1 h 40 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
80 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Plovdiv to Stara Zagora is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Plovdiv to Stara Zagora will cost around kr68 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr67.
Of the 2 buses that leave Plovdiv for Stara Zagora on Tue, Aug 04, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct buses cover the 80 km distance in an average of 1 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 35 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest buses will take 1 h 45 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.




Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Plovdiv to Stara Zagora among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from kr32. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 31m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of kr32, and a bus costs an average of kr57.
Distance: 49 miles (80 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
kr64 Average price | kr32 Average price Cheapest | kr169 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 1m Average total duration Fastest 1h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 30m Average total duration 2h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Plovdiv to Stara Zagora:
A train is kr32 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Plovdiv to Stara Zagora costing on average kr64.
Other travel options to Stara Zagora take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 0m.
Tickets start at around kr64 compared to roughly kr169 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about kr105. The journey takes 1h 31m versus 1h 12m 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, Plovdiv Express - 2000, Union Ivkoni.
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 03:45AM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price kr64 |
Operator | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price kr68 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price kr61 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price kr61 |
Operator | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price kr67 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 12:40AM | Duration 1h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price kr57 |
The table below shows live departures for Plovdiv to Stara Zagora buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:45 AM Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) | 1h35 | 8:20 AM Stara Zagora, Avtogara (Стара Загора, Aвтогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:15 PM Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) | 1h45 | 3:00 PM Stara Zagora, Avtogara (Стара Загора, Aвтогара) | 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 Stara Zagora run on average 3 times per day, taking around 1h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at kr57 but you can travel from only kr32 by train.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:15, the last at 20:51. The fastest bus covers the 49 miles (80 km) distance in 1h 25m.
Distance 49 miles (80 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price kr57 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 1h 25m |
First bus 1:15 AM |
Last bus 8:51 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Stara Zagora — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stara Zagora trip today.
Major regional museum presenting archaeology, ethnography, and history, including exceptional finds from prehistoric and Roman Stara Zagora.
Preserved Neolithic dwellings from the 6th millennium BCE, among Europe’s best-preserved prehistoric homes and a unique archaeological attraction.
Underground museum beneath the modern post office, showing a Roman street level and urban remains from ancient Augusta Traiana.
Large central park famous for straight alleys, greenery, sculptures, and open space; ideal for walking and a defining part of the city.
Main pedestrian boulevard lined with shops and public buildings, perfect for a stroll and for experiencing the city’s everyday rhythm.
Historic central square near key civic buildings and Roman remains, often used for events and a practical starting point for sightseeing.
A baked filo pastry pie with white cheese and eggs, eaten across Bulgaria for breakfast. In Stara Zagora it is a staple in bakeries and homes.
A chilled yogurt, cucumber, dill, and walnut soup. It is especially popular in the hot Thracian summers and showcases Bulgaria’s famous yogurt.
Grilled minced meat rolls seasoned with cumin and pepper. A classic Bulgarian barbecue dish widely loved in Stara Zagora taverns and beer gardens.
Traditional Bulgarian tavern known for grilled meats, salads, and rakia in a rustic mehana setting popular with locals.
Casual local spot for barbecue, salads, and hearty Bulgarian comfort food with a relaxed atmosphere.
Established restaurant offering Bulgarian and European dishes in a more polished setting, suitable for a longer dinner.
Budget-friendly for Bulgaria: hotels, meals, and local transport are usually cheaper than in Sofia and many EU city breaks.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10%. For taxis, round up the fare. In cafes, small change is enough.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Plovdiv to Stara Zagora 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 Stara Zagora, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Plovdiv to Stara Zagora buses use the Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) to Stara Zagora, Avtogara (Стара Загора, Aвтогара) station pair. Use this guide to compare Plovdiv and Stara Zagora bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need