- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
Bulgaria’s main archaeological museum, housed in a former Ottoman mosque, with major Thracian, Roman, and medieval collections.
Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$24
Fastest journey
4 h 43 m
Average duration
4 h 58 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
250 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Ruse to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ruse to Sofia will cost around $24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Of the 8 buses that leave Ruse for Sofia on Fri, Jun 19, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct buses cover the 250 km distance in an average of 4 h 58 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 43 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest buses will take 5 h 10 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.






0


Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Ruse to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $13, and a flight costs an average of $105.
Distance: 155 miles (250 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$20 Average price | $247 Average price | $15 Average price Cheapest | $63 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 47m Average total duration 5h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 48m Average total duration 6h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Ruse to Sofia:
A train is $5 (€4) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Ruse to Sofia costing on average $20 (€16).
A train is $232 (€190) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ruse to Sofia costing on average $247 (€202).
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 17m.
Train takes on average 6h 18m.
Tickets start at around $20 (€16) compared to roughly $63 (€52) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $44 (€36). The journey takes 5h 17m versus 4h 9m 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, Union Ivkoni, Group Plus, Infobus, Pegasus, Grup Plus - Etap Adresss, Union Ivkoni, FlixBus.
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 | Departure Time 01:30AM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator | Departure Time 03:30AM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 13h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Pegasus | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Pegasus | Departure Time 06:01AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 4h49 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 12:15PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 02:43PM | Duration 4h43 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
The table below shows live departures for Ruse to Sofia buses for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:30 AM Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара) | 5h20 | 6:50 AM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:30 AM Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара) | 5h10 | 8:40 AM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:00 AM Ruse, Avtogara Iztok (Русе, Автогара Изток) | 13h35 | 5:35 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 1 transfer | |
0 | 6:01 AM Ruse (Русе) | 4h49 | 10:50 AM Sofia (София) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:00 AM Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара) | 4h43 | 2:43 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:00 PM Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара) | 5h05 | 6:05 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:00 PM Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара) | 5h20 | 7:20 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:30 PM Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара) | 5h05 | 9:35 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, 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 Ruse to Sofia run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 17m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $18 (€15) but you can travel from only $13 (€11) by train.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:30, the last at 22:00. The fastest bus covers the 155 miles (250 km) distance in 4h 43m.
Distance 155 miles (250 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€15) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 4h 43m |
First bus 3:30 AM |
Last bus 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 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 main archaeological museum, housed in a former Ottoman mosque, with major Thracian, Roman, and medieval collections.
The country’s largest art museum, displaying Bulgarian and international art in a grand modern complex near Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
A well-curated city museum inside the former Central Mineral Baths, covering Sofia’s urban, political, and cultural history.
Sofia’s main pedestrian boulevard, lined with shops and lively city views, with Vitosha Mountain often visible at the southern end.
A central open-air archaeological zone integrated into the modern city, popular for walking, photos, and easy access to Roman ruins.
Sofia’s best-known large park, offering tree-lined walks, monuments, sports areas, and a local daily-life 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 traditional baked pastry made with thin layers of dough, eggs, and white cheese. It is a beloved breakfast and snack across Sofia and Bulgaria.
A cold yogurt soup with cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnuts, especially popular in warm weather. It is refreshing and distinctly Bulgarian.
An established central Sofia restaurant focused on refined Bulgarian cuisine, local wines, and stylish interiors inspired by national traditions.
A popular and established restaurant on Vitosha Boulevard offering a broad menu, dependable service, and a lively atmosphere suited to a casual meal in central Sofia.
A well-known traditional Bulgarian restaurant with folklore decor, regional specialties, and a rustic atmosphere popular with visitors seeking classic local dishes.
Affordable by European capital standards. Public transport, casual dining, and coffee are low cost; hotels vary by season and location.
About 10% in restaurants for good service. Round up taxis. Small tips for hotel staff are appreciated but not required. No tip is expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara -> Serdika, Sofia
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ruse 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need