- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
Bulgaria’s leading archaeological museum, housed in a former mosque and displaying Thracian, Roman, and medieval treasures.
Cheapest price
€16
Average price
€21
Fastest journey
4 h 43 m
Average duration
5 h 2 m
Buses per day
10
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 €21 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €16.
Of the 10 buses that leave Ruse for Sofia on Mon, Aug 03, 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 03 the direct buses cover the 250 km distance in an average of 5 h 2 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 43 m .
On Mon, Aug 03 the slowest buses will take 5 h 15 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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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 €11. 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 €11, and a flight costs an average of €86.
Distance: 155 miles (250 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€16 Average price | €202 Average price | €12 Average price Cheapest | €52 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 €4 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Ruse to Sofia costing on average €16.
A train is €190 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ruse to Sofia costing on average €202.
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 17m.
Train takes on average 6h 18m.
Tickets start at around €16 compared to roughly €52 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €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, 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 Everyday | Cheapest price €16 |
Operator | Departure Time 03:30AM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 13h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €32 |
Operator | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 12:15PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €16 |
Operator | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 02:43PM | Duration 4h43 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €16 |
Operator | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €16 |
Operator | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €16 |
Operator | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €16 |
Operator Pegasus | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator Pegasus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €22 |
The table below shows live departures for Ruse to Sofia buses for today, Sunday, August 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 9:30 PM Ruse | 6h45 | 4:15 AM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 10:30 PM Ruse | 5h45 | 4:15 AM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 10:30 PM Ruse | 5h00 | 3:30 AM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, August 3 | |||||
![]() | 1:30 AM Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара) | 5h20 | 6:50 AM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 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 | |
![]() | 7:00 AM Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара) | 5h15 | 12:15 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 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 | |
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 €15 but you can travel from only €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 €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 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 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.

Most Ruse to Sofia buses use the Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара) to Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) station pair, with some services arriving at София, (Sofia). Use this guide to compare Ruse 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.
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) is 1 km from Sofia city centre. Public transport options include:
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Serdika (in the station), Bistro Bulgaria (0.2 km), Sofia Grill House (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика).
Available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика): Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need