- Must visit
Acropolis Museum
World-class museum for Acropolis finds, with superb archaic sculptures and Parthenon marbles displayed in a striking modern building.
No buses found
We are not able to find a bus between these two places.
The cheapest and fastest busesfrom Sandanski to AthensShowing times and prices for Jul 18
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Sandanski to Athens bus with Union Ivkoni International
Travel Information
Compare bus and ferry for Sandanski to Athens
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sandanski to Athens among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $39. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 9h 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $39, and a ferry costs an average of $92.
Distance: 248 miles (400 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Ferry | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$55 Average price Cheapest | $110 Average price | $80 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 15m Average total duration Fastest 9h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 28h 22m Average total duration 27h 22m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 7h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Sandanski to Athens is a bus with an average price of $55 (€45).
This is compared to other travel options from Sandanski to Athens:
A bus is $56 (€46) less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Sandanski to Athens costing on average $110 (€90).
The fastest way to travel from Sandanski to Athens is by bus with an average journey time of 9h 45m.
Other travel options to Athens take longer:
Ferry takes on average 27h 22m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sandanski and Athens including taking a bus and ferry.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Sandanski to Athens among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $55 (€45) compared to roughly $80 (€65) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $25 (€20). The journey takes 9h 45m versus 7h 0m 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, 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.
Sandanski to Athens Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator Ilias Travel | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Ilias Travel | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $51 |
Live departures
Sandanski to Athens bus times
The table below shows live departures for Sandanski to Athens buses for today, Saturday, July 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 4:30 PM Sandanski | 10h00 | 2:30 AM Athens | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, July 19 | |||||
 | 7:15 AM Sandanski | 9h45 | 5:00 PM Athens | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Sandanski to Athens by bus or ferry
Compare bus and ferry 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.
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Why should you book Sandanski to Athens buses with Omio?
Union Ivkoni International as well as ArdaTur or FlixBus offer buses services from Sandanski to Athens.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Sandanski to Athens.
Why book with Omio vs Union Ivkoni International?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Union Ivkoni International, but also compare tickets for the likes of ArdaTur or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Sandanski to Athens.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Union Ivkoni International with all available travel options, which are bus and ferry to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Sandanski to Athens.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of ArdaTur or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Sandanski to Athens.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and ferry to find the ideal travel option from Sandanski to Athens.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Sandanski to Athens
Bulgaria
Greece
Buses from Sandanski to Athens run on average 1 times per day, taking around 9h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $39 (€32) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:35, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 248 miles (400 km) distance in 9h 0m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 248 miles (400 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $39 (€32) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 9h 0m |
First bus 2:35 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 2 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: Union Ivkoni International, ArdaTur, FlixBus from Sandanski to AthensYou can travel by bus between Sandanski to Athens with Union Ivkoni International, ArdaTur, FlixBus for as low as $39 (€32). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 45m
Cheapest Price
$67 (€55)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Union Ivkoni International
About
Union Ivkoni International is a prominent bus company based in Sofia, Bulgaria, established in 1992. It is recognized as the largest bus carrier in Bulgaria and a leader in bus transport across Europe. The company offers extensive services, including regular bus lines, bus rentals, and bus tours, with over 715 daily departures to more than 100 towns in Bulgaria and over 150 towns in Central and Western Europe, Greece, and Turkey. Union Ivkoni also operates its own tourist brand, Uni Holidays, providing various excursions, vacations, and plane tickets.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 45m
Cheapest Price
$48 (€39)
Union Ivkoni International frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs and one checked bag up to 50 lbs.
Additional luggage
10 USD per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a full refund in the form of a travel credit.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Service animals allowed.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
ArdaTur
About
ArdaTur is a bus company based in Haskovo, Bulgaria, established in 1991. It offers extensive bus services across seven countries, including Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Germany. ArdaTur operates over 233 daily departures, primarily from major cities like Istanbul, Sofia, and Thessaloniki, providing both intercity and regional routes. The company emphasizes passenger comfort with amenities such as Wi-Fi, restrooms, individual monitors, and complimentary food and drinks on international lines. ArdaTur maintains a modern fleet of over 80 luxury buses and has its own garage and service facility to ensure vehicle reliability and safety.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
10h 0m
Cheapest Price
$55 (€45)
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage up to 15 kg and two pieces of checked luggage up to 35 kg each are included.
Additional luggage
Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket class, individual trips, or promotions, with refunds ranging from 50% to 100% depending on the time before departure, and no refunds for cancellations less than 24 hours prior.
Refund
If the trip is delayed through the fault of the carrier, 100% of the ticket value and compensation for direct costs to the place of departure will be refunded with supporting documents.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are possible when buying a ticket or at Arda Tur offices up to 24 hours before departure during weak periods and 72 hours during busy periods.
Toilets
Accessibility
Passengers with disabilities receive discounts and priority seating, and folding wheelchairs are transported free of charge with advance registration.
Bikes
Only foldable bikes are allowed.
Complete guide to Athens
Things to do in Athens
Discover the best of Athens — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Athens trip today.
- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
Greece’s premier archaeology museum, spanning prehistory to late antiquity. Essential for masterpieces from across the country.
- Recommended
Museum of Cycladic Art
Outstanding museum of Cycladic art and ancient Greek culture. Known for elegant figurines and thoughtful contemporary presentation.
- Must visit
Plaka
Athens’ oldest neighborhood charms with neoclassical houses, lanes, and easy access to major ancient sites and traditional atmosphere.
- Must visit
Monastiraki Square
Busy square and market district known for street life, shopping, and strong transport links. Ideal for feeling the city’s energy.
- Must visit
Syntagma Square
Central ceremonial square before Parliament. A practical hub for visitors and a prime place to watch the guard-changing ritual.
Moussaka
Moussaka is a baked casserole of eggplant, minced meat, potato, and béchamel, iconic in Greek home cooking and tavern menus.
Souvlaki
Souvlaki is grilled skewered pork or chicken, a classic Athens street food, usually served with pita, onions, and tzatziki.
- Vegetarian
Spanakopita
Spanakopita is a flaky pie filled with spinach, herbs, and feta, a beloved everyday snack found in bakeries across Athens.
Spondi
Michelin-starred restaurant offering refined modern Greek cuisine and Acropolis views in an elegant setting.
Klimataria
Long-standing Psiri taverna serving classic Greek dishes, live music, and a warm traditional atmosphere.
Varvakios
Historic central market taverna known for grilled meats and traditional meze in a lively, old Athens setting.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Europe; hotels in peak season rise, but dining and transit stay fairly reasonable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or street food.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants, round taxi fares up, and leave small change at cafes.
OASA Telematics
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.20
- Day pass
- €4.10
To the city center
Athens, Leoforou Kifisou - KTEL -> Syntagma Square, Athens
- Distance
- 6 km
- Travel time
- 25 min
- Use ATH.ENA Ticket or ATH.ENA Card for buses, trolleybuses, trams, metro, and urban rail within Athens. Validate before travel and keep it until exit checks.
- Contactless bank card payment is not generally available directly on Athens buses, trams, or metro gates. Buy and load an ATH.ENA ticket or card instead.
FAQs: Bus from Sandanski to Athens
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sandanski to Athens 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 Athens, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Sandanski to Athens can start from as little as $39 (€32) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Sandanski to Athens is $55 (€45) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Sandanski to Athens is 9h 0m to travel the 248 miles (400 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Sandanski to Athens leaves at 2:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Sandanski to Athens leaves at 11:30 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Sandanski to Athens with Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Sandanski to Athens, you can count on Union Ivkoni International, ArdaTur, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Athens. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Sandanski and Athens and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Athens from Sandanski is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Sandanski to Athens is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sandanski and Athens including taking a bus and ferry.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Sandanski to Athens:
- ArdaTur
- Passengers with disabilities receive discounts and priority seating, and folding wheelchairs are transported free of charge with advance registration.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Union Ivkoni International
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Service animals allowed.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Sandanski to Athens for bus company Union Ivkoni International, ArdaTur, FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Athens are:
- Acropolis of Athens, an ancient citadel featuring iconic structures like the Parthenon and offering panoramic views of the city
- Acropolis Museum, a modern museum housing artifacts from the Acropolis and providing insights into ancient Greek civilization
- Ancient Agora of Athens, a historic site that was once the heart of public life in Athens, featuring ruins and a reconstructed Stoa
- National Archaeological Museum, Greece's largest museum, showcasing an extensive collection of artifacts from various archaeological locations across the country
- Plaka, a charming historic neighborhood with narrow streets, neoclassical architecture, and vibrant local shops and cafes.
The best things to do in Athens include:
- Mount Lycabettus, enjoy panoramic views of Athens from the city's highest point
- Explore the vibrant Monastiraki Flea Market, where you can find antiques, souvenirs, and local crafts
- Visit the Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble and host of the first modern Olympic Games
- Take a stroll through the National Garden of Athens, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city
- Experience a traditional Greek performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, an ancient stone theatre.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Sandanski to Athens depends on the bus companies:
- ArdaTur
- Cancellation policies vary by ticket class, individual trips, or promotions, with refunds ranging from 50% to 100% depending on the time before departure, and no refunds for cancellations less than 24 hours prior.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- Union Ivkoni International
- You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a full refund in the form of a travel credit.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Union Ivkoni International, ArdaTur, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Sandanski to Athens.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Sandanski to Athens:
- ArdaTur
- One piece of hand luggage up to 15 kg and two pieces of checked luggage up to 35 kg each are included.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Union Ivkoni International
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs and one checked bag up to 50 lbs.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Sandanski to Athens:
- ArdaTur
- Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Union Ivkoni International
- 10 USD per additional bag.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Sandanski to Athens. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Sandanski to Athens with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International, ArdaTur, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Sandanski to Athens with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Sandanski to Athens with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International, ArdaTur, FlixBus.
Since both Sandanski and Athens are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Sandanski to Athens among Omio's users.
Greece uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cash is often preferred in smaller shops, local markets, and remote areas, while cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, and larger establishments.
In Athens, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport, popular tourist sites, and markets. Common scams include unofficial taxi drivers overcharging or taking longer routes, and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It's advisable to use official taxis or ride-hailing apps, keep valuables secure, and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or deals.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Sandanski to Athens
Most Sandanski to Athens buses use the Sandanski, Happy Bar & Grill (Сандански, Happy Bar & Grill) to Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη) station pair, with some services arriving at Athens (Αθήνα). Use this guide to compare Sandanski and Athens bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Sandanski
Arrival bus stations in Athens
Sandanski, Happy Bar & Grill (Сандански, Happy Bar & Grill)Sandanski Happy Bar and Grill,Blvd."Europe",2800
Sandanski, Bus Station (Сандански, Автогара)
Sandanski (Сандански)
City-centre transport
Getting to Sandanski (Сандански) from Sandanski city centre
BusSimeonidis · 9h 23m · $56
9h 37m · $32
10h 6m · $33
Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη)Athens, Pl. Karaiskaki 2, 10437
City-centre transport
Getting to Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη) from Athens city centre
Bus051 · 4m · $2 · every ~10 min
Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού)
Athens ChiouAthens Chiou,Chiou 14,10438
City-centre transport
Getting to Athens Chiou from Athens city centre
Train1 · 4m · $2 · every ~4 min
Bus790, 057 · 4m · $2 · every ~6 min
Most popular bus connections from Sandanski
More options for your journey from Sandanski to Athens
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Athens and Sandanski
Most popular bus connections to Athens
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