- 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
$21
Average price
$25
Fastest journey
5 h 55 m
Average duration
6 h 7 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
300 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Shumen to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Shumen to Sofia will cost around $25 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $21.
Of the 4 buses that leave Shumen for Sofia on Sat, Jun 20, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 300 km distance in an average of 6 h 7 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 55 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 6 h 20 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 Shumen to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 50m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $16, and a flight costs an average of $76.
Distance: 186 miles (300 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$23 Average price | $97 Average price | $17 Average price Cheapest | $73 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 29m Average total duration 5h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 28m Average total duration 6h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 1.8kg 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 Shumen to Sofia:
A train is $6 (€5) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Shumen to Sofia costing on average $23 (€19).
A train is $80 (€66) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Shumen to Sofia costing on average $97 (€79).
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 59m.
Train takes on average 6h 58m.
Tickets start at around $23 (€19) compared to roughly $73 (€59) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $50 (€41). The journey takes 5h 59m versus 4h 33m 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 Group Plus, Union Ivkoni International, Grup Plus - Etap Adresss.
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 12:45AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:50AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator | Departure Time 02:15AM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Group Plus | Departure Time 10:21AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 6h19 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Group Plus | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Group Plus | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 03:40AM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 03:40AM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator Group Plus | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $21 |
The table below shows live departures for Shumen to Sofia buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:10 AM Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара) | 6h40 | 2:50 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:45 AM Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара) | 6h35 | 4:20 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:20 PM Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара) | 6h10 | 6:30 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:40 PM Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара) | 6h20 | 9:00 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:10 PM Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара) | 6h20 | 11:30 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:10 PM Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара) | 5h55 | 1:05 AM 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 Shumen to Sofia run on average 12 times per day, taking around 5h 59m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by train.
There are 12 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 186 miles (300 km) distance in 5h 55m.
Distance 186 miles (300 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Buses per day 12 |
Direct buses 12 |
Fastest bus 5h 55m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 4 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 Shumen 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 Shumen to Sofia buses use the Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара) to София, (Sofia) station pair, with some services arriving at Sofia, Sofia International Airport (T1) (София, Летище София (T1)). Use this guide to compare Shumen 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