- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
Bulgaria’s leading archaeological museum, housed in a former mosque and displaying Thracian, Roman, and medieval treasures.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Skopje to Sofia
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Aug 31
Cheapest price on Aug 31
$31
Average ticket price on Aug 31
$32
Fastest journey on Aug 31
6 h
Average journey duration on Aug 31
6 h
Buses on Aug 31
2
Distance
174 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Skopje to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Skopje to Sofia will cost around $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
Fast buses
On Mon, Aug 31, we found 2 buses from Skopje to Sofia, including 2 direct services.
On Mon, Aug 31 the direct buses cover the 174 km distance in an average of 6 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h .
On Mon, Aug 31 the slowest buses will take 6 h 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.
7:00 AM6h00Skopje1:00 PMSofia$311One-way0 transfers
5:30 PM6h00Skopje11:30 PMSofia$331One-way0 transfers
- 7:00 AM6h00Skopje1:00 PMSofia$311One-way0 transfers
- 5:30 PM6h00Skopje11:30 PMSofia$331One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Skopje to Sofia
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Skopje to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $33 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 5h 32m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $33, while a flight costs an average of $473.
Distance: 108 miles (174 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$33 Average price Cheapest | $473 Average price | $49 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 32m Average total duration Fastest 5h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 19h 15m Average total duration 17h 15m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Skopje to Sofia is a bus with an average price of $33.
This is compared to other travel options from Skopje to Sofia:
A bus is $440 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Skopje to Sofia costing on average $473.
The fastest way to travel from Skopje to Sofia is by bus with an average journey time of 5h 2m.
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Flight takes on average 17h 15m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Skopje and Sofia including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Skopje to Sofia 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 $33 compared to roughly $49 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $16. The journey takes 5h 2m versus 3h 27m 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 City Lines, Citylines, Kaleia.
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.
Skopje to Sofia Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Kaleia | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Citylines | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $33 |
Live departures
Skopje to Sofia bus times
The table below shows live departures for Skopje to Sofia buses for today, Sunday, August 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM Skopje | 6h00 | 1:00 PM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:30 PM Skopje | 6h00 | 11:30 PM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Skopje to Sofia by bus or flight
Compare 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.
Sun
Aug 30
Aug 30
Mon
Aug 31
Aug 31
Tue
Sep 01
Sep 01
Wed
Sep 02
Sep 02
Thu
Sep 03
Sep 03
Fri
Sep 04
Sep 04
Sat
Sep 05
Sep 05
Sun
Sep 06
Sep 06
Mon
Sep 07
Sep 07
Tue
Sep 08
Sep 08
Wed
Sep 09
Sep 09
Thu
Sep 10
Sep 10
Fri
Sep 11
Sep 11
Sat
Sep 12
Sep 12
Sun
Sep 13
Sep 13
Mon
Sep 14
Sep 14
Tue
Sep 15
Sep 15
Wed
Sep 16
Sep 16
Thu
Sep 17
Sep 17
Fri
Sep 18
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sep 19
Why should you book Skopje to Sofia buses with Omio?
City Lines as well as FlixBus, Citylines, Kaleia and more offer buses services from Skopje to Sofia.
Omio is the only official third party seller for City Lines tickets.
Why book with Omio vs City Lines?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for City Lines, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus, Citylines or Kaleia to find the best option for your trip from Skopje to Sofia.
- 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 City Lines with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Skopje to Sofia.
Why book with Omio over Busbud or Checkmybus?
- Official reseller: City Lines tickets can only be bought on Omio or City Lines's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for City Lines tickets. Busbud or Checkmybus do not sell City Lines tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Skopje to Sofia.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Skopje to Sofia
North Macedonia
Bulgaria
Buses from Skopje to Sofia run on average 1 times per day, taking around 5h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $32 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 07:00, the last at 17:30. The fastest bus covers the 108 miles (174 km) distance in 6h 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 108 miles (174 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 6h 0m |
First bus 7:00 AM |
Last bus 5:30 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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: City Lines, FlixBus, Citylines, Kaleia from Skopje to SofiaYou can travel by bus between Skopje to Sofia with City Lines, FlixBus, Citylines, Kaleia for as low as $32. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
City Lines
About
"City Lines" can refer to several different bus companies. One prominent example is Citylines, a leading Bulgarian bus company headquartered in Sofia. It operates an extensive network of 44 routes, connecting 22 cities across Bulgaria and serving 9 European nations with an average of 19 trips daily. Citylines coaches offer amenities such as air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Another is Rochester City Lines, a family-owned and operated charter bus company in Minnesota, United States, providing services for college, corporate, event, religious, school, and workforce transportation. They offer a fleet including motorcoaches, minibuses, and executive vans. Historically, National City Lines, Inc. (NCL) was a significant public transportation holding company in the United States, founded in 1920. NCL acquired numerous local transit systems, often converting streetcar lines to bus operations, a practice sometimes referred to as "bustitution." Additionally, "City Line" is also the name of a bus rapid transit (BRT) line in Spokane, Washington, operated by the Spokane Transit Authority. This 6-mile route, which opened in 2023, utilizes modern, zero-emission battery-electric buses and connects key areas including downtown Spokane and the University District.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average City Lines Duration
5h 0m
Cheapest City Lines Price
$36
City Lines frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 20% fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible restrooms.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; must be booked in advance.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
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 FlixBus Duration
5h 0m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$35
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.
Citylines
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Citylines Duration
6h 0m
Cheapest Citylines Price
$33
Citylines frequency
1 a day
Kaleia
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Kaleia Duration
6h 0m
Cheapest Kaleia Price
$32
Kaleia frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Sofia
Things to do in Sofia
Discover the best of Sofia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sofia trip today.
- Must visit
National Gallery Kvadrat 500
A major branch of the National Gallery featuring Bulgarian and international art in a large modern exhibition space.
- Must visit
Regional History Museum Sofia
This museum traces Sofia’s past from antiquity to modern times, with standout displays in the restored Central Mineral Baths.
- Must visit
Vitosha Boulevard
Sofia’s iconic pedestrian boulevard lined with historic buildings, churches, shops, and constant city life.
- Must visit
Ancient Serdica Archaeological Complex
A long Roman-era pedestrian zone with ruins, fountains, and metro access, ideal for understanding ancient Serdica.
- Must visit
Borisova Gradina
A vast landscaped park with lakes, sports facilities, and quiet paths, favored by locals for walks and relaxation.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Shopska Salad
Shopska salad mixes tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onion, and sirene cheese. It is a Bulgarian staple and a classic start to meals across Sofia.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Tarator
Tarator is a cold yogurt soup with cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnuts. It is especially traditional in summer and widely loved in Bulgarian homes.
- Vegetarian
Banitsa
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.
Andre
Upscale venue focused on modern Balkan and Bulgarian tasting menus, polished service, and a contemporary fine dining setting.
Cosmos
Refined Bulgarian restaurant in a historic house, known for seasonal local cuisine, regional wines, and an elegant but warm atmosphere.
Hadjidraganovite Kashti
Traditional Bulgarian tavern with folk style decor, grilled meats, salads, and classic dishes in a lively, old Sofia setting.
Bulgarian lev (лв.)
Budget-friendly for Europe. Hotels, meals, and public transport usually cost less than in major EU capitals, making Sofia good value for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- 15-25 лв. for fast food or casual meals.
- Mid-range
- 30-50 лв. per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- 80+ лв. per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- 4-7 лв. for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: 5-10% if service is good. Cafes: round up or leave small change. Taxis: round up the fare; larger tips are optional.
Urban Mobility Sofia
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 1,60 лв.
- Day pass
- 4,00 лв.
To the city center
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara -> Serdika, Sofia
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless bank card payment is available in metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses through the city validator system.
- Use the same contactless card for inspections and transfers; fare products are linked to the card used at validation.
FAQs: Bus from Skopje to Sofia
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Skopje 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Skopje to Sofia can start from as little as $32 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Skopje to Sofia is $33 ; 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 Skopje to Sofia is 6h 0m to travel the 108 miles (174 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 Skopje to Sofia leaves at 7:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Skopje to Sofia leaves at 5:30 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Skopje to Sofia with City Lines, Citylines, Kaleia. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Skopje to Sofia, you can count on City Lines, FlixBus, Citylines, Kaleia for the best way to get you to Sofia. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Skopje and Sofia and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Sofia from Skopje is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Skopje and Sofia including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Skopje to Sofia for bus company City Lines, FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Skopje to Sofia:
- City Lines
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible restrooms.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Sofia are:
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a stunning Orthodox cathedral known for its impressive architecture and golden domes
- Vitosha Boulevard, a vibrant pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants
- National Palace of Culture, a multifunctional conference and exhibition center surrounded by beautiful gardens
- Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its medieval frescoes
- Sofia Central Mineral Baths, a historic building showcasing beautiful architecture and housing a museum.
The best things to do in Sofia include:
- Borisova Gradina, a large and scenic park ideal for leisurely walks and outdoor activities
- Sofia Zoo, one of the oldest and largest zoos in the Balkans, home to a wide variety of animals
- Sofia History Museum, offering insights into the city's rich past and cultural heritage
- Serdika Archaeological Complex, where you can explore ancient Roman ruins in the heart of the city
- Sofia Opera and Ballet, where you can enjoy world-class performances in a beautiful setting.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Skopje to Sofia depends on the bus companies:
- City Lines
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 20% fee.
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company City Lines, 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 Skopje to Sofia.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Skopje to Sofia:
- City Lines
- One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Skopje to Sofia:
- City Lines
- 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Skopje to Sofia. The following conditions apply:
- City Lines
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Skopje to Sofia with the following bus company: City Lines, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Skopje to Sofia with the following bus company: City Lines, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Skopje to Sofia with the following bus company: City Lines, FlixBus.
Sofia is within the Schengen Area. Passport and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Skopje to Sofia among Omio's users.
The currency used in Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cash is widely preferred in smaller towns and markets, while cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores in cities.
In Sofia, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, public transport, and popular tourist sites. Taxi scams are common; using official taxis with meters or ride-hailing apps is recommended to avoid overcharging. Avoid unlicensed guides and be wary of distraction techniques used by thieves. Overall, staying alert and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
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.
Most popular bus connections from Skopje
More options for your journey from Skopje to Sofia
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Sofia and Skopje
Most popular bus connections to Sofia
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
