- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
One of Bulgaria’s key archaeology museums, housed in a former mosque. Highlights include Thracian, Roman, and medieval artifacts of major national importance.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Skopje to Sofia
Showing times and prices for Jun 02
Cheapest price
$31
Average price
$32
Fastest journey
6 h
Average duration
6 h
Buses per day
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
Of the 2 buses that leave Skopje for Sofia on Tue, Jun 02, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 02 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 Tue, Jun 02 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$341One-way0 transfers
- 7:00 AM6h00Skopje1:00 PMSofia$311One-way0 transfers
- 5:30 PM6h00Skopje11:30 PMSofia$341One-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 prices starting from $31. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 5h 2m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $31, and a flight costs an average of $271.
Distance: 108 miles (174 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$32 Average price Cheapest | $455 Average price | $49 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 32m Average total duration Fastest 5h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 51m Average total duration 13h 51m Onboard + 3h 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 $32 (€26).
This is compared to other travel options from Skopje to Sofia:
A bus is $423 (€340) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Skopje to Sofia costing on average $455 (€366).
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 13h 51m.
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 $32 (€26) compared to roughly $49 (€39) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $17 (€13). 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 $34 |
Live departures
Skopje to Sofia bus times
The table below shows live departures for Skopje to Sofia buses for today, Monday, June 1. 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.
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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 $31 (€25) 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 $31 (€25) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 6h 0m |
First bus 7:00 AM |
Last bus 5:30 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 63 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: 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 $31 (€25). 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 Duration
5h 0m
Cheapest Price
$36 (€29)
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 Duration
5h 0m
Cheapest Price
$35 (€28)
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 Duration
6h 0m
Cheapest Price
$34 (€27)
Citylines frequency
1 a day
Kaleia
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 0m
Cheapest Price
$31 (€25)
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.
- Recommended
National Museum of History
Bulgaria’s largest museum, covering prehistoric finds, medieval treasures, and modern history. A strong choice for understanding the country beyond Sofia’s city center.
- Recommended
Regional History Museum Sofia
Set in the former Central Mineral Baths building, this museum presents Sofia’s development from Roman Serdica to the modern capital in an elegant historic setting.
- Must visit
Vitosha Boulevard
Sofia’s main pedestrian boulevard, lined with shops and city life, with memorable views toward Vitosha Mountain. It is the classic central walking area.
- Must visit
Borisova Gradina
Sofia’s best-known park, offering long walks, sports facilities, and a more local side of city life. Excellent for open-air time in the capital.
- Must visit
Vitosha Mountain
The mountain rising above Sofia is one of the city’s biggest lifestyle attractions, offering viewpoints, trails, and easy nature access close to the capital.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Shopska Salata
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 at Sofia tables.
- Vegetarian
Banitsa
A beloved pastry made with thin filo layers, eggs, and white cheese, often eaten for breakfast. It is one of the most traditional everyday foods in Bulgaria.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Tarator
A cold summer soup of yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnuts. It is especially popular in Sofia during warm weather and is distinctly Bulgarian.
Moma Bulgarian Food and Wine
A popular central venue serving refined Bulgarian dishes and local wines in a stylish setting inspired by national traditions.
Made in Home
A highly regarded cozy restaurant with creative seasonal cooking, popular brunches, and a warm home-style ambiance.
Hadjidraganovite Kashti
A well-known traditional Bulgarian restaurant with rustic décor, folk atmosphere, and a broad menu of classic regional dishes.
Bulgarian Lev
Affordable by European capital standards. Meals, coffee, and local transport are good value; central hotels cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- BGN 10-18 for street food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- BGN 25-45 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- BGN 80+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- BGN 3-6 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
About 10% in restaurants if service is good; check if a service charge is added. Round up for taxis. Small tips are appreciated in cafes, bars, salons, and for hotel staff.
Sofia Plus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 1.60 BGN
- Day pass
- 4.00 BGN
To the city center
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara -> Serdika, Sofia
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Validate paper tickets immediately after boarding; metro tickets are validated at the gate.
- Card payment is available for contactless travel on metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses in Sofia.
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 $31 (€25) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Skopje to Sofia is $32 (€26) ; 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.
Passengers board the bus most frequently from Skopje, Transporten Centar (Скопjе, Транспортен Центар), which is located around 1 away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара), located 1 away from the city centre.
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.
The cheapest month for a bus from Skopje to Sofia is May.
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, 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.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Skopje to Sofia for bus company City Lines, FlixBus.
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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Skopje to Sofia
Skopje
Sofia
The major bus station for departures in Skopje is Skopje, Transporten Centar (Скопjе, Транспортен Центар). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Skopje, Transporten Centar (Скопjе, Транспортен Центар) for your trip from Skopje to Sofia.
Skopje, Transporten Centar (Скопjе, Транспортен Центар)
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 00:00-23:59
Distance to city center
1 km
Car connection
Boulevard Kuzman Josifovski PituWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Bakery (in the station)
- Fast-food Outlet (in the station)
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available near the entrance.
Public transit options for Skopje, Transporten Centar (Скопjе, Транспортен Центар)
- Bus: 2, 5, 15, 22 Train: Regional s
The major bus station for arrivals in Sofia is Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) for your trip to Sofia from Skopje.
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
Distance to city center
1 kmCar connection
Knyaginya Maria Luiza BlvdWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)
- Bus: 213, 305, 404 Metro: M2 Train: Sofia Central Station
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
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