- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
Bulgaria’s main archaeological museum, housed in a former Ottoman mosque, with major Thracian, Roman, and medieval collections.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Skopje to Sofia
Showing times and prices for Jun 19
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 Fri, Jun 19, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 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 Fri, Jun 19 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 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 $268.
Distance: 108 miles (174 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$32 Average price Cheapest | $450 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 $418 (€340) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Skopje to Sofia costing on average $450 (€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 $33 |
Live departures
Skopje to Sofia bus times
The table below shows live departures for Skopje to Sofia buses for today, Thursday, June 18. 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
$33 (€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 Gallery Square 500
The country’s largest art museum, displaying Bulgarian and international art in a grand modern complex near Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
- Recommended
Sofia History Museum
A well-curated city museum inside the former Central Mineral Baths, covering Sofia’s urban, political, and cultural history.
- Must visit
Vitosha Boulevard
Sofia’s main pedestrian boulevard, lined with shops and lively city views, with Vitosha Mountain often visible at the southern end.
- Recommended
Ancient Serdica Archaeological Complex
A central open-air archaeological zone integrated into the modern city, popular for walking, photos, and easy access to Roman ruins.
- Recommended
Borisova Gradina
Sofia’s best-known large park, offering tree-lined walks, monuments, sports areas, and a local daily-life atmosphere.
- 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 in Sofia restaurants.
- Vegetarian
Banitsa
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.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Tarator
A cold yogurt soup with cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnuts, especially popular in warm weather. It is refreshing and distinctly Bulgarian.
Moma Bulgarian Food and Wine
An established central Sofia restaurant focused on refined Bulgarian cuisine, local wines, and stylish interiors inspired by national traditions.
Shtastlivetsa Vitoshka
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.
Hadjidraganov's Houses
A well-known traditional Bulgarian restaurant with folklore decor, regional specialties, and a rustic atmosphere popular with visitors seeking classic local dishes.
Bulgarian Lev
Affordable by European capital standards. Public transport, casual dining, and coffee are low cost; hotels vary by season and location.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- BGN 10-18 for street food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- BGN 25-45 per person at a mid-range 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 for good service. Round up taxis. Small tips for hotel staff are appreciated but not required. No tip is expected for counter service.
CG Sofia
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
- 3 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Validate your ticket immediately after boarding buses, trams, or trolleybuses, or before entering the metro platform area.
- Card payment is available in the metro and on many vehicles via contactless bank card or digital wallet, but carry a backup payment method in case a validator is unavailable.
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 0 miles (1 km) 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
Most Skopje to Sofia buses use the Skopje, Transporten Centar (Скопjе, Транспортен Центар) to Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) station pair. Use this guide to compare Skopje and Sofia bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Skopje
Arrival bus stations in Sofia
Which Skopje station do buses to Sofia leave from?
Buses from Skopje to Sofia leave from Skopje, Transporten Centar (Скопjе, Транспортен Центар). The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Skopje city centre at Boulevard Kuzman Josifovski Pitu, Skopje, North Macedonia.
Skopje, Transporten Centar (Скопjе, Транспортен Центар)Boulevard Kuzman Josifovski Pitu, Skopje, North Macedonia
City-centre transport
Getting to Skopje, Transporten Centar (Скопjе, Транспортен Центар) from Skopje city centre
Skopje, Transporten Centar (Скопjе, Транспортен Центар) is 1 km from Skopje city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus3б, 15, 22, 44, 27, 22 П, 23 П, 5н · 8m · every ~20 min
Skopje, Transporten Centar (Скопjе, Транспортен Центар) bus station facilities and services
Skopje, Transporten Centar (Скопjе, Транспортен Центар) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Bakery (in the station), Fast-food Outlet (in the station)
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Skopje, Transporten Centar (Скопjе, Транспортен Центар).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Skopje, Transporten Centar (Скопjе, Транспортен Центар): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Skopje, Transporten Centar (Скопjе, Транспортен Центар): Elevators, ramps.
Which Sofia station do buses from Skopje arrive at?
Buses from Skopje to Sofia arrive at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара). Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) is 0 miles (1 km) from Sofia city centre.
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)Centralna Avtogara, 100 Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd, Sofia, Bulgaria
City-centre transport
Getting to Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) from Sofia city centre
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) is 1 km from Sofia city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus78 · 13m · every ~5 min
Subway2 · 3m · $1 · every ~20 min
M2 · 4m · every ~16 min
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) bus station facilities and services
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара): Elevators, ramps.
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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