- Must visit
Acropolis Museum
Athens’ flagship archaeological museum, displaying finds from the Acropolis in a modern building with excellent views of the Parthenon.
Cheapest price
$63
Average price
$70
Fastest journey
11 h 30 m
Average duration
11 h 57 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
525 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sofia to Athens is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sofia to Athens will cost around $70 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $63.
Of the 3 buses that leave Sofia for Athens on Thu, Jul 09, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 09 the direct buses cover the 525 km distance in an average of 11 h 57 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 30 m .
On Thu, Jul 09 the slowest buses will take 12 h 21 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.
FlixBus



FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Athens among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $49. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 54m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.5 - 1.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $49, and a flight costs an average of $85.
Distance: 326 miles (525 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$72 Average price Cheapest | $212 Average price | $235 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 31m Average total duration 10h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 54m Average total duration Fastest 5h 54m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.6 - 3.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Sofia to Athens:
A bus is $140 (€115) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sofia to Athens costing on average $212 (€175).
Other travel options to Athens take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 1m.
Tickets start at around $72 (€59) compared to roughly $235 (€193) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $162 (€134). The journey takes 10h 1m versus 8h 41m 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 Infobus, City Lines, ArdaTur, 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 12h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 06:55AM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 12h21 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Athens buses for tomorrow, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:30 AM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 12h00 | 7:30 PM Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:30 PM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 11h30 | 7:00 AM Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:59 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 12h21 | 12:20 PM Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Sofia to Athens run on average 3 times per day, taking around 10h 1m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $49 (€40) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:00, the last at 23:44. The fastest bus covers the 326 miles (525 km) distance in 10h 45m.
Distance 326 miles (525 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€40) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 10h 45m |
First bus 4:00 AM |
Last bus 11:44 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Athens — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Athens trip today.
Athens’ flagship archaeological museum, displaying finds from the Acropolis in a modern building with excellent views of the Parthenon.
Greece’s most important archaeological museum, famous for masterpieces from prehistoric to late antiquity, including the Mask of Agamemnon.
Elegant museum known for Cycladic figurines and strong exhibitions on ancient Aegean, Cypriot, and Greek art.
Athens’ most famous old neighborhood, loved for its neoclassical lanes, steps, shops, and Acropolis-side atmosphere.
Bustling central square known for flea-market energy, street life, and dramatic views toward the Acropolis.
Athens’ main square and civic hub, notable for the Parliament building and ceremonial changing of the guard nearby.
Classic baked casserole with layers of eggplant, potato, minced meat, and béchamel. It is one of Greece’s most iconic comfort dishes and widely served in Athens tavernas.
Skewered grilled meat, commonly pork or chicken, often served with pita, onions, and tzatziki. It is a staple Athenian street food loved for its simplicity and flavor.
Savory pie filled with spinach, herbs, and feta in crisp phyllo pastry. It is a traditional everyday snack and bakery favorite across Athens.
Well-known deli-taverna specializing in cured meats, cheeses, and meze with strong Constantinopolitan influences. Lively, casual, and very popular.
Established central Athens venue famous for traditional small plates, artisanal products, and a bustling atmosphere that suits sharing several dishes.
Celebrated seafood restaurant by chef Lefteris Lazarou, offering elevated Greek fish and shellfish dishes in a more formal dining environment.
Moderate for Europe: meals and transport are reasonable, while central hotels and tourist areas cost more.
Tipping is appreciated, not mandatory. Leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service, round up taxis, and small change for cafes or delivery.
Official public transport app
Athens, Leoforou Kifisou - KTEL Kifisou -> Syntagma Square, Athens
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia 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.

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