- Must visit
National Museum of Art of Romania
This museum houses Romania's most significant art collections, spanning medieval to modern Romanian art along with European art pieces.
Cheapest price
$25
Average price
$36
Fastest journey
5 h 50 m
Average duration
6 h 13 m
Buses per day
9
Distance
296 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sofia to Bucharest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sofia to Bucharest will cost around $36 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
Of the 9 buses that leave Sofia for Bucharest on Mon, May 18, 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 18 the direct buses cover the 296 km distance in an average of 6 h 13 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 50 m .
On Mon, May 18 the slowest buses will take 6 h 30 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
FlixBus
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Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Bucharest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 59m. 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 bus costs an average of $14, and a flight costs an average of $191.
Distance: 183 miles (296 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$29 Average price Cheapest | $298 Average price | $85 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 30m Average total duration 6h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 59m Average total duration Fastest 2h 59m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 1.8kg 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 Bucharest:
A bus is $268 (€217) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sofia to Bucharest costing on average $298 (€240).
Other travel options to Bucharest take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 0m.
Tickets start at around $29 (€24) compared to roughly $85 (€68) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $55 (€45). The journey takes 6h 0m versus 5h 30m 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 Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus, Infobus, Union Ivkoni, Pegasus, Euroticket, LikeBus.
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 Pegasus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Euroticket | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator LikeBus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $30 |
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Bucharest buses for today, Sunday, May 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 6:00 PM Sofia (София) | 6h25 | 12:25 AM Bucharest | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:00 PM Sofia | 5h50 | 11:50 PM Bucharest | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:00 PM Sofia | 6h30 | 12:30 AM Bucharest | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:00 PM Sofia | 6h30 | 12:30 AM Bucharest | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:00 PM Sofia | 5h50 | 11:50 PM Bucharest | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:00 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 7h15 | 5:15 AM București, Autogara Militari | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:25 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 6h35 | 6:00 AM București, Autogara Militari | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, May 18 | |||||
0 | 11:55 AM Sofia (София) | 6h35 | 6:30 PM Bucharest | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:15 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 7h05 | 8:20 PM București, Autogara Militari | 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 Bucharest run on average 3 times per day, taking around 6h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $14 (€11) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:48, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 183 miles (296 km) distance in 6h 15m.
Distance 183 miles (296 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $14 (€11) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 6h 15m |
First bus 2:48 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Bucharest — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bucharest trip today.
This museum houses Romania's most significant art collections, spanning medieval to modern Romanian art along with European art pieces.
An open-air ethnographic museum showcasing traditional Romanian village life with authentic handcrafted structures.
Cultural museum devoted to Romanian peasant culture with a vast range of artifacts.
Famous historical street home to luxury shops, historical architecture, and key cultural spots.
Largest park in Bucharest, featuring a large lake, various recreational areas, and an open-air museum.
Picturesque urban park with monuments, a mausoleum, and open spaces ideal for leisurely walks.
Cabbage rolls stuffed with a mixture of pork and rice, often served with polenta.
Grilled sausages made from a combination of beef, lamb, and pork, seasoned with spices.
Traditional Romanian polenta often served with cheese and sour cream.
Bucharest is generally affordable with low prices for accommodation, dining, and public transport compared to most European capitals.
It is customary to tip 10% in restaurants. Round up for taxis. Tipping in cafes is appreciated but not required.
Official public transport app
Bucharest Filaret Bus Station -> Piata Unirii, Bucharest
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia to Bucharest 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 Bucharest, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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