- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts
Hungary’s top fine arts museum, with major European works from antiquity to the 20th century. Ideal for classic painting, sculpture, and old masters.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$78
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$113
Fastest journey on Sep 20
18 h 55 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
21 h 26 m
Buses on Sep 20
12
Distance
631 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sofia to Budapest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sofia to Budapest will cost around $113 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $78.
It's difficult to get from Sofia to Budapest without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
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FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Budapest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $80 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 35m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the bus is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.6 - 1.6kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $80, while a flight costs an average of $416.
Distance: 392 miles (631 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$80 Average price Cheapest | $416 Average price | $204 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
18h 43m Average total duration 18h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 35m Average total duration Fastest 3h 35m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.6 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.9 - 3.8kg 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 Budapest:
A bus is $336 (€275) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sofia to Budapest costing on average $416 (€340).
Other travel options to Budapest take longer:
Bus takes on average 18h 13m.
Tickets start at around $80 (€65) compared to roughly $204 (€167) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $124 (€102). The journey takes 18h 13m versus 7h 52m 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 FlixBus, Karat-S, ArdaTur, City Lines, Citylines.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45AM | Arrival Time 07:16PM | Duration 18h31 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 27h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 26h05 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 01:01PM | Duration 24h46 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 04:10AM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 20h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 01:30AM | Duration 27h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $69 |
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Budapest buses for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:50 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 20h15 | 6:05 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:50 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 20h40 | 6:30 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:50 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 23h00 | 8:50 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:25 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 27h05 | 1:30 AM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:25 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 27h55 | 2:20 AM Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Kerepesi út) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:25 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 27h35 | 2:00 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, September 20 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:25 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 27h00 | 8:25 AM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:20 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 26h05 | 12:25 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:20 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 26h35 | 12:55 PM Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Kerepesi út) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:20 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 25h30 | 11:50 AM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:20 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 18h55 | 5:15 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:15 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 24h46 | 1:01 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:15 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 24h20 | 12:35 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:15 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 25h15 | 1:30 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
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 Budapest run on average 7 times per day, taking around 18h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) but you can travel from only $17 (€14) by flight.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 392 miles (631 km) distance in 11h 40m.
Distance 392 miles (631 km) |
Average bus duration 18h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 11h 40m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Budapest — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Budapest trip today.
Hungary’s top fine arts museum, with major European works from antiquity to the 20th century. Ideal for classic painting, sculpture, and old masters.
Leading contemporary art museum with strong Hungarian and international shows. Worth visiting for bold exhibitions in a landmark modern building.
National museum covering Hungarian history, archaeology, and statehood. A classic stop for understanding the country beyond Budapest’s landmarks.
UNESCO-listed castle quarter of cobbled streets, courtyards, and viewpoints. Best for atmosphere, heritage walks, and some of Budapest’s finest vistas.
Elegant Andrássy Avenue links the center with Heroes’ Square through palaces and shops. A grand boulevard ideal for walking and historic city views.
Large central park with boating lake, baths, museums, and promenades. A versatile area for families, relaxed walks, and major city attractions.
A rich paprika beef soup with potatoes and vegetables. It is Hungary’s signature comfort dish and a staple in homes and traditional inns.
Slow-cooked beef stew with lots of onion and paprika, usually served with nokedli. A classic example of deep Hungarian paprika flavor.
River fish soup, often carp-based, cooked with hot paprika. It is especially traditional along the Danube and at festive family meals.
Refined Hungarian dining in a historic building, with updated national classics and strong wine service in a formal atmosphere.
Michelin-starred fine dining with a modern tasting menu rooted in Hungarian ingredients. Stylish, intimate, and one of Budapest’s top tables.
Traditional Hungarian restaurant known for goulash, pörkölt, and live music. Warm, old-style atmosphere near the city center.
Moderate for Europe: stays and dining are cheaper than in Western capitals, while central hotels and tourist areas cost more. Transit is good value.
About 10% is common in restaurants if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis and leave small change or round up at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia to Budapest 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 Budapest, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Sofia to Budapest buses use the София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) to Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar station pair, with some services arriving at Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér. Use this guide to compare Sofia and Budapest bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Sofia (София) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Small cafes available nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at Sofia (София). ATMs are aTM machines available onsite.
Ticket office support is available at Sofia (София).
Available at Sofia (София): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia (София): Facilities are accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar is 5 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Népliget (in the station), Gulyás Tér (0.5 km), Pesti Burger (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar.
Available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar: Elevators, ramps.
Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás is 4 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Kelenföld (in the station), Bistro Budapest (0.5 km), Café Central (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás.
Available at Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás: Elevators, ramps.
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