The cheapest and fastest buses from Sofia to Budapest
Cheapest price
$44
Average price
$81
Fastest journey
12 h 40 m
Average duration
16 h 22 m
Buses per day
7
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 $81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44.
Of the 7 buses that leave Sofia for Budapest on Sat, Nov 08, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Nov 08 the direct buses cover the 631 km distance in an average of 16 h 22 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 12 h 40 m .
On Sat, Nov 08 the slowest buses will take 18 h 35 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 · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
6182081
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusTravel Information
Compare bus and flight for Sofia to Budapest
Omio 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 prices starting from €26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 30m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.6 - 1.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €26, and a flight costs an average of €25.
Distance: 392 miles (631 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
€62 Average price Cheapest | €180 Average price |
13h 27m Average total duration 12h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration Fastest 2h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.6 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.9 - 3.8kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Sofia to Budapest Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45AM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 18h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator Ardatur | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 04:10AM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $116 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 11:16AM | Duration 14h31 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 20h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $60 |
Live departures
Sofia to Budapest bus times
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Budapest buses for today, Friday, November 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6201609 | 2:30 PM София, (Sofia) | 12h40 | 3:10 AM Budapest | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:45 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 14h31 | 10:16 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:50 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 20h15 | 5:05 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:50 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 25h15 | 10:05 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:45 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 17h46 | 5:31 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:45 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 18h35 | 6:20 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:45 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 18h20 | 6:05 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Sofia to Budapest 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.
Nov 08
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Sofia to Budapest
Distance 392 miles (631 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€26) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 12h 40m |
First bus 00:25 |
Last bus 23:50 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Sofia to Budapest start from as low as $32 (€26) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $76 (€62) depending on the train type and class.
Bus providers: FlixBus, Karat-S, Infobus, ArdaTur, City Lines, Citylines from Sofia to BudapestYou can travel by bus between Sofia to Budapest with FlixBus, Karat-S, Infobus, ArdaTur, City Lines, Citylines for as low as $31 (€25). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Karat-S
Infobus
City Lines
ArdaTur
Citylines
Buses from Sofia to Budapest: Journey Details
Buses in Europe are a convenient way to travel between cities, with a number of bus companies offering domestic and international routes. Buses from Sofia to Budapest depart up to three times daily, with departures in the morning and in the late afternoon. Services are operated by Infobus and Ecolines and the journey time is approximately 13 hours. All services are direct. On Saturdays and Sundays there is just one service between the two cities, departing in the morning.
Return buses from Budapest to Sofia are also available.
Taking the Bus from Sofia
Buses from Sofia to Budapest depart from the Central Bus Station adjacent to the city's Central Railway Station, which is directly linked to the city's Metro system. A journey from the city centre takes about 20 minutes. There is no public transport at night; however, taxis are available to make the journey from the centre of Sofia in less then 10 minutes.
Getting into Budapest by Bus
Budapest, Hungary's fascinating capital, gives the visitor two cities in one. Buda, on one bank of the mighty Danube River and Pest on the other side. The Hungarian Crown Jewels are on permanent exhibition in the impressive National Parliament Building, the largest in Europe, while the Royal Palace is open to all and contains the National Gallery which has an extensive collection. Budapest's Soviet-ruled past is showcased at Momento Park, with its many statues from that era. Buses From Sofia to Budapest arrive at the Hungarian capital's Nepliget Bus station about a half-hour's journey on Budapest's Metro system south-east of the city centre. Some of the city's public transport runs 24 hours a day. Taxis are also available at the station and make the journey to the city centre in about 20 minutes.
FAQs: Bus from Sofia to Budapest
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.

Passengers board the bus most frequently from София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2), which is located around 1.9 miles (3 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar, located 5.2 miles (8.4 km) away from the city centre.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Karat-S
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible restrooms.
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- Buda Castle, a historic castle complex offering panoramic views of the city and housing the Budapest History Museum
- Parliament Building, an iconic Gothic Revival structure situated on the Danube River, known for its stunning architecture and guided tours
- Fisherman's Bastion, a neo-Gothic terrace providing picturesque views of the Danube and Pest
- St. Stephen's Basilica, a grand cathedral named after Hungary's first king, featuring a beautiful interior and panoramic dome views
- Heroes' Square, a major square in Budapest noted for its iconic statues and the Millennium Monument.
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath, one of the largest and most popular thermal bath complexes in Europe
- Explore the vibrant Great Market Hall, offering a variety of local foods and crafts
- Take a scenic cruise on the Danube River, providing unique views of Budapest's landmarks
- Visit the House of Terror Museum, which commemorates the victims of the fascist and communist regimes in Hungary
- Enjoy a performance at the Hungarian State Opera House, renowned for its stunning architecture and world-class productions.
- 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.
- Karat-S
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. No refunds for cancellations within 24 hours.
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Sofia to Budapest, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Karat-S
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg (55x40x20) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Karat-S
- 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
- Karat-S
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- Larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- Larger pets may require a separate ticket.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Sofia to Budapest
- 00:00-23:59
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafeteria Serdika (in the station)
- Bistro Bulgaria (0.2 km)
- Sofia Grill House (0.5 km).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 213, 305, 404 Metro: M1, M2 Train: Sofia Central Station
- 05:30-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafeteria Népliget (in the station)
- Gulyás Tér (0.5 km)
- Pesti Burger (0.7 km).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available near the entrance.
- Bus: 103, 254E, 901, 918 Metro: M3
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafeteria Kelenföld (in the station)
- Bistro Budapest (0.5 km)
- Café Central (0.7 km).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 7, 103, 114, 213, 214 Metro: M4 Train: Suburban Railway
Most popular bus connections from Sofia
More options for your journey from Sofia to Budapest
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