- 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
€61
Average price
€83
Fastest journey
18 h 20 m
Average duration
19 h 15 m
Buses per day
14
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 €83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €61.
It's difficult to get from Sofia to Budapest without transferring at least once.
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FlixBus · FlixBusBuses from Sofia to Budapest run on average 6 times per day, taking around 11h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €24 but you can travel from only €20 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 12h 40m.
Distance 392 miles (631 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price €24 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 12h 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 Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 6 days |
| 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, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 09:01AM | Duration 27h36 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price €53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 25h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 24h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €53 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 04:10AM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sun | Cheapest price €90 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 11:16AM | Duration 14h31 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 20h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 25h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €53 |
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Budapest buses for today, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | 1:15 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 24h20 | 12:35 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 9:45 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 14h31 | 11:16 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:50 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 20h15 | 6:05 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 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) | 25h55 | 12:20 AM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, August 6 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:45 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 18h20 | 7:05 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:45 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 18h35 | 7:20 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:45 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 19h01 | 7:46 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:45 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 20h05 | 8:50 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Official public transport app
Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar -> Deák Ferenc tér
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) is 1 km from Sofia city centre. Public transport options include:
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Serdika (in the station), Bistro Bulgaria (0.2 km), Sofia Grill House (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика).
Available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика): Elevators, ramps.
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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