- Must visit
Museo del Prado
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
Cheapest price
$302
Average price
$393
Fastest journey
2 d 9 h 35 m
Average duration
2 d 10 h 56 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
2253 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sofia to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sofia to Madrid will cost around $393 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $302.
It's difficult to get from Sofia to Madrid without transferring at least 2 times.
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FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $33. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 30m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 2.3 - 5.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $33, and a bus costs an average of $126.
Distance: 1399 miles (2253 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$240 Average price | $209 Average price Cheapest | $813 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
52h 53m Average total duration 52h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 30m Average total duration Fastest 4h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 29h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
2.3 - 5.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 6.8 - 13.5kg 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 Madrid:
A flight is $31 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Sofia to Madrid costing on average $240.
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Bus takes on average 52h 23m.
Tickets start at around $240 compared to roughly $813 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $573. The journey takes 52h 23m versus 29h 25m 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.
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 03:35PM | Duration 62h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $228 |
Operator | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 49h30 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $177 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 57h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $188 |
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Madrid buses for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:50 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 57h35 | 7:25 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:50 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 58h05 | 7:55 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 3 transfers | |
| Friday, July 31 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:45 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 62h10 | 2:55 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:45 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 57h45 | 10:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 2 transfers | |
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 Madrid run on average 3 times per day, taking around 52h 23m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $126 but you can travel from only $33 by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:40, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 1399 miles (2253 km) distance in 49h 30m.
Distance 1399 miles (2253 km) |
Average bus duration 52h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $126 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 49h 30m |
First bus 12:40 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
Leading modern art museum best known for Picasso’s Guernica, plus major works by Dalí and Miró.
Celebrated collection of European masters from Van Eyck to Hopper in a refined palace setting.
Madrid’s most famous park offers gardens, a boating lake, monuments, and relaxed walks in the city center.
Lively grand avenue known for architecture, shopping, theaters, and nonstop energy from day to night.
Elegant boulevard linking major museums and landmarks, ideal for a classic central Madrid walk.
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables, and broth, especially traditional in Madrid and often served in stages.
Crisp fried squid rings served in a baguette roll. This iconic Madrid street food is especially linked to bars around Plaza Mayor.
Tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla in a rich sauce. A classic old Madrid tavern dish with deep local roots.
Refined two-Michelin-star dining focused on seasonal Spanish produce, with elegant modern cooking in a polished fine-dining room.
Traditional Madrid restaurant known for cocido madrileño served in stages, with an old-school dining room and loyal local following.
Historic century-old tavern famed for roast suckling pig and Castilian dishes in a classic, wood-lined setting near Plaza Mayor.
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels vary, dining is reasonable, and public transport is good value for tourists.
Tipping is modest: round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, small change is enough.
Official public transport app
Madrid Estación Sur de Autobuses -> Puerta del Sol
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia to Madrid 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 Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Sofia to Madrid buses use the София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) to Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses station pair, with some services arriving at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid). Use this guide to compare Sofia and Madrid bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km), La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses.
Available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Rodilla, Mahoudrid
ATMs are aTMs located throughout T4, major cards accepted .
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid).
Available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need