- Must visit
Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv
Housed in the elegant Kuyumdzhioglu House in the Old Town, this museum presents traditional Bulgarian crafts, costumes, and domestic life in a beautifully preserved Revival-period mansion.
Cheapest price
$12
Average price
$32
Fastest journey
1 h 50 m
Average duration
2 h
Buses per day
7
Distance
132 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sofia to Plovdiv is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sofia to Plovdiv will cost around $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.
Of the 7 buses that leave Sofia for Plovdiv on Thu, Jul 09, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 09 the direct buses cover the 132 km distance in an average of 2 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 50 m .
On Thu, Jul 09 the slowest buses will take 2 h 10 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.

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0Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Plovdiv among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $7, and a bus costs an average of $10.
Distance: 82 miles (132 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$15 Average price | $8 Average price Cheapest | $35 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 27m Average total duration 3h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Sofia to Plovdiv:
A train is $7 (€6) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Sofia to Plovdiv costing on average $15 (€12).
Other travel options to Plovdiv take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 57m.
Tickets start at around $15 (€12) compared to roughly $35 (€28) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $20 (€16). The journey takes 2h 6m versus 1h 47m 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 Karat-S, Union Ivkoni International, Infobus, City Lines, Group Plus, FlixBus, Citylines, Grup Plus - Etap Adresss, Union Ivkoni, BG Razpisanie.
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 | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 10:19AM | Duration 2h19 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 10:19AM | Duration 2h04 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 10:10AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $12 |
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Plovdiv buses for tomorrow, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 8:00 AM Sofia (София) | 2h19 | 10:19 AM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 8:00 AM Sofia (София) | 2h10 | 10:10 AM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 8:15 AM Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София) | 1h55 | 10:10 AM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 8:15 AM Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София) | 2h04 | 10:19 AM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 8:20 AM Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София) | 1h59 | 10:19 AM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 8:20 AM Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София) | 1h50 | 10:10 AM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:00 AM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 2h15 | 1:15 PM Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Plovdiv run on average 11 times per day, taking around 2h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $10 (€8) but you can travel from only $7 (€6) by train.
There are 11 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 23:31. The fastest bus covers the 82 miles (132 km) distance in 1h 45m.
Distance 82 miles (132 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $10 (€8) |
Buses per day 11 |
Direct buses 11 |
Fastest bus 1h 45m |
First bus 1:00 AM |
Last bus 11:31 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Plovdiv — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Plovdiv trip today.
Housed in the elegant Kuyumdzhioglu House in the Old Town, this museum presents traditional Bulgarian crafts, costumes, and domestic life in a beautifully preserved Revival-period mansion.
A major archaeological museum site protecting exceptional early Christian mosaics in a modern exhibition space. One of Plovdiv’s standout cultural attractions.
One of Bulgaria’s leading archaeological museums, with rich collections from prehistoric Thrace, Ancient Philippopolis, and the Roman era. A strong choice for understanding Plovdiv’s deep history.
The city’s most atmospheric quarter, filled with cobbled lanes, Revival-era houses, museums, and ruins. It is the essential area for first-time visitors and photographers.
Plovdiv’s creative district, known for narrow streets, street art, design shops, and a lively contemporary feel. It is especially popular with younger travelers and social media visitors.
The central pedestrian boulevard lined with shops, historic facades, and easy access to major sights. A practical and enjoyable route for exploring the city center.
A traditional Rhodope and South Bulgarian slow-cooked dish of layered sauerkraut, rice, and assorted meats, baked for hours for rich flavor.
A classic Rhodope potato dish made with grated potatoes, onion, and spearmint, pan-cooked or baked. It is closely associated with the wider Plovdiv region.
A beloved Bulgarian clay-pot stew with pork or chicken, onions, peppers, and tomatoes, common in traditional taverns around Plovdiv.
A recognized modern Bulgarian restaurant and wine bar in Kapana, focusing on regional products, shared plates, and a relaxed local vibe.
A popular Kapana restaurant known for creative Bulgarian and Balkan small plates, local wines, and a lively contemporary atmosphere.
A well-known central Plovdiv restaurant with a stylish setting, offering refined Bulgarian and European dishes and dependable service.
Affordable for most tourists. Meals, coffee, and local transport are cheaper than in many EU city destinations.
Around 10% in restaurants for good service. Round up taxis. Small tips are appreciated in cafes, bars, and for hotel staff, but not mandatory.
Official public transport app
Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug -> Plovdiv Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia to Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Sofia to Plovdiv buses use the Sofia, Sofia International Airport (T1) (София, Летище София (T1)) to Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) station pair, with some services arriving at Plovdiv, Tsentralna Gara (Пловдив, Централна Гара). Use this guide to compare Sofia and Plovdiv bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) is 1 km from Sofia city centre. Public transport options include:
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара).
Available at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара): Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need