- Recommended
Regional Historical Museum Ruse
The main history museum of Ruse, covering archaeology, urban development, and the city’s role as a major Danube center. A strong first stop for understanding local heritage.
Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$24
Fastest journey
4 h 30 m
Average duration
4 h 49 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
250 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sofia to Ruse is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sofia to Ruse will cost around $24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Of the 8 buses that leave Sofia for Ruse on Sat, Jun 06, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 06 the direct buses cover the 250 km distance in an average of 4 h 49 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 30 m .
On Sat, Jun 06 the slowest buses will take 5 h 15 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.








0
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Ruse among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 40m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $14, and a flight costs an average of $156.
Distance: 155 miles (250 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$20 Average price | $268 Average price | $14 Average price Cheapest | $64 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 27m Average total duration 4h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration Fastest 1h 40m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 36m Average total duration 6h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Ruse:
A train is $7 (€5) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Sofia to Ruse costing on average $20 (€16).
A train is $254 (€205) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sofia to Ruse costing on average $268 (€216).
Other travel options to Ruse take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 57m.
Train takes on average 6h 6m.
Tickets start at around $20 (€16) compared to roughly $64 (€52) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $44 (€36). The journey takes 4h 57m versus 4h 5m 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, Union Ivkoni, Group Plus, Infobus, Group Plus, Grup Plus - Etap Adresss, Union Ivkoni, FlixBus.
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 Infobus | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 07:42AM | Duration 5h12 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 12:15PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Pegasus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Ruse buses for today, Friday, June 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:00 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 5h30 | 3:30 AM Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, June 6 | |||||
![]() | 7:00 AM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 5h15 | 12:15 PM Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 11:55 AM Sofia (София) | 4h55 | 4:50 PM Ruse (Русе) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:30 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 4h45 | 5:15 PM Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:15 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 12h35 | 1:50 AM Ruse, Avtogara Iztok (Русе, Автогара Изток) | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 2:30 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 4h30 | 7:00 PM Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:00 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 5h15 | 9:15 PM Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:30 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 4h40 | 11:10 PM Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, 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 Ruse run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $18 (€15) but you can travel from only $14 (€11) by train.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:30, the last at 18:30. The fastest bus covers the 155 miles (250 km) distance in 4h 30m.
Distance 155 miles (250 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€15) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 4h 30m |
First bus 1:30 AM |
Last bus 6:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Ruse — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ruse trip today.
The main history museum of Ruse, covering archaeology, urban development, and the city’s role as a major Danube center. A strong first stop for understanding local heritage.
A popular natural history museum with Danube-focused exhibits, local wildlife displays, and an aquarium. Especially good for families and visitors interested in the river ecosystem.
The city’s main art gallery, presenting Bulgarian art in a refined historic setting. A worthwhile stop for painting, sculpture, and temporary exhibitions.
Ruse’s main pedestrian street, lined with handsome historic façades, shops, and cafes. It is the best place to experience the city’s elegant central atmosphere on foot.
A pleasant walking area along the river, popular for fresh air, views, and evening strolls. It is one of the most relaxing parts of the city and increasingly popular for social media photos.
The central civic area around the city’s most important buildings and monuments. Ideal for architecture lovers, people-watching, and beginning a walking tour of Ruse.
Traditional Danube fish soup made with freshwater fish and vegetables, closely associated with riverside cooking in Ruse.
A famous Bulgarian tripe soup, usually seasoned with garlic, vinegar, and chili, popular as a hearty local meal.
Slow-cooked stew of meat, onions, peppers, and tomatoes, often baked in an earthenware pot and widely eaten in northern Bulgaria.
Established hilltop restaurant above Ruse known for refined Bulgarian and European cuisine, elegant setting, and panoramic views.
Well-known Bulgarian restaurant chain with a central location, broad menu, reliable service, and a lively modern atmosphere.
Popular traditional-style restaurant focused on Bulgarian dishes, grilled specialties, and a warm tavern-like atmosphere.
Ruse is affordable for most visitors. Meals, coffee, and local transport cost less than in Sofia or many EU cities.
A 5-10% tip is appreciated in restaurants for good service. Round up taxis. Small tips are optional in cafes and bars.
Official public transport app
Ruse Avtogara -> Ruse Central Railway Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia to Ruse 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 Ruse, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need