- Must visit
Regional Historical Museum - Ruse
Ruse's main museum presents archaeology, urban history, and regional heritage in a monumental palace-like building in the center.
Cheapest price
$19
Average price
$23
Fastest journey
4 h 30 m
Average duration
4 h 45 m
Buses per day
9
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 $23 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
Of the 9 buses that leave Sofia for Ruse on Wed, Jul 22, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 22 the direct buses cover the 250 km distance in an average of 4 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 30 m .
On Wed, Jul 22 the slowest buses will take 5 h 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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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 $13. 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 $13, and a flight costs an average of $153.
Distance: 155 miles (250 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$20 Average price | $263 Average price | $13 Average price Cheapest | $63 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 $250 (€205) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sofia to Ruse costing on average $263 (€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 $63 (€52) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $43 (€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, Group Plus, Infobus, 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 FlixBus | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 12:15PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator Pegasus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Pegasus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator Group Plus | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Pegasus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Ruse buses for today, Tuesday, July 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:30 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 4h40 | 11:10 PM Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:00 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 5h30 | 3:30 AM Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, July 22 | |||||
![]() | 7:00 AM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 5h15 | 12:15 PM Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:30 AM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 5h00 | 3:30 PM Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 12:00 PM Sofia (София) | 4h50 | 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 | |
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 $13 (€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.
Ruse's main museum presents archaeology, urban history, and regional heritage in a monumental palace-like building in the center.
Museum site preserving the remains of the Roman fortress Sexaginta Prista, with exhibits and Danube views that connect ancient and modern Ruse.
Birthplace museum of Nobel laureate Elias Canetti, exploring his family, childhood, and multicultural Ruse through thoughtful displays.
Ruse's elegant central square, framed by monumental architecture and the Liberty Monument, ideal for orientation and people-watching.
The city's main pedestrian artery, lined with ornate facades, shops, and public buildings that showcase Ruse's Little Vienna character.
Historic district of richly decorated late 19th- and early 20th-century buildings, best explored on foot for architecture lovers.
Ribena fish soup from the Danube, usually made with local river fish. It reflects Ruse’s river culture and is a classic regional comfort dish.
Fresh Danube carp, often grilled or baked. River fish is central to local cuisine in Ruse because of the city’s long connection to the Danube.
A baked bean stew with peppers, onions, and herbs. It is a staple Bulgarian home dish, hearty and widely eaten in Ruse and northern Bulgaria.
Refined restaurant in a grand historic hotel, suited to a quieter meal with Bulgarian and European dishes in elegant surroundings.
Established riverside restaurant known for seafood, fish dishes, and broad Bulgarian and European menus in a polished setting.
Popular Bulgarian chain restaurant with reliable grilled meats, salads, and casual family-friendly dining in central Ruse.
Budget-friendly for Bulgaria and the EU. Hotels, casual meals, and local transport are usually cheaper than in Sofia, Bucharest, or major Western European cities.
Service is not always included. Tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service, round up in cafés, and round up or add a small tip for taxis.
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.

Most Sofia to Ruse buses use the Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) to Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара) station pair, with some services arriving at Ruse (Русе). Use this guide to compare Sofia and Ruse 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