- Must visit
Archaeological Museum Sandanski
The city’s main museum presents finds from ancient Parthicopolis, including mosaics, sculpture, and material from the Roman period.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Sofia to Sandanski
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 03
- Cheapest price on Nov 03
- $11
- Average ticket price on Nov 03
- $12
- Fastest journey on Nov 03
- 2 h 55 m
- Average journey duration on Nov 03
- 3 h 8 m
- Buses on Nov 03
- 3
- Distance
- 126 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sofia to Sandanski is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sofia to Sandanski will cost around $12 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $11.
Fast buses
On Tue, Nov 03, we found 3 buses from Sofia to Sandanski, including 3 direct services.
On Tue, Nov 03 the direct buses cover the 126 km distance in an average of 3 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 55 m .
On Tue, Nov 03 the slowest buses will take 3 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.
5:10 AM 3h15 Sofia 8:25 AM Sandanski $11 1 One-way 0 transfers12:30 PM 2h55 Sofia 3:25 PM Sandanski $12 1 One-way 0 transfers6:10 AM 3h15 Sofia 9:25 AM Sandanski $13 1 One-way 0 transfers
12:30 PM 2h55 Sofia 3:25 PM Sandanski $12 1 One-way 0 transfers6:10 AM 3h15 Sofia 9:25 AM Sandanski $13 1 One-way 0 transfers5:10 AM 3h15 Sofia 8:25 AM Sandanski $11 1 One-way 0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Sofia to Sandanski
BulgariaBulgaria
Buses from Sofia to Sandanski run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 1m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $11 if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:40, the last at 17:00. The fastest bus covers the 78 miles (126 km) distance in 2h 50m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Plan this route
Journey facts
- Distance78 miles (126 km)
- Average bus duration3h 1m
- Cheapest ticket price$11
- Buses per day4
- Direct buses4
- Fastest bus2h 50m
- First bus6:40 AM
- Last bus5:00 PM
- Cheapest MonthFeb
- Cheapest DayThu
- High SeasonJul - Sep
- Low SeasonJan - Mar
- Busiest DaySat
- Least Busy DayMon
- Best time to book3 days
Understand & plan this route
Explore this journey
Book with confidence
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Frequently asked questions about your Sofia to Sandanski trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Sofia to Sandanski.
Cheap bus tickets from Sofia to Sandanski can start from as little as $11 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Sofia to Sandanski is $12 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest bus from Sofia to Sandanski leaves at 6:40 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Sofia to Sandanski leaves at 5:00 PM.
Yes, there are 4 direct buses a day from Sofia to Sandanski with Union Ivkoni International. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
Sofia to Sandanski Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 03:25PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $12 |
Live departures
Sofia to Sandanski bus times
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Sandanski buses for today, Monday, November 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 6:40 AM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 3h00 | 9:40 AM Sandanski, Bus Station (Сандански, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:10 AM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 3h15 | 11:25 AM Sandanski, Bus Station (Сандански, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:30 AM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 2h50 | 1:20 PM Sandanski, Bus Station (Сандански, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:30 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 2h55 | 6:25 PM Sandanski, Bus Station (Сандански, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Sofia to Sandanski buses with Omio?
Union Ivkoni International operates all buses services from Sofia to Sandanski.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Sofia to Sandanski.
Why book with Omio vs Union Ivkoni International?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
Bus companies
Bus companies from Sofia to Sandanski
Buses from Sofia to Sandanski with Union Ivkoni International. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Union Ivkoni International
About
Union Ivkoni International is a prominent bus company based in Sofia, Bulgaria, established in 1992. It is recognized as the largest bus carrier in Bulgaria and a leader in bus transport across Europe. The company offers extensive services, including regular bus lines, bus rentals, and bus tours, with over 715 daily departures to more than 100 towns in Bulgaria and over 150 towns in Central and Western Europe, Greece, and Turkey. Union Ivkoni also operates its own tourist brand, Uni Holidays, providing various excursions, vacations, and plane tickets.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Union Ivkoni International Duration
2h 50m
Cheapest Union Ivkoni International Price
$11
Union Ivkoni International frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs and one checked bag up to 50 lbs.
Additional luggage
10 USD per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a full refund in the form of a travel credit.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Service animals allowed.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Sofia and Sandanski
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
When taking a bus from Sofia to Sandanski, you can count on Union Ivkoni International for the best way to get you to Sandanski. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Sofia and Sandanski and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Sofia to Sandanski:
- Union Ivkoni International
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Service animals allowed.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Sofia to Sandanski for bus company Union Ivkoni International.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Sofia to Sandanski depends on the bus companies:
- Union Ivkoni International
- You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a full refund in the form of a travel credit.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company {providersWithBike}.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Sofia to Sandanski.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Sofia to Sandanski:
- Union Ivkoni International
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs and one checked bag up to 50 lbs.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Sofia to Sandanski:
- Union Ivkoni International
- 10 USD per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Sofia to Sandanski.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Sofia to Sandanski with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Sofia to Sandanski with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Sofia to Sandanski with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International.
Complete guide to Sandanski
Things to do in Sandanski
Discover the best of Sandanski — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sandanski trip today.
- Recommended
Archaeological Park Sandanski
Open-air archaeological museum with conserved ruins and interpretation of the ancient town beneath modern Sandanski.
- Recommended
Episcopal Basilica Museum
Museum display centered on the Episcopal Basilica, notable for preserved mosaics and early Christian history.
- Must visit
Park Saint Vrach
Large landscaped park with walking paths, sculptures, and a mild climate; the city’s best-known place for a relaxed stroll.
- Recommended
Macedonia Street
Main pedestrian street lined with shops and public spaces, ideal for seeing everyday city life and evening walks.
- Recommended
Bulgaria Square
Central town square used for events and gatherings, surrounded by civic buildings and easy to combine with nearby sights.
- Gluten-free
Kapama
Kapama is a slow-baked festive stew of sauerkraut, rice and mixed meats, common in Pirin Macedonia and prized for its rich layered flavor.
- Gluten-free
Banski Starets
Banski starets is a dry-cured pork sausage from the nearby Bansko area, seasoned simply and air-dried in the mountain climate.
- Gluten-free
Chomlek
Chomlek is a slow-cooked casserole of veal or beef, potatoes, onions and red wine, traditional in southwestern Bulgaria.
Mekhana Sveti Vrach
Traditional Bulgarian tavern known for regional dishes, grilled meats and local wine in a rustic, lively atmosphere.
Park Hotel Sandanski Restaurant
Well-known restaurant in Sandanski offering Bulgarian and European dishes with a polished setting suitable for a longer dinner.
Restaurant Maslina
Casual local venue popular for Bulgarian comfort food, salads and barbecue dishes with dependable service.
Bulgarian lev (лв.)
Budget-friendly versus many European spa towns: lodging, dining, and local transport are generally low cost for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- 12-20 лв. for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- 25-45 лв. per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- 50+ лв. per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- 3-5 лв. for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Round up in cafes and taxis; leave about 5-10% in restaurants if service is good.
Plan your visit to Sandanski
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Sandanski.
The currency used in Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cash is widely preferred in smaller towns and markets, while cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores in cities.
In Sandanski, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially in crowded areas and markets. It is advisable to keep valuables secure and be aware of pickpockets. Scams involving overpriced taxi fares can occur, so agreeing on a price before the ride is recommended. Overall, Sandanski is considered a safe destination with low crime rates, but standard precautions should be observed.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
FAQs: Bus from Sofia to Sandanski
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia to Sandanski 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 Sandanski, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Yes, you can take a bus between Sofia and Sandanski.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Sofia to Sandanski
Most Sofia to Sandanski buses use the Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) to Sandanski, Bus Station (Сандански, Автогара) station pair. Use this guide to compare Sofia and Sandanski bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Sofia
Arrival bus stations in Sandanski
Which Sofia station do buses to Sandanski leave from?
Buses from Sofia to Sandanski leave from Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара). The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Sofia city centre at Centralna Avtogara, 100 Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd, Sofia, Bulgaria.
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)Centralna Avtogara, 100 Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd, Sofia, Bulgaria
City-centre transport
Getting to Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) from Sofia city centre
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) is 1 km from Sofia city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus78 · 13m · every ~5 min
Subway2 · 3m · $2 · every ~20 min
M2 · 4m · every ~16 min
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) bus station facilities and services
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара): Elevators, ramps.
Sandanski, Bus Station (Сандански, Автогара)
Most popular buses to and from Sandanski and Sofia
Most popular bus connections to Sandanski
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
