- Must visit
National Historical and Archaeological Reserve Pliska
Important museum at the first Bulgarian capital, with medieval remains, churches, and interpretation of the early Bulgarian state.
Cheapest price
€39
Average price
€39
Fastest journey
14 h 55 m
Average duration
14 h 55 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
300 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sofia to Shumen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sofia to Shumen will cost around €39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €39.
It's difficult to get from Sofia to Shumen without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Shumen 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 50m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €13, and a flight costs an average of €67.
Distance: 186 miles (300 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€19 Average price | €95 Average price | €13 Average price Cheapest | €59 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 15m Average total duration 5h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 49m Average total duration 8h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 1.8kg 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 Shumen:
A train is €6 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Sofia to Shumen costing on average €19.
A train is €82 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sofia to Shumen costing on average €95.
Other travel options to Shumen take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 45m.
Train takes on average 8h 19m.
Tickets start at around €19 compared to roughly €59 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €40. The journey takes 5h 45m versus 4h 46m 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 Group Plus, Union Ivkoni International, Infobus, Grup Plus - Etap Adresss.
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 12:30AM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 04:10AM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €38 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator Group Plus | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 10:04PM | Duration 5h34 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator Group Plus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 11:04PM | Duration 5h34 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 01:04AM | Duration 5h34 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €19 |
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Shumen buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:30 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 5h34 | 1:04 AM Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:30 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 5h30 | 3:00 AM Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, August 5 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:15 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 14h55 | 4:10 AM Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара) | 1 transfer | |
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 Shumen run on average 10 times per day, taking around 5h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €17 but you can travel from only €13 by train.
There are 10 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 186 miles (300 km) distance in 5h 30m.
Distance 186 miles (300 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price €17 |
Buses per day 10 |
Direct buses 10 |
Fastest bus 5h 30m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of Shumen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Shumen trip today.
Important museum at the first Bulgarian capital, with medieval remains, churches, and interpretation of the early Bulgarian state.
Archaeological reserve at the old capital with palace ruins and the Great Basilica, essential for understanding Bulgaria’s Golden Age.
Main regional museum covering archaeology, history, ethnography, and notable treasures. Best introduction to Shumen and northeastern Bulgaria.
Large forested park on the plateau with paths, fresh air, and access to key monuments. Popular for walking, views, and day trips.
Main pedestrian boulevard lined with shops, public buildings, and everyday city life. Ideal for strolling and orienting yourself in central Shumen.
Central square used for events and gatherings, surrounded by important civic buildings and a practical starting point for sightseeing.
A baked Bulgarian pastry of thin layers with white brined cheese and eggs. A breakfast staple across Shumen and a classic taste of northeastern Bulgaria.
Cold yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic, walnuts, and water soup, prized in summer for its freshness and Bulgaria's strong yogurt tradition.
Shopska salad combines tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and grated sirene cheese. It is one of Bulgaria's most iconic everyday dishes.
Traditional Bulgarian tavern known for grilled meats, salads, and hearty regional dishes in a rustic, casual setting.
Established restaurant serving Bulgarian and European dishes with a polished atmosphere, suitable for a longer sit-down meal.
Casual central venue popular for pizza, grills, and drinks, offering a relaxed atmosphere for groups and everyday dining.
Budget-friendly for Bulgaria. Hotels, meals, and local transport usually cost less than in Sofia or coastal resorts, making daily travel costs fairly low.
A 5-10% tip is appreciated in restaurants if service is good. Round up in cafes and taxis. Check the bill first, as a service charge may already be included.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia to Shumen 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 Shumen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Sofia to Shumen buses use the Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) to Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара) station pair. Use this guide to compare Sofia and Shumen 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.
Sofia (София) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Small cafes available nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at Sofia (София). ATMs are aTM machines available onsite.
Ticket office support is available at Sofia (София).
Available at Sofia (София): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia (София): Facilities are accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара) is 1 km from Shumen city centre. Public transport options include:
Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара). ATMs are next to the ticket office.
Ticket office support is available at Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара).
Available at Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара): Wheelchair accessible.
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