- 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.
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 $23 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $23.
On Tue, Nov 03, we found 8 buses from Sofia to Shumen, including 8 direct services.
On Tue, Nov 03 the direct buses cover the 300 km distance in an average of 5 h 37 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 20 m .
On Tue, Nov 03 the slowest buses will take 5 h 50 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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Buses from Sofia to Shumen run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 11m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $21 if you book in advance.
There are 8 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 4h 20m.
Distance 186 miles (300 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 8 |
Fastest bus 4h 20m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Sofia to Shumen.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Group Plus | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Group Plus | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Group Plus | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Group Plus | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Group Plus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Group Plus | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Group Plus | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 10:04PM | Duration 5h34 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Group Plus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Group Plus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 11:04PM | Duration 5h34 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Group Plus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Shumen buses for today, Monday, November 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:30 PM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 5h45 | 4:15 AM Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, November 3 | |||||
![]() | 12:30 AM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 5h20 | 5:50 AM Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:30 AM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 5h50 | 12:20 PM Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:30 AM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 6h00 | 3:30 PM Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:30 AM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 6h00 | 4:30 PM Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:30 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 5h50 | 6:20 PM Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:30 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 5h35 | 9:05 PM Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:00 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 5h45 | 10:45 PM Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:30 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 5h34 | 1:04 AM Shumen, Avtogara (Шумен, Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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.
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 Shumen.
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.
Check bus stations information for Sofia and Shumen, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need