- Must visit
Museum of Textile Industry
Specialized museum focused on Sliven's textile heritage, a defining part of the city's economy and modern identity.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Sofia to Sliven
Showing times and prices for Aug 10
Cheapest price
€15
Average price
€15
Fastest journey
4 h 30 m
Average duration
5 h 3 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
246 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sofia to Sliven is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sofia to Sliven will cost around €15 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €15.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave Sofia for Sliven on Mon, Aug 10, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 10 the direct buses cover the 246 km distance in an average of 5 h 3 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 30 m .
On Mon, Aug 10 the slowest buses will take 5 h 20 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.
11:00 AM4h30Sofia3:30 PMSliven€151One-way0 transfers- 8:00 AM5h20Sofia1:20 PMSliven€161One-way0 transfers
- 9:00 AM5h20Sofia2:20 PMSliven€161One-way0 transfers
- 11:00 AM4h30Sofia3:30 PMSliven€151One-way0 transfers
- 9:00 AM5h20Sofia2:20 PMSliven€161One-way0 transfers
- 8:00 AM5h20Sofia1:20 PMSliven€161One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Sofia to Sliven
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Sliven among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €11. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 4h 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €11, and a bus costs an average of €15.
Distance: 152 miles (246 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€16 Average price | €11 Average price Cheapest | €50 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 23m Average total duration Fastest 4h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 44m Average total duration 7h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Sofia to Sliven is a train with an average price of €11.
This is compared to other travel options from Sofia to Sliven:
A train is €4 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Sofia to Sliven costing on average €16.
The fastest way to travel from Sofia to Sliven is by bus with an average journey time of 4h 53m.
Other travel options to Sliven take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 14m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sofia and Sliven including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Sofia to Sliven among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around €16 compared to roughly €50 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €35. The journey takes 4h 53m versus 3h 7m 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, City Lines, Citylines, Union Ivkoni.
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.
Sofia to Sliven Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €15 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €15 |
Operator | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €18 |
Operator | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €18 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €15 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €18 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 06:49PM | Duration 4h19 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 09:53PM | Duration 4h23 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price €20 |
Live departures
Sofia to Sliven bus times
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Sliven buses for tomorrow, Monday, August 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM Sofia | 5h20 | 1:20 PM Sliven | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:00 AM Sofia | 5h20 | 2:20 PM Sliven | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 11:00 AM Sofia | 4h30 | 3:30 PM Sliven | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Sofia to Sliven by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Mon
Aug 10
Aug 10
Tue
Aug 11
Aug 11
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Aug 12
Thu
Aug 13
Aug 13
Fri
Aug 14
Aug 14
Sat
Aug 15
Aug 15
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Aug 16
Aug 16
Why should you book Sofia to Sliven buses with Omio?
Union Ivkoni International as well as City Lines, Citylines, Union Ivkoni, BG Razpisanie and more offer buses services from Sofia to Sliven.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Sofia to Sliven.
Why book with Omio vs Union Ivkoni International?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Union Ivkoni International, but also compare tickets for the likes of City Lines, Citylines, Union Ivkoni or BG Razpisanie to find the best option for your trip from Sofia to Sliven.
- 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.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Union Ivkoni International with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Sofia to Sliven.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Wanderu or Busbud?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Sofia to Sliven.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Sofia to Sliven
BulgariaBulgaria
Buses from Sofia to Sliven run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €15 but you can travel from only €11 by train.
There are 6 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:45, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 152 miles (246 km) distance in 4h 30m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from €11
Distance 152 miles (246 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price €15 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 4h 30m |
First bus 1:45 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from €11
Bus providers: Union Ivkoni International, City Lines, Citylines, Union Ivkoni, BG Razpisanie from Sofia to SlivenYou can travel by bus between Sofia to Sliven with Union Ivkoni International, City Lines, Citylines, Union Ivkoni, BG Razpisanie for as low as €11. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
City Lines
About
"City Lines" can refer to several different bus companies. One prominent example is Citylines, a leading Bulgarian bus company headquartered in Sofia. It operates an extensive network of 44 routes, connecting 22 cities across Bulgaria and serving 9 European nations with an average of 19 trips daily. Citylines coaches offer amenities such as air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Another is Rochester City Lines, a family-owned and operated charter bus company in Minnesota, United States, providing services for college, corporate, event, religious, school, and workforce transportation. They offer a fleet including motorcoaches, minibuses, and executive vans. Historically, National City Lines, Inc. (NCL) was a significant public transportation holding company in the United States, founded in 1920. NCL acquired numerous local transit systems, often converting streetcar lines to bus operations, a practice sometimes referred to as "bustitution." Additionally, "City Line" is also the name of a bus rapid transit (BRT) line in Spokane, Washington, operated by the Spokane Transit Authority. This 6-mile route, which opened in 2023, utilizes modern, zero-emission battery-electric buses and connects key areas including downtown Spokane and the University District.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 19m
Cheapest Price
€16
City Lines frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 20% fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible restrooms.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; must be booked in advance.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
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 Duration
4h 30m
Cheapest Price
€16
Union Ivkoni International frequency
9 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.
Citylines
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 19m
Cheapest Price
€19
Citylines frequency
2 a day
Union Ivkoni
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 20m
Cheapest Price
€15
Union Ivkoni frequency
3 a day
BG Razpisanie
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
19h 46m
Cheapest Price
€14
BG Razpisanie frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Sliven
Things to do in Sliven
Discover the best of Sliven — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sliven trip today.
- Recommended
Regional History Museum Sliven
Main regional museum presenting archaeology, ethnography, and local history, ideal for understanding Sliven and its wider area.
- Recommended
House-Museum Dobri Chintulov
Birthplace museum of poet Dobri Chintulov, showing Revival-era interiors and the life of a major Bulgarian cultural figure.
- Must visit
Karandila
Well-known natural viewpoint above Sliven with dramatic cliffs and broad vistas, often considered the city's signature panorama.
- Must visit
Sinite Kamani Nature Park
Protected mountain area near the city with trails, fresh air, and views, popular for walking and outdoor escapes.
- Recommended
Boulevard Tsar Osvoboditel
Central pedestrian street lined with shops and civic buildings, ideal for everyday city atmosphere and easy sightseeing.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Bob Chorba
A hearty bean soup slowly cooked with peppers, carrots, and herbs. It is a staple across Bulgaria and common in Sliven homes and taverns.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Beans In A Pot
Baked beans with dried peppers, onions, and spearmint in a clay pot. A rustic regional fasting dish valued for simple mountain flavors.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Tarator
Thick strained yogurt served with cucumber, garlic, dill, walnuts, and oil. This cold summer soup is beloved throughout southeastern Bulgaria.
Moni Restaurant
Established Bulgarian restaurant known for grilled meats, salads, and hearty local dishes in a relaxed traditional setting.
Venice Restaurant
Popular city restaurant serving Bulgarian and European dishes with a polished atmosphere suitable for family meals and business dinners.
Ragazzi Restaurant
Casual local venue appreciated for pizza, grilled food, and drinks. Good for an easy meal in the center with broad menu choices.
Bulgarian lev (лв.)
Budget-friendly for Bulgaria: hotels, casual meals, and local transport usually cost less than in Sofia or major EU tourist cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- 8-15 лв. for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- 20-35 лв. per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- 50+ лв. per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- 3-5 лв. for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is appreciated, not mandatory. Leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; round up in cafes and taxis.
FAQs: Bus from Sofia to Sliven
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia to Sliven 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 Sliven, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Sofia to Sliven can start from as little as €15 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Sofia to Sliven is €16 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Sofia to Sliven is 4h 30m to travel the 152 miles (246 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Sofia to Sliven leaves at 1:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Sofia to Sliven leaves at 11:30 PM.
Yes, there are 6 direct buses a day from Sofia to Sliven with Union Ivkoni International, City Lines, Citylines, Union Ivkoni. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Sofia to Sliven, you can count on Union Ivkoni International, City Lines, Citylines, Union Ivkoni, BG Razpisanie for the best way to get you to Sliven. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Sofia and Sliven and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Sofia , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара), Sofia (София) . When arriving in Sliven , you can end your journey in bus stations like Sliven, Avtogara (Сливен, Автогара) .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара), which is located around 0 miles (1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Sliven, Avtogara (Сливен, Автогара), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Sliven from Sofia is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Sofia to Sliven is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sofia and Sliven including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Sofia to Sliven:
- City Lines
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible restrooms.
- Union Ivkoni International
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Service animals allowed.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Sofia to Sliven for bus company Union Ivkoni International, City Lines.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Sliven are:
- The Blue Rocks, a natural park offering hiking trails and panoramic views of the Balkan Mountains
- Hadzhi Dimitar House-Museum, a historical site dedicated to the Bulgarian revolutionary hero
- Sliven Art Gallery, featuring a collection of Bulgarian art from the 19th and 20th centuries
- Sinite Kamani Nature Park, known for its diverse flora and fauna and outdoor activities
- Tuida Fortress, ancient ruins providing insight into the region's medieval history.
The best things to do in Sliven include:
- Visit the local wineries for a taste of Sliven's renowned wines
- Explore the vibrant local markets for traditional Bulgarian crafts and foods
- Attend a cultural event or festival to experience local traditions and music
- Enjoy a guided tour of Sliven's historical landmarks
- Take a scenic drive through the picturesque landscapes surrounding Sliven.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Sofia to Sliven depends on the bus companies:
- City Lines
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 20% fee.
- 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 Union Ivkoni International, City Lines.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Sofia to Sliven.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Sofia to Sliven:
- City Lines
- One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
- 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 Sliven:
- City Lines
- 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
- Union Ivkoni International
- 10 USD per additional bag.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Sofia to Sliven. The following conditions apply:
- City Lines
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Sofia to Sliven with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International, City Lines
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Sofia to Sliven with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International, City Lines.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Sofia to Sliven with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International, City Lines.
Since both Sofia and Sliven are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Sofia to Sliven among Omio's users.
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 Sliven, travelers should remain cautious of petty theft, especially in crowded areas and public transport. Avoid accepting unsolicited offers for transportation or tours to prevent scams. It is advisable to use official taxi services and keep valuables secure to ensure a safe visit.
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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Sofia to Sliven
Most Sofia to Sliven buses use the Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) to Sliven, Avtogara (Сливен, Автогара) station pair. Use this guide to compare Sofia and Sliven 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 Sliven
Which Sofia station do buses to Sliven leave from?
Buses from Sofia to Sliven 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 · €1 · 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.
Sofia (София)Central Bus Station - Sofia, Tsentralna, bul. "Knyaginya Maria Luiza" 100, 1202 Sofia, Bulgaria
City-centre transport
Getting to Sofia (София) from Sofia city centre
Bus36h 31m · €397
38h 30m
39h 1m · €303
57h 18m · €248
Sofia (София) bus station facilities and services
Sofia (София) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Small cafes available nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Sofia (София). ATMs are aTM machines available onsite.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Sofia (София).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Sofia (София): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia (София): Facilities are accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Sliven, Avtogara (Сливен, Автогара)Sliven Bus Station, Hadzhi Dimitar Blvd 42, 8801
Most popular bus connections from Sofia
More options for your journey from Sofia to Sliven
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Sliven and Sofia
Most popular bus connections to Sliven
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