The cheapest and fastest buses from Sofia to Stara Zagora
Cheapest price
$19
Average price
$20
Fastest journey
2 h 43 m
Average duration
3 h 8 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
192 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sofia to Stara Zagora is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sofia to Stara Zagora will cost around $20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
Of the 8 buses that leave Sofia for Stara Zagora on Wed, Jun 17, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 17 the direct buses cover the 192 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 43 m .
On Wed, Jun 17 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.
1:00 PM3h15Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)4:15 PMStara Zagora, Avtogara (Стара Загора, Aвтогара)$191One-way0 transfers
11:00 AM4h00Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)3:00 PMStara Zagora, Avtogara (Стара Загора, Aвтогара)$191One-way0 transfers
10:00 AM3h15Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)1:15 PMStara Zagora, Avtogara (Стара Загора, Aвтогара)$201One-way0 transfers
8:00 AM3h15Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)11:15 AMStara Zagora, Avtogara (Стара Загора, Aвтогара)$201One-way0 transfers
3:30 PM3h15Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)6:45 PMStara Zagora, Avtogara (Стара Загора, Aвтогара)$201One-way0 transfers
05:30 PM2h43Sofia (София)8:13 PMStara Zaragora$211One-way0 transfers
011:00 AM3h11Sofia (София)2:11 PMStara Zaragora$211One-way0 transfers
1:00 PM3h15Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)4:15 PMStara Zagora, Avtogara (Стара Загора, Aвтогара)$191One-way0 transfers
10:00 AM3h15Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)1:15 PMStara Zagora, Avtogara (Стара Загора, Aвтогара)$201One-way0 transfers
8:00 AM3h15Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)11:15 AMStara Zagora, Avtogara (Стара Загора, Aвтогара)$201One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Sofia to Stara Zagora
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Stara Zagora among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $10. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 41m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $10, and a bus costs an average of $15.
Distance: 119 miles (192 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$17 Average price | $11 Average price Cheapest | $50 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 11m Average total duration Fastest 3h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 7m Average total duration 4h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Sofia to Stara Zagora:
A train is $5 (€4) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Sofia to Stara Zagora costing on average $17 (€13).
Other travel options to Stara Zagora take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 37m.
Tickets start at around $17 (€13) compared to roughly $50 (€40) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $33 (€27). The journey takes 3h 41m versus 2h 27m 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, Union Ivkoni, 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 Stara Zagora Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 11:15AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 02:11PM | Duration 3h11 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 05:48PM | Duration 3h18 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 08:13PM | Duration 2h43 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $21 |
Live departures
Sofia to Stara Zagora bus times
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Stara Zagora buses for today, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 11:00 AM Sofia (София) | 3h11 | 2:11 PM Stara Zaragora | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:00 AM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 4h00 | 3:00 PM Stara Zagora, Avtogara (Стара Загора, Aвтогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 2:30 PM Sofia (София) | 3h18 | 5:48 PM Stara Zaragora | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:30 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 3h15 | 6:45 PM Stara Zagora, Avtogara (Стара Загора, Aвтогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 5:30 PM Sofia (София) | 2h43 | 8:13 PM Stara Zaragora | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:00 AM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 3h15 | 11:15 AM Stara Zagora, Avtogara (Стара Загора, Aвтогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:00 AM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 3h15 | 1:15 PM Stara Zagora, Avtogara (Стара Загора, Aвтогара) | 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 Stara Zagora 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.
Jun 17
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Jun 29
Jun 30
Why should you book Sofia to Stara Zagora buses with Omio?
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, Union Ivkoni, Karat-S or Citylines to find the best option for your trip from Sofia to Stara Zagora.
- 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 Stara Zagora.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Wanderu or Busbud?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of City Lines, Union Ivkoni, Karat-S or Citylines to find the best option for your trip from Sofia to Stara Zagora.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Sofia to Stara Zagora.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Sofia to Stara Zagora
Buses from Sofia to Stara Zagora run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 41m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $15 (€12) but you can travel from only $10 (€8) by train.
There are 7 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:00, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 119 miles (192 km) distance in 3h 10m.
Distance 119 miles (192 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 (€12) |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 3h 10m |
First bus 3:00 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 days |
Bus providers: Union Ivkoni International, City Lines, Union Ivkoni, Karat-S, Citylines, BG Razpisanie from Sofia to Stara ZagoraYou can travel by bus between Sofia to Stara Zagora with Union Ivkoni International, City Lines, Union Ivkoni, Karat-S, Citylines, BG Razpisanie for as low as $10 (€8). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
City Lines
Karat-S
Union Ivkoni International
Union Ivkoni
Citylines
BG Razpisanie
FAQs: Bus from Sofia to Stara Zagora
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia to Stara Zagora 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 Stara Zagora, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- City Lines
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible restrooms.
- Karat-S
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible restrooms.
- Union Ivkoni International
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Service animals allowed.
- Regional History Museum, a museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits from Stara Zagora's rich history and cultural heritage
- Roman Forum, the remains of an ancient Roman city center with well-preserved ruins and historical significance
- Ayazmoto Park, a large urban park offering walking trails, picnic areas, and a zoo
- Antique Forum Augusta Traiana, an archaeological site featuring remnants of a Roman forum and amphitheater
- Stara Zagora Art Gallery, a gallery displaying a diverse collection of Bulgarian art from various periods.
- Geo Milev House Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the famous Bulgarian poet and publicist
- Explore the vibrant local markets, offering a taste of Bulgarian culture and cuisine
- Visit the Stara Zagora Opera House for a captivating performance
- Enjoy a wine tasting tour at a nearby vineyard, experiencing the flavors of the region
- Participate in a guided walking tour to discover hidden gems and historical insights of the city.
- 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.
- Karat-S
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. No refunds for cancellations within 24 hours.
- 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.
- City Lines
- One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
- Karat-S
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg (55x40x20) 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.
- City Lines
- 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
- Karat-S
- 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
- Union Ivkoni International
- 10 USD per additional bag.
- City Lines
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
- Karat-S
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Sofia to Stara Zagora
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 213, 305, 404 Metro: M2 Train: Sofia Central Station
Most popular bus connections from Sofia
More options for your journey from Sofia to Stara Zagora
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