- Must visit
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
The city’s leading archaeology museum, presenting Macedonian gold, sculpture, and finds that explain Thessaloniki’s ancient history.
Cheapest price on Sep 14
$23
Average ticket price on Sep 14
$32
Fastest journey on Sep 14
4 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 14
4 h 54 m
Buses on Sep 14
12
Distance
231 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sofia to Thessaloniki is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sofia to Thessaloniki will cost around $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $23.
On Mon, Sep 14, we found 12 buses from Sofia to Thessaloniki, including 12 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 14 the direct buses cover the 231 km distance in an average of 4 h 54 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 40 m .
On Mon, Sep 14 the slowest buses will take 5 h 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus


FlixBus
7343304
7491932
7497266
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Thessaloniki among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $30 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 9m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $30, while a flight costs an average of $344.
Distance: 143 miles (231 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$30 Average price Cheapest | $344 Average price | $83 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 42m Average total duration 5h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 9m Average total duration Fastest 3h 9m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Sofia to Thessaloniki:
A bus is $314 (€254) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sofia to Thessaloniki costing on average $344 (€278).
Other travel options to Thessaloniki take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 12m.
Tickets start at around $30 (€24) compared to roughly $83 (€68) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $54 (€44). The journey takes 5h 12m versus 3h 41m 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, FlixBus, ArdaTur, Infobus, City Lines, Citylines.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator | Departure Time 07:31AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 4h59 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 4h51 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Thessaloniki buses for today, Sunday, September 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:00 PM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 5h30 | 9:30 PM Thessaloniki, Station Monastiriou (Θεσσαλονίκηб, Στάση Μοναστηρίου) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:50 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 4h40 | 10:30 PM Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 0 transfersDirect | |
7505366 | 6:00 PM Sofia | 5h00 | 11:00 PM Thessaloniki | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:30 PM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 5h00 | 12:30 AM Thessaloniki, Station Monastiriou (Θεσσαλονίκηб, Στάση Μοναστηρίου) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:59 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 4h51 | 4:50 AM Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:10 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 5h15 | 12:25 PM Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:30 AM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 5h30 | 1:00 PM Thessaloniki, Station Monastiriou (Θεσσαλονίκηб, Στάση Μοναστηρίου) | 0 transfersDirect | |
7343304 | 10:00 AM Sofia | 5h00 | 3:00 PM Thessaloniki | 0 transfersDirect | |
7343304 | 10:00 AM Sofia | 4h55 | 2:55 PM Thessaloniki | 0 transfersDirect | |
7491932 | 1:00 PM Sofia | 4h55 | 5:55 PM Thessaloniki | 0 transfersDirect | |
7491932 | 1:00 PM Sofia | 5h30 | 6:30 PM Thessaloniki | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Thessaloniki run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $9 (€7) if you book in advance.
There are 9 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:01, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 143 miles (231 km) distance in 3h 50m.
Distance 143 miles (231 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 (€7) |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 9 |
Fastest bus 3h 50m |
First bus 12:01 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Thessaloniki — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Thessaloniki trip today.
The city’s leading archaeology museum, presenting Macedonian gold, sculpture, and finds that explain Thessaloniki’s ancient history.
Major museum of Byzantine art with icons, mosaics, and everyday objects that illuminate a millennium of regional culture.
Housed in the White Tower, this museum traces Thessaloniki’s urban story through multimedia displays inside the landmark itself.
Signature waterfront promenade stretching along the sea, ideal for walking, cycling, sunset views, and seeing modern Thessaloniki at leisure.
The city’s central square and social heart, opening to the sea and lined with landmark architecture and major public events.
Historic upper town with traditional houses, winding lanes, and some of the best panoramic views in Thessaloniki.
Bougatsa is a flaky phyllo pastry filled with custard, cheese, or minced meat. Thessaloniki is especially famous for its breakfast bougatsa tradition.
Koulouri Thessalonikis is a sesame-crusted bread ring sold by street vendors. It is a classic local breakfast snack closely tied to the city's daily food culture.
Trigona Panoramatos are crisp syrupy phyllo triangles filled with rich custard cream. They originated in the Thessaloniki area and are a beloved local dessert.
Refined modern Greek restaurant known for creative plates, quality seafood, and a polished but relaxed setting in central Thessaloniki.
Historic pastry shop famed for classic bougatsa. A must for breakfast or dessert and one of the city's best-known traditional sweet stops.
Long-standing ladadika taverna serving meze, grilled dishes, and local wine in a lively traditional atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Moderate for Greece: rooms, meals, and buses are reasonable, with lower dining and transit costs than many Western European city breaks.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants for good service; round up taxi fares; small change is fine at cafes.
Official public transport app
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL -> Aristotelous Square, Thessaloniki
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia to Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Sofia to Thessaloniki buses use the Sofia (София) to Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) station pair, with some services arriving at Thessaloniki, Station Monastiriou (Θεσσαλονίκηб, Στάση Μοναστηρίου). Use this guide to compare Sofia and Thessaloniki bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 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.
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) is 1 km from Sofia city centre. Public transport options include:
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Serdika (in the station), Bistro Bulgaria (0.2 km), Sofia Grill House (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика).
Available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика): Elevators, ramps.
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) is 1 km from Thessaloniki city centre. Public transport options include:
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ).
Available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ): Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need