- Must visit
Regional History Museum
Major archaeological museum presenting treasures, medieval artifacts, and the history of Veliko Tarnovo and the Tarnovo Kingdom.
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$20
Fastest journey
3 h
Average duration
3 h 4 m
Buses per day
19
Distance
193 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo will cost around $20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
Of the 19 buses that leave Sofia for Veliko Tarnovo on Sun, Aug 23, 19 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 23 the direct buses cover the 193 km distance in an average of 3 h 4 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h .
On Sun, Aug 23 the slowest buses will take 3 h 11 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.










Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a bus costs an average of $17.
Distance: 119 miles (193 km)
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$19 Average price Cheapest | $50 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 48m Average total duration Fastest 3h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around $19 (€15) compared to roughly $50 (€40) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $30 (€25). The journey takes 3h 18m versus 2h 55m 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, Group Plus, Global Biomet, Infobus, Global Biomet (Глобал Биомет), Pegasus, Grup Plus - Etap Adresss, 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Global Biomet (Глобал Биомет) | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Global Biomet (Глобал Биомет) | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Pegasus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Pegasus | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator Global Biomet (Глобал Биомет) | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator Global Biomet (Глобал Биомет) | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Global Biomet (Глобал Биомет) | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator Global Biomet (Глобал Биомет) | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 08:11PM | Duration 3h11 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator Global Biomet (Глобал Биомет) | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator Global Biomet (Глобал Биомет) | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo buses for today, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 7:00 AM Sofia | 3h15 | 10:15 AM Veliko Tarnovo | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 7:00 AM Sofia | 3h05 | 10:05 AM Veliko Tarnovo | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 9:00 AM Sofia | 3h45 | 12:45 PM Veliko Tarnovo | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 9:30 AM Sofia | 3h15 | 12:45 PM Veliko Tarnovo | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:30 AM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 3h10 | 1:40 PM Veliko Tarnovo, Avtogara Ûg (Велико Търново, Автогара Юг) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:30 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 3h30 | 4:00 PM Veliko Tarnovo, Avtogara Ûg (Велико Търново, Автогара Юг) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:30 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 3h15 | 6:45 PM Veliko Tarnovo, Avtogara Ûg (Велико Търново, Автогара Юг) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:00 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 3h15 | 7:15 PM Veliko Tarnovo, Avtogara Ûg (Велико Търново, Автогара Юг) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 4:00 PM Sofia | 3h15 | 7:15 PM Veliko Tarnovo | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:00 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 3h11 | 8:11 PM Veliko Tarnovo, Avtogara Ûg (Велико Търново, Автогара Юг) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 5:00 PM Sofia | 3h15 | 8:15 PM Veliko Tarnovo | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:30 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 3h15 | 10:45 PM Veliko Tarnovo, Avtogara Ûg (Велико Търново, Автогара Юг) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:30 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 3h00 | 12:30 AM Veliko Tarnovo, Avtogara Ûg (Велико Търново, Автогара Юг) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, August 23 | |||||
![]() | 12:30 AM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 3h00 | 3:30 AM Veliko Tarnovo, Avtogara Ûg (Велико Търново, Автогара Юг) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:30 AM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 3h00 | 9:30 AM Veliko Tarnovo, Avtogara Ûg (Велико Търново, Автогара Юг) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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.
Buses from Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo run on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $17 (€13) if you book in advance.
There are 13 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:41. The fastest bus covers the 119 miles (193 km) distance in 3h 11m.
Distance 119 miles (193 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 (€13) |
Buses per day 13 |
Direct buses 13 |
Fastest bus 3h 11m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:41 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Veliko Tarnovo — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Veliko Tarnovo trip today.
Major archaeological museum presenting treasures, medieval artifacts, and the history of Veliko Tarnovo and the Tarnovo Kingdom.
Historic prison building and museum honoring Bulgarian revolutionary Vasil Levski with exhibits on his life and national liberation.
Ethnographic house museum displaying revival-era interiors, crafts, and the lifestyle of a wealthy Tarnovo family.
Historic main street lined with revival-era houses, shops, and viewpoints; the best place to feel old Tarnovo's atmosphere on foot.
Historic old-town quarter of steep lanes and traditional houses, ideal for scenic walks, photography, and river valley views.
Elegant central street for walking between the theater, monuments, and viewpoints, with strong views into the river gorge.
Banitsa is a flaky pastry with white cheese and eggs, baked in layers. It is a beloved Bulgarian breakfast and common festive food across Veliko Tarnovo.
Tarator is a cold yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnut soup. It is especially popular in summer and reflects classic Bulgarian home cooking.
Shopska Salad combines tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and sirene cheese. It is Bulgaria’s iconic salad and a standard start to local meals.
Traditional Bulgarian tavern known for regional dishes, grilled meats, and a warm old-town atmosphere popular with visitors and locals.
Established mehana serving classic Bulgarian food, clay-pot dishes, and local drinks in a rustic setting near the historic center.
Casual Bulgarian restaurant with hearty tavern fare, salads, and grilled specialties. Good for trying local staples in a relaxed setting.
Budget-friendly for Bulgaria tourist cities: stays, meals, and local transport are generally low-cost, with good value guesthouses and inexpensive casual dining.
Tipping is customary but modest: about 10% in restaurants for good service, small rounding in cafes, and rounding up or 5-10% for taxis.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo 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 Veliko Tarnovo, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo buses use the Sofia (София) to Veliko Tarnovo (Велико-Тирново) station pair, with some services arriving at Veliko Tarnovo, Avtogara Ûg (Велико Търново, Автогара Юг). Use this guide to compare Sofia and Veliko Tarnovo 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.
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, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София) is 6 km from Sofia city centre. Public transport options include:
Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София). ATMs are aTMs are available nearby.
Ticket office support is available at Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София).
Available at Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София): The station has basic accessibility.
Veliko Tarnovo (Велико-Тирново) is 1 km from Veliko Tarnovo city centre. Public transport options include:
Veliko Tarnovo (Велико-Тирново) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Small cafe available at the station.
Wi-Fi is available at Veliko Tarnovo (Велико-Тирново). ATMs are available at Veliko Tarnovo (Велико-Тирново).
Ticket office support is available at Veliko Tarnovo (Велико-Тирново).
Available at Veliko Tarnovo (Велико-Тирново): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Veliko Tarnovo (Велико-Тирново): Ramp available for wheelchair access.
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