- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
Bulgaria’s leading archaeological museum, housed in a former mosque and displaying Thracian, Roman, and medieval treasures.
Cheapest price
kr198
Average price
kr198
Fastest journey
3 h 4 m
Average duration
3 h 16 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
192 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Stara Zagora to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Stara Zagora to Sofia will cost around kr198 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr198.
Of the 3 buses that leave Stara Zagora for Sofia on Mon, Aug 17, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 17 the direct buses cover the 192 km distance in an average of 3 h 16 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 4 m .
On Mon, Aug 17 the slowest buses will take 3 h 24 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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0Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Stara Zagora to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from kr93. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of kr93, and a bus costs an average of kr157.
Distance: 119 miles (192 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
kr165 Average price | kr109 Average price Cheapest | kr468 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 13m Average total duration Fastest 3h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 35m Average total duration 5h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Stara Zagora to Sofia:
A train is kr56 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Stara Zagora to Sofia costing on average kr165.
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 5m.
Tickets start at around kr165 compared to roughly kr468 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about kr304. The journey takes 3h 43m versus 2h 26m 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price kr165 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price kr159 |
Operator | Departure Time 03:00AM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price kr186 |
Operator | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price kr186 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 05:02AM | Arrival Time 08:21AM | Duration 3h19 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price kr198 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 06:04AM | Arrival Time 09:28AM | Duration 3h24 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price kr198 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 07:07AM | Arrival Time 10:15AM | Duration 3h08 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price kr174 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 08:07AM | Arrival Time 11:15AM | Duration 3h08 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price kr157 |
Operator | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price kr186 |
Operator | Departure Time 10:07AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 2h38 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price kr186 |
Operator | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price kr186 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 04:41PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 3h04 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price kr198 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price kr166 |
Operator | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price kr186 |
Operator | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price kr186 |
The table below shows live departures for Stara Zagora to Sofia buses for today, Sunday, August 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:07 AM Stara Zagora | 3h08 | 11:15 AM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:45 PM Stara Zagora | 3h20 | 8:05 PM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, August 17 | |||||
0 | 5:02 AM Stara Zagora | 3h19 | 8:21 AM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 6:04 AM Stara Zagora | 3h24 | 9:28 AM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Stara Zagora to Sofia run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at kr157 but you can travel from only kr93 by train.
There are 8 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:00, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 119 miles (192 km) distance in 3h 8m.
Distance 119 miles (192 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price kr157 |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 8 |
Fastest bus 3h 8m |
First bus 4:00 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Sofia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sofia trip today.
Bulgaria’s leading archaeological museum, housed in a former mosque and displaying Thracian, Roman, and medieval treasures.
A major branch of the National Gallery featuring Bulgarian and international art in a large modern exhibition space.
This museum traces Sofia’s past from antiquity to modern times, with standout displays in the restored Central Mineral Baths.
Sofia’s iconic pedestrian boulevard lined with historic buildings, churches, shops, and constant city life.
A long Roman-era pedestrian zone with ruins, fountains, and metro access, ideal for understanding ancient Serdica.
A vast landscaped park with lakes, sports facilities, and quiet paths, favored by locals for walks and relaxation.
Shopska salad mixes tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onion, and sirene cheese. It is a Bulgarian staple and a classic start to meals across Sofia.
Tarator is a cold yogurt soup with cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnuts. It is especially traditional in summer and widely loved in Bulgarian homes.
Banitsa is a flaky pastry filled most often with eggs and sirene cheese. It is a beloved breakfast and a symbol of Bulgarian home cooking and holidays.
Upscale venue focused on modern Balkan and Bulgarian tasting menus, polished service, and a contemporary fine dining setting.
Refined Bulgarian restaurant in a historic house, known for seasonal local cuisine, regional wines, and an elegant but warm atmosphere.
Traditional Bulgarian tavern with folk style decor, grilled meats, salads, and classic dishes in a lively, old Sofia setting.
Budget-friendly for Europe. Hotels, meals, and public transport usually cost less than in major EU capitals, making Sofia good value for tourists.
Restaurants: 5-10% if service is good. Cafes: round up or leave small change. Taxis: round up the fare; larger tips are optional.
Official public transport app
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara -> Serdika, Sofia
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Stara Zagora to Sofia 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 Sofia, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Stara Zagora to Sofia buses use the Stara Zagora, Avtogara (Стара Загора, Aвтогара) to Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) station pair, with some services arriving at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика). Use this guide to compare Stara Zagora and Sofia bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Stara Zaragora is 1 km from Stara Zagora city centre. Public transport options include:
Stara Zaragora has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Small cafe with snacks and drinks available.
Wi-Fi is available at Stara Zaragora. ATMs are available at Stara Zaragora.
Ticket office support is available at Stara Zaragora.
Available at Stara Zaragora: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stara Zaragora: Wheelchair access provided at entrance.
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.
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.
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.
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