- Must visit
Regional Archaeological Museum Plovdiv
Major archaeological museum with Thracian, Greek, and Roman finds. Essential for understanding Plovdiv's long and layered history.
Cheapest price
$40
Average price
$40
Fastest journey
7 h
Average duration
7 h 10 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
226 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Thessaloniki to Plovdiv is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Thessaloniki to Plovdiv will cost around $40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
Of the 2 buses that leave Thessaloniki for Plovdiv on Fri, Jul 17, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 17 the direct buses cover the 226 km distance in an average of 7 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h .
On Fri, Jul 17 the slowest buses will take 7 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.
7163951
7163951
7163951
7163951Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Thessaloniki to Plovdiv among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 7h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a bus costs an average of $23.
Distance: 140 miles (226 km)
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$33 Average price Cheapest | $89 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 20m Average total duration Fastest 7h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around $33 (€27) compared to roughly $89 (€73) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $57 (€46). The journey takes 7h 50m versus 5h 14m 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 ArdaTur, City Lines, Union Ivkoni International, Infobus, 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 ArdaTur | Departure Time 12:05AM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $40 |
The table below shows live departures for Thessaloniki to Plovdiv buses for today, Thursday, July 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7233480 | 8:00 AM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 7h30 | 3:30 PM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 0 transfersDirect | |
7233480 | 8:15 AM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 7h15 | 3:30 PM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 0 transfersDirect | |
7228709 | 3:10 PM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 7h20 | 10:30 PM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 0 transfersDirect | |
7228709 | 3:30 PM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 7h00 | 10:30 PM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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 Thessaloniki to Plovdiv run on average 6 times per day, taking around 7h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) if you book in advance.
There are 6 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 140 miles (226 km) distance in 7h 0m.
Distance 140 miles (226 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 7h 0m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Plovdiv — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Plovdiv trip today.
Major archaeological museum with Thracian, Greek, and Roman finds. Essential for understanding Plovdiv's long and layered history.
Museum in the celebrated 1847 house of merchant Argir Kuyumdzhioglu, showing rich interiors and exhibits on Plovdiv's cultural past.
Housed in a grand Revival mansion, this museum presents Bulgarian history from the 15th to 20th centuries with well-curated period displays.
Plovdiv's historic hill district with cobbled lanes, Revival houses, and major monuments. The city's most atmospheric walking area.
Creative central quarter filled with lanes, street art, galleries, and events. Popular for strolling and discovering Plovdiv's contemporary vibe.
Long pedestrian thoroughfare linking key sights, shops, and Roman remains. A practical and lively route for first-time visitors.
Shopska salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onion, and grated sirene cheese. A Bulgarian staple often eaten before rakia and common across Plovdiv.
Patatnik is a Rhodope potato cake with onion, herbs, and sometimes sirene. It reflects the nearby mountain region and is a beloved local comfort food.
Kavarma is a slow-cooked clay-pot stew of pork or chicken with onions, peppers, and tomatoes. It is a classic hearty Bulgarian dish served in traditional taverns.
Established Bulgarian restaurant in Old Town known for traditional dishes, wine, and a historic house setting with a refined but welcoming atmosphere.
Popular traditional tavern serving grilled meats, salads, and Bulgarian classics in a lively rustic setting near the center.
Stylish fine dining venue with contemporary Bulgarian and European plates, polished service, and strong wine options in central Plovdiv.
Budget-Friendly for EU city breaks: hotels, meals and local transit are generally cheaper than in Western Europe, with good value for tourists.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service, round up taxi fares, and small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) -> Plovdiv Central Square
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Thessaloniki to Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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