- Must visit
Museum of Textile Industry
Specialized museum focused on Sliven's textile heritage, a defining part of the city's economy and modern identity.
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Thessaloniki to Sliven among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €53 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 33m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €53, while a flight costs an average of €290.
Distance: 224 miles (362 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€53 Average price Cheapest | €290 Average price | €95 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 30m Average total duration 11h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 33m Average total duration Fastest 3h 33m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 30m 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 Thessaloniki to Sliven:
A bus is €237 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Thessaloniki to Sliven costing on average €290.
Other travel options to Sliven take longer:
Bus takes on average 11h 0m.
Tickets start at around €53 compared to roughly €95 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €43. The journey takes 11h 0m versus 6h 30m 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 Infobus, Union Ivkoni International, 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 Infobus | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €60 |
Operator Citylines | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price €60 |
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 Thessaloniki to Sliven run on average 1 times per day, taking around 11h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €45 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:45, the last at 14:15. The fastest bus covers the 224 miles (362 km) distance in 11h 0m.
Distance 224 miles (362 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price €45 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 11h 0m |
First bus 1:45 AM |
Last bus 2:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Sliven — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sliven trip today.
Specialized museum focused on Sliven's textile heritage, a defining part of the city's economy and modern identity.
Main regional museum presenting archaeology, ethnography, and local history, ideal for understanding Sliven and its wider area.
Birthplace museum of poet Dobri Chintulov, showing Revival-era interiors and the life of a major Bulgarian cultural figure.
Well-known natural viewpoint above Sliven with dramatic cliffs and broad vistas, often considered the city's signature panorama.
Protected mountain area near the city with trails, fresh air, and views, popular for walking and outdoor escapes.
Central pedestrian street lined with shops and civic buildings, ideal for everyday city atmosphere and easy sightseeing.
A hearty bean soup slowly cooked with peppers, carrots, and herbs. It is a staple across Bulgaria and common in Sliven homes and taverns.
Baked beans with dried peppers, onions, and spearmint in a clay pot. A rustic regional fasting dish valued for simple mountain flavors.
Thick strained yogurt served with cucumber, garlic, dill, walnuts, and oil. This cold summer soup is beloved throughout southeastern Bulgaria.
Established Bulgarian restaurant known for grilled meats, salads, and hearty local dishes in a relaxed traditional setting.
Popular city restaurant serving Bulgarian and European dishes with a polished atmosphere suitable for family meals and business dinners.
Casual local venue appreciated for pizza, grilled food, and drinks. Good for an easy meal in the center with broad menu choices.
Budget-friendly for Bulgaria: hotels, casual meals, and local transport usually cost less than in Sofia or major EU tourist cities.
Tipping is appreciated, not mandatory. Leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; round up in cafes and taxis.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Thessaloniki to Sliven 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 Sliven, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Thessaloniki to Sliven buses use the Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) to Sliven, Avtogara (Сливен, Автогара) station pair. Use this guide to compare Thessaloniki and Sliven bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Thessaloniki, Ktel «Makedonía» (Θεσσαλονίκη, Κτελ «Μακεδονία») is 3 km from Thessaloniki city centre. Public transport options include:
Thessaloniki, Ktel «Makedonía» (Θεσσαλονίκη, Κτελ «Μακεδονία») has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food options and cafes available.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the station. ATMs are multiple ATMs available within the station.
Ticket office support is available at Thessaloniki, Ktel «Makedonía» (Θεσσαλονίκη, Κτελ «Μακεδονία»).
Available at Thessaloniki, Ktel «Makedonía» (Θεσσαλονίκη, Κτελ «Μακεδονία»): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Thessaloniki, Ktel «Makedonía» (Θεσσαλονίκη, Κτελ «Μακεδονία»): Wheelchair accessible entrances and facilities.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need