Thessaloniki to Sofia bus with Union Ivkoni International

Mon, Jun 01
+ Add return
Union Ivkoni International
ArdaTur
FlixBus
City Lines
Union Ivkoni
2,000+ travel companies
Union Ivkoni International
ArdaTur
FlixBus
City Lines
Union Ivkoni
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Thessaloniki to Sofia

Showing times and prices for Jun 01

Cheapest price

$21

Average price

$29

Fastest journey

4 h 40 m

Average duration

4 h 56 m

Buses per day

8

Distance

231 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Thessaloniki to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Thessaloniki to Sofia will cost around $29 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $21.

Fast buses

Of the 8 buses that leave Thessaloniki for Sofia on Mon, Jun 01, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Jun 01 the direct buses cover the 231 km distance in an average of 4 h 56 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 40 m .

On Mon, Jun 01 the slowest buses will take 5 h 15 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    5:30 PM5h15
    Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)
    10:45 PMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
    $211One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    8:20 AM4h40
    Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)
    1:00 PMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
    $231One-way
    0 transfers
  • Union Ivkoni
    9:00 AM5h50
    Thessaloniki, Station Monastiriou (Θεσσαλονίκηб, Στάση Μοναστηρίου)
    2:50 PMSofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)
    $311One-way
    0 transfers
  • Union Ivkoni
    3:30 PM5h30
    Thessaloniki, Station Monastiriou (Θεσσαλονίκηб, Στάση Μοναστηρίου)
    9:00 PMSofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)
    $311One-way
    0 transfers
  • ArdaTur6843009
    3:30 PM5h00
    Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
    8:30 PMSofia (София)
    $321One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and flight for Thessaloniki to Sofia

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Thessaloniki to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $14, and a flight costs an average of $135.

Distance: 143 miles (231 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Flight
Driving

$25

Average price

Cheapest

$257

Average price

$83

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 40m

Average total duration

5h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 10m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 10m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

3h 44m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Union Ivkoni International

Most popular bus company

Aegean Airlines

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Thessaloniki to Sofia is a bus with an average price of $25 (€20).

This is compared to other travel options from Thessaloniki to Sofia:

A bus is $232 (€186) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Thessaloniki to Sofia costing on average $257 (€207).

The fastest way to travel from Thessaloniki to Sofia is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 10m.

Other travel options to Sofia take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 10m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Thessaloniki and Sofia including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Thessaloniki to Sofia among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

Tickets start at around $25 (€20) compared to roughly $83 (€67) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $58 (€47). The journey takes 5h 10m versus 3h 44m 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, ArdaTur, FlixBus, City Lines, Union Ivkoni, Infobus, Euroticket, LikeBus, 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.

Thessaloniki to Sofia Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
ArdaTur
Departure Time
12:05AM
Arrival Time
05:00AM
Duration
4h55
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
ArdaTur
Departure Time
12:30AM
Arrival Time
05:00AM
Duration
4h30
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
Departure Time
12:30AM
Arrival Time
05:30AM
Duration
5h00
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$31
Operator
Infobus
Departure Time
02:00AM
Arrival Time
06:45AM
Duration
4h45
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$43
Operator
ArdaTur
Departure Time
08:00AM
Arrival Time
01:00PM
Duration
5h00
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
ArdaTur
Departure Time
08:15AM
Arrival Time
01:00PM
Duration
4h45
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:20AM
Arrival Time
01:00PM
Duration
4h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Sat
Cheapest price
$16
Operator
Departure Time
09:00AM
Arrival Time
02:50PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$31
Operator
LikeBus
Departure Time
12:40PM
Arrival Time
05:50PM
Duration
5h10
Departure days
Tue, Sat
Cheapest price
$51
Operator
Euroticket
Departure Time
12:40PM
Arrival Time
05:50PM
Duration
5h10
Departure days
Tue, Sat
Cheapest price
$51
Operator
ArdaTur
Departure Time
03:10PM
Arrival Time
08:30PM
Duration
5h20
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
ArdaTur
Departure Time
03:30PM
Arrival Time
08:30PM
Duration
5h00
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
Departure Time
03:30PM
Arrival Time
09:00PM
Duration
5h30
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$31
Operator
Departure Time
04:00PM
Arrival Time
08:30PM
Duration
4h30
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$31
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
05:30PM
Arrival Time
10:45PM
Duration
5h15
Departure days
Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$14

Live departures

Thessaloniki to Sofia bus times

The table below shows live departures for Thessaloniki to Sofia buses for tomorrow, Monday, June 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
ArdaTur69054148:00 AM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
5h00
1:00 PM Sofia (София)0 transfersDirect
ArdaTur69054148:15 AM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
4h45
1:00 PM Sofia (София)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus8:20 AM Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)
4h40
1:00 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)0 transfersDirect
Union Ivkoni9:00 AM Thessaloniki, Station Monastiriou (Θεσσαλονίκηб, Στάση Μοναστηρίου)
5h50
2:50 PM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)0 transfersDirect
ArdaTur68430093:10 PM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
5h20
8:30 PM Sofia (София)0 transfersDirect
ArdaTur68430093:30 PM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
5h00
8:30 PM Sofia (София)0 transfersDirect
Union Ivkoni3:30 PM Thessaloniki, Station Monastiriou (Θεσσαλονίκηб, Στάση Μοναστηρίου)
5h30
9:00 PM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus5:30 PM Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)
5h15
10:45 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Thessaloniki to Sofia by bus or flight

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.

Mon
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Why should you book Thessaloniki to Sofia buses with Omio?

Union Ivkoni International as well as ArdaTur, FlixBus, City Lines, Union Ivkoni and more offer buses services from Thessaloniki to Sofia.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Thessaloniki to Sofia.

Why book with Omio vs Union Ivkoni International?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Union Ivkoni International, but also compare tickets for the likes of ArdaTur, FlixBus, City Lines or Union Ivkoni to find the best option for your trip from Thessaloniki to Sofia.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Union Ivkoni International with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Thessaloniki to Sofia.

Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of ArdaTur, FlixBus, City Lines or Union Ivkoni to find the best option for your trip from Thessaloniki to Sofia.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Thessaloniki to Sofia.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia

GreeceGreece
BulgariaBulgaria
Icon of bus

Buses from Thessaloniki to Sofia run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $14 (€11) if you book in advance.

There are 9 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 143 miles (231 km) distance in 4h 40m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
143 miles (231 km)
Average bus duration
5h 10m
Cheapest ticket price
$14 (€11)
Buses per day
9
Direct buses
9
Fastest bus
4h 40m
First bus
12:05 AM
Last bus
11:45 PM
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
14 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: Union Ivkoni International, ArdaTur, FlixBus, City Lines, Union Ivkoni, Infobus, Euroticket, LikeBus, Citylines from Thessaloniki to SofiaYou can travel by bus between Thessaloniki to Sofia with Union Ivkoni International, ArdaTur, FlixBus, City Lines, Union Ivkoni, Infobus, Euroticket, LikeBus, Citylines for as low as $14 (€11). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 40m
Cheapest Price
$14 (€11)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

City Lines

About
"City Lines" can refer to several different bus companies. One prominent example is Citylines, a leading Bulgarian bus company headquartered in Sofia. It operates an extensive network of 44 routes, connecting 22 cities across Bulgaria and serving 9 European nations with an average of 19 trips daily. Citylines coaches offer amenities such as air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Another is Rochester City Lines, a family-owned and operated charter bus company in Minnesota, United States, providing services for college, corporate, event, religious, school, and workforce transportation. They offer a fleet including motorcoaches, minibuses, and executive vans. Historically, National City Lines, Inc. (NCL) was a significant public transportation holding company in the United States, founded in 1920. NCL acquired numerous local transit systems, often converting streetcar lines to bus operations, a practice sometimes referred to as "bustitution." Additionally, "City Line" is also the name of a bus rapid transit (BRT) line in Spokane, Washington, operated by the Spokane Transit Authority. This 6-mile route, which opened in 2023, utilizes modern, zero-emission battery-electric buses and connects key areas including downtown Spokane and the University District.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 15m
Cheapest Price
$31 (€25)
City Lines frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 20% fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible restrooms.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; must be booked in advance.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.

Infobus

About
Infobus is an international IT company that operates as an online service for finding and purchasing bus, train, and plane tickets, rather than being a bus company itself. Established in 2002, Infobus acts as an intermediary between passengers and various transport carriers, particularly helping smaller bus companies offer online booking services. They utilize their own "BusSystem" to manage routes and ticket sales globally. Infobus covers over 30 countries and 300 cities, offering a wide range of routes and daily departures. While amenities can vary by carrier, Infobus aims to provide affordable and convenient travel with features like online booking, 24/7 support, and prompt notifications.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 45m
Cheapest Price
$28 (€23)
Infobus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; may require prior reservation and an additional fee.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets may require a separate ticket.

Union Ivkoni International

About
Union Ivkoni International is a prominent bus company based in Sofia, Bulgaria, established in 1992. It is recognized as the largest bus carrier in Bulgaria and a leader in bus transport across Europe. The company offers extensive services, including regular bus lines, bus rentals, and bus tours, with over 715 daily departures to more than 100 towns in Bulgaria and over 150 towns in Central and Western Europe, Greece, and Turkey. Union Ivkoni also operates its own tourist brand, Uni Holidays, providing various excursions, vacations, and plane tickets.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 0m
Cheapest Price
$18 (€14)
Union Ivkoni International frequency
11 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs and one checked bag up to 50 lbs.
Additional luggage
10 USD per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a full refund in the form of a travel credit.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Service animals allowed.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.

ArdaTur

About
ArdaTur is a bus company based in Haskovo, Bulgaria, established in 1991. It offers extensive bus services across seven countries, including Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Germany. ArdaTur operates over 233 daily departures, primarily from major cities like Istanbul, Sofia, and Thessaloniki, providing both intercity and regional routes. The company emphasizes passenger comfort with amenities such as Wi-Fi, restrooms, individual monitors, and complimentary food and drinks on international lines. ArdaTur maintains a modern fleet of over 80 luxury buses and has its own garage and service facility to ensure vehicle reliability and safety.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 0m
Cheapest Price
$31 (€25)
ArdaTur frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage up to 15 kg and two pieces of checked luggage up to 35 kg each are included.
Additional luggage
Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket class, individual trips, or promotions, with refunds ranging from 50% to 100% depending on the time before departure, and no refunds for cancellations less than 24 hours prior.
Refund
If the trip is delayed through the fault of the carrier, 100% of the ticket value and compensation for direct costs to the place of departure will be refunded with supporting documents.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are possible when buying a ticket or at Arda Tur offices up to 24 hours before departure during weak periods and 72 hours during busy periods.
Toilets
Accessibility
Passengers with disabilities receive discounts and priority seating, and folding wheelchairs are transported free of charge with advance registration.
Bikes
Only foldable bikes are allowed.

Euroticket

About
Euroticket is primarily an online booking platform specializing in bus tickets, particularly for routes between Poland and Ukraine, and within Poland itself. Established in 1993, the company initially focused on software development for the tourism sector and launched its online ticket sales system in 1998. Euroticket collaborates with numerous coach companies and travel agencies, offering a wide range of long-distance connections. Beyond bus tickets, the platform also provides travel insurance options. It aims to offer a convenient and fully online process for purchasing, changing, or returning tickets, with features like e-tickets viewable on mobile devices.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Euroticket frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
Each passenger can carry one hand luggage up to 5 kg in the passenger area and two pieces of luggage in the trunk of the bus free of charge.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be carried for a fixed fee paid at ticket registration on the bus.
Cancellation Policy
The full cost of the ticket is refunded only if the flight was canceled by the carrier itself; otherwise, the refund amount depends on the time of the cancellation request, with 85% refunded 48 hours before the trip and 15-50% refunded 1 to 12 hours before departure.
Refund
The full cost of the ticket is refunded only if the flight was canceled by the carrier itself.
Amenities on board the bus
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are possible, and for pets, a separate ticket and seat in the cabin next to you are usually required.
Accessibility
Pets
Small pets (under 6kg) in carriers (max 45x30x25cm) travel free on some routes, larger dogs require a ticket and must be leashed and muzzled, but pets are not allowed on trains to and from London, between Brussels and Lille, or on Eurostar Sun and Snow routes.

Union Ivkoni

Luggage & cancellation policy
Union Ivkoni frequency
3 a day

LikeBus

Luggage & cancellation policy
LikeBus frequency
1 a day

Citylines

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 45m
Cheapest Price
$22 (€18)
Citylines frequency
1 a day

Complete guide to Sofia

Things to do in Sofia

Discover the best of Sofia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sofia trip today.

  • Must visit

National Archaeological Museum

One of Bulgaria’s key archaeology museums, housed in a former mosque. Highlights include Thracian, Roman, and medieval artifacts of major national importance.

  • Recommended

National Museum of History

Bulgaria’s largest museum, covering prehistoric finds, medieval treasures, and modern history. A strong choice for understanding the country beyond Sofia’s city center.

  • Recommended

Regional History Museum Sofia

Set in the former Central Mineral Baths building, this museum presents Sofia’s development from Roman Serdica to the modern capital in an elegant historic setting.

Bulgarian Lev

Affordable by European capital standards. Meals, coffee, and local transport are good value; central hotels cost more.

Average meal costs

Budget
BGN 10-18 for street food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
BGN 25-45 per person at a casual restaurant.
Fine dining
BGN 80+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
BGN 3-6 for a cappuccino or latte.

Tipping culture

About 10% in restaurants if service is good; check if a service charge is added. Round up for taxis. Small tips are appreciated in cafes, bars, salons, and for hotel staff.

FAQs: Bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Thessaloniki 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Thessaloniki to Sofia can start from as little as $14 (€11) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Thessaloniki to Sofia is $25 (€20) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia is 4h 40m to travel the 143 miles (231 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia leaves at 11:45 PM.
Yes, there are 9 direct buses a day from Thessaloniki to Sofia with Union Ivkoni International, ArdaTur, FlixBus, City Lines, Union Ivkoni, Infobus, Euroticket, LikeBus, Citylines. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia, you can count on Union Ivkoni International, ArdaTur, FlixBus, City Lines, Union Ivkoni, Infobus, Euroticket, LikeBus, Citylines for the best way to get you to Sofia. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Thessaloniki and Sofia and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Sofia from Thessaloniki is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Thessaloniki and Sofia including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia for bus company Union Ivkoni International, ArdaTur, FlixBus, City Lines, Infobus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia:
  • ArdaTur
    • Passengers with disabilities receive discounts and priority seating, and folding wheelchairs are transported free of charge with advance registration.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
  • Union Ivkoni International
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Service animals allowed.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Sofia are:
  • Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a stunning Orthodox cathedral known for its impressive architecture and golden domes
  • Vitosha Boulevard, a vibrant pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants
  • National Palace of Culture, a multifunctional conference and exhibition center surrounded by beautiful gardens
  • Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its medieval frescoes
  • Sofia Central Mineral Baths, a historic building showcasing beautiful architecture and housing a museum.
The best things to do in Sofia include:
  • Borisova Gradina, a large and scenic park ideal for leisurely walks and outdoor activities
  • Sofia Zoo, one of the oldest and largest zoos in the Balkans, home to a wide variety of animals
  • Sofia History Museum, offering insights into the city's rich past and cultural heritage
  • Serdika Archaeological Complex, where you can explore ancient Roman ruins in the heart of the city
  • Sofia Opera and Ballet, where you can enjoy world-class performances in a beautiful setting.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Thessaloniki to Sofia depends on the bus companies:
  • ArdaTur
    • Cancellation policies vary by ticket class, individual trips, or promotions, with refunds ranging from 50% to 100% depending on the time before departure, and no refunds for cancellations less than 24 hours prior.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
  • Union Ivkoni International
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a full refund in the form of a travel credit.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Union Ivkoni International, ArdaTur, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Thessaloniki to Sofia:
  • ArdaTur
    • One piece of hand luggage up to 15 kg and two pieces of checked luggage up to 35 kg each are included.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
  • Union Ivkoni International
    • One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs and one checked bag up to 50 lbs.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Thessaloniki to Sofia:
  • ArdaTur
    • Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
  • Union Ivkoni International
    • 10 USD per additional bag.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia. The following conditions apply:
  • City Lines
    • Small pets allowed in carriers
    • larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
  • Infobus
    • Small pets allowed in carriers
    • larger pets may require a separate ticket.
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International, ArdaTur, FlixBus, City Lines, Infobus, Euroticket
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus, City Lines, Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International, ArdaTur, FlixBus, City Lines, Infobus.
Since both Thessaloniki and Sofia are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Thessaloniki to Sofia among Omio's users.
The currency used in Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cash is widely preferred in smaller towns and markets, while cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores in cities.
In Sofia, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, public transport, and popular tourist sites. Taxi scams are common; using official taxis with meters or ride-hailing apps is recommended to avoid overcharging. Avoid unlicensed guides and be wary of distraction techniques used by thieves. Overall, staying alert and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Thessaloniki to Sofia

Thessaloniki
Sofia
The major bus station for departures in Thessaloniki is Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) for your trip from Thessaloniki to Sofia.
Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)WifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-22:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
carConnection
Car connection
Monastiriou
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the station.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transit options for Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)
  • Bus: 8, 12, 31 Train: Thessaloniki Railway Station
Thessaloniki, Macedonia Intercity Bus Station
information
HomeBusesBus tickets to SofiaThessaloniki to Sofia bus

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