- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
Bulgaria’s leading archaeological museum, housed in a former mosque and displaying Thracian, Roman, and medieval treasures.
Cheapest price on Oct 15
$19
Average ticket price on Oct 15
$25
Fastest journey on Oct 15
5 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Oct 15
5 h 33 m
Buses on Oct 15
2
Distance
231 km
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 $25 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
On Thu, Oct 15, we found 2 buses from Thessaloniki to Sofia, including 2 direct services.
On Thu, Oct 15 the direct buses cover the 231 km distance in an average of 5 h 33 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 15 m .
On Thu, Oct 15 the slowest buses will take 5 h 50 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
Buses from Thessaloniki to Sofia run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $9 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 2h 45m.
Distance 143 miles (231 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 9 |
Fastest bus 2h 45m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 70 days |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 12:05AM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator LikeBus | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Euroticket | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
The table below shows live departures for Thessaloniki to Sofia buses for today, Wednesday, October 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:30 PM Thessaloniki, Station Monastiriou (Θεσσαλονίκηб, Στάση Μοναστηρίου) | 5h30 | 9:00 PM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, October 15 | |||||
![]() | 9:00 AM Thessaloniki, Station Monastiriou (Θεσσαλονίκηб, Στάση Μοναστηρίου) | 5h50 | 2:50 PM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 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.

Most Thessaloniki to Sofia buses use the Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) to Sofia (София) station pair, with some services arriving at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика). Use this guide to compare Thessaloniki and Sofia bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) is 1 km from Thessaloniki city centre. Public transport options include:
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ).
Available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ): 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.
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.
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