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Travel Information
Compare flight and bus for Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $52. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 5h 24m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $52, and a flight costs an average of $90.
Distance: 143 miles (231 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$58 Average price Cheapest | $162 Average price | $85 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 54m Average total duration Fastest 5h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 7m Average total duration 9h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport is a bus with an average price of $58 (€47).
This is compared to other travel options from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport:
A bus is $104 (€84) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport costing on average $162 (€131).
The fastest way to travel from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport is by bus with an average journey time of 5h 24m.
Other travel options to Sofia Airport take longer:
Flight takes on average 9h 7m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Thessaloniki and Sofia Airport including taking a flight and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport 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 $58 (€47) compared to roughly $85 (€69) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $27 (€22). The journey takes 5h 24m versus 3h 53m 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, FlixBus, ArdaTur.
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 Airport Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Euroticket | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator LikeBus | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Euroticket | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $51 |
Compare prices and tickets Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport by flight or bus
Compare flight 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.
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Why should you book Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport buses with Omio?
Union Ivkoni International as well as FlixBus or ArdaTur offer buses services from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport.
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 FlixBus or ArdaTur to find the best option for your trip from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport.
- 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 flight and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or ArdaTur to find the best option for your trip from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including flight and bus to find the ideal travel option from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport
Greece
Bulgaria
Buses from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $52 (€42) if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 10:00, the last at 11:00. The fastest bus covers the 143 miles (231 km) distance in 4h 50m.
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 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $52 (€42) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 4h 50m |
First bus 10:00 AM |
Last bus 11:00 AM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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, FlixBus, ArdaTur from Thessaloniki to Sofia AirportYou can travel by bus between Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport with Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus, ArdaTur for as low as $52 (€42). 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
FlixBus frequency
2 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.
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
5h 45m
Cheapest Price
$12 (€10)
Union Ivkoni International frequency
5 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
ArdaTur frequency
2 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.
FAQs: Bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport 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 Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport can start from as little as $52 (€42) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport is $58 (€47) ; 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 Airport is 4h 50m 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 Airport leaves at 10:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport leaves at 11:00 AM.
Yes, there are 5 direct buses a day from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport with Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus, ArdaTur. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport, you can count on Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus, ArdaTur for the best way to get you to Sofia Airport. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Thessaloniki and Sofia Airport and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Sofia Airport from Thessaloniki is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Thessaloniki and Sofia Airport including taking a flight and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- ArdaTur
- Passengers with disabilities receive discounts and priority seating, and folding wheelchairs are transported free of charge with advance registration.
- Union Ivkoni International
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Service animals allowed.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport for bus company Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus, ArdaTur.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport depends on the bus companies:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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, FlixBus, ArdaTur.
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 Airport.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- ArdaTur
- One piece of hand luggage up to 15 kg and two pieces of checked luggage up to 35 kg each are included.
- 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 Airport:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- ArdaTur
- Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
- Union Ivkoni International
- 10 USD per additional bag.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus, ArdaTur
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus, ArdaTur.
Since both Thessaloniki and Sofia Airport 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 Airport 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.
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 Airport
Thessaloniki
Sofia
Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
information
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
Distance to city center
1 km
Car connection
MonastiriouWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
- Available outside the station.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
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
Most popular bus connections from Thessaloniki
More options for your journey from Thessaloniki to Sofia Airport
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Sofia Airport and Thessaloniki
Most popular bus connections to Sofia Airport
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