- Must visit
Varna Archaeological Museum
Varna's premier museum, home to the world-famous Varna Gold and major Thracian, Greek, and Roman finds. Essential for understanding the city's ancient importance.
Cheapest price
€61
Average price
€74
Fastest journey
19 h 5 m
Average duration
20 h 3 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
501 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Thessaloniki to Varna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Thessaloniki to Varna will cost around €74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €61.
It's difficult to get from Thessaloniki to Varna without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Thessaloniki to Varna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €26. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 14h 4m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.5 - 1.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €26, and a flight costs an average of €196.
Distance: 311 miles (501 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€39 Average price Cheapest | €275 Average price | €151 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 34m Average total duration Fastest 14h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 19h 27m Average total duration 16h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Thessaloniki to Varna:
A bus is €236 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Thessaloniki to Varna costing on average €275.
Other travel options to Varna take longer:
Flight takes on average 16h 27m.
Tickets start at around €39 compared to roughly €151 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €112. The journey takes 14h 4m versus 8h 46m 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, Union Ivkoni International, City Lines, Infobus.
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 02:30PM | Duration 14h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price €44 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 14h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price €44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 20h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:20AM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 21h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €51 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 21h05 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €55 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €44 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €36 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 19h05 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 14h00 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price €41 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 14h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €42 |
The table below shows live departures for Thessaloniki to Varna buses for today, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:30 PM Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 19h05 | 12:35 PM Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, August 1 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:05 AM Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 20h00 | 9:05 PM Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:20 AM Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 21h05 | 5:25 AM Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Varna run on average 2 times per day, taking around 14h 4m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €26 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 311 miles (501 km) distance in 11h 0m.
Distance 311 miles (501 km) |
Average bus duration 14h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price €26 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 11h 0m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Varna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Varna trip today.
Varna's premier museum, home to the world-famous Varna Gold and major Thracian, Greek, and Roman finds. Essential for understanding the city's ancient importance.
Important museum on Bulgaria's maritime history with historic vessels, naval artifacts, and submarine exhibits. Great for families and naval heritage fans.
Hands-on science museum with physics demonstrations, planetarium content, and interactive exhibits. Worth visiting for a fun, educational break from the beach.
Varna's signature seaside park with promenades, monuments, museums, gardens, and coastal views. The city's top walking area from morning to late evening.
Lively pedestrian boulevard lined with shops and historic facades. Ideal for strolling, people-watching, and linking the cathedral, center, and Sea Garden.
Main civic square in central Varna, surrounded by notable buildings and transport links. A practical meeting point and gateway to the historic center.
Cold yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnut soup. A Bulgarian summer staple on the Black Sea coast, prized for its refreshing taste in hot weather.
Layered pastry with white sirene cheese, eggs, and butter. One of Bulgaria's best-known baked breakfasts, widely eaten in Varna bakeries and homes.
Shopska-style salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and grated sirene cheese. A national classic often started with rakia before meals in Varna.
Traditional Bulgarian tavern serving grills, salads, and hearty local dishes in a rustic, folk-style setting popular with locals.
Elegant seaside restaurant known for refined Black Sea fish, mussels, and polished service in the Sea Garden area.
Established seafood venue by the coast, valued for fresh fish, shellfish, and sea views in an upscale but relaxed atmosphere.
Budget-friendly for a Black Sea city. Hotels, meals, and local transit usually cost less than in many EU beach destinations, especially outside peak summer.
Around 10% in restaurants is common for good service. Round up in cafes and taxis, or add a small tip if service and fare handling were helpful.
Official public transport app
Varna, Avtogara -> Varna Cathedral, Varna
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Thessaloniki to Varna 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 Varna, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Thessaloniki to Varna buses use the Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) to Varna station pair, with some services arriving at Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара). Use this guide to compare Thessaloniki and Varna 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.
Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) is 1 km from Varna city centre. Public transport options include:
Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Varna (in the station), Bistro Bulgaria (0.5 km), Restaurant Sea View (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара).
Available at Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара): Elevators, ramps.
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