- Must visit
Varna Archaeological Museum
Major museum known for the world-famous Varna Gold, the oldest processed gold treasure in the world, plus rich Thracian, Greek, Roman, and medieval collections.
Cheapest price
$48
Average price
$53
Fastest journey
12 h 45 m
Average duration
13 h 12 m
Buses per day
10
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 $53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
Of the 10 buses that leave Thessaloniki for Varna on Wed, Jun 17, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 17 the direct buses cover the 501 km distance in an average of 13 h 12 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 12 h 45 m .
On Wed, Jun 17 the slowest buses will take 14 h 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.









7101112Omio 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 $32. 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 $32, and a flight costs an average of $242.
Distance: 311 miles (501 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$48 Average price Cheapest | $339 Average price | $186 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 $291 (€236) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Thessaloniki to Varna costing on average $339 (€275).
Other travel options to Varna take longer:
Flight takes on average 16h 27m.
Tickets start at around $48 (€39) compared to roughly $186 (€151) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $138 (€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, 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 Everyday | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator | Departure Time 12:10AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 13h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 13h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 14h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 20h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 21h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 13h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 15h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 15h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 19h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $47 |
The table below shows live departures for Thessaloniki to Varna buses for today, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:20 AM Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 21h05 | 5:25 AM Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 9:00 AM Thessaloniki, Station Monastiriou (Θεσσαλονίκηб, Στάση Μοναστηρίου) | 13h15 | 10:15 PM Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:15 AM Thessaloniki, Central Bus Station Makedonia | 13h00 | 10:15 PM Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:15 PM Thessaloniki, Central Bus Station Makedonia | 15h45 | 7:00 AM Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:30 PM Thessaloniki, Station Monastiriou (Θεσσαλονίκηб, Στάση Μοναστηρίου) | 15h30 | 7:00 AM Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:30 PM Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 19h05 | 12:35 PM Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, June 17 | |||||
7101112 | 12:05 AM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 14h25 | 2:30 PM Varna | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:15 AM Thessaloniki, Central Bus Station Makedonia | 13h00 | 1:15 PM Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:30 AM Thessaloniki, Station Monastiriou (Θεσσαλονίκηб, Στάση Μοναστηρίου) | 12h45 | 1:15 PM Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
7101112 | 12:30 AM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 14h00 | 2:30 PM Varna | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 $32 (€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 $32 (€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.
Major museum known for the world-famous Varna Gold, the oldest processed gold treasure in the world, plus rich Thracian, Greek, Roman, and medieval collections.
A private museum inside Grand Mall showcasing socialist-era cars, household items, wax figures, and memorabilia from everyday life in communist Bulgaria.
The city’s main fine arts gallery, featuring Bulgarian painting, sculpture, graphics, and rotating contemporary exhibitions in a central historic building.
Varna’s signature seaside park with promenades, gardens, monuments, sea views, and cultural venues; the city’s essential walking and sunset area.
Central beach strip beside the Sea Garden, popular for sea views, long walks, and the lively summer atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors.
Main pedestrian-friendly central boulevard lined with shops, historic facades, and city life, ideal for getting a feel for downtown Varna.
A classic Bulgarian salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and grated Sirene cheese. It is one of the country’s signature starters and very common in Varna taverns.
A cold yogurt soup with cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnuts, especially refreshing on the Black Sea coast in summer.
Black Sea mussels cooked with white wine, garlic, and herbs. Varna is a strong place to try them because fresh mussels are a local coastal specialty.
A well-known Varna restaurant serving Bulgarian dishes, grilled meats, and regional specialties in a rustic traditional atmosphere.
A popular seafood restaurant set on a ship-themed venue, known for fish, mussels, and sea views near the coast.
An established casual restaurant with a broad menu of Bulgarian and European dishes, appreciated for reliable food and central location.
Generally affordable for tourists. Meals, coffee, and local transport cost less than in many EU beach cities, while summer seafront venues charge more.
About 10% in restaurants for good service. Round up in cafes and taxis. Hotel staff may receive small tips, but tipping is not obligatory.
Official public transport app
Varna, Avtogara -> Varna Cathedral
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.

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