- Must visit
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
Major museum with finds from ancient Macedonia, including gold, sculpture, and funerary artifacts. Essential for understanding the region’s ancient history.
Cheapest price
$48
Average price
$53
Fastest journey
13 h 30 m
Average duration
13 h 46 m
Buses per day
11
Distance
501 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Varna to Thessaloniki is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Varna to Thessaloniki will cost around $53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
Of the 11 buses that leave Varna for Thessaloniki on Sat, Jun 20, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 501 km distance in an average of 13 h 46 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 13 h 30 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 14 h 20 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.










Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Varna to Thessaloniki among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $33. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 25m. 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 $33, and a flight costs an average of $203.
Distance: 311 miles (501 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$49 Average price Cheapest | $337 Average price | $184 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 7m Average total duration 15h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 25m Average total duration Fastest 2h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Varna to Thessaloniki:
A bus is $288 (€236) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Varna to Thessaloniki costing on average $337 (€276).
Other travel options to Thessaloniki take longer:
Bus takes on average 15h 37m.
Tickets start at around $49 (€40) compared to roughly $184 (€150) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $134 (€110). The journey takes 15h 37m versus 8h 49m 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.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 12:35AM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 21h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 16h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 16h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 14h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 20h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 18h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
The table below shows live departures for Varna to Thessaloniki buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:30 AM Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) | 20h20 | 4:50 AM Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:40 PM Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) | 18h45 | 12:25 PM Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:35 AM Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) | 21h55 | 10:30 PM Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 1 transfer | |
0 | 6:30 AM Varna | 16h15 | 10:45 PM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 6:30 AM Varna | 16h00 | 10:30 PM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:00 AM Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) | 14h20 | 9:20 PM Thessaloniki, Central Bus Station Makedonia | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:00 AM Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) | 14h30 | 9:30 PM Thessaloniki, Station Monastiriou (Θεσσαλονίκηб, Στάση Μοναστηρίου) | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Varna to Thessaloniki run on average 2 times per day, taking around 15h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $33 (€27) 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 13h 0m.
Distance 311 miles (501 km) |
Average bus duration 15h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 (€27) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 13h 0m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Thessaloniki — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Thessaloniki trip today.
Major museum with finds from ancient Macedonia, including gold, sculpture, and funerary artifacts. Essential for understanding the region’s ancient history.
Leading museum on Byzantine art and daily life, with icons, mosaics, and richly curated permanent galleries. One of the city’s most important cultural stops.
Contemporary art museum known for modern Greek and international works, temporary exhibitions, and a strong presence in the city’s festival scene.
Thessaloniki’s grand central square opening toward the sea, lined with cafes and neoclassical facades. A must-see urban landmark and common social media backdrop.
Long seafront walking route ideal for strolling, cycling, and sunset views. One of the city’s most loved everyday public spaces.
The Upper Town preserves traditional houses, narrow lanes, and some of the city’s best viewpoints. Ideal for slower walks and photography.
A signature Thessaloniki pastry made with flaky phyllo and filled with sweet custard, cheese, or minced meat. It is one of the city’s most iconic breakfast foods.
The city’s famous sesame bread ring, sold widely by street vendors. It is a simple, traditional snack strongly associated with everyday life in Thessaloniki.
Crisp triangular phyllo pastries filled with rich cream, originally linked with the Panorama area of Thessaloniki. They are among the city’s best-known sweets.
Well-known modern meze restaurant focused on seasonal ingredients, seafood, and creative Greek cooking in a lively, contemporary setting.
Long-established restaurant serving classic Greek and Mediterranean dishes in an elegant dining room. Suitable for a more formal Thessaloniki meal.
Established seafood restaurant known for polished service, quality fish, and refined Greek dishes. A strong choice for a more upscale meal.
Generally affordable for a European city. Food and coffee are reasonable, while hotels rise in peak summer and during major events.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Small change for cafes is enough. Round up taxi fares; tipping is appreciated, not required.
Official public transport app
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL -> Aristotelous Square, Thessaloniki
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Varna to Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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