- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
Bulgaria’s leading archaeological museum, housed in a former mosque and displaying Thracian, Roman, and medieval treasures.
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$21
Fastest journey
2 h 59 m
Average duration
3 h 12 m
Buses per day
16
Distance
193 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Veliko Tarnovo to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Veliko Tarnovo to Sofia will cost around $21 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
Of the 16 buses that leave Veliko Tarnovo for Sofia on Sat, Aug 01, 16 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 01 the direct buses cover the 193 km distance in an average of 3 h 12 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 59 m .
On Sat, Aug 01 the slowest buses will take 3 h 15 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.





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0Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Veliko Tarnovo to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $14, and a bus costs an average of $16.
Distance: 119 miles (193 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$18 Average price | $14 Average price Cheapest | $48 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 48m Average total duration Fastest 3h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 44m Average total duration 6h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Veliko Tarnovo to Sofia:
A train is $4 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Veliko Tarnovo to Sofia costing on average $18.
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 14m.
Tickets start at around $18 compared to roughly $48 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $30. The journey takes 3h 18m versus 2h 48m 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 Group Plus, Union Ivkoni International, Global Biomet, Infobus, Global Biomet (Глобал Биомет), Grup Plus - Etap Adresss.
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 Pegasus | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Global Biomet (Глобал Биомет) | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Global Biomet (Глобал Биомет) | Departure Time 03:00AM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator | Departure Time 04:46AM | Arrival Time 07:55AM | Duration 3h09 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator Global Biomet (Глобал Биомет) | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 06:59PM | Duration 2h59 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Global Biomet (Глобал Биомет) | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator Global Biomet (Глобал Биомет) | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Global Biomet (Глобал Биомет) | Departure Time 07:31PM | Arrival Time 10:46PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator Global Biomet (Глобал Биомет) | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 02:45AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
The table below shows live departures for Veliko Tarnovo to Sofia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:00 PM Veliko Tarnovo, Avtogara Ûg (Велико Търново, Автогара Юг) | 3h30 | 6:30 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:30 PM Veliko Tarnovo, Avtogara Ûg (Велико Търново, Автогара Юг) | 3h30 | 9:00 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:30 PM Veliko Tarnovo, Avtogara Ûg (Велико Търново, Автогара Юг) | 3h35 | 1:05 AM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, August 1 | |||||
0 | 12:15 AM Veliko Tarnovo | 3h15 | 3:30 AM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 12:15 AM Veliko Tarnovo | 4h00 | 4:15 AM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:15 AM Veliko Tarnovo, Avtogara Ûg (Велико Търново, Автогара Юг) | 3h45 | 7:00 AM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:45 AM Veliko Tarnovo, Avtogara Ûg (Велико Търново, Автогара Юг) | 3h25 | 8:10 AM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:15 AM Veliko Tarnovo, Avtogara Ûg (Велико Търново, Автогара Юг) | 3h15 | 9:30 AM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:50 AM Veliko Tarnovo, Avtogara Ûg (Велико Търново, Автогара Юг) | 3h35 | 12:25 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:20 AM Veliko Tarnovo, Avtogara Ûg (Велико Търново, Автогара Юг) | 3h15 | 12:35 PM Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Veliko Tarnovo to Sofia run on average 19 times per day, taking around 3h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 but you can travel from only $14 by train.
There are 19 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:41. The fastest bus covers the 119 miles (193 km) distance in 3h 15m.
Distance 119 miles (193 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 |
Buses per day 19 |
Direct buses 19 |
Fastest bus 3h 15m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:41 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 70 days |
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 Veliko Tarnovo 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 Veliko Tarnovo to Sofia buses use the Veliko Tarnovo (Велико-Тирново) to София, (Sofia) station pair, with some services arriving at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара). Use this guide to compare Veliko Tarnovo and Sofia bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) is 1 km from Sofia city centre. Public transport options include:
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара).
Available at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара): Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need