- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
One of Sofia’s key museums, displaying Thracian treasures, Roman finds, and medieval artifacts in a former mosque.
Cheapest price
$47
Average price
$56
Fastest journey
12 h
Average duration
12 h 15 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
680 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Zagreb to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zagreb to Sofia will cost around $56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.
Of the 5 buses that leave Zagreb for Sofia on Sat, Jun 06, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 06 the direct buses cover the 680 km distance in an average of 12 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 12 h .
On Sat, Jun 06 the slowest buses will take 12 h 30 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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FlixBus
FlixBus
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FlixBus
FlixBus

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Zagreb to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $36. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 49m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.7 - 1.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $36, and a flight costs an average of $21.
Distance: 422 miles (680 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$56 Average price Cheapest | $245 Average price | $201 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 47m Average total duration 10h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 49m Average total duration Fastest 3h 49m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.7 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.0 - 4.1kg 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 Zagreb to Sofia:
A bus is $189 (€153) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zagreb to Sofia costing on average $245 (€198).
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 17m.
Tickets start at around $56 (€45) compared to roughly $201 (€162) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $145 (€117). The journey takes 10h 17m versus 8h 5m 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, Union Ivkoni, 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 | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 13h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 12h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 13h00 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 12h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 12h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 13h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 13h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 12h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $45 |
The table below shows live departures for Zagreb to Sofia buses for today, Friday, June 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 8:20 PM Zagreb, Bus Station | 12h15 | 9:35 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, June 6 | |||||
![]() | 1:00 AM Zagreb, Strojarska cesta (Autobusni Kolodvor) | 12h30 | 2:30 PM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:45 AM Zagreb, Bus Station | 12h15 | 8:00 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:45 AM Zagreb, Strojarska cesta (Autobusni Kolodvor) | 12h15 | 11:00 PM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 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 Zagreb to Sofia run on average 2 times per day, taking around 10h 17m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $36 (€29) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by flight.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:40, the last at 23:00. The fastest bus covers the 422 miles (680 km) distance in 12h 0m.
Distance 422 miles (680 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 (€29) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 12h 0m |
First bus 12:40 AM |
Last bus 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of Sofia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sofia trip today.
One of Sofia’s key museums, displaying Thracian treasures, Roman finds, and medieval artifacts in a former mosque.
Bulgaria’s largest history museum, covering Thracian, medieval, and modern heritage with major gold and archaeological collections.
Housed in the former Central Mineral Baths, this museum presents Sofia’s urban history through archaeology, design, and civic life exhibits.
Sofia’s main pedestrian boulevard, lined with shops and terraces, with classic views toward Vitosha Mountain.
Sofia’s best-known park, offering lakes, sports grounds, monuments, and spacious walking areas favored by locals.
Historic central park beside the National Theatre, popular for short walks, people-watching, and a classic Sofia atmosphere.
Bulgaria’s signature salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and grated sirene cheese. It is a staple in Sofia and a classic start to a traditional meal.
A beloved pastry made with layers of filo and a filling of eggs and white cheese. It is one of the most common traditional breakfasts in Sofia.
A cold yogurt soup with cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnuts, especially popular in warm weather. It is refreshing and strongly associated with Bulgarian home cooking.
One of Sofia’s established old-style Bulgarian restaurants, famous for traditional recipes, grilled meats, and tavern-style ambiance under large trees.
A polished central Sofia restaurant focused on Bulgarian cuisine and regional wines, offering a more refined setting while keeping traditional flavors.
A well-known traditional Bulgarian restaurant with rustic decor, folk atmosphere, and a broad menu of classic dishes such as banitsa, kavarma, and grills.
Affordable by European capital standards. Meals, coffee, and local transport are low cost, while upscale dining and central hotels cost more.
A 10% tip is common in restaurants if service is good. Round up for taxis. Small tips are appreciated in cafes, bars, salons, and for hotel staff, but not mandatory.
Official public transport app
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara -> Serdika, Sofia
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zagreb 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.

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