- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
One of Bulgaria’s key archaeology museums, housed in a former mosque. Highlights include Thracian, Roman, and medieval artifacts of major national importance.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Zurich to Sofia
Showing times and prices for Jun 01
Cheapest price
$83
Average price
$111
Fastest journey
1 d 45 m
Average duration
1 d 5 h 57 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
1269 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Zurich to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Sofia will cost around $111 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $83.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave Zurich for Sofia on Mon, Jun 01, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 01 the direct buses cover the 1269 km distance in an average of 1 d 5 h 57 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 45 m .
On Mon, Jun 01 the slowest buses will take 1 d 14 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.
FlixBus · FlixBus4:10 PM26h50Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof)8:00 PMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)$831One-way1 transfer- FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus6:20 PM38h15Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof)9:35 AMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)$941One-way2 transfers
11:15 AM24h45Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai)1:00 PMSofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)$1551One-way0 transfers
- 11:15 AM24h45Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai)1:00 PMSofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)$1551One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus4:10 PM26h50Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof)8:00 PMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)$831One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus6:20 PM38h15Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof)9:35 AMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)$941One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Zurich to Sofia
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $62. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 49m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $62, and a flight costs an average of $59.
Distance: 788 miles (1269 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$128 Average price Cheapest | $178 Average price | $251 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
27h 11m Average total duration 26h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 49m Average total duration Fastest 2h 49m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 16h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Zurich to Sofia is a bus with an average price of $128 (€103).
This is compared to other travel options from Zurich to Sofia:
A bus is $50 (€41) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Sofia costing on average $178 (€144).
The fastest way to travel from Zurich to Sofia is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 49m.
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Bus takes on average 26h 41m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Zurich and Sofia including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Zurich to Sofia among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $128 (€103) compared to roughly $251 (€202) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $123 (€99). The journey takes 26h 41m versus 16h 55m 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, Union Ivkoni, Union Ivkoni.
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.
Zurich to Sofia Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 24h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $155 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 27h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $115 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 26h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 38h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 37h45 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $96 |
Live departures
Zurich to Sofia bus times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Sofia buses for today, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:20 PM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 38h15 | 9:35 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 2 transfers | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:25 PM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 37h45 | 11:10 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich to Sofia by bus or flight
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.
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Why should you book Zurich to Sofia buses with Omio?
Union Ivkoni International as well as FlixBus, Union Ivkoni, Union Ivkoni and more offer buses services from Zurich to Sofia.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Zurich to Sofia.
Why book with Omio vs Union Ivkoni International?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Union Ivkoni International, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus, Union Ivkoni or Union Ivkoni to find the best option for your trip from Zurich to Sofia.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Union Ivkoni International with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Zurich to Sofia.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus, Union Ivkoni or Union Ivkoni to find the best option for your trip from Zurich to Sofia.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Zurich to Sofia.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Zurich to Sofia
Switzerland
Bulgaria
Buses from Zurich to Sofia run on average 2 times per day, taking around 26h 41m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $62 (€50) but you can travel from only $59 (€48) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 01:45, the last at 22:50. The fastest bus covers the 788 miles (1269 km) distance in 24h 45m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $59 (€48)
Distance 788 miles (1269 km) |
Average bus duration 26h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $62 (€50) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 24h 45m |
First bus 1:45 AM |
Last bus 10:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 21 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $59 (€48)
Bus providers: Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus, Union Ivkoni from Zurich to SofiaYou can travel by bus between Zurich to Sofia with Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus, Union Ivkoni for as low as $59 (€48). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
37h 15m
Cheapest Price
$62 (€50)
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Union Ivkoni International
About
Union Ivkoni International is a prominent bus company based in Sofia, Bulgaria, established in 1992. It is recognized as the largest bus carrier in Bulgaria and a leader in bus transport across Europe. The company offers extensive services, including regular bus lines, bus rentals, and bus tours, with over 715 daily departures to more than 100 towns in Bulgaria and over 150 towns in Central and Western Europe, Greece, and Turkey. Union Ivkoni also operates its own tourist brand, Uni Holidays, providing various excursions, vacations, and plane tickets.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
23h 30m
Cheapest Price
$147 (€118)
Union Ivkoni International frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs and one checked bag up to 50 lbs.
Additional luggage
10 USD per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a full refund in the form of a travel credit.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Service animals allowed.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Union Ivkoni
Luggage & cancellation policy
Union Ivkoni frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Sofia
Things to do in Sofia
Discover the best of Sofia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sofia trip today.
- Recommended
National Museum of History
Bulgaria’s largest museum, covering prehistoric finds, medieval treasures, and modern history. A strong choice for understanding the country beyond Sofia’s city center.
- Recommended
Regional History Museum Sofia
Set in the former Central Mineral Baths building, this museum presents Sofia’s development from Roman Serdica to the modern capital in an elegant historic setting.
- Must visit
Vitosha Boulevard
Sofia’s main pedestrian boulevard, lined with shops and city life, with memorable views toward Vitosha Mountain. It is the classic central walking area.
- Must visit
Borisova Gradina
Sofia’s best-known park, offering long walks, sports facilities, and a more local side of city life. Excellent for open-air time in the capital.
- Must visit
Vitosha Mountain
The mountain rising above Sofia is one of the city’s biggest lifestyle attractions, offering viewpoints, trails, and easy nature access close to the capital.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Shopska Salata
A classic Bulgarian salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and grated sirene cheese. It is one of the country’s most iconic dishes and a staple at Sofia tables.
- Vegetarian
Banitsa
A beloved pastry made with thin filo layers, eggs, and white cheese, often eaten for breakfast. It is one of the most traditional everyday foods in Bulgaria.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Tarator
A cold summer soup of yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnuts. It is especially popular in Sofia during warm weather and is distinctly Bulgarian.
Moma Bulgarian Food and Wine
A popular central venue serving refined Bulgarian dishes and local wines in a stylish setting inspired by national traditions.
Made in Home
A highly regarded cozy restaurant with creative seasonal cooking, popular brunches, and a warm home-style ambiance.
Hadjidraganovite Kashti
A well-known traditional Bulgarian restaurant with rustic décor, folk atmosphere, and a broad menu of classic regional dishes.
Bulgarian Lev
Affordable by European capital standards. Meals, coffee, and local transport are good value; central hotels cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- BGN 10-18 for street food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- BGN 25-45 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- BGN 80+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- BGN 3-6 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
About 10% in restaurants if service is good; check if a service charge is added. Round up for taxis. Small tips are appreciated in cafes, bars, salons, and for hotel staff.
Sofia Plus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 1.60 BGN
- Day pass
- 4.00 BGN
To the city center
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara -> Serdika, Sofia
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Validate paper tickets immediately after boarding; metro tickets are validated at the gate.
- Card payment is available for contactless travel on metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses in Sofia.
FAQs: Bus from Zurich to Sofia
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Zurich to Sofia can start from as little as $62 (€50) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Zurich to Sofia is $128 (€103) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Zurich to Sofia is 24h 45m to travel the 788 miles (1269 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Zurich to Sofia leaves at 1:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Zurich to Sofia leaves at 10:50 PM.
There are 2 buses a day from Zurich to Sofia which require at least one change with Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus, Union Ivkoni, Union Ivkoni. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Zurich to Sofia, you can count on Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus, Union Ivkoni, Union Ivkoni for the best way to get you to Sofia. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Zurich and Sofia and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Sofia from Zurich is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 24h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Zurich to Sofia is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Zurich and Sofia including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Zurich to Sofia:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Union Ivkoni International
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Service animals allowed.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Zurich to Sofia for bus company Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Sofia are:
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a stunning Orthodox cathedral known for its impressive architecture and golden domes
- Vitosha Boulevard, a vibrant pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants
- National Palace of Culture, a multifunctional conference and exhibition center surrounded by beautiful gardens
- Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its medieval frescoes
- Sofia Central Mineral Baths, a historic building showcasing beautiful architecture and housing a museum.
The best things to do in Sofia include:
- Borisova Gradina, a large and scenic park ideal for leisurely walks and outdoor activities
- Sofia Zoo, one of the oldest and largest zoos in the Balkans, home to a wide variety of animals
- Sofia History Museum, offering insights into the city's rich past and cultural heritage
- Serdika Archaeological Complex, where you can explore ancient Roman ruins in the heart of the city
- Sofia Opera and Ballet, where you can enjoy world-class performances in a beautiful setting.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Zurich to Sofia depends on the bus companies:
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- Union Ivkoni International
- You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a full refund in the form of a travel credit.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Zurich to Sofia.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Zurich to Sofia:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Union Ivkoni International
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs and one checked bag up to 50 lbs.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Zurich to Sofia:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Union Ivkoni International
- 10 USD per additional bag.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Zurich to Sofia. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Zurich to Sofia with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Zurich to Sofia with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Zurich to Sofia with the following bus company: Union Ivkoni International, FlixBus.
Since both Zurich and Sofia are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Zurich to Sofia among Omio's users.
The currency used in Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cash is widely preferred in smaller towns and markets, while cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores in cities.
In Sofia, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, public transport, and popular tourist sites. Taxi scams are common; using official taxis with meters or ride-hailing apps is recommended to avoid overcharging. Avoid unlicensed guides and be wary of distraction techniques used by thieves. Overall, staying alert and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Zurich to Sofia
Zurich
Sofia
The major bus station for departures in Zurich is Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) for your trip from Zurich to Sofia.
Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof)
information
Amenities at bus station
Wifi
Parking
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Ticket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 05:30-23:00
Distance to city center
1 km
Car connection
SihlquaiWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
- Available outside the terminal.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai)
- Bus: 31, 33, 46 Train: S2, S5, S6, S7, S8, S14, S16 Tram: 4, 13, 17
The major bus station for arrivals in Sofia is София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) for your trip to Sofia from Zurich.
София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
information
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 00:00-23:59
Distance to city center
1 kmCar connection
Knyaginya Maria Luiza BlvdWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafeteria Serdika (in the station)
- Bistro Bulgaria (0.2 km)
- Sofia Grill House (0.5 km).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)
- Bus: 213, 305, 404 Metro: M1, M2 Train: Sofia Central Station
София, (Sofia)
information
Most popular bus connections from Zurich
More options for your journey from Zurich to Sofia
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Sofia and Zurich
Most popular bus connections to Sofia
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