- Must visit
Regional Archaeological Museum Plovdiv
Major archaeological museum with Thracian, Greek, and Roman finds. Essential for understanding Plovdiv's long and layered history.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Sofia to Plovdiv
Showing times and prices for Aug 05
Cheapest price
€6
Average price
€6
Fastest journey
2 h 40 m
Average duration
2 h 51 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
132 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Sofia to Plovdiv is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sofia to Plovdiv will cost around €6 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €6.
Fast trains
Of the 7 trains that leave Sofia for Plovdiv on Wed, Aug 05, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 132 km distance in an average of 2 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 40 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 3 h 3 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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6:35 AM2h40Sofia9:15 AMPlovdiv€61One-way0 transfers- 8:22 AM2h57Sofia11:19 AMPlovdiv€61One-way0 transfers
- 10:15 AM2h52Sofia1:07 PMPlovdiv€61One-way0 transfers
- 12:55 PM3h03Sofia3:58 PMPlovdiv€61One-way0 transfers
- 3:15 PM3h07Sofia6:22 PMPlovdiv€61One-way0 transfers
- 6:35 AM2h40Sofia9:15 AMPlovdiv€61One-way0 transfers
- 4:25 PM2h45Sofia7:10 PMPlovdiv€61One-way0 transfers
- 10:15 AM2h52Sofia1:07 PMPlovdiv€61One-way0 transfers
- 8:22 AM2h57Sofia11:19 AMPlovdiv€61One-way0 transfers
- 12:55 PM3h03Sofia3:58 PMPlovdiv€61One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Sofia to Plovdiv
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Plovdiv among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €6. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €6, and a bus costs an average of €8.
Distance: 82 miles (132 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€6 Average price Cheapest | €12 Average price | €28 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 27m Average total duration 3h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Sofia to Plovdiv is a train with an average price of €6.
This is compared to other travel options from Sofia to Plovdiv:
A train is €6 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Sofia to Plovdiv costing on average €12.
The fastest way to travel from Sofia to Plovdiv is by bus with an average journey time of 2h 6m.
Other travel options to Plovdiv take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 57m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sofia and Plovdiv including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Sofia to Plovdiv among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around €6 compared to roughly €28 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €22. The journey takes 3h 57m versus 1h 47m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Bulgarian Railways (BDZh).
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Sofia to Plovdiv train times
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Plovdiv trains for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:55 PM Sofia | 3h03 | 3:58 PM Plovdiv | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:15 PM Sofia | 3h07 | 6:22 PM Plovdiv | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:25 PM Sofia | 2h45 | 7:10 PM Plovdiv | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:00 PM Sofia | 10h17 | 6:17 AM Plovdiv | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, August 5 | |||||
| 6:35 AM Sofia | 2h40 | 9:15 AM Plovdiv | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:22 AM Sofia | 2h57 | 11:19 AM Plovdiv | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:15 AM Sofia | 2h52 | 1:07 PM Plovdiv | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Sofia to Plovdiv by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Sofia to Plovdiv
BulgariaBulgaria
Trains from Sofia to Plovdiv run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €6 if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:35, the last at 20:00. The fastest train covers the 82 miles (132 km) distance in 2h 40m.
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
Distance 82 miles (132 km) |
Average train duration 3h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price €6 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 40m |
First train 6:35 AM |
Last train 8:00 PM |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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
Train companies: Bulgarian Railways (BDZh) from Sofia to Plovdiv trainsBulgarian Railways (BDZh) trains will get you between Sofia and Plovdiv from €6. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Bulgarian Railways (BDZh)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 40m
Cheapest Price
€6
Bulgarian Railways (BDZh) frequency
6 a day
Complete guide to Plovdiv
Things to do in Plovdiv
Discover the best of Plovdiv — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Plovdiv trip today.
- Must visit
Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv
Museum in the celebrated 1847 house of merchant Argir Kuyumdzhioglu, showing rich interiors and exhibits on Plovdiv's cultural past.
- Recommended
Regional History Museum Plovdiv
Housed in a grand Revival mansion, this museum presents Bulgarian history from the 15th to 20th centuries with well-curated period displays.
- Must visit
Old Town
Plovdiv's historic hill district with cobbled lanes, Revival houses, and major monuments. The city's most atmospheric walking area.
- Must visit
Kapana
Creative central quarter filled with lanes, street art, galleries, and events. Popular for strolling and discovering Plovdiv's contemporary vibe.
- Recommended
Knyaz Alexander I Street
Long pedestrian thoroughfare linking key sights, shops, and Roman remains. A practical and lively route for first-time visitors.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Shopska Salata
Shopska salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onion, and grated sirene cheese. A Bulgarian staple often eaten before rakia and common across Plovdiv.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Patatnik
Patatnik is a Rhodope potato cake with onion, herbs, and sometimes sirene. It reflects the nearby mountain region and is a beloved local comfort food.
- Gluten-free
Kavarma
Kavarma is a slow-cooked clay-pot stew of pork or chicken with onions, peppers, and tomatoes. It is a classic hearty Bulgarian dish served in traditional taverns.
Puldin Restaurant
Established Bulgarian restaurant in Old Town known for traditional dishes, wine, and a historic house setting with a refined but welcoming atmosphere.
Dayana Restaurant 1
Popular traditional tavern serving grilled meats, salads, and Bulgarian classics in a lively rustic setting near the center.
Restaurant Rahat Tepe
Stylish fine dining venue with contemporary Bulgarian and European plates, polished service, and strong wine options in central Plovdiv.
Bulgarian lev (лв.)
Budget-Friendly for EU city breaks: hotels, meals and local transit are generally cheaper than in Western Europe, with good value for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- 10-18 лв. for fast food or street food.
- Mid-range
- 25-45 лв. per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- 60+ лв. per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- 3-5 лв. for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service, round up taxi fares, and small change is fine in cafes.
FAQs: Trains from Sofia to Plovdiv
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia to Plovdiv by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Plovdiv, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Sofia to Plovdiv can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €6, while the average price is around €6.
The train from Sofia to Plovdiv takes 2h 40m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from Sofia to Plovdiv is 82 miles (132 km).
The first train from Sofia to Plovdiv leaves at 6:35 AM.
The last train from Sofia to Plovdiv leaves at 8:00 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Sofia to Plovdiv.
Yes, there is a direct train from Sofia to Plovdiv. This service operates 6 times per day, provided by Bulgarian Railways (BDZh).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Sofia to Plovdiv.
The cheapest way to get from Sofia to Plovdiv is by train, with a cost of around €6.
The train journey from Sofia to Plovdiv offers scenic views of the Bulgarian countryside, featuring rolling hills, lush forests, and quaint villages, providing a picturesque and relaxing experience.
A day trip from Sofia to Plovdiv is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 40m. The distance is 82 miles (132 km), and the frequency of trains is 8 per day.
In Plovdiv, you can explore the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis and wander through the historic Old Town with its cobblestone streets and traditional Bulgarian architecture. Discover the vibrant Kapana Creative District, known for its art galleries and cultural events, and visit the Regional Ethnographic Museum. Relax at the Plovdiv City Garden, or delve into history at the Plovdiv Regional Historical Museum. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy a tasting tour in the Thracian Valley, while those interested in panoramic views should visit the Alyosha Monument. Additionally, attend a cultural event like the Plovdiv Jazz Fest or the International Folklore Festival.
Three days are ideal to explore Plovdiv, allowing time to visit its historic Old Town, the Ancient Theatre, and enjoy the vibrant Kapana district.
Yes, you can take the train from Sofia to Plovdiv.
Since both Sofia and Plovdiv 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Sofia to Plovdiv among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
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 Plovdiv, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers who do not use meters and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It is advisable to use official taxis and keep personal belongings secure to avoid these issues.
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.
Most popular train connections from Sofia
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Most popular trains to and from Plovdiv and Sofia
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