- Must visit
Varna Archaeological Museum
Varna's premier museum, home to the world-famous Varna Gold and major Thracian, Greek, and Roman finds. Essential for understanding the city's ancient importance.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Sofia to Varna
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 12
Cheapest price on Sep 12
$21
Average ticket price on Sep 12
$21
Fastest journey on Sep 12
7 h 31 m
Average journey duration on Sep 12
10 h 27 m
Trains on Sep 12
4
Distance
378 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Sofia to Varna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sofia to Varna will cost around $21 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $21.
Fast trains
On Sat, Sep 12, we found 4 trains from Sofia to Varna, including 3 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 12 the direct trains cover the 378 km distance in an average of 10 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 31 m .
On Sat, Sep 12 the slowest trains will take 19 h 5 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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7:15 AM7h35Sofia2:50 PMVarna$211One-way0 transfers- 10:21 AM7h31Sofia5:52 PMVarna$211One-way0 transfers
- 1:20 PM7h35Sofia8:55 PMVarna$211One-way0 transfers
- 5:05 PM19h05Sofia12:10 PMVarna$221One-way1 transfer
- 10:21 AM7h31Sofia5:52 PMVarna$211One-way0 transfers
- 7:15 AM7h35Sofia2:50 PMVarna$211One-way0 transfers
- 1:20 PM7h35Sofia8:55 PMVarna$211One-way0 transfers
- 5:05 PM19h05Sofia12:10 PMVarna$221One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Sofia to Varna
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Varna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $30 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 36m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the bus is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.4 - 0.9kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $30, while a flight costs an average of $207.
Distance: 234 miles (378 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$30 Average price Cheapest | $207 Average price | $87 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
7h 32m Average total duration 7h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 36m Average total duration Fastest 1h 36m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
- CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.1 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Sofia to Varna is a bus with an average price of $30.
This is compared to other travel options from Sofia to Varna:
A bus is $177 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sofia to Varna costing on average $207.
The fastest way to travel from Sofia to Varna is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 36m.
Other travel options to Varna take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 2m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Sofia and Varna including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Sofia to Varna among Omio's users.
Live departures
Sofia to Varna train times
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Varna trains for today, Friday, September 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:15 AM Sofia | 7h35 | 2:50 PM Varna | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:21 AM Sofia | 7h31 | 5:52 PM Varna | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1:20 PM Sofia | 7h35 | 8:55 PM Varna | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:05 PM Sofia | 19h05 | 12:10 PM Varna | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Sofia to Varna by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Sofia to Varna
BulgariaBulgaria
Take a train from Sofia to Varna and enjoy the approximately 234 miles (378 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 07:15, the last at 17:05.
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
Bus from $22
Distance 234 miles (378 km) |
First train 7:15 AM |
Last train 5:05 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $22
Complete guide to Varna
Things to do in Varna
Discover the best of Varna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Varna trip today.
- Recommended
Naval Museum
Important museum on Bulgaria's maritime history with historic vessels, naval artifacts, and submarine exhibits. Great for families and naval heritage fans.
- Recommended
Retro Museum
Hands-on science museum with physics demonstrations, planetarium content, and interactive exhibits. Worth visiting for a fun, educational break from the beach.
- Must visit
Sea Garden
Varna's signature seaside park with promenades, monuments, museums, gardens, and coastal views. The city's top walking area from morning to late evening.
- Must visit
Knyaz Boris I Boulevard
Lively pedestrian boulevard lined with shops and historic facades. Ideal for strolling, people-watching, and linking the cathedral, center, and Sea Garden.
- Recommended
Independence Square
Main civic square in central Varna, surrounded by notable buildings and transport links. A practical meeting point and gateway to the historic center.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Tarator
Cold yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnut soup. A Bulgarian summer staple on the Black Sea coast, prized for its refreshing taste in hot weather.
- Vegetarian
Banitsa
Layered pastry with white sirene cheese, eggs, and butter. One of Bulgaria's best-known baked breakfasts, widely eaten in Varna bakeries and homes.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Shopska Salad
Shopska-style salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and grated sirene cheese. A national classic often started with rakia before meals in Varna.
Staria Chinar
Traditional Bulgarian tavern serving grills, salads, and hearty local dishes in a rustic, folk-style setting popular with locals.
Mr Baba
Elegant seaside restaurant known for refined Black Sea fish, mussels, and polished service in the Sea Garden area.
Parmy Family Restaurant
Established seafood venue by the coast, valued for fresh fish, shellfish, and sea views in an upscale but relaxed atmosphere.
Bulgarian lev (лв.)
Budget-friendly for a Black Sea city. Hotels, meals, and local transit usually cost less than in many EU beach destinations, especially outside peak summer.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- 12-20 лв. for fast food or street food.
- Mid-range
- 25-45 лв. per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- 60+ лв. per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- 3-5 лв. for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Around 10% in restaurants is common for good service. Round up in cafes and taxis, or add a small tip if service and fare handling were helpful.
FAQs: Trains from Sofia to Varna
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia to Varna 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 Varna, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Most popular train connections from Sofia
More options for your journey from Sofia to Varna
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Most popular trains to and from Varna and Sofia
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