The cheapest and fastest buses from Athens to Sofia
Cheapest price on Sep 17
€52
Average ticket price on Sep 17
€60
Fastest journey on Sep 17
11 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
12 h 9 m
Buses on Sep 17
4
Distance
525 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Athens to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Athens to Sofia will cost around €60 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €52.
On Thu, Sep 17, we found 4 buses from Athens to Sofia, including 4 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 17 the direct buses cover the 525 km distance in an average of 12 h 9 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 30 m .
On Thu, Sep 17 the slowest buses will take 12 h 45 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.
FlixBus5:35 PM12h35Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού)6:10 AMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)€521One-way0 transfers
8:15 AM12h45Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη)9:00 PMSofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)€601One-way0 transfers
74320285:30 PM11h30Athens5:00 AMSofia€611One-way0 transfers
07:00 PM11h45Athens6:45 AMSofia€651One-way0 transfers
74320285:30 PM11h30Athens5:00 AMSofia€611One-way0 transfers
07:00 PM11h45Athens6:45 AMSofia€651One-way0 transfers
FlixBus5:35 PM12h35Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού)6:10 AMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)€521One-way0 transfers
8:15 AM12h45Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη)9:00 PMSofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)€601One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Athens to Sofia
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Athens to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €51 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 40m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the bus is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.5 - 1.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €51, while a flight costs an average of €108.
Distance: 525 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€51 Average price Cheapest | €108 Average price | €196 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 25m Average total duration 11h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration Fastest 2h 40m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 8h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.6 - 3.1kg 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 Athens to Sofia:
A bus is €57 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Athens to Sofia costing on average €108.
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Bus takes on average 11h 55m.
Live departures
Athens to Sofia bus times
The table below shows live departures for Athens to Sofia buses for tomorrow, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:15 AM Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη) | 12h45 | 9:00 PM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 0 transfersDirect | |
7432028 | 5:30 PM Athens | 11h30 | 5:00 AM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:35 PM Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού) | 12h35 | 6:10 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 7:00 PM Athens | 11h45 | 6:45 AM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Athens 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.
Sep 17
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Why should you book Athens to Sofia buses with Omio?
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 Infobus, City Lines, ArdaTur or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Athens 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 Athens to Sofia.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Wanderu or Busbud?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Infobus, City Lines, ArdaTur or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Athens to Sofia.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Athens to Sofia.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Athens to Sofia
Buses from Athens to Sofia run on average 3 times per day, taking around 11h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €29 if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:00, the last at 23:44. The fastest bus covers the 525 km distance in 11h 20m.
Distance 525 km |
Average bus duration 11h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price €29 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 11h 20m |
First bus 4:00 AM |
Last bus 11:44 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 70 days |
Bus providers: Union Ivkoni International, Infobus, City Lines, ArdaTur, FlixBus, Euroticket, LikeBus from Athens to SofiaYou can travel by bus between Athens to Sofia with Union Ivkoni International, Infobus, City Lines, ArdaTur, FlixBus, Euroticket, LikeBus for as low as €29. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Infobus
City Lines
FlixBus
Union Ivkoni International
ArdaTur
Euroticket
LikeBus
FAQs: Bus from Athens to Sofia
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Athens 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.

- City Lines
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible restrooms.
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- Union Ivkoni International
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Service animals allowed.
- City Lines
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 20% fee.
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
- 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.
- City Lines
- One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
- Union Ivkoni International
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs and one checked bag up to 50 lbs.
- City Lines
- 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- Union Ivkoni International
- 10 USD per additional bag.
- City Lines
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets may require a separate ticket.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Athens to Sofia
Most Athens to Sofia buses use the Athens (Αθήνα) to Sofia (София) station pair, with some services arriving at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика). Use this guide to compare Athens and Sofia bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which Athens station do buses to Sofia leave from?
Getting to Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη) from Athens city centre
Getting to Athens Chiou from Athens city centre
Getting to Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού) from Athens city centre
Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού) is 3 km from Athens city centre. Public transport options include:
Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού) bus station facilities and services
Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού). ATMs are available at Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού): Ramps available for wheelchair access.
Which Sofia station do buses from Athens arrive at?
Getting to Sofia (София) from Sofia city centre
Sofia (София) bus station facilities and services
Sofia (София) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Small cafes available nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Sofia (София). ATMs are aTM machines available onsite.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Sofia (София).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Sofia (София): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia (София): Facilities are accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Getting to Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) from Sofia city centre
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) is 1 km from Sofia city centre. Public transport options include:
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) bus station facilities and services
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria Serdika (in the station), Bistro Bulgaria (0.2 km), Sofia Grill House (0.5 km).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика): Elevators, ramps.
Getting to София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) from Sofia city centre
More options for your journey from Athens to Sofia
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

