Athens to Sofia bus with Ourbus

Fri, Dec 19
+ Add return
Ourbus
City Lines
Infobus
ArdaTur
FlixBus
1,000+ travel companies
Ourbus
City Lines
Infobus
ArdaTur
FlixBus
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Athens to Sofia

Showing times and prices for Dec 21

Cheapest price

€63

Average price

€63

Fastest journey

11 h 30 m

Average duration

11 h 38 m

Buses per day

2

Distance

525 km

Cheap tickets

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 €63 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €63.

Fast buses

Of the 2 buses that leave Athens for Sofia on Sun, Dec 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Dec 21 the direct buses cover the 525 km distance in an average of 11 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 30 m .

On Sun, Dec 21 the slowest buses will take 11 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.

ArdaTur0
05:30PM11h30
Athens (Αθήνα)
05:00AMСофия, (Sofia)
€631One-way
0 transfers
Infobus6306942
07:00PM11h45
Athens (Αθήνα)
06:45AMСофия, (Sofia)
€631One-way
0 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 prices starting from €25. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 39m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.5 - 1.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €25, and a flight costs an average of €70.

Distance: 525 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Flight

€53

Average price

Cheapest

€274

Average price

12h 54m

Average total duration

12h 24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 39m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 39m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.5 - 1.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

1.6 - 3.1kg

CO2 emissions

Ourbus

Most popular bus company

Aegean Airlines

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Athens to Sofia bus times

The table below shows live departures for Athens to Sofia buses for today, Saturday, December 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 2:12 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
ams_arda_tur63679363:30 PM Athens (Αθήνα)
11h30
3:00 AM София, (Sofia)0 transfersDirect
ams_infobus63843883:35 PM Athens (Αθήνα)
12h25
4:00 AM София, (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.

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Dec 21
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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Athens to Sofia

GreeceGreece
BulgariaBulgaria
Icon of bus

Buses from Athens to Sofia run on average 4 times per day, taking around 12h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €25 if you book in advance.

There are 4 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 0m.

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
525 km
Average bus duration
12h 24m
Cheapest ticket price
€25
Buses per day
4
Direct buses
4
Fastest bus
11h 0m
First bus
04:00
Last bus
23:44
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

Bus providers: Ourbus, City Lines, Infobus, ArdaTur, FlixBus, Citylines from Athens to SofiaYou can travel by bus between Athens to Sofia with Ourbus, City Lines, Infobus, ArdaTur, FlixBus, Citylines for as low as €25. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

City Lines

About
\City Lines\" can refer to several different bus companies. One prominent example is Citylines, a leading Bulgarian bus company headquartered in Sofia. It operates an extensive network of 44 routes, connecting 22 cities across Bulgaria and serving 9 European nations with an average of 19 trips daily. Citylines coaches offer amenities such as air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Another is Rochester City Lines, a family-owned and operated charter bus company in Minnesota, United States, providing services for college, corporate, event, religious, school, and workforce transportation. They offer a fleet including motorcoaches, minibuses, and executive vans. Historically, National City Lines, Inc. (NCL) was a significant public transportation holding company in the United States, founded in 1920. NCL acquired numerous local transit systems, often converting streetcar lines to bus operations, a practice sometimes referred to as \"bustitution.\" Additionally, \"City Line\" is also the name of a bus rapid transit (BRT) line in Spokane, Washington, operated by the Spokane Transit Authority. This 6-mile route, which opened in 2023, utilizes modern, zero-emission battery-electric buses and connects key areas including downtown Spokane and the University District."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 45m
Cheapest Price
€55
City Lines frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 20% fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible restrooms.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; must be booked in advance.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.

Infobus

About
Infobus is an international IT company that operates as an online service for finding and purchasing bus, train, and plane tickets, rather than being a bus company itself. Established in 2002, Infobus acts as an intermediary between passengers and various transport carriers, particularly helping smaller bus companies offer online booking services. They utilize their own \BusSystem\" to manage routes and ticket sales globally. Infobus covers over 30 countries and 300 cities, offering a wide range of routes and daily departures. While amenities can vary by carrier, Infobus aims to provide affordable and convenient travel with features like online booking, 24/7 support, and prompt notifications."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 30m
Cheapest Price
€51
Infobus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; may require prior reservation and an additional fee.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets may require a separate ticket.
Learn more about Infobus

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
12h 35m
Cheapest Price
€22
FlixBus frequency
1 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.
Learn more about FlixBus

Ourbus

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
11h 45m
Cheapest Price
€43
Ourbus frequency
2 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.
Learn more about Ourbus

ArdaTur

About
ArdaTur is a bus company based in Haskovo, Bulgaria, established in 1991. It offers extensive bus services across seven countries, including Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Germany. ArdaTur operates over 233 daily departures, primarily from major cities like Istanbul, Sofia, and Thessaloniki, providing both intercity and regional routes. The company emphasizes passenger comfort with amenities such as Wi-Fi, restrooms, individual monitors, and complimentary food and drinks on international lines. ArdaTur maintains a modern fleet of over 80 luxury buses and has its own garage and service facility to ensure vehicle reliability and safety.
Luggage & cancellation policy
ArdaTur frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage up to 15 kg and two pieces of checked luggage up to 35 kg each are included.
Additional luggage
Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket class, individual trips, or promotions, with refunds ranging from 50% to 100% depending on the time before departure, and no refunds for cancellations less than 24 hours prior.
Refund
If the trip is delayed through the fault of the carrier, 100% of the ticket value and compensation for direct costs to the place of departure will be refunded with supporting documents.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are possible when buying a ticket or at Arda Tur offices up to 24 hours before departure during weak periods and 72 hours during busy periods.
Toilets
Accessibility
Passengers with disabilities receive discounts and priority seating, and folding wheelchairs are transported free of charge with advance registration.
Bikes
Only foldable bikes are allowed.

Citylines

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 0m
Cheapest Price
€32
Citylines frequency
1 a day

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.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Athens to Sofia can start from as little as €42 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Athens to Sofia is €52; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Athens to Sofia coach travel time is 11 h   for the 525 km long route, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Athens to Sofia leaves at 05: 30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Athens to Sofia leaves at 17: 00.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Athens to Sofia without having to change trains with Ourbus, City Lines, Infobus or Citylines. There are 4 direct coaches from Athens to Sofia each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
For the best Athens to Sofia coach to buy, you can travel safely and comfortably with Ourbus, City Lines, Brittany Ferries, Infobus, Arda Tur or Citylines. However, it's always good to check all possible coach companies with services between Athens and Sofia to compare what amenities they may offer.

Passengers board the coach most frequently from Athens Chiou, which is located around 0.6 miles (906 m) away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара), located 1.3 miles (2.1 km) away from the city centre.

The cheapest month for a coach from Athens to Sofia is October.
You have options as you can travel to Sofia from Athens 2 different ways: coach or flight.
No, the coach from Athens to Sofia has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Athens to Sofia.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Athens to Sofia.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Athens to Sofia, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.

    • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Athens to Sofia.
    No, luggage for the coach from Athens to Sofia needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Athens to Sofia.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Athens to Sofia.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Athens to Sofia.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Athens to Sofia.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Athens to Sofia

    Athens
    Sofia
    The major bus station for departures in Athens is Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη) for your trip from Athens to Sofia.
    Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη)
    information
    address
    Address
    Athens, Pl. Karaiskaki 2, 10437
    Athens Chiou
    information
    address
    Address
    Athens Chiou,Chiou 14,10438
    Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού)
    information

    Most popular bus connections from Athens

    Bus Athens - Belgrade

    More options for your journey from Athens to Sofia

    Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

    Return journeys for buses from Sofia to Athens
    Flights from Athens to Sofia
    Compare all journeys between Athens and Sofia
    Tickets and more information for coaches to Athens
    Tickets and more information for coaches to Sofia
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