Sofia to Athens bus with Ourbus

Sat, Feb 14
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Ourbus
City Lines
Infobus
ArdaTur
Aegean Airlines
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Ourbus
City Lines
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Sofia to Athens

Showing times and prices for Feb 15

Cheapest price

€67

Average price

€71

Fastest journey

12 h

Average duration

12 h 15 m

Buses per day

2

Distance

525 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sofia to Athens is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Sofia to Athens will cost around €71 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €67.

Fast buses

Of the 2 buses that leave Sofia for Athens on Sun, Feb 15, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Feb 15 the direct buses cover the 525 km distance in an average of 12 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 12 h .

On Sun, Feb 15 the slowest buses will take 12 h 30 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.

Union Ivkoni
07:00PM12h00
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)
07:00AMAthina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη)
671One-way
0 transfers
Union Ivkoni
07:30AM12h30
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)
08:00PMAthina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη)
761One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and flight for Sofia to Athens

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Athens among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €53. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 20m. 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 €53, and a flight costs an average of €36.

Distance: 525 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Flight

€59

Average price

Cheapest

€141

Average price

11h 22m

Average total duration

10h 52m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 20m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 20m

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

Sofia to Athens bus times

The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Athens buses for today, Saturday, February 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 11:40 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
unionIvkoni5:00 PM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)
11h45
4:45 AM Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη)0 transfersDirect
Sunday, February 15
unionIvkoni5:30 AM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)
12h30
6:00 PM Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη)0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Sofia to Athens 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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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Sofia to Athens

BulgariaBulgaria
GreeceGreece
Icon of bus

Buses from Sofia to Athens run on average 3 times per day, taking around 10h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €53 but you can travel from only €36 by flight.

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 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from €36
Distance
525 km
Average bus duration
10h 52m
Cheapest ticket price
€53
Buses per day
3
Direct buses
3
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from €36

Bus providers: Ourbus, City Lines, Infobus, ArdaTur, Aegean Airlines, FlixBus, Citylines, Union Ivkoni - Unibus from Sofia to AthensYou can travel by bus between Sofia to Athens with Ourbus, City Lines, Infobus, ArdaTur, Aegean Airlines, FlixBus, Citylines, Union Ivkoni - Unibus for as low as €36. 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 30m
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 0m
Cheapest Price
€53
Infobus frequency
2 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.

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
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.

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 30m
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.

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
Average Duration
12h 30m
Cheapest Price
€59
ArdaTur frequency
2 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.

Aegean Airlines

About
Aegean Airlines is the flag carrier of Greece and a leading airline in Southeastern Europe, connecting travelers to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Operating from its main hubs in Athens and Thessaloniki, Aegean offers a modern fleet and high-quality service. Passengers can enjoy comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and drinks on most flights, and additional perks in Business Class such as lounge access, premium dining, and extra comfort. With affordable fares and strong regional connectivity, Aegean Airlines is a trusted choice for exploring Greece and beyond.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 15m
Cheapest Price
€36
Luggage included
1 carry-on bag (max 8kg, 56x45x25cm) and 1 personal item (max 40x20x25cm)
Additional luggage
23kg checked baggage, additional fees apply for extra weight
Cancellation Policy
Refundable tickets available with flex fare option, non-refundable tickets can be changed for a fee
Pregnant on board
Pregnant women can travel up to the 36th week without medical certificate, after that requires doctor's approval
Unaccompagned minor
Children aged 5-11 can travel unaccompanied with mandatory assistance service. Ages 12-17 optional assistance
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance available for passengers with reduced mobility, must be requested at least 48h before departure
Pets
Small pets allowed in cabin, max 8kg including carrier. Must be booked in advance

Citylines

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 30m
Cheapest Price
€31
Citylines frequency
1 a day

Union Ivkoni - Unibus

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12h 0m
Union Ivkoni - Unibus frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Bus from Sofia to Athens

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia to Athens 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 Athens, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Sofia to Athens can start from as little as €53 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Sofia to Athens is €59; 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 coach from Sofia to Athens is 11h 0m to travel the 525 km long trip. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Sofia to Athens leaves at 4:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Sofia to Athens leaves at 11:44 PM.
Yes, there are 3 direct coaches a day from Sofia to Athens with Ourbus, City Lines, Infobus, ArdaTur, Aegean Airlines, FlixBus, Citylines, Union Ivkoni - Unibus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Sofia to Athens, you can count on Ourbus, City Lines, Infobus, ArdaTur, Aegean Airlines, FlixBus, Citylines, Union Ivkoni - Unibus for the best way to get you to Athens. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Sofia and Athens and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Sofia , you have various coach station options to start your trip from including Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара), Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика), Sofia (София), София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) . When arriving in Athens , you can end your trip in coach stations like Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη), Athens Chiou, Athens (Αθήνα), Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού), Athens, Akominatou / Favierou (Αθήνα, Ακομινάτου / Φαβιέρου) .Passengers board the coach most frequently from Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара), which is located around 1 away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Athens from Sofia is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 11h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Sofia to Athens is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sofia and Athens including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Sofia to Athens:
  • City Lines
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible restrooms.
  • Infobus
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
  • Ourbus
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Service animals allowed.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Sofia to Athens for coach company Ourbus, City Lines, Infobus, ArdaTur, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Sofia to Athens depends on the coach companies:
  • 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.
  • Ourbus
    • 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 coach with coach company Ourbus, City Lines, Infobus.
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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Sofia to Athens.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Sofia to Athens:
  • 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).
  • Ourbus
    • 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 coach ticket from Sofia to Athens:
  • City Lines
    • 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
  • Infobus
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • Ourbus
    • 10 USD per additional bag.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Sofia to Athens. The following conditions apply:
  • 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.
  • Aegean Airlines
    • Small pets allowed in cabin, max 8kg including carrier. Must be booked in advance
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Sofia to Athens with the following coach company: Ourbus, City Lines, Infobus, ArdaTur, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Sofia to Athens with the following coach company: Ourbus, City Lines, Infobus, Aegean Airlines, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Sofia to Athens with the following coach company: Ourbus, City Lines, Infobus, ArdaTur, Aegean Airlines, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Sofia to Athens

Sofia
Athens
The major bus station for departures in Sofia is Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) for your trip from Sofia to Athens.
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-22:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
carConnection
Car connection
Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transit options for Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)
  • Bus: 213, 305, 404 Metro: M2 Train: Sofia Central Station
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 00:00-23:59
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
carConnection
Car connection
Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Cafeteria Serdika (in the station)
  • Bistro Bulgaria (0.2 km)
  • Sofia Grill House (0.5 km).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
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

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