Thessaloniki to Sofia bus with Ourbus

Tue, Nov 18
+ Add return
Ourbus
City Lines
FlixBus
ArdaTur
Infobus
1,000+ travel companies
Ourbus
City Lines
FlixBus
ArdaTur
Infobus
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Thessaloniki to Sofia

Showing times and prices for Nov 18

Cheapest price

€51

Average price

€55

Fastest journey

4 h 45 m

Average duration

4 h 57 m

Buses per day

6

Distance

231 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Thessaloniki to Sofia will cost around €55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €51.

Fast buses

Of the 6 buses that leave Thessaloniki for Sofia on Tue, Nov 18, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Nov 18 the direct buses cover the 231 km distance in an average of 4 h 57 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 45 m .

On Tue, Nov 18 the slowest buses will take 5 h 15 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
08:00AM5h00
Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
01:00PMСофия, (Sofia)
511One-way
0 transfers
Ardatur0
08:15AM4h45
Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
01:00PMСофия, (Sofia)
511One-way
0 transfers
Ardatur6250458
03:10PM5h20
Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
08:30PMСофия, (Sofia)
511One-way
0 transfers
Ardatur6250458
03:30PM5h00
Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
08:30PMСофия, (Sofia)
511One-way
0 transfers
Infobus0
11:45PM5h15
Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
05:00AMСофия, (Sofia)
511One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and flight for Thessaloniki to Sofia

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Thessaloniki to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €12. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 5h 12m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €12, and a flight costs an average of €118.

Distance: 231 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Flight

€21

Average price

Cheapest

€272

Average price

5h 42m

Average total duration

Fastest

5h 12m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

15h 19m

Average total duration

12h 19m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Thessaloniki to Sofia bus times

The table below shows live departures for Thessaloniki to Sofia buses for today, Monday, November 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 8:38 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
infobus_ardatur62545321:10 PM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
5h20
6:30 PM София, (Sofia)0 transfersDirect
infobus_ardatur62545321:30 PM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
5h00
6:30 PM София, (Sofia)0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus3:30 PM Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)
5h15
8:45 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)0 transfersDirect
Tuesday, November 18
ams_infobus623288312:00 AM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
4h45
4:45 AM София, (Sofia)0 transfersDirect
infobus_ardatur06:00 AM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
5h00
11:00 AM София, (Sofia)0 transfersDirect
infobus_ardatur06:15 AM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
4h45
11:00 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 Thessaloniki to Sofia by bus or flight

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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia

GreeceGreece
BulgariaBulgaria
Icon of bus

Buses from Thessaloniki to Sofia run on average 11 times per day, taking around 5h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €12 if you book in advance.

There are 11 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 231 km distance in 4h 45m.

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
231 km
Average bus duration
5h 12m
Cheapest ticket price
€12
Buses per day
11
Direct buses
11
Fastest bus
4h 45m
First bus
00:05
Last bus
23:45
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, FlixBus, ArdaTur, Infobus, Citylines, Union Ivkoni - Unibus from Thessaloniki to SofiaYou can travel by bus between Thessaloniki to Sofia with Ourbus, City Lines, FlixBus, ArdaTur, Infobus, Citylines, Union Ivkoni - Unibus for as low as €12. 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
5h 15m
Cheapest Price
€25
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.

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
5h 0m
Cheapest Price
€10
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.

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
5h 15m
Cheapest Price
€23
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.

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
6h 0m
Cheapest Price
€14
Ourbus frequency
9 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
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.

Citylines

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 45m
Cheapest Price
€16
Citylines frequency
1 a day

Union Ivkoni - Unibus

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 15m
Union Ivkoni - Unibus frequency
2 a day

FAQs: Bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki to Sofia can start from as little as €6 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Thessaloniki to Sofia is €17; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Thessaloniki to Sofia coach travel time is 4 h   for the 230 km long journey, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Thessaloniki to Sofia leaves at 00: 30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Thessaloniki to Sofia leaves at 23: 55.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Thessaloniki to Sofia without having to change trains with Ourbus, City Lines, FlixBus, Infobus, Union Ivkoni - Unibus or Citylines. There are 9 direct coaches from Thessaloniki to Sofia each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
For the journey from Thessaloniki to Sofia you can take a coach with Ourbus, City Lines, FlixBus, Arda Tur, Infobus, Brittany Ferries, Union Ivkoni - Unibus or Citylines. Be sure to check out all possible coach companies that offer services from Thessaloniki to Sofia on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.

When departing from Thessaloniki, you have various coach station options to start your journey from including Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ), Thessaloniki, Macedonia Intercity Bus Station, Thessaloniki, Central Bus Station Makedonia, Thessaloniki, Station Monastiriou (Θεσσαλονίκηб, Στάση Μοναστηρίου) and Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - Agíon Pánton (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - Αγίων Πάντων). When arriving in Sofia, you can end your journey in coach stations like Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара), София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2), Sofiya Airport - Terminal T1 and Sofia, Letishche Sofia Terminal 2 (София, Летище София Терминал 2).

Passengers board the coach most frequently from Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ), which is located around 1.1 miles (1.8 km) 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.

A trip to Sofia from Thessaloniki is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4 h each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Thessaloniki to Sofia by coach is August.
Yes, you can take a coach to Sofia from Thessaloniki.
No, the coach from Thessaloniki to Sofia has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Thessaloniki to Sofia.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Thessaloniki to Sofia.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki to Sofia.
    No, luggage for the coach from Thessaloniki to Sofia needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Thessaloniki to Sofia.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Thessaloniki to Sofia.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Thessaloniki to Sofia.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Thessaloniki to Sofia.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Thessaloniki to Sofia

    Thessaloniki
    Sofia
    The major bus station for departures in Thessaloniki is Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) for your trip from Thessaloniki to Sofia.
    Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
    Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)WifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
    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
    Monastiriou
    Wifi
    Wifi
    • Free Wi-Fi
    Taxis
    Taxis
    • Available outside the station.
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • Elevators, ramps
    WC
    WC
    • Available in the station.
    Public transit options for Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)
    • Bus: 8, 12, 31 Train: Thessaloniki Railway Station
    Thessaloniki, Station Monastiriou (Θεσσαλονίκηб, Στάση Μοναστηρίου)
    Thessaloniki, Ktel «Makedonía» (Θεσσαλονίκη, Κτελ «Μακεδονία»)
    information
    Thessaloniki, Macedonia Intercity Bus Station
    information
    Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - Agíon Pánton (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - Αγίων Πάντων)
    information
    HomeBusesBus tickets to SofiaThessaloniki to Sofia bus

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