The cheapest and fastest buses from Thessaloniki to Sofia
Cheapest price
€16
Average price
€24
Fastest journey
4 h 40 m
Average duration
4 h 53 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
231 km
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 €24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €16.
Of the 8 buses that leave Thessaloniki for Sofia on Thu, Jul 02, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 02 the direct buses cover the 231 km distance in an average of 4 h 53 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 40 m .
On Thu, Jul 02 the slowest buses will take 5 h 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.
FlixBus5:30 PM5h15Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)10:45 PMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)€161One-way0 transfers
FlixBus8:20 AM4h40Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)1:00 PMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)€171One-way0 transfers
9:00 AM5h50Thessaloniki, Station Monastiriou (Θεσσαλονίκηб, Στάση Μοναστηρίου)2:50 PMSofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)€251One-way0 transfers
12:30 AM5h00Thessaloniki, Station Monastiriou (Θεσσαλονίκηб, Στάση Μοναστηρίου)5:30 AMSofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)€251One-way0 transfers
08:00 AM5h00Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)1:00 PMSofia (София)€261One-way0 transfers
FlixBus8:20 AM4h40Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)1:00 PMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)€171One-way0 transfers
08:15 AM4h45Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)1:00 PMSofia (София)€261One-way0 transfers
08:00 AM5h00Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)1:00 PMSofia (София)€261One-way0 transfers
67528743:30 PM5h00Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)8:30 PMSofia (София)€261One-way0 transfers
12:30 AM5h00Thessaloniki, Station Monastiriou (Θεσσαλονίκηб, Στάση Μοναστηρίου)5:30 AMSofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)€251One-way0 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 €11. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €11, and a flight costs an average of €109.
Distance: 231 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
€20 Average price Cheapest | €207 Average price |
5h 40m Average total duration 5h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 10m Average total duration Fastest 2h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Thessaloniki to Sofia bus times
The table below shows live departures for Thessaloniki to Sofia buses for today, Wednesday, July 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:30 PM Thessaloniki | 5h30 | 3:00 AM Sofia | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, July 2 | |||||
![]() | 12:30 AM Thessaloniki, Station Monastiriou (Θεσσαλονίκηб, Στάση Μοναστηρίου) | 5h00 | 5:30 AM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 8:00 AM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 5h00 | 1:00 PM Sofia (София) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 8:15 AM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 4h45 | 1:00 PM Sofia (София) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:20 AM Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 4h40 | 1:00 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:00 AM Thessaloniki, Station Monastiriou (Θεσσαλονίκηб, Στάση Μοναστηρίου) | 5h50 | 2:50 PM Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 0 transfersDirect | |
6752874 | 3:10 PM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 5h20 | 8:30 PM Sofia (София) | 0 transfersDirect | |
6752874 | 3:30 PM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 5h00 | 8:30 PM Sofia (София) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:30 PM Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 5h15 | 10:45 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 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
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.
Jul 02
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Why should you book Thessaloniki 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 ArdaTur, FlixBus, City Lines or Union Ivkoni to find the best option for your trip from Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki to Sofia.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of ArdaTur, FlixBus, City Lines or Union Ivkoni to find the best option for your trip from Thessaloniki to Sofia.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Thessaloniki to Sofia.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia
Buses from Thessaloniki to Sofia run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €11 if you book in advance.
There are 9 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 40m.
Distance 231 km |
Average bus duration 5h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price €11 |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 9 |
Fastest bus 4h 40m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 days |
Bus providers: Union Ivkoni International, ArdaTur, FlixBus, City Lines, Union Ivkoni, Infobus, Euroticket, LikeBus, Citylines from Thessaloniki to SofiaYou can travel by bus between Thessaloniki to Sofia with Union Ivkoni International, ArdaTur, FlixBus, City Lines, Union Ivkoni, Infobus, Euroticket, LikeBus, Citylines for as low as €11. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
City Lines
Infobus
Union Ivkoni International
ArdaTur
Euroticket
Union Ivkoni
LikeBus
Citylines
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.

- ArdaTur
- Passengers with disabilities receive discounts and priority seating, and folding wheelchairs are transported free of charge with advance registration.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Union Ivkoni International
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Service animals allowed.
- ArdaTur
- 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.
- FlixBus
- 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.
- 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.
- ArdaTur
- One piece of hand luggage up to 15 kg and two pieces of checked luggage up to 35 kg each are included.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Union Ivkoni International
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs and one checked bag up to 50 lbs.
- ArdaTur
- Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- 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 Thessaloniki to Sofia
Most Thessaloniki to Sofia buses use the Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) to София, (Sofia) station pair, with some services arriving at София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2). Use this guide to compare Thessaloniki and Sofia bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Getting to Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) from Thessaloniki city centre
Getting to Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) from Thessaloniki city centre
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) is 1 km from Thessaloniki city centre. Public transport options include:
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) bus station facilities and services
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ): Elevators, ramps.
Getting to София, (Sofia) from Sofia city centre
Getting to София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) from Sofia city centre
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.
Most popular bus connections from Thessaloniki
More options for your journey from Thessaloniki to Sofia
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