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Journey Information
There are 16 intercity buses per day from Sofia to Thessaloniki. Traveling by bus from Sofia to Thessaloniki usually takes around 5 hours and 21 minutes, but the fastest Arda Tur bus can make the trip in 4 hours and 50 minutes.
| Distance | 144 mi (231 km) |
| Shortest duration | 4h 50m |
| Cheapest price | $21.99 |
| Trips per day | 16 |
| Most frequent service | Arda Tur |
| Bus lines | 4 |
Price trends for buses from Sofia to Thessaloniki
Monthly average prices
What bus companies travel from Sofia to Thessaloniki?
There are 4 bus lines from Sofia to Thessaloniki available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 6 daily trips, Arda Tur usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arda Tur | 6 | 5h 16m | $34.11 |
| Citylines | 2 | 5h 9m | $31.43 |
| Tourist Service Holding AD | 2 | 5h 3m | $22.24 |
| Union Ivkoni | 6 | 5h 38m | $24.17 |
Arda Tur is a Bulgarian intercity bus company serving a large number of cities in Bulgaria as well as destinations across Europe, like Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany. Onboard, you’ll find extra legroom, air conditioning, restrooms, complimentary WiFi and power outlets. There are also snacks and drinks available for purchase as well.
Citylines, a prominent Bulgarian bus company based in Sofia, offers an extensive network of routes connecting cities within Bulgaria and beyond, operating numerous daily trips. The company's services extend to countries such as Greece, Turkey, Montenegro, and Germany, providing convenient travel options for passengers. One of Citylines' popular routes is the 12-hour journey from Sofia to Athens, which runs twice daily, and passengers can enjoy amenities such as air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and Wi-Fi connectivity for a comfortable and convenient travel experience.
Book Tourist Service Holding AD from Sofia to Thessaloniki from $22. There are 2 Tourist Service Holding AD schedules from Sofia to Thessaloniki and you can expect on average to pay for a Tourist Service Holding AD ticket to Thessaloniki. In Sofia, Tourist Service Holding AD departs to Thessaloniki from Sofia Central Bus Station and 1 other station. In Thessaloniki, Tourist Service Holding AD arrives at Macedonia Intercity Bus Station and 1 other station.
An average trip on Tourist Service Holding AD from Sofia to Thessaloniki takes 5 hours and 3 minutes , while the fastest available Tourist Service Holding AD trip will get you to Thessaloniki in 4 hours and 50 minutes .
On weekends, Tourist Service Holding AD offers 2 trips per day and you could expect to pay for a weekend getaway trip to Thessaloniki.
Union Ivkoni was founded in Bulgaria in 1992 and quickly expanded its operations throughout Europe. Popular routes include both shorter travels within one country and long-haul international trips. Their reliable buses offer amenities to make your trip comfortable, including air conditioning, extra legroom, and power outlets. Union Ivkoni usually operates 6 trips per day on the route from Sofia to Thessaloniki, and the trip usually takes 5 hours and 38 minutes to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 5 hours and 21 minutes to cover the 231 kilometers from Sofia to Thessaloniki. However, the fastest bus only takes 4 hours and 50 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
With many people traveling in the middle of the week, Wednesday is the busiest day of the week for bus travel. If you are planning to travel on a Wednesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Thessaloniki, book your ticket for the last day of the week.
The first bus leaves at 7:00am and the last bus leaves at 8:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Sofia to Thessaloniki, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
Sofia
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
The Bulgarian capital of Sofia lies in the Sofia Valley at the foot of Vitosha mountain. Known for its vast history stretching over seven millennia, Sofia is one of Europe's oldest cities, making for a metropolis where long-standing traditions meet modern entertainment.
Sofia's most iconic and popular tourist destination is the St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Completed in 1912 and built as a memorial to the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish Liberation War, the cathedral's crypt is open to visitors and has a vast collection of religious icons.
Because of Sofia's fascinatingly long history, it is no surprise that the city is filled with various historic sites and era-defining buildings. The Rotunda Church of St. George is one such place and is said to be the oldest building in Sofia. This ruin dates back to the 4th century, and the fact alone that it has remained mostly unscathed since then is reason enough to visit.
Sofia has also developed a vibrant contemporary scene, with many festivals and events taking place annually, including the internationally prominent Sofia Independent Film Festival and the GuitArt Festival.
Sofia can be easily reached by air via its conveniently located international airport, as well as by rail from various cities in nearby countries, including Istanbul, Belgrade and Bucharest. Various international and national bus services also offer daily transportation to the city. The vast majority of them operate out of the Sofia Central Bus Station.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Sofia?
Image credit: VasenkaPhotography
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Central Bus Station
The Central Bus Station Mariya Luiza is in the heart of Sofia, Bulgaria's capital city. Buses here run a regular service to Chisinau in Moldova, stopping at other Bulgarian cities on the way. There are also long-distance services going as far as Sunny Beach, Thessaloniki, and even Istanbul. The Central Bus station is located right next to the Central Railway Station, which has a waiting area and cafe. The Bus Station is also a short walk to the city center, which has a variety of major shops, restaurants, and supermarkets.
All bus stations in Sofia:
Central Bus Station
Serdica Bus Station
Sofia Bus Station
Sofia Bus Station Serdika
Sofia Central Bus Station
Where does the bus arrive in Thessaloniki?
Main arrival station: Bus Station KTEL
Buses arrive in Thessaloniki at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
Bus stations in Thessaloniki:
Bus Station KTEL
Monastiriou Bus Stop
Macedonia Intercity Bus Station
Thessaloniki Monastiriou
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Need a return trip from Thessaloniki to Sofia?
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