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Journey Information
There are 6 intercity buses per day from Sofia to Athens. Traveling by bus from Sofia to Athens usually takes around 12 hours and 4 minutes, but the fastest Tourist Service Holding AD bus can make the trip in 10 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 326 mi (525 km) |
| Shortest duration | 10h 30m |
| Cheapest price | $55.71 |
| Trips per day | 6 |
| Most frequent service | Union Ivkoni |
| Bus lines | 4 |
Price trends for buses from Sofia to Athens
Monthly average prices
What bus companies travel from Sofia to Athens?
There are 4 bus lines from Sofia to Athens available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. Union Ivkoni offers the most choice in regards to departure times, with a couple of different times on its daily bus schedule.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arda Tur | 1 | 12h 29m | $81.96 |
| Citylines | 2 | 11h 36m | $67.91 |
| Tourist Service Holding AD | 1 | 11h 30m | $56.41 |
| Union Ivkoni | 2 | 12h 30m | $64.89 |
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 Athens from $56. There are 1 Tourist Service Holding AD schedules from Sofia to Athens and you can expect on average to pay for a Tourist Service Holding AD ticket to Athens. In Sofia, Tourist Service Holding AD departs to Athens from Sofia Bus Station Serdika and no other station. In Athens, Tourist Service Holding AD arrives at Karolou 26 and no other station.
An average trip on Tourist Service Holding AD from Sofia to Athens takes 11 hours and 30 minutes , while the fastest available Tourist Service Holding AD trip will get you to Athens in 10 hours and 30 minutes .
On weekends, Tourist Service Holding AD offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a weekend getaway trip to Athens.
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 2 trips per day on the route from Sofia to Athens, and the trip usually takes 12 hours and 30 minutes to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 12 hours and 4 minutes to cover the 525 kilometers from Sofia to Athens. However, the fastest bus only takes 10 hours and 30 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, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go."
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 Athens, 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
Sofia Bus Station Serdika
Sofia Bus Station
Serdica Bus Station
Where does the bus arrive in Athens?
Main arrival station: Pl. Karaiskaki 2
Buses arrive in Athens at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
Bus stations in Athens:
Pl. Karaiskaki 2
Karolou 26
Akominatou 32-36
Athens Chiou
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Need a return trip from Athens to Sofia?
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