Cheap bus tickets from Athens to Sofia
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Bus from Athens to Sofia: Journey Information
There are 5 intercity buses per day from Athens to Sofia. Traveling by bus from Athens to Sofia usually takes around 11 hours and 45 minutes, but the fastest Tourist Service Holding AD bus can make the trip in 11 hours and 30 minutes.
Distance | 326 mi (525 km) |
Shortest duration | 11h 30m |
Cheapest price | $66.76 |
Trips per day | 5 |
Most frequent service | Citylines |
Bus lines | 4 |

What bus companies travel from Athens to Sofia?
There are 4 bus lines from Athens to Sofia available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. Citylines 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 | 11h 30m | $86.94 |
Citylines | 2 | 11h 38m | $81.28 |
Tourist Service Holding AD | 1 | 11h 30m | $66.76 |
Union Ivkoni | 1 | 12h 30m | $73.58 |
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 Athens to Sofia from $67. There are 1 Tourist Service Holding AD schedules from Athens to Sofia and you can expect on average to pay for a Tourist Service Holding AD ticket to Sofia. In Athens, Tourist Service Holding AD departs to Sofia from Karolou 26 and no other station. In Sofia, Tourist Service Holding AD arrives at Sofia Bus Station Serdika and no other station.
An average trip on Tourist Service Holding AD from Athens to Sofia takes 11 hours and 30 minutes .
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 1 trips per day on the route from Athens to Sofia, and the trip usually takes 12 hours and 30 minutes to complete.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Athens to Sofia
The bus takes an average of 11 hours and 45 minutes to cover the 525 kilometers from Athens to Sofia. However, the fastest bus only takes 11 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.
The first bus leaves at 5:00pm and the last bus leaves at 7:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Athens to Sofia, 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 Athens?
Main departure station: Karolou 26
Buses to Sofia leave from 4 stations in Athens.
All bus stations in Athens:
Karolou 26
Akominatou 32-36
Pl. Karaiskaki 2
Athens Chiou
Where does the bus arrive in Sofia?
Main arrival station: Serdica Bus Station
Buses arrive in Sofia at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
Bus stations in Sofia:
Serdica Bus Station
Sofia Bus Station Serdika
Central Bus Station
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Sofia to Athens?
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