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Journey Information
There are 4 intercity buses per day from Vienna to Sofia. Traveling by bus from Vienna to Sofia usually takes around 17 hours and 53 minutes, but the fastest Arda Tur bus can make the trip in 13 hours and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 508 mi (817 km) |
| Shortest duration | 13h 40m |
| Cheapest price | US$25.41 |
| Trips per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Karat-S |
| Bus lines | 3 |
What bus companies travel from Vienna to Sofia?
There are 3 bus lines from Vienna to Sofia available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 4 daily trips, Karat-S 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 | 1 | 15h 4m | US$76.22 |
| Karat-S | 4 | 20h 56m | US$89.83 |
| Union Ivkoni | 1 | 14h 58m | US$57.19 |
Arda Tur is a Bulgarian intercity coach 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.
Book Karat-S from Vienna to Sofia from US$67. There are 4 trips per day offered by Karat-S from Vienna to Sofia and you can expect on average to pay for a Karat-S ticket to Sofia. In Vienna, Karat-S departs to Sofia from Vienna Busterminal Sudtirolerplatz . In Sofia, Karat-S arrives at Central Bus Station and one other station.
An average trip on Karat-S from Vienna to Sofia takes 20 hours and 56 minutes , while the fastest available Karat-S trip will get you to Sofia in 13 hours and 40 minutes .
On weekends, Karat-S offers 4 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Sofia.
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 Vienna to Sofia, and the trip usually takes 14 hours and 58 minutes to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 17 hours and 53 minutes to cover the 817 kilometers from Vienna to Sofia. However, the fastest bus only takes 13 hours and 40 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Sofia at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Friday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Friday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 02:00 and the last bus leaves at 21:00. To see the times for all buses from Vienna to Sofia, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
Vienna
Blessed with extravagant baroque structures and a romantic vibe, Vienna is the heart of Austria, and the country’s most famous destination. The pride of Vienna is the towering giant that is St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which has stood on the same spot for over eight centuries. The characteristically Gothic cathedral has withstood several wars that have befallen the city, and it is still able to keep its stunning beauty. After exploring the cathedral, don’t hesitate to take the chance to visit the catacombs, where victims of the Great Plague of Vienna were laid to rest. If you’re interested in art and history, check out the Museum of Fine Arts, which includes masterpieces by artists such as Titian, Velasquez, Van Dyke, and Reubens. For those who simply enjoy lounging around, the Schönbrunn Palace is a vast complex with plenty of green zones for picnics.
For those looking to try authentic Viennese goulash, Lugeck and Ofenloch are two famous establishments. For cheaper eats, try Motto in Weiden.
Vienna Hauptbahnhof is the main railway station in the city, offering access to other popular destinations such as Berlin and Munich. Vienna International Busterminal is the main bus station in the Austrian capital, serving carriers such as FlixBus. The city’s main airport is the Vienna International Airport, which is located just 11 miles southeast of the city.
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 Vienna?
Main departure station: Vienna Busterminal Sudtirolerplatz
Buses to Sofia leave from 3 stations in Vienna.
All bus stations in Vienna:
Vienna Busterminal Sudtirolerplatz
Stadioncenter
Central Bus Station Vib
Where does the bus arrive in Sofia?
Image credit: VasenkaPhotography
Link to image attributionMain arrival 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.
Bus stations in Sofia:
Central Bus Station
Serdica Bus Station
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Sofia to Vienna?
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