Cheap bus tickets from Sofia to Athens
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Bus from Sofia to Athens: Journey Information
There are 3 intercity buses per day from Sofia to Athens. Traveling by bus from Sofia to Athens usually takes around 11 hours and 44 minutes, but the fastest Union Ivkoni bus can make the trip in 11 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 326 mi (525 km) |
| Shortest duration | 11h 25m |
| Cheapest price | $68.21 |
| Trips per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Union Ivkoni |
| Bus lines | 3 |
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Sofia to Athens Bus Schedule
There are several bus options that can take you from Sofia to Athens:
- Union Ivkoni: 2 daily buses from $68
- Tourist Service Holding AD: 1 daily bus from $69
- Citylines: 1 daily bus from $69
How much is a bus ticket from Sofia to Athens?
Bus tickets for a trip from Sofia to Athens cost $69.51 on average. While it’s a bit pricey for a bus ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from Sofia to Athens by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Sofia to Athens in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $71 to $71. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on August 24, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Athens this week, bus tickets are available starting at $71.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To save money on bus tickets and ensure availability, it's always best to book in advance.
What bus companies travel from Sofia to Athens?
There are multiple buses that travel from Sofia to Athens, including Union Ivkoni, Tourist Service Holding AD, Citylines. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Union Ivkoni | 2 | 11h 58m | $68.94 |
| Tourist Service Holding AD | 1 | 11h 30m | $70.16 |
| Citylines | 1 | 11h 30m | $70.12 |
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 11 hours and 58 minutes to complete.
Book Tourist Service Holding AD from Sofia to Athens from $69.35. Typically there is one Tourist Service Holding AD schedule per day from Sofia to Athens and you can expect on average to pay $70.16 for a Tourist Service Holding AD ticket to Athens. In Sofia, Tourist Service Holding AD departs to Athens from Sofia Bus Station Serdika. In Athens, Tourist Service Holding AD arrives at Karolou 26.
An average trip on Tourist Service Holding AD from Sofia to Athens takes 11 hours and 30 minutes.
On weekends, Tourist Service Holding AD offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay $69.35 for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Athens.
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.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Sofia to Athens
There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Sofia to Athens every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Furthermore, all of these are direct buses which you can take the entire route from Sofia to Athens without transferring.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
3
The bus takes an average of 11 hours and 44 minutes to cover the 326 miles from Sofia to Athens. However, the fastest bus only takes 11 hours and 25 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
326
DISTANCE (KM)
525
The first bus leaves at 7:30am and the last bus leaves at 7:30pm. To see the times for all buses from Sofia to Athens, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
7:30am
LATEST BUS
7:30pm
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Athens 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.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Friday
City Information
Sofia
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?
Main departure station: Serdica Bus Stop
Buses to Athens leave from 3 stations in Sofia.
All bus stations in Sofia:
- Serdica Bus Stop
- Sofia Bus Station Serdika
- Serdica Bus Station
Where does the bus arrive in Athens?
Main arrival station: Karolou 26
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Athens.
All bus stations in Athens:
- Karolou 26
- Pl. Karaiskaki 2
Need a return trip from Athens to Sofia?
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