Cheap bus tickets from Athens to Sofia
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Bus from Athens to Sofia: Journey Information
There are 3 intercity buses per day from Athens to Sofia. Traveling by bus from Athens to Sofia usually takes around 11 hours and 53 minutes, but the fastest Union Ivkoni bus can make the trip in 11 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 326 mi (525 km) |
| Shortest duration | 11h 30m |
| Cheapest price | $68.21 |
| Trips per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Union Ivkoni |
| Bus lines | 3 |
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Athens to Sofia Bus Schedule
There are several bus options that can take you from Athens to Sofia:
- Union Ivkoni: 2 daily buses from $68
- Citylines: 1 daily buses from $69
- Tourist Service Holding AD: 1 daily buses from $69
How much is a bus ticket from Athens to Sofia?
Bus tickets for a trip from Athens to Sofia cost $69.31 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 Athens to Sofia by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Athens to Sofia in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $70 to $70. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on August 18, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Sofia this week, bus tickets are available starting at $70.
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 Athens to Sofia?
There are multiple buses that travel from Athens to Sofia, including Union Ivkoni, Citylines, Tourist Service Holding AD. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Union Ivkoni | 2 | 12h 5m | $68.86 |
| Citylines | 1 | 11h 45m | $69.99 |
| Tourist Service Holding AD | 1 | 11h 30m | $69.98 |
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 Athens to Sofia, and the trip usually takes 12 hours and 5 minutes to complete.
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 $69.35. Typically there is one Tourist Service Holding AD schedule per day from Athens to Sofia and you can expect on average to pay $69.98 for a Tourist Service Holding AD ticket to Sofia. In Athens, Tourist Service Holding AD departs to Sofia from Karolou 26. In Sofia, Tourist Service Holding AD arrives at Sofia Bus Station Serdika.
An average trip on Tourist Service Holding AD from Athens to Sofia 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 Sofia.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Athens to Sofia
Bus tickets for a trip from Athens to Sofia cost $69.31 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.
There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Athens to Sofia 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 Athens to Sofia without transferring.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
3
The bus takes an average of 11 hours and 53 minutes to cover the 326 miles 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
326
DISTANCE (KM)
525
The first bus leaves at 8:15am 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.
EARLIEST BUS
8:15am
LATEST BUS
7:00pm
Because many passengers travel from Athens to Sofia at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, 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.
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 Athens?
Main departure station: Pl. Karaiskaki 2
Athens has two bus stations with service to Sofia.
All bus stations in Athens:
- Pl. Karaiskaki 2
- Karolou 26
Where does the bus arrive in Sofia?
Main arrival station: Serdica Bus Stop
Buses arrive in Sofia at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
All bus stations in Sofia:
- Serdica Bus Stop
- Serdica Bus Station
- Sofia Bus Station Serdika
Need a return trip from Sofia to Athens?
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