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Journey Information
There are 5 intercity buses per day from Athens to Sofia. Traveling by bus from Athens to Sofia usually takes around 12 hours and 18 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 | $40.36 |
| Trips per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | Union Ivkoni |
| Bus lines | 3 |
Price trends for buses from Athens to Sofia
Monthly avg. prices
What bus companies travel from Athens to Sofia?
There are 3 bus lines from Athens to Sofia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citylines | 2 | 11h 58m | $48.28 |
| Tourist Service Holding AD | 1 | 11h 29m | $40.84 |
| Union Ivkoni | 2 | 13h 0m | $46.99 |
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 $40. Typically there is one Tourist Service Holding AD schedule per day 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 . 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 29 minutes , while the fastest available Tourist Service Holding AD trip will get you to Sofia 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 one way ticket for your weekend getaway 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 2 trips per day on the route from Athens to Sofia, and the trip usually takes 13 hours and 0 minutes to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 12 hours and 18 minutes to cover the 326 miles from Athens to Sofia. 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.
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Athens to Sofia for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, 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 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: Pl. Karaiskaki 2
Buses to Sofia leave from 3 stations in Athens.
All bus stations in Athens:
Pl. Karaiskaki 2
Karolou 26
Athens Chiou
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.
All bus stations in Sofia:
Central Bus Station
Sofia Bus Station Serdika
Serdica Bus Station
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