Buses from Budapest to Sofia
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Journey Information
There are 5 intercity buses per day from Budapest to Sofia. Traveling by bus from Budapest to Sofia usually takes around 20 hours and 52 minutes, but the fastest Arda Tur bus can make the trip in 12 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 392 mi (631 km) |
| Shortest duration | 12h 30m |
| Cheapest price | $43.05 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus |
| Bus lines | 2 |
What bus companies travel from Budapest to Sofia?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Budapest to Sofia that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus usually offers more choice, with 5 scheduled trips per day.
Arda Tur
Book Arda Tur from Budapest to Sofia from $80. Typically there is one Arda Tur schedule per day from Budapest to Sofia and you can expect on average to pay for a Arda Tur ticket to Sofia. In Budapest, Arda Tur departs to Sofia from Üllői út 131 . In Sofia, Arda Tur arrives at Serdica Bus Station .
An average trip on Arda Tur from Budapest to Sofia takes 12 hours and 30 minutes .
On weekends, Arda Tur offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Sofia.
FlixBus
First launched in Germany in 2013, FlixBus has become one of the largest intercity bus companies in Europe. Its fleet travels through nearly every country in Europe, including the U.K. FlixBus operates an average of 5 trips from Budapest to Sofia, and usually makes the trip in about 21 hours and 18 minutes. On your trip, you'll enjoy Wi-Fi and live GPS, as well as restrooms, air conditioning, and power outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by bus from Budapest to Sofia during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our bus partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, bus carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the bus or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
How long is the bus ride from Budapest to Sofia?
The bus takes an average of 20 hours and 52 minutes to cover the 392 miles from Budapest to Sofia. However, the fastest bus only takes 12 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.
What is the busiest day of the week to travel by bus?
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.
When do the earliest and latest buses leave Budapest?
The first bus leaves at 4:00am and the last bus leaves at 2:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Budapest to Sofia, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
How many buses are there each day?
City Information
Budapest
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
As the commercial and cultural hub of Hungary, Budapest is a multi-faceted city that appeals to many different kinds of travelers. The city’s star attraction is the blue Danube, which runs through town, dividing it in two. To explore the river to its fullest, you should go on a boat cruise. This is also a good way to enjoy an unobstructed view of the surrounding architecture. After enjoying the sapphire-colored water of the Danube, take a stroll around the historic Castle Hill quarter, which features cobblestone streets and quaint old buildings. While here, don’t hesitate to visit the area’s iconic Buda Castle, which dates back to the 13th century. For those who do not want to pass up a good photo shoot, Fisherman’s Bastion offers amazing panoramic views.
If you are looking for some unique Hungarian dishes, Arany Kaviar Restaurant offers a great selection. For a more casual experience, Hoppacska is a great choice.
The three main rail stations in Budapest are Keleti, Nyugati, and Déii, which offer access to various other Hungarian and European cities. The main bus station is Népliget and it is located on the edge of Budapest’s popular People’s Park. The main airport in the city is the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport.
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 Budapest?
Image credit: Globetrotter19
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Üllői út 131
The station at Üllői út 131 is Budapest's center of intercity bus transport, plus a hub for local bus and subway services that run through the Népliget station. The station itself is large and spacious, so you can expect to find public restrooms as well as a comfortable waiting area with seats. The station's location is slightly south of Budapest's inner city, but there are still many cafes and hotels in the area since the immense People's Park and the MVM Dome are on either side of the station. Many of Budapest's local buses stop here, along with intercity service on lines including FlixBus and Slovak Lines.
All bus stations in Budapest:
Üllői út 131
Etele tér
Airport Terminal 2A
Üllői út 131
Where does the bus arrive in Sofia?
Main arrival station: Central Bus Station
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Sofia.
All bus stations in Sofia:
Central Bus Station
Serdica Bus Station
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