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Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Budapest to Sofia. Traveling by bus from Budapest to Sofia usually takes around 17 hours and 13 minutes, but the fastest Arda Tur bus can make the trip in 11 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 392 mi (631 km) |
| Shortest duration | 11h 30m |
| Cheapest price | CA$97.71 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Karat-S |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Budapest to Sofia?
Bus tickets for a trip from Budapest to Sofia cost CA$131.79 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.
Monthly avg. prices
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, Karat-S usually offers more choice, with 2 scheduled trips per day.
Arda Tur is a Bulgarian intercity bus 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 Budapest to Sofia from CA$98. There are 2 trips per day offered by Karat-S from Budapest to Sofia and you can expect on average to pay for a Karat-S ticket to Sofia. In Budapest, Karat-S departs to Sofia from Üllői út 131 . In Sofia, Karat-S arrives at Serdica Bus Station and one other station.
An average trip on Karat-S from Budapest to Sofia takes 19 hours and 27 minutes , while the fastest available Karat-S trip will get you to Sofia in 11 hours and 30 minutes .
On weekends, Karat-S offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Sofia.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 17 hours and 13 minutes to cover the 392 miles from Budapest 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.
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Budapest 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, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Sofia, book your ticket for the last day of the week.
The first bus leaves at 8:00am and the last bus leaves at 8:00am. To see the times for all buses from Budapest to Sofia, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
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?
Main departure station: Üllői út 131
Budapest has two bus stations with service to Sofia.
All bus stations in Budapest:
Üllői út 131
Budapest Népliget M
Where does the bus arrive in Sofia?
Main arrival station: Serdica Bus Station
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Sofia.
All bus stations in Sofia:
Serdica Bus Station
Central Bus Station
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Need a return trip from Sofia to Budapest?
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More buses from Budapest
- Budapest to Zagreb
CA$45+
- Budapest to Belgrade
CA$65+
- Budapest to Ljubljana
CA$67+
Continue by bus from Sofia
- Sofia to Bansko
CA$16+
- Bus from Sofia to Burgas
CA$24+
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