- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
Sofia’s main archaeology museum displays Thracian, Roman and medieval finds in a former mosque. It is ideal for understanding Bulgaria’s long history.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Ankara to Sofia
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£48
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£49
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
19 h 31 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
19 h 53 m
Buses on 18 Sept
2
Distance
853 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Ankara to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ankara to Sofia will cost around £49 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £48.
Fast coaches
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 buses from Ankara to Sofia, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 853 km distance in an average of 19 h 53 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 19 h 31 m .
The slowest buses will take 20 h 15 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
20:1520h15Ankara16:30Sofia£481One-way0 changes- 20:5919h31Ankara16:30Sofia£501One-way0 changes
- 20:5919h31Ankara16:30Sofia£501One-way0 changes
- 20:1520h15Ankara16:30Sofia£481One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and flight for Ankara to Sofia
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Ankara to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £52 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 30m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £52, while a flight costs an average of £117.
Distance: 853 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£52 Average Price Cheapest | £117 Average Price | £162 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 16m Average total duration 15h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration Fastest 2h 30m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 9h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Ankara to Sofia is a coach with an average price of £52.
This is compared to other travel options from Ankara to Sofia:
A coach is £65 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ankara to Sofia costing on average £117.
The fastest way to travel from Ankara to Sofia is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 30m.
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Coach takes on average 15h 46m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ankara and Sofia including taking a coach and flight.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £52 compared to roughly £162 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £109. The journey takes 15h 46m versus 9h 35m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Live departures
Ankara to Sofia bus times
The table below shows live departures for Ankara to Sofia coaches for tomorrow, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20:15 Ankara | 20h15 | 16:30 Sofia | 0 changesdirect | |
| 20:59 Ankara | 19h31 | 16:30 Sofia | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Ankara to Sofia by coach or flight
Compare coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Ankara to Sofia coaches with Omio?
FlixBus operates all coaches services from Ankara to Sofia.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ankara to Sofia.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Ankara to Sofia.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Ankara to Sofia.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Ankara to Sofia
Turkey
Bulgaria
Buses from Ankara to Sofia run on average 5 times per day, taking around 15h 46m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £49 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 02:00, the last at 23:15. The fastest coach covers the 853 km distance in 19h 31m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 853 km |
Average bus duration 15h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price £49 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 19h 31m |
First bus 2:00 |
Last bus 23:15 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: FlixBus from Ankara to SofiaYou can travel by bus between Ankara to Sofia with FlixBus for as low as £49. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
19h 31m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£49
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Complete guide to Sofia
Things to do in Sofia
Discover the best of Sofia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sofia trip today.
- Recommended
Sofia History Museum
Set in the former mineral baths, this museum presents Sofia’s urban development, daily life and civic history in a striking historic building.
- Recommended
National Gallery at the Palace
A major national gallery in a former royal palace, showing Bulgarian art from past centuries to modern works in grand historic interiors.
- Must visit
Vitosha Boulevard
A broad pedestrian boulevard lined with landmarks, shops and public buildings. It is Sofia’s main walking route for sightseeing and people-watching.
- Recommended
Independence Square
A central square between key institutions and churches, with Roman remains nearby. It is a useful starting point for exploring historic Sofia on foot.
- Recommended
Borisova Gradina
A city garden at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, popular for walks, concerts and open views. It offers a relaxed local atmosphere beyond the busiest centre.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Shopska salata
Shopska salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and sirene cheese. A national staple closely linked with Bulgarian home cooking and rakia.
- Vegetarian
Banitsa
Banitsa is a flaky pastry pie with eggs and white cheese, baked for breakfast and festive occasions. It is one of Bulgaria’s most familiar comfort foods.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Tarator
Tarator is a cold yoghurt soup with cucumber, dill, garlic and walnuts. It is a classic summer dish in Bulgaria, especially refreshing in Sofia’s heat.
Cosmos
Stylish restaurant focused on Bulgarian ingredients and contemporary presentation, with a refined dining room suited to a special meal.
Pod Lipite
Traditional Bulgarian restaurant in a historic setting, known for regional dishes, folk-style interiors and a polished but welcoming atmosphere.
Hadjidraganovite kashti
Long-established Bulgarian venue serving grills, salads and classic national dishes in a lively, rustic tavern atmosphere near the city centre.
Bulgarian lev (лв.)
Budget-friendly for Europe: hotels, meals and public transport are cheaper than in many EU capitals, though central areas and upscale venues cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- 12-20 лв. for fast food or street food.
- Mid-range
- 25-45 лв. per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- 80+ лв. per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- 4-6 лв. for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Round up in cafés and taxis. In restaurants, 5-10% is usual for good service if not already included.
Sofia2Go
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €0.80
- Day pass
- €2.00
To the city centre
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara -> Serdika, Sofia
- Distance
- 2.5 km
- Travel time
- 9 min
- Tap a bank card or device directly on buses, trams, trolleybuses and metro gates; the system caps contactless fares at the day-pass price.
- For the city centre from Centralna Avtogara, use Metro M2 from Central Railway Station/Bus Station to Serdika; it is usually the quickest public transport option.
FAQs: Ankara to Sofia coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ankara to Sofia by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Sofia, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Ankara to Sofia can start from as little as £49 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Ankara to Sofia is £52; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Ankara to Sofia is 19h 31m to travel the 853 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Ankara to Sofia leaves at 2:00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Ankara to Sofia leaves at 23:15.
There are 5 coaches a day from Ankara to Sofia which require at least one change with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Ankara to Sofia, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Sofia. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Ankara and Sofia and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Sofia from Ankara is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 19h 31m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Ankara to Sofia is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ankara and Sofia including taking a coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Ankara to Sofia:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Ankara to Sofia for coach company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Ankara to Sofia depends on the coach companies:
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Ankara to Sofia.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Ankara to Sofia:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Ankara to Sofia:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Ankara to Sofia. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Ankara to Sofia with the following coach company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Ankara to Sofia with the following coach company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Ankara to Sofia with the following coach company: FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Ankara and Sofia
Most Ankara to Sofia buses use the Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ to София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) station pair. Use this guide to compare Ankara and Sofia bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Ankara
Arrival bus stations in Sofia
Which Ankara station do buses to Sofia leave from?
Buses from Ankara to Sofia leave from Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇. The station is 4 km from Ankara city centre at Ankara Intercity Bus Terminal, Beştepe, 06560 Yenimahalle/Ankara, Türkiye.
Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇Ankara Intercity Bus Terminal, Beştepe, 06560 Yenimahalle/Ankara, Türkiye
City-centre transport
Getting to Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ from Ankara city centre
Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ is 3 km from Ankara city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus442 · 10m · every ~5 min
Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ bus station facilities and services
Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇ has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Several restaurants and cafes available.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTMs available within the station premises.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ankara, Şehi̇rler Arasi Otobüs Temi̇nali̇: Station is accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Ankara, D200 (Kayaş - Ateşçi Av Malzemeleri)Küçük Kayaş, 19 Mayıs Blv. No:222 D:B, 06480 Mamak/Ankara, Türkiye
City-centre transport
Getting to Ankara, D200 (Kayaş - Ateşçi Av Malzemeleri) from Ankara city centre
Ankara, D200 (Kayaş - Ateşçi Av Malzemeleri) is 9 km from Ankara city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus220-7 · 52m · £0.90 · every ~11 min
SubwayBaskentray · 27m · £0.90 · every ~14 min
Ankara, D200 (Kayaş - Ateşçi Av Malzemeleri) bus station facilities and services
Ankara, D200 (Kayaş - Ateşçi Av Malzemeleri) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Ankara, D200 (Kayaş - Ateşçi Av Malzemeleri). ATMs are available at Ankara, D200 (Kayaş - Ateşçi Av Malzemeleri).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ankara, D200 (Kayaş - Ateşçi Av Malzemeleri).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ankara, D200 (Kayaş - Ateşçi Av Malzemeleri): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ankara, D200 (Kayaş - Ateşçi Av Malzemeleri): Wheelchair accessible entrance.
София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
City-centre transport
Getting to София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) from Sofia city centre
Bus78 · 13m · every ~5 min
Subway2 · 3m · £0.90 · every ~20 min
M2 · 4m · every ~16 min
Most popular bus connections from Ankara
More options for your journey from Ankara to Sofia
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Sofia and Ankara
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