- 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.
Cheapest price on 07 Oct
£47
Average ticket price on 07 Oct
£53
Fastest journey on 07 Oct
11 h 30 m
Average journey duration on 07 Oct
11 h 35 m
Buses on 07 Oct
3
Distance
525 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Athens to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Athens to Sofia will cost around £53 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £47.
On Wed 07 Oct, we found 3 buses from Athens to Sofia, including 3 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 525 km distance in an average of 11 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 30 m .
The slowest buses will take 11 h 45 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.

7094807
0
7094807
0Buses from Athens to Sofia run on average 3 times per day, taking around 11h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £23 if you book in advance.
There are 3 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 04:00, the last at 23:44. The fastest coach covers the 525 km distance in 10h 50m.
Distance 525 km |
Average bus duration 11h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price £23 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 10h 50m |
First bus 4:00 |
Last bus 23:44 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 70 days |
The table below shows live departures for Athens to Sofia coaches for today, Tuesday 6 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:15 Athina, Platia Karaizkaki (Αθήνα, Πλατεία Καραϊσκάκη) | 12h45 | 21:00 Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 0 changesdirect | |
7491427 | 17:30 Athens | 11h30 | 5:00 Sofia | 0 changesdirect | |
7604160 | 19:00 Athens | 11h45 | 6:45 Sofia | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Sofia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sofia trip today.
Sofia’s main archaeology museum displays Thracian, Roman and medieval finds in a former mosque. It is ideal for understanding Bulgaria’s long history.
Set in the former mineral baths, this museum presents Sofia’s urban development, daily life and civic history in a striking historic building.
A major national gallery in a former royal palace, showing Bulgarian art from past centuries to modern works in grand historic interiors.
A broad pedestrian boulevard lined with landmarks, shops and public buildings. It is Sofia’s main walking route for sightseeing and people-watching.
A central square between key institutions and churches, with Roman remains nearby. It is a useful starting point for exploring historic Sofia on foot.
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.
Shopska salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and sirene cheese. A national staple closely linked with Bulgarian home cooking and rakia.
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.
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.
Stylish restaurant focused on Bulgarian ingredients and contemporary presentation, with a refined dining room suited to a special meal.
Traditional Bulgarian restaurant in a historic setting, known for regional dishes, folk-style interiors and a polished but welcoming atmosphere.
Long-established Bulgarian venue serving grills, salads and classic national dishes in a lively, rustic tavern atmosphere near the city centre.
Budget-friendly for Europe: hotels, meals and public transport are cheaper than in many EU capitals, though central areas and upscale venues cost more.
Round up in cafés and taxis. In restaurants, 5-10% is usual for good service if not already included.
Official public transport app
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara -> Serdika, Sofia
The most popular day trips by bus from Sofia are Plovdiv, Borovets, Blagoevgrad, Bansko and Pernik. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Sofia on Omio.

Plovdiv is known for its Roman heritage, colourful Revival-era houses and relaxed creative atmosphere. The Old Town and Kapana show how ancient history and contemporary culture sit side by side.
There are 5 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:00, the last at 23:31. The fastest coach covers the 132 km distance in 1h 14m.

There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 10:30, the last at 10:30. The fastest coach covers the 70 km distance in 1h 0m.

Blagoevgrad is a lively university city in south-west Bulgaria with a youthful feel and a compact centre. It is known for the historic Varosha quarter, café culture and its setting near the Rila and Pirin mountains.
There are 9 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:45, the last at 23:42. The fastest coach covers the 78 km distance in 59m.

Bansko is best known for skiing on the Pirin slopes, but its character also comes from its old stone-built quarter and Bulgarian taverns. In warmer months, the town shifts towards walking, festivals and mountain scenery.
There are 11 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest coach covers the 96 km distance in 1h 9m.

Pernik is an industrial city west of Sofia, known for its mining past and the annual Surva festival of masked traditions. Krakra Fortress and the Palace of Culture reflect its local history, giving the city a practical, down-to-earth feel.
The earliest coach runs at 05:40, the last at 20:45.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Athens 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.

Most Athens to Sofia buses use the Athens (Αθήνα) to Sofia (София) station pair, with some services arriving at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика). Use this guide to compare Athens and Sofia bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού) is 3 km from Athens city centre. Public transport options include:
Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού). ATMs are available at Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού).
Ticket office support is available at Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού).
Available at Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού): Ramps available for wheelchair access.
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) is 1 km from Sofia city centre. Public transport options include:
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Serdika (in the station), Bistro Bulgaria (0.2 km), Sofia Grill House (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика).
Available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика): Elevators, ramps.
Sofia (София) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Small cafes available nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at Sofia (София). ATMs are aTM machines available onsite.
Ticket office support is available at Sofia (София).
Available at Sofia (София): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia (София): Facilities are accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
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