- 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 Sandanski to Sofia
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 16 Oct
Cheapest price on 16 Oct
£9
Average ticket price on 16 Oct
£9
Fastest journey on 16 Oct
2 h 45 m
Average journey duration on 16 Oct
2 h 56 m
Buses on 16 Oct
4
Distance
126 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Sandanski to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sandanski to Sofia will cost around £9 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £9.
Fast coaches
On Fri 16 Oct, we found 4 buses from Sandanski to Sofia, including 4 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 126 km distance in an average of 2 h 56 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 45 m .
The slowest buses will take 3 h 10 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.
15:002h50Sandanski, Bus Station (Сандански, Автогара)17:50Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)£91One-way0 changes- 7:003h00Sandanski, Bus Station (Сандански, Автогара)10:00Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)£91One-way0 changes
- 12:003h10Sandanski, Bus Station (Сандански, Автогара)15:10Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)£91One-way0 changes
- 17:002h45Sandanski, Bus Station (Сандански, Автогара)19:45Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)£91One-way0 changes
- 17:002h45Sandanski, Bus Station (Сандански, Автогара)19:45Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)£91One-way0 changes
- 15:002h50Sandanski, Bus Station (Сандански, Автогара)17:50Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)£91One-way0 changes
- 7:003h00Sandanski, Bus Station (Сандански, Автогара)10:00Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)£91One-way0 changes
- 12:003h10Sandanski, Bus Station (Сандански, Автогара)15:10Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)£91One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Sandanski to Sofia
BulgariaBulgaria
Buses from Sandanski to Sofia run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £9 if you book in advance.
There are 4 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 06:40, the last at 17:00. The fastest coach covers the 126 km distance in 2h 45m.
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 126 km |
Average bus duration 2h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 2h 45m |
First bus 6:40 |
Last bus 17:00 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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
Live departures
Sandanski to Sofia bus times
The table below shows live departures for Sandanski to Sofia coaches for tomorrow, Friday 16 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 Sandanski, Bus Station (Сандански, Автогара) | 3h00 | 10:00 Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 12:00 Sandanski, Bus Station (Сандански, Автогара) | 3h10 | 15:10 Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 15:00 Sandanski, Bus Station (Сандански, Автогара) | 2h50 | 17:50 Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 17:00 Sandanski, Bus Station (Сандански, Автогара) | 2h45 | 19:45 Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Sandanski to Sofia coaches with Omio?
Union Ivkoni International operates all coaches services from Sandanski to Sofia.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Sandanski to Sofia.
Why book with Omio vs Union Ivkoni International?
- 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.
Bus providers: Union Ivkoni International from Sandanski to SofiaYou can travel by bus between Sandanski to Sofia with Union Ivkoni International for as low as £9. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Union Ivkoni International
About
Union Ivkoni International is a prominent bus company based in Sofia, Bulgaria, established in 1992. It is recognized as the largest bus carrier in Bulgaria and a leader in bus transport across Europe. The company offers extensive services, including regular bus lines, bus rentals, and bus tours, with over 715 daily departures to more than 100 towns in Bulgaria and over 150 towns in Central and Western Europe, Greece, and Turkey. Union Ivkoni also operates its own tourist brand, Uni Holidays, providing various excursions, vacations, and plane tickets.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Union Ivkoni International Duration
2h 45m
Cheapest Union Ivkoni International Price
£9
Union Ivkoni International frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs and one checked bag up to 50 lbs.
Additional luggage
10 USD per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a full refund in the form of a travel credit.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Service animals allowed.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
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.
Best day trips from Sofia by bus
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.
Day trip from Sofia to Plovdiv by bus
Why visit Plovdiv for the day?
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.
How to get from Sofia to Plovdiv by bus?
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.
Day trip from Sofia to Borovets by bus
How to get from Sofia to Borovets by bus?
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.
Day trip from Sofia to Blagoevgrad by bus
Why visit Blagoevgrad for the day?
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.
How to get from Sofia to Blagoevgrad by bus?
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.
Day trip from Sofia to Bansko by bus
Why visit Bansko for the day?
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.
How to get from Sofia to Bansko by bus?
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.
Day trip from Sofia to Pernik by bus
Why visit Pernik for the day?
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.
How to get from Sofia to Pernik by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 05:40, the last at 20:45.
FAQs: Sandanski to Sofia coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sandanski 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 Sandanski to Sofia can start from as little as £9 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Sandanski to Sofia is £9; 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 Sandanski to Sofia is 2h 45m to travel the 126 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 Sandanski to Sofia leaves at 6:40. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Sandanski to Sofia leaves at 17:00.
Yes, there are 4 direct coaches a day from Sandanski to Sofia with Union Ivkoni International. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Sandanski to Sofia, you can count on Union Ivkoni International for the best way to get you to Sofia. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Sandanski and Sofia and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Yes, you can take a coach between Sandanski and Sofia.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Sandanski to Sofia:
- Union Ivkoni International
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Service animals allowed.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Sandanski to Sofia for coach company Union Ivkoni International.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Sandanski to Sofia depends on the coach companies:
- Union Ivkoni International
- You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a full refund in the form of a travel credit.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company Union Ivkoni International.
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 Sandanski to Sofia.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Sandanski to Sofia:
- Union Ivkoni International
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs and one checked bag up to 50 lbs.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Sandanski to Sofia:
- Union Ivkoni International
- 10 USD per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Sandanski to Sofia.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Sandanski to Sofia with the following coach company: Union Ivkoni International
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Sandanski to Sofia with the following coach company: Union Ivkoni International.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Sandanski to Sofia with the following coach company: Union Ivkoni International.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Sandanski and Sofia
Most Sandanski to Sofia buses use the Sandanski, Bus Station (Сандански, Автогара) to Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) station pair. Use this guide to compare Sandanski and Sofia bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Sandanski
Arrival bus stations in Sofia
Sandanski, Bus Station (Сандански, Автогара)
Which Sofia station do buses from Sandanski arrive at?
Buses from Sandanski to Sofia arrive at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара). Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) is 1 km from Sofia city centre.
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)Centralna Avtogara, 100 Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd, Sofia, Bulgaria
City-centre transport
Getting to Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) from Sofia city centre
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) is 1 km from Sofia city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus78 · 13m · every ~5 min
Subway2 · 3m · £1 · every ~20 min
M2 · 4m · every ~16 min
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) bus station facilities and services
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара): Elevators, ramps.
Most popular bus connections from Sandanski
More options for your journey from Sandanski to Sofia
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Sofia and Sandanski
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