- 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.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest coaches from Skopje to Sofia
Showing times and prices for 19 Aug
Cheapest price
£22
Average price
£23
Fastest journey
6 h
Average duration
6 h
Buses per day
2
Distance
174 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Skopje to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Skopje to Sofia will cost around £23 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £22.
Fast coaches
Of the 2 buses that leave Skopje for Sofia every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 174 km distance in an average of 6 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h .
The slowest buses will take 6 h 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.
7:006h00Skopje13:00Sofia£221One-way0 changes
17:306h00Skopje23:30Sofia£241One-way0 changes
- 7:006h00Skopje13:00Sofia£221One-way0 changes
- 17:306h00Skopje23:30Sofia£241One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and flight for Skopje to Sofia
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Skopje to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £22. For those with little time consider booking a coach which can get you there in 5h 2m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £22, and a flight costs an average of £196.
Distance: 174 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|
£23 Average Price Cheapest | £329 Average Price |
5h 32m Average total duration Fastest 5h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 51m Average total duration 13h 51m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Skopje to Sofia bus times
The table below shows live departures for Skopje to Sofia coaches for today, Tuesday 18 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17:30 Skopje | 6h00 | 23:30 Sofia | 0 changesdirect | |
| Wednesday 19 August | |||||
| 7:00 Skopje | 6h00 | 13:00 Sofia | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Skopje 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.
Tue
18 Aug
18 Aug
Wed
19 Aug
19 Aug
Thu
20 Aug
20 Aug
Fri
21 Aug
21 Aug
Sat
22 Aug
22 Aug
Sun
23 Aug
23 Aug
Mon
24 Aug
24 Aug
Tue
25 Aug
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug
27 Aug
Fri
28 Aug
28 Aug
Sat
29 Aug
29 Aug
Sun
30 Aug
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
07 Sept
Why should you book Skopje to Sofia coaches with Omio?
City Lines as well as FlixBus, Citylines, Kaleia and more offer coaches services from Skopje to Sofia.
Omio is the only official third party seller for City Lines tickets.
Why book with Omio vs City Lines?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for City Lines, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus, Citylines or Kaleia to find the best option for your trip from Skopje to Sofia.
- 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 City Lines with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Skopje to Sofia.
Why book with Omio over Busbud or Checkmybus?
- Official reseller: City Lines tickets can only be bought on Omio or City Lines's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for City Lines tickets. Busbud or Checkmybus do not sell City Lines tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Skopje to Sofia.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Skopje to Sofia
North Macedonia
Bulgaria
Buses from Skopje to Sofia run on average 1 times per day, taking around 5h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £22 if you book in advance.
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 07:00, the last at 17:30. The fastest coach covers the 174 km distance in 6h 0m.
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 174 km |
Average bus duration 5h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price £22 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 6h 0m |
First bus 7:00 |
Last bus 17:30 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 63 days |
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: City Lines, FlixBus, Citylines, Kaleia from Skopje to SofiaYou can travel by bus between Skopje to Sofia with City Lines, FlixBus, Citylines, Kaleia for as low as £22. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
City Lines
About
\City Lines\" can refer to several different bus companies. One prominent example is Citylines, a leading Bulgarian bus company headquartered in Sofia. It operates an extensive network of 44 routes, connecting 22 cities across Bulgaria and serving 9 European nations with an average of 19 trips daily. Citylines coaches offer amenities such as air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Another is Rochester City Lines, a family-owned and operated charter bus company in Minnesota, United States, providing services for college, corporate, event, religious, school, and workforce transportation. They offer a fleet including motorcoaches, minibuses, and executive vans. Historically, National City Lines, Inc. (NCL) was a significant public transportation holding company in the United States, founded in 1920. NCL acquired numerous local transit systems, often converting streetcar lines to bus operations, a practice sometimes referred to as \"bustitution.\" Additionally, \"City Line\" is also the name of a bus rapid transit (BRT) line in Spokane, Washington, operated by the Spokane Transit Authority. This 6-mile route, which opened in 2023, utilizes modern, zero-emission battery-electric buses and connects key areas including downtown Spokane and the University District."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 0m
Cheapest Price
£26
City Lines frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 20% fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible restrooms.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; must be booked in advance.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
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 Duration
5h 0m
Cheapest Price
£25
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.
Citylines
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 0m
Cheapest Price
£24
Citylines frequency
1 a day
Kaleia
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 0m
Cheapest Price
£22
Kaleia frequency
1 a day
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: Skopje to Sofia coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Skopje 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 Skopje to Sofia can start from as little as £22 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Skopje to Sofia is £23; 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 Skopje to Sofia is 6h 0m to travel the 174 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 Skopje to Sofia leaves at 7:00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Skopje to Sofia leaves at 17:30.
Yes, there are 1 direct coaches a day from Skopje to Sofia with City Lines, Citylines, Kaleia. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Skopje to Sofia, you can count on City Lines, FlixBus, Citylines, Kaleia for the best way to get you to Sofia. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Skopje and Sofia and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Sofia from Skopje is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Skopje to Sofia is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Skopje and Sofia including taking a coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Skopje to Sofia:
- City Lines
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible restrooms.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Skopje to Sofia for coach company City Lines, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Skopje to Sofia depends on the coach companies:
- City Lines
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 20% fee.
- 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 City Lines, 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 Skopje to Sofia.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Skopje to Sofia:
- City Lines
- One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
- 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 Skopje to Sofia:
- City Lines
- 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Skopje to Sofia. The following conditions apply:
- City Lines
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Skopje to Sofia with the following coach company: City Lines, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Skopje to Sofia with the following coach company: City Lines, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Skopje to Sofia with the following coach company: City Lines, FlixBus.
Most popular bus connections from Skopje
More options for your journey from Skopje to Sofia
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Sofia and Skopje
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
