- Must visit
House-Museum Nikola Vaptsarov
Birth house of poet Nikola Vaptsarov, presenting family rooms, documents and exhibits that illuminate Bansko's modern cultural history.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Sofia to Bansko
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£13
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£22
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
2 h 33 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
2 h 41 m
Buses on 18 Sept
13
Distance
96 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Sofia to Bansko is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sofia to Bansko will cost around £22 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £13.
Fast coaches
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 13 buses from Sofia to Bansko, including 13 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 96 km distance in an average of 2 h 41 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 33 m .
The slowest buses will take 2 h 47 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.
8:303h12Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)11:42Bansko, Bus Station£131One-way0 changes- 11:253h10Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)14:35Bansko, Bus Station£131One-way0 changes
- 9:453h05Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)12:50Bansko, Bus Station£131One-way0 changes
012:033h06Sofia15:09Bansko£201One-way0 changes- 012:033h00Sofia15:03Bansko£201One-way0 changes
- 012:302h33Sofia15:03Bansko£251One-way0 changes
- 012:302h39Sofia15:09Bansko£211One-way0 changes
- 012:302h42Sofia15:12Bansko£351One-way0 changes
- 012:202h43Sofia15:03Bansko£251One-way0 changes
- 012:032h47Sofia14:50Bansko£231One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach for Sofia to Bansko
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Bansko among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £13 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 3h 36m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, while a coach costs an average of £13.
Distance: 96 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|
£13 Average Price Cheapest | £27 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 36m Average total duration Fastest 3h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Sofia to Bansko is a coach with an average price of £23.
The fastest way to travel from Sofia to Bansko is by coach with an average journey time of 3h 5m.
Yes, you can take a coach between Sofia and Bansko.
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 £23 compared to roughly £27 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £4. The journey takes 3h 5m versus 2h 6m 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.
Direct services are operated by Union Ivkoni International, Traventuria.
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
Sofia to Bansko bus times
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Bansko 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30 Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 3h12 | 11:42 Bansko, Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:45 Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 3h05 | 12:50 Bansko, Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 11:25 Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 3h10 | 14:35 Bansko, Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 0 | 12:03 Sofia | 3h06 | 15:09 Bansko | 0 changesdirect | |
| 0 | 12:03 Sofia | 3h36 | 15:39 Bansko | 0 changesdirect | |
| 0 | 12:03 Sofia | 3h00 | 15:03 Bansko | 0 changesdirect | |
| 0 | 12:03 Sofia | 2h47 | 14:50 Bansko | 0 changesdirect | |
| 0 | 12:20 Sofia | 2h49 | 15:09 Bansko | 0 changesdirect | |
| 0 | 12:20 Sofia | 2h52 | 15:12 Bansko | 0 changesdirect | |
| 0 | 12:20 Sofia | 2h43 | 15:03 Bansko | 0 changesdirect | |
| 0 | 12:30 Sofia | 2h42 | 15:12 Bansko | 0 changesdirect | |
| 0 | 12:30 Sofia | 2h39 | 15:09 Bansko | 0 changesdirect | |
| 0 | 12:30 Sofia | 2h33 | 15:03 Bansko | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Sofia to Bansko by coach
Compare coach 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.
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Why should you book Sofia to Bansko coaches with Omio?
Union Ivkoni International as well as Infobus, Traventuria, FlixBus and more offer coaches services from Sofia to Bansko.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Sofia to Bansko.
Why book with Omio vs Union Ivkoni International?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Union Ivkoni International, but also compare tickets for the likes of Infobus, Traventuria or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Sofia to Bansko.
- 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.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Wanderu or Busbud?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Infobus, Traventuria or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Sofia to Bansko.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Sofia to Bansko
BulgariaBulgaria
Buses from Sofia to Bansko run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £10 if you book in advance.
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 3h 5m.
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 96 km |
Average bus duration 3h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price £10 |
Buses per day 11 |
Direct buses 11 |
Fastest bus 3h 5m |
First bus 0:01 |
Last bus 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 42 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: Infobus, Union Ivkoni International from Sofia to BanskoYou can travel by bus between Sofia to Bansko with Infobus, Union Ivkoni International for as low as £10. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Infobus
About
Infobus is an international IT company that operates as an online service for finding and purchasing bus, train, and plane tickets, rather than being a bus company itself. Established in 2002, Infobus acts as an intermediary between passengers and various transport carriers, particularly helping smaller bus companies offer online booking services. They utilize their own \BusSystem\" to manage routes and ticket sales globally. Infobus covers over 30 countries and 300 cities, offering a wide range of routes and daily departures. While amenities can vary by carrier, Infobus aims to provide affordable and convenient travel with features like online booking, 24/7 support, and prompt notifications."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Infobus Duration
1h 9m
Cheapest Infobus Price
£18
Infobus frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; may require prior reservation and an additional fee.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets may require a separate ticket.
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
3h 5m
Cheapest Union Ivkoni International Price
£10
Union Ivkoni International frequency
3 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 Bansko
Things to do in Bansko
Discover the best of Bansko — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bansko trip today.
- Recommended
Velyanovata Kashta
Well-preserved fortified merchant house with murals, carved woodwork and displays on affluent Bansko families of the Revival era.
- Recommended
Neofit Rilski House-Museum
Ethnographic house museum showing traditional rooms, tools and customs, useful for understanding daily life in old Bansko.
- Must visit
Old Town
Historic quarter of stone houses, courtyards and narrow lanes, best for walking, architecture and a feel for traditional Bansko.
- Recommended
Pirin Street
Main pedestrian route lined with shops and hotels, connecting the town with the ski area and lively in every season.
- Recommended
Nikola Vaptsarov Square
Central square near key civic buildings and the church, a practical meeting point and a good base for exploring the centre on foot.
- Gluten-free
Chomlek
A slow-cooked Bansko speciality of pork, cabbage, rice and spices, traditionally prepared for winter gatherings and festive family meals.
- Gluten-free
Banski Starets
A cured and spiced pork sausage from the Pirin region, air-dried and served sliced. It is one of Bansko’s best-known local meat specialities.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Bob Chorba
A hearty bean soup, often cooked slowly with vegetables and herbs. It is a staple in mountain towns and very common in traditional Bansko taverns.
Mehana Dedo Yonkata
Established traditional restaurant serving regional cooking, salads and barbecue in a rustic setting close to the old town.
Molerite
Traditional mehana known for local Bansko dishes, grilled meats and folk-style decor. A reliable choice for a hearty regional meal.
The House
Well-known venue with a broad Bulgarian menu, local wines and a lively mountain-lodge atmosphere popular with visitors and groups.
Bulgarian lev (лв.)
Bansko is budget-friendly for a ski resort, with lower hotel, dining and taxi costs than many Alpine destinations, though peak winter prices rise.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- 12-20 лв. for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- 25-40 лв. per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- 50+ лв. per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- 3-5 лв. for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
A 5-10% tip is customary in restaurants if service is not included. Round up in cafés and taxis, or add 1-2 лв. for good service.
FAQs: Sofia to Bansko coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia to Bansko 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 Bansko, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Sofia to Bansko can start from as little as £10 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Sofia to Bansko is £13; 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 Sofia to Bansko is 3h 5m to travel the 96 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 Sofia to Bansko leaves at 0:01. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Sofia to Bansko leaves at 23:58.
Yes, there are 11 direct coaches a day from Sofia to Bansko with Union Ivkoni International, Traventuria. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Sofia to Bansko, you can count on Union Ivkoni International, Infobus, Traventuria, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Bansko. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Sofia and Bansko and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Sofia , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Sofia (София), Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София), Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара), Sofiya Airport - Terminal T1 . When arriving in Bansko , you can end your route in coach stations like Bansko, Bus Station, Razlog, Bus Station (Разлог, Автогара), Banya (Баня), Dobrinishte, Bus Station.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Sofia (София), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Bansko, Bus Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Bansko from Sofia is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Sofia to Bansko is September.
Yes, you can take a coach between Sofia and Bansko.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Sofia to Bansko:
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Union Ivkoni International
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Service animals allowed.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Sofia to Bansko for coach company Union Ivkoni International, Infobus, FlixBus.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company Union Ivkoni International, Infobus, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Sofia to Bansko depends on the coach companies:
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a 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.
- 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.
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 Sofia to Bansko.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Sofia to Bansko:
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- 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 Sofia to Bansko:
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Union Ivkoni International
- 10 USD per additional bag.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Sofia to Bansko. The following conditions apply:
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets may require a separate ticket.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Sofia to Bansko with the following coach company: Union Ivkoni International, Infobus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Sofia to Bansko with the following coach company: Union Ivkoni International, Infobus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Sofia to Bansko with the following coach company: Union Ivkoni International, Infobus, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Sofia and Bansko
Most Sofia to Bansko buses use the Sofia (София) to Bansko, Avtogara (Банско, Автогара) station pair. Use this guide to compare Sofia and Bansko bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Sofia
Arrival bus stations in Bansko
Which Sofia station do buses to Bansko leave from?
Buses from Sofia to Bansko leave from Sofia (София). The station is from Sofia city centre at Central Bus Station - Sofia, Tsentralna, bul. "Knyaginya Maria Luiza" 100, 1202 Sofia, Bulgaria.
Sofia (София)Central Bus Station - Sofia, Tsentralna, bul. "Knyaginya Maria Luiza" 100, 1202 Sofia, Bulgaria
City-centre transport
Getting to Sofia (София) from Sofia city centre
Bus36h 31m · £358
38h 30m
39h 1m · £273
57h 18m · £223
Sofia (София) bus station facilities and services
Sofia (София) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Small cafes available nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Sofia (София). ATMs are aTM machines available onsite.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Sofia (София).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Sofia (София): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia (София): Facilities are accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София)Sofia International Airport (SOF), булевард „Христофор Колумб“ 1, 1540 Sofia, Bulgaria
City-centre transport
Getting to Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София) from Sofia city centre
Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София) is 6 km from Sofia city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София) bus station facilities and services
Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София) 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 Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София). ATMs are aTMs are available nearby.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София): The station has basic accessibility.
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 · £0.90 · 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.
Bansko, Avtogara (Банско, Автогара)Bansko Bus Station, ul.Patriarh Evtimij 4, 2770
Most popular bus connections from Sofia
More options for your journey from Sofia to Bansko
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bansko and Sofia
Most popular bus connections
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