- Recommended
Regional History Museum Kardzhali
Main regional museum with archaeology, history and ethnography displays that explain the rich past of the Eastern Rhodopes.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Sofia to Kardzhali
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£13
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£13
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
4 h
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
4 h
Buses on 19 Sept
1
Distance
205 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Sofia to Kardzhali is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sofia to Kardzhali will cost around £13 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £13.
Fast coaches
On Sat 19 Sept, we found 1 buses from Sofia to Kardzhali, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 205 km distance in an average of 4 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h .
The slowest buses will take 4 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.
10:004h00Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)14:00Kardzali, Bus Station£131One-way0 changes
- 10:004h00Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)14:00Kardzali, Bus Station£131One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Sofia to Kardzhali
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Kardzhali among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £11 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 4h 30m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £11, while a coach costs an average of £13.
Distance: 205 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£13 Average Price | £11 Average Price Cheapest | £38 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 30m Average total duration Fastest 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 18m Average total duration 11h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Sofia to Kardzhali is a train with an average price of £11.
This is compared to other travel options from Sofia to Kardzhali:
A train is £2 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Sofia to Kardzhali costing on average £13.
The fastest way to travel from Sofia to Kardzhali is by coach with an average journey time of 4h 0m.
Other travel options to Kardzhali take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 48m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sofia and Kardzhali including taking a train and coach.
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 £13 compared to roughly £38 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £25. The journey takes 4h 0m versus 3h 8m 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 Group Plus, Union Ivkoni International, Infobus, Grup Plus - Etap Adresss, BG Razpisanie.
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 Kardzhali bus times
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Kardzhali coaches for tomorrow, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) | 4h00 | 14:00 Kardzali, Bus Station | 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 Kardzhali by train or coach
Compare train and 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.
Sat
19 Sept
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20 Sept
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Mon
21 Sept
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Tue
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25 Sept
Why should you book Sofia to Kardzhali coaches with Omio?
Infobus as well as Union Ivkoni International offer coaches services from Sofia to Kardzhali.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Infobus tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Infobus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Infobus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Union Ivkoni International to find the best option for your trip from Sofia to Kardzhali.
- 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 Infobus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Sofia to Kardzhali.
Why book with Omio over Busbud or Checkmybus?
- Official reseller: Infobus tickets can only be bought on Omio or Infobus's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Infobus tickets. Busbud or Checkmybus do not sell Infobus tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Sofia to Kardzhali.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Sofia to Kardzhali
BulgariaBulgaria
Buses from Sofia to Kardzhali run on average 1 times per day, taking around 4h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £13 but you can travel from only £11 by train.
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 05:00, the last at 17:00. The fastest coach covers the 205 km distance in 4h 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £11
Distance 205 km |
Average bus duration 4h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 4h 0m |
First bus 5:00 |
Last bus 17:00 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £11
Bus providers: Group Plus, Union Ivkoni International, Infobus, Grup Plus - Etap Adresss, BG Razpisanie from Sofia to KardzhaliYou can travel by bus between Sofia to Kardzhali with Group Plus, Union Ivkoni International, Infobus, Grup Plus - Etap Adresss, BG Razpisanie for as low as £12. 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
4h 0m
Cheapest Infobus Price
£20
Infobus frequency
2 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
Union Ivkoni International frequency
1 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.
Group Plus
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Group Plus Duration
4h 0m
Cheapest Group Plus Price
£13
Group Plus frequency
1 a day
Grup Plus - Etap Adresss
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Grup Plus - Etap Adresss Duration
4h 0m
Cheapest Grup Plus - Etap Adresss Price
£9
Grup Plus - Etap Adresss frequency
1 a day
BG Razpisanie
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average BG Razpisanie Duration
3h 55m
Cheapest BG Razpisanie Price
£11
BG Razpisanie frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Kardzhali
Things to do in Kardzhali
Discover the best of Kardzhali — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kardzhali trip today.
- Recommended
Children's Astronomical Observatory and Planetarium
Interactive open-air astronomy centre with a planetarium and observatory, well suited to families and curious visitors.
Kardzhali Art Gallery
City gallery presenting Bulgarian art exhibitions and cultural events in a central venue that is easy to combine with a walk nearby.
- Recommended
Prostor Park
Central urban park with lawns, paths and leisure areas, ideal for a relaxed walk and a break between nearby sights.
- Recommended
Enchets Viewpoint
Popular scenic area above the reservoir, visited for panoramic views, photographs and short stops while touring the region.
Vazrozhdentsi Square
Main city square and gathering point, surrounded by civic buildings and useful as the starting point for exploring central Kardzhali.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Patatnik
Patatnik is a Rhodope potato cake with onion, mint and eggs, cooked slowly until crisp. It is a mountain classic closely tied to the wider Kardzhali region.
- Vegetarian
Klin
Klin is a Rhodope pie of rice, eggs and white cheese, often wrapped in pastry or baked between leaves. It is a beloved festive dish in south Bulgaria.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Kachamak
Kachamak is a rustic maizemeal dish, similar to polenta, usually served with butter and Bulgarian white cheese. It is traditional in the Rhodope Mountains.
Meatsa House
Traditional Bulgarian restaurant known for grilled dishes, salads and hearty regional fare in a casual setting popular with locals.
Friends Restaurant
Established restaurant serving Bulgarian and Balkan dishes with kebabs, grilled meats and family-style meals in a spacious, informal atmosphere.
Pizza Mia
Casual venue for pizzas, grilled food, salads and drinks, suited to an easy lunch or dinner in the city centre.
Bulgarian lev (лв.)
Budget-friendly versus many European city breaks. Hotels, meals and local transport are usually cheaper, making Kardzhali good value for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- 10-18 лв. for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- 20-35 лв. per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- 40+ лв. per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- 3-5 лв. for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included, but usually is not. Tip restaurants around 5-10% for good service, round up in cafés, and round up taxi fares modestly.
FAQs: Sofia to Kardzhali coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia to Kardzhali 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 Kardzhali, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Sofia to Kardzhali can start from as little as £13 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Sofia to Kardzhali 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 Kardzhali is 4h 0m to travel the 205 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 Kardzhali leaves at 5:00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Sofia to Kardzhali leaves at 17:00.
Yes, there are 1 direct coaches a day from Sofia to Kardzhali with Group Plus, Union Ivkoni International, Infobus, Grup Plus - Etap Adresss, BG Razpisanie. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Sofia to Kardzhali, you can count on Group Plus, Union Ivkoni International, Infobus, Grup Plus - Etap Adresss, BG Razpisanie for the best way to get you to Kardzhali. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Sofia and Kardzhali 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, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара), Sofia (София) . When arriving in Kardzhali , you can end your route in coach stations like Kardzali, Bus Station, Kardzhali.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 Kardzhali, located 2 away from the city centre.
A trip to Kardzhali from Sofia is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Sofia to Kardzhali is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sofia and Kardzhali including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Sofia to Kardzhali:
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- Union Ivkoni International
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Service animals allowed.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Sofia to Kardzhali for coach company Union Ivkoni International, Infobus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Sofia to Kardzhali 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.
- 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, Infobus.
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 Kardzhali.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Sofia to Kardzhali:
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
- 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 Kardzhali:
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- Union Ivkoni International
- 10 USD per additional bag.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Sofia to Kardzhali. The following conditions apply:
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets may require a separate ticket.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Sofia to Kardzhali with the following coach company: Union Ivkoni International, Infobus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Sofia to Kardzhali with the following coach company: Union Ivkoni International, Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Sofia to Kardzhali with the following coach company: Union Ivkoni International, Infobus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Sofia and Kardzhali
Most Sofia to Kardzhali buses use the Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара) to Kŭrdzhali, Avtogara (Кърджали, Автогара) station pair, with some services arriving at Kardzhali. Use this guide to compare Sofia and Kardzhali 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 Kardzhali
Which Sofia station do buses to Kardzhali leave from?
Buses from Sofia to Kardzhali leave from Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара). The station is 1 km from Sofia city centre at Centralna Avtogara, 100 Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd, Sofia, Bulgaria.
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.
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 · £224
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.
Which Kardzhali station do buses from Sofia arrive at?
Buses from Sofia to Kardzhali most often arrive at Kŭrdzhali, Avtogara (Кърджали, Автогара). Some services arrive at Kardzhali, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Kardzhali arrival station.
Kŭrdzhali, Avtogara (Кърджали, Автогара)Kardzhali Center, bul. "Bulgaria" 94, 6600 Kardzhali, Bulgaria
City-centre transport
Getting to Kŭrdzhali, Avtogara (Кърджали, Автогара) from Kardzhali city centre
Kŭrdzhali, Avtogara (Кърджали, Автогара) is 2 km from Kardzhali city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
Kŭrdzhali, Avtogara (Кърджали, Автогара) bus station facilities and services
Kŭrdzhali, Avtogara (Кърджали, Автогара) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Snack bar available inside.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Kŭrdzhali, Avtogara (Кърджали, Автогара). ATMs are available at Kŭrdzhali, Avtogara (Кърджали, Автогара).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Kŭrdzhali, Avtogara (Кърджали, Автогара).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Kŭrdzhali, Avtogara (Кърджали, Автогара): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Kŭrdzhali, Avtogara (Кърджали, Автогара): Wheelchair accessible entrances and facilities.
KardzhaliKardzhali Center, bul. "Bulgaria" 94, 6600 Kardzhali, Bulgaria
City-centre transport
Getting to Kardzhali from Kardzhali city centre
Kardzhali is 2 km from Kardzhali city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
Kardzhali bus station facilities and services
Kardzhali 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 Kardzhali. ATMs are available at Kardzhali.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Kardzhali.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Kardzhali: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Kardzhali: Ramps available for wheelchair access.
Most popular bus connections from Sofia
More options for your journey from Sofia to Kardzhali
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Kardzhali and Sofia
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