- Must visit
Vasil Levski National Museum
Birthplace museum of Vasil Levski, preserving the house, exhibits and courtyard linked to Bulgaria’s national hero. Essential for first-time visitors.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Sofia to Karlovo
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£7
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£7
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
2 h
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
2 h
Buses on 20 Sept
2
Distance
121 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Sofia to Karlovo is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sofia to Karlovo will cost around £7 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £7.
Fast coaches
On Sun 20 Sept, we found 2 buses from Sofia to Karlovo, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 121 km distance in an average of 2 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h .
The slowest buses will take 2 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.
15:002h00Sofia17:00Karlovo£71One-way0 changes- 14:002h00Sofia16:00Karlovo£71One-way0 changes
- 15:002h00Sofia17:00Karlovo£71One-way0 changes
- 14:002h00Sofia16:00Karlovo£71One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Sofia to Karlovo
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Karlovo among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £8 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 2h 32m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £8, while a coach costs an average of £8.
Distance: 121 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|
£8 Average Price Cheapest | £25 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 32m Average total duration Fastest 2h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 15m 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 Karlovo is a train with an average price of £5.
This is compared to other travel options from Sofia to Karlovo:
A train is £2 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Sofia to Karlovo costing on average £8.
The fastest way to travel from Sofia to Karlovo is by coach with an average journey time of 2h 6m.
Other travel options to Karlovo take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 40m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sofia and Karlovo including taking a coach and train.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about 9m sooner (2h 6m by bus vs 2h 15m by car) and save roughly £17 compared to fuel and tolls (£8 vs £25). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by Union Ivkoni International, Union Ivkoni.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Live departures
Sofia to Karlovo bus times
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Karlovo coaches for tomorrow, Sunday 20 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14:00 Sofia | 2h00 | 16:00 Karlovo | 0 changesdirect | |
| 15:00 Sofia | 2h00 | 17:00 Karlovo | 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 Karlovo by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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 Karlovo coaches with Omio?
Union Ivkoni International operates all coaches services from Sofia to Karlovo.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Sofia to Karlovo.
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.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Union Ivkoni International with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Sofia to Karlovo.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Sofia to Karlovo.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Sofia to Karlovo
BulgariaBulgaria
Buses from Sofia to Karlovo run on average 2 times per day, taking around 2h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £7 if you book in advance.
There are 2 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 08:20, the last at 17:15. The fastest coach covers the 121 km distance in 2h 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 121 km |
Average bus duration 2h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price £7 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 2h 0m |
First bus 8:20 |
Last bus 17:15 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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: Union Ivkoni International, Union Ivkoni from Sofia to KarlovoYou can travel by bus between Sofia to Karlovo with Union Ivkoni International, Union Ivkoni for as low as £7. 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 5m
Cheapest Union Ivkoni International Price
£8
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.
Union Ivkoni
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Union Ivkoni Duration
2h 5m
Cheapest Union Ivkoni Price
£7
Union Ivkoni frequency
2 a day
Complete guide to Karlovo
Things to do in Karlovo
Discover the best of Karlovo — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Karlovo trip today.
- Recommended
Buhalov Han
Restored merchant home presenting Karlovo’s Revival-era domestic life, crafts and trade traditions. A strong choice for local history and architecture.
Rayno Popovich House Museum
Historic house museum associated with local culture and notable residents. Visit for period interiors and a closer view of old Karlovo society.
- Must visit
Old Town
Historic district of cobbled lanes, Revival houses and museum sites. Best explored on foot for its architecture, atmosphere and local heritage.
- Recommended
Vasil Levski Square
Central town square with the Levski monument, civic buildings and easy access to museums. It is the natural starting point for a walking visit.
- Recommended
Suchurum Eco Trail
Walking route and local viewpoint leading towards the waterfall area above Karlovo. It combines nature, fresh air and rewarding scenery.
- Gluten-free
Karlovska lukanka
Karlovo lukanka is a dry-cured pork sausage with cumin and black pepper, pressed and air-dried. It is one of the town's best-known traditional foods.
- Gluten-free
Kapama
Kapama is a slow-cooked dish of sauerkraut, rice and mixed meats, baked for hours. It is a classic festive meal in central Bulgaria.
- Gluten-free
Sarmi
Sarmi are cabbage or vine leaves stuffed with rice, mince and herbs. They are a staple at family tables and winter celebrations.
Mehana Balgari
Established local restaurant serving Bulgarian and Balkan dishes, with hearty portions and an informal family-friendly setting.
Restaurant Mekhana
Traditional Bulgarian restaurant in central Karlovo, known for grilled meats, salads and a relaxed tavern atmosphere.
Restaurant Balkan
Casual venue popular for pizza, grilled dishes and salads, suitable for an easy meal in town.
Bulgarian lev (лв.)
Karlovo is budget-friendly versus many European destinations, with low meal, local transport and guesthouse costs. Fine dining options are limited, keeping typical visitor spending modest.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- 8-15 лв. for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- 18-30 лв. per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- 35-60+ лв. per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- 3-5 лв. for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
A tip of 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants if service is not included. Round up in cafés and for taxis; small cash tips are common but not obligatory.
FAQs: Sofia to Karlovo coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia to Karlovo 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 Karlovo, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Sofia to Karlovo can start from as little as £7 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Sofia to Karlovo is £8; 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 Karlovo is 2h 0m to travel the 121 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 Karlovo leaves at 8:20. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Sofia to Karlovo leaves at 17:15.
Yes, there are 2 direct coaches a day from Sofia to Karlovo with Union Ivkoni International. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Sofia to Karlovo, you can count on Union Ivkoni International for the best way to get you to Karlovo. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Sofia and Karlovo and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Passengers board the coach most frequently from Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика), which is located around 1 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Sopot, Boulevard Ivan Vazov / Kiril Nektariev st. (Сопот, бул. Иван Вазов / улица Кирил Нектариев), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Karlovo from Sofia is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Sofia to Karlovo is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sofia and Karlovo including taking a coach and train.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Sofia to Karlovo for coach company Union Ivkoni International.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Sofia to Karlovo:
- Union Ivkoni International
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Service animals allowed.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Sofia to Karlovo 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 Sofia to Karlovo.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Sofia to Karlovo:
- 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 Karlovo:
- Union Ivkoni International
- 10 USD per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Sofia to Karlovo.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Sofia to Karlovo with the following coach company: Union Ivkoni International
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Sofia to Karlovo with the following coach company: Union Ivkoni International.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Sofia to Karlovo with the following coach company: Union Ivkoni International.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Sofia and Karlovo
Most Sofia to Karlovo buses use the Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) to Sopot, Boulevard Ivan Vazov / Kiril Nektariev st. (Сопот, бул. Иван Вазов / улица Кирил Нектариев) station pair. Use this guide to compare Sofia and Karlovo 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 Karlovo
Which Sofia station do buses to Karlovo leave from?
Buses from Sofia to Karlovo leave from Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика). The station is 1 km from Sofia city centre at Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd 102, 1202 Sofia, Bulgaria.
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd 102, 1202 Sofia, Bulgaria
City-centre transport
Getting to Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) from Sofia city centre
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) is 1 km from Sofia city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus78 · 12m · every ~5 min
Tram12, 27 · 9m · £0.90 · every ~19 min
Subway2 · 4m · £0.90 · every ~20 min
M2 · 5m · every ~16 min
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) bus station facilities and services
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria Serdika (in the station), Bistro Bulgaria (0.2 km), Sofia Grill House (0.5 km).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика): Elevators, ramps.
Most popular bus connections from Sofia
More options for your journey from Sofia to Karlovo
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Karlovo and Sofia
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