- Must visit
Museo Nacional del Prado
Spain’s premier art museum houses Velázquez, Goya and El Greco masterpieces, making it essential for understanding European painting.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Sofia to Madrid
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept
Cheapest price on 23 Sept
£179
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£192
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
2 d 9 h 45 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
2 d 10 h 23 m
Buses on 23 Sept
3
Distance
2253 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Sofia to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sofia to Madrid will cost around £192 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £179.
Fast coaches
To travel from Sofia to Madrid you need to make at least 2 changes.
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus22:5059h05София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)8:55Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses£1791One-way2 changes- FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus22:5058h20София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)8:10Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)£1971One-way2 changes
- FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus1:4557h45София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)10:30Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses£1991One-way2 changes
- FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus1:4557h45София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)10:30Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses£1991One-way2 changes
- FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus22:5058h20София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)8:10Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)£1971One-way2 changes
- FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus22:5059h05София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)8:55Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses£1791One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and flight for Sofia to Madrid
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £187 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 8h 15m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the coach is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 2.3 - 5.6kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £187, while a flight costs an average of £593.
Distance: 2253 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£187 Average Price Cheapest | £593 Average Price | £604 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
52h 43m Average total duration 52h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 15m Average total duration Fastest 6h 15m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 29h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
2.3 - 5.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 6.8 - 13.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Sofia to Madrid is a coach with an average price of £187.
This is compared to other travel options from Sofia to Madrid:
A coach is £406 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sofia to Madrid costing on average £593.
The fastest way to travel from Sofia to Madrid is by flight with an average journey time of 6h 15m.
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Coach takes on average 52h 13m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sofia and Madrid including taking a coach and flight.
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 £187 compared to roughly £604 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £417. The journey takes 52h 13m versus 29h 25m 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.
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 Madrid bus times
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Madrid coaches for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 9:00 Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 53h00 | 13:00 Madrid Mendez Alvaro Estacion Sur | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 22:50 София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 59h05 | 8:55 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 2 changes | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 22:50 София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 58h20 | 8:10 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 2 changes | |
| Wednesday 23 September | |||||
| FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:45 София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 57h45 | 10:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 2 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Sofia to Madrid 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.
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Why should you book Sofia to Madrid coaches with Omio?
FlixBus as well as Union Ivkoni International offer coaches services from Sofia to Madrid.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Sofia to Madrid.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Union Ivkoni International to find the best option for your trip from Sofia to Madrid.
- 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Sofia to Madrid.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trainline or Checkmybus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Union Ivkoni International to find the best option for your trip from Sofia to Madrid.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Sofia to Madrid.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Sofia to Madrid
Bulgaria
Spain
Buses from Sofia to Madrid run on average 3 times per day, taking around 52h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £90 but you can travel from only £23 by flight.
The earliest coach runs at 00:40, the last at 23:50. The fastest coach covers the 2253 km distance in 46h 30m.
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
Flight from £23
Distance 2253 km |
Average bus duration 52h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price £90 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 46h 30m |
First bus 0:40 |
Last bus 23:50 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 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
Flight from £23
Bus providers: FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International from Sofia to MadridYou can travel by bus between Sofia to Madrid with FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International for as low as £23. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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 FlixBus Duration
46h 30m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£90
FlixBus frequency
3 a day
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.
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
49h 30m
Cheapest Union Ivkoni International Price
£104
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.
Complete guide to Madrid
Things to do in Madrid
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
Madrid’s leading modern art museum is famed for Picasso’s Guernica and strong collections of Dalí, Miró and 20th-century works.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
This refined museum features major works by Titian, Rubens and Caravaggio in a manageable collection inside a grand palace.
- Must visit
El Retiro Park
Madrid’s most famous park offers lakes, gardens, sculptures and broad promenades, perfect for walking, rowing and people-watching.
- Must visit
Paseo del Prado
This grand boulevard links major museums and historic fountains, making it one of the city’s most elegant and culture-rich walks.
- Must visit
Gran Vía
A busy central avenue known for theatres, shops and illuminated façades, ideal for architecture, nightlife and classic city views.
Cocido Madrileño
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables and soup, long associated with Madrid taverns and traditional lunchtime dining.
Bocadillo de Calamares
Deep-fried squid rings served in a crusty bread roll, a classic fast bite around Plaza Mayor and one of Madrid’s best-known snacks.
- Gluten-free
Callos a la Madrileña
Madrid-style tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla, rich and slow-cooked, traditionally eaten in colder months.
Casa Dani
Traditional bar celebrated for excellent tortilla española and honest Madrid-style tapas in a lively, no-frills atmosphere.
Sobrino de Botín
Historic tavern famed for roast suckling pig and classic Castilian dishes in an old-fashioned, atmospheric setting near Plaza Mayor.
Chocolatería San Ginés
Iconic churrería serving Madrid’s classic chocolate con churros around the clock in a bustling, traditional setting.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Western Europe. Rooms, meals and Metro fares are usually cheaper than Paris or London, but central hotels and popular dining areas raise costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food or menú del día.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €1.80-3.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, leaving small change is enough.
Mi Tarjeta Transporte
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.50
- Day pass
- €8.40
To the city centre
Estación Sur de Autobuses -> Puerta del Sol, Madrid
- Distance
- 4 km
- Travel time
- 18 min
- Metro de Madrid accepts direct bank card payment at ticket gates for single tickets; buses and wider contactless rollout are being expanded.
- For central Madrid, a standard Metro single usually costs €1.50; airport and some special tickets are separate, so check the fare before you buy.
FAQs: Sofia to Madrid coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia to Madrid 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 Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Sofia to Madrid can start from as little as £90 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Sofia to Madrid is £187; 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 Madrid is 46h 30m to travel the 2253 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 Madrid leaves at 0:40. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Sofia to Madrid leaves at 23:50.
There are 3 coaches a day from Sofia to Madrid which require at least one change with FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Sofia to Madrid, you can count on FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International for the best way to get you to Madrid. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Sofia and Madrid and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Madrid from Sofia is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 46h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Sofia to Madrid is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sofia and Madrid including taking a coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Sofia to Madrid:
- 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 Madrid for coach company FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Sofia to Madrid depends on the coach companies:
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company FlixBus, 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 Madrid.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Sofia to Madrid:
- 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 Madrid:
- 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 Madrid. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Sofia to Madrid with the following coach company: FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Sofia to Madrid with the following coach company: FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Sofia to Madrid with the following coach company: FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Sofia and Madrid
Most Sofia to Madrid buses use the София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) to Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses station pair, with some services arriving at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid). Use this guide to compare Sofia and Madrid 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 Madrid
София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
City-centre transport
Getting to София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) from Sofia city centre
Bus78 · 13m · every ~5 min
Subway2 · 3m · £0.90 · every ~20 min
M2 · 4m · every ~16 min
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.
Which Madrid station do buses from Sofia arrive at?
Buses from Sofia to Madrid most often arrive at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses. Some services arrive at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Madrid arrival station.
Madrid, Estación Sur de AutobusesCalle de Mendez Alvaro, 83, 28045 Madrid, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses from Madrid city centre
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainC5, C10, C7 · 2m · £0.90 · every ~23 min
C10, C7 · 8m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
C3, C4, C4a, C4b · 11m · £0.90 · every ~15 min
BusN11 · 16m · £0.90 · every ~11 min
N13 · 18m · £0.90 · every ~15 min
148 · 45m · £4 · every ~30 min
Subway6 · 24m · £2 · every ~48 min
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses bus station facilities and services
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km), La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)Av. de la Hispanidad, s/n, 28042 Madrid, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) from Madrid city centre
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus203, N27 · 1h 2m · £8 · every ~45 min
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) bus station facilities and services
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Rodilla, Mahoudrid
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are aTMs located throughout T4, major cards accepted .
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets.
More options for your journey from Sofia to Madrid
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Madrid and Sofia
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