- 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.
Cheapest price
£16
Average price
£27
Fastest journey
4 h 30 m
Average duration
4 h 38 m
Buses per day
17
Distance
231 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Thessaloniki to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Thessaloniki to Sofia will cost around £27 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £16.
Of the 17 buses that leave Thessaloniki for Sofia every day 17 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 231 km distance in an average of 4 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 30 m .
The slowest buses will take 4 h 45 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus



7382305
FlixBus
7408460
7363628Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Thessaloniki to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £10. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £10, and a flight costs an average of £95.
Distance: 231 km
Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|
£17 Average Price Cheapest | £137 Average Price |
5h 37m Average total duration 5h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 28m Average total duration Fastest 2h 28m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Thessaloniki to Sofia coaches for today, Friday 21 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 8:20 Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 4h40 | 13:00 София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 0 changesdirect | |
7374054 | 8:00 Thessaloniki | 5h00 | 13:00 Sofia | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 9:00 Thessaloniki, Station Monastiriou (Θεσσαλονίκηб, Στάση Μοναστηρίου) | 5h50 | 14:50 Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 0 changesdirect | |
7374054 | 8:15 Thessaloniki | 4h45 | 13:00 Sofia | 0 changesdirect | |
7370668 | 15:10 Thessaloniki | 5h20 | 20:30 Sofia | 0 changesdirect | |
7370668 | 15:30 Thessaloniki | 5h00 | 20:30 Sofia | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 17:30 Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 5h15 | 22:45 София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 22 August | |||||
![]() | 0:30 Thessaloniki, Station Monastiriou (Θεσσαλονίκηб, Στάση Μοναστηρίου) | 5h00 | 5:30 Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) | 0 changesdirect | |
7382305 | 0:05 Thessaloniki | 4h55 | 5:00 Sofia | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 1:05 Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 5h05 | 6:10 София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 0 changesdirect | |
7382305 | 0:30 Thessaloniki | 4h30 | 5:00 Sofia | 0 changesdirect | |
7408460 | 2:00 Thessaloniki | 4h45 | 6:45 Sofia | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Thessaloniki to Sofia run on average 8 times per day, taking around 5h 7m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £10 if you book in advance.
There are 8 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 231 km distance in 4h 40m.
Distance 231 km |
Average bus duration 5h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price £10 |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 8 |
Fastest bus 4h 40m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Sofia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sofia trip today.
Sofia’s main archaeology museum displays Thracian, Roman and medieval finds in a former mosque. It is ideal for understanding Bulgaria’s long history.
Set in the former mineral baths, this museum presents Sofia’s urban development, daily life and civic history in a striking historic building.
A major national gallery in a former royal palace, showing Bulgarian art from past centuries to modern works in grand historic interiors.
A broad pedestrian boulevard lined with landmarks, shops and public buildings. It is Sofia’s main walking route for sightseeing and people-watching.
A central square between key institutions and churches, with Roman remains nearby. It is a useful starting point for exploring historic Sofia on foot.
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.
Shopska salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and sirene cheese. A national staple closely linked with Bulgarian home cooking and rakia.
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.
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.
Stylish restaurant focused on Bulgarian ingredients and contemporary presentation, with a refined dining room suited to a special meal.
Traditional Bulgarian restaurant in a historic setting, known for regional dishes, folk-style interiors and a polished but welcoming atmosphere.
Long-established Bulgarian venue serving grills, salads and classic national dishes in a lively, rustic tavern atmosphere near the city centre.
Budget-friendly for Europe: hotels, meals and public transport are cheaper than in many EU capitals, though central areas and upscale venues cost more.
Round up in cafés and taxis. In restaurants, 5-10% is usual for good service if not already included.
Official public transport app
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara -> Serdika, Sofia
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Thessaloniki 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.

Most Thessaloniki to Sofia buses use the Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) to Sofia (София) station pair, with some services arriving at София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2). Use this guide to compare Thessaloniki and Sofia bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) is 1 km from Thessaloniki city centre. Public transport options include:
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ).
Available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ): Elevators, ramps.
Sofia (София) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Small cafes available nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at Sofia (София). ATMs are aTM machines available onsite.
Ticket office support is available at Sofia (София).
Available at Sofia (София): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia (София): Facilities are accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) is 1 km from Sofia city centre. Public transport options include:
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Serdika (in the station), Bistro Bulgaria (0.2 km), Sofia Grill House (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика).
Available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика): Elevators, ramps.
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