- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Varna to Sofia
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 21 Sept
Cheapest price on 21 Sept
£15
Average ticket price on 21 Sept
£16
Fastest journey on 21 Sept
7 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 21 Sept
8 h 50 m
Trains on 21 Sept
4
Distance
368 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Varna to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Varna to Sofia will cost around £16 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £15.
Fast trains
On Mon 21 Sept, we found 4 trains from Varna to Sofia, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 368 km distance in an average of 8 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 25 m .
The slowest trains will take 12 h 46 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.
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7:507h25Varna15:15Sofia£151One-way0 changes- 10:457h25Varna18:10Sofia£151One-way0 changes
- 13:507h45Varna21:35Sofia£151One-way0 changes
- 16:3512h46Varna5:21Sofia£171One-way1 change
- 7:507h25Varna15:15Sofia£151One-way0 changes
- 10:457h25Varna18:10Sofia£151One-way0 changes
- 13:507h45Varna21:35Sofia£151One-way0 changes
- 16:3512h46Varna5:21Sofia£171One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train, flight and coach for Varna to Sofia
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Varna to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £16 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 15m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £16, while a flight costs an average of £89.
Distance: 368 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£16 Average Price Cheapest | £89 Average Price | £16 Average Price | £80 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 18m Average total duration 8h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 15m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 8h 55m Average total duration 8h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Varna to Sofia is a train with an average price of £16.
This is compared to other travel options from Varna to Sofia:
A train is £0.76 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Varna to Sofia costing on average £16.
A train is £74 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Varna to Sofia costing on average £89.
The fastest way to travel from Varna to Sofia is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 15m.
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Coach takes on average 8h 25m.
Train takes on average 8h 48m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Varna and Sofia including taking a train, flight and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £16 compared to roughly £80 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £65. The journey takes 8h 48m versus 5h 16m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Bulgarian Railways (BDZh).
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Varna to Sofia train times
The table below shows live departures for Varna to Sofia trains for tomorrow, Monday 21 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:50 Varna | 7h25 | 15:15 Sofia | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:45 Varna | 7h25 | 18:10 Sofia | 0 changesdirect | |
| 13:50 Varna | 7h45 | 21:35 Sofia | 0 changesdirect | |
| 16:35 Varna | 12h46 | 5:21 Sofia | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Varna to Sofia by train, flight or coach
Compare train, flight 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.
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
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22 Sept
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Varna to Sofia
Serbia
Bulgaria
Trains from Varna to Sofia run on average 3 times per day, taking around 8h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £15 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:50, the last at 16:35. The fastest train covers the 368 km distance in 7h 25m.
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 368 km |
Average train duration 8h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £15 |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 7h 25m |
First train 7:50 |
Last train 16:35 |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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
Train companies: Bulgarian Railways (BDZh) from Varna to Sofia trainsBulgarian Railways (BDZh) trains will get you between Varna and Sofia from £15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Bulgarian Railways (BDZh)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Bulgarian Railways (BDZh) Duration
7h 25m
Cheapest Bulgarian Railways (BDZh) Price
£15
Bulgarian Railways (BDZh) frequency
3 a day
Complete guide to Sofia
Things to do in Sofia
Discover the best of Sofia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sofia trip today.
- Recommended
Sofia History Museum
Set in the former mineral baths, this museum presents Sofia’s urban development, daily life and civic history in a striking historic building.
- Recommended
National Gallery at the Palace
A major national gallery in a former royal palace, showing Bulgarian art from past centuries to modern works in grand historic interiors.
- Must visit
Vitosha Boulevard
A broad pedestrian boulevard lined with landmarks, shops and public buildings. It is Sofia’s main walking route for sightseeing and people-watching.
- Recommended
Independence Square
A central square between key institutions and churches, with Roman remains nearby. It is a useful starting point for exploring historic Sofia on foot.
- Recommended
Borisova Gradina
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.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Shopska salata
Shopska salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and sirene cheese. A national staple closely linked with Bulgarian home cooking and rakia.
- Vegetarian
Banitsa
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.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Tarator
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.
Cosmos
Stylish restaurant focused on Bulgarian ingredients and contemporary presentation, with a refined dining room suited to a special meal.
Pod Lipite
Traditional Bulgarian restaurant in a historic setting, known for regional dishes, folk-style interiors and a polished but welcoming atmosphere.
Hadjidraganovite kashti
Long-established Bulgarian venue serving grills, salads and classic national dishes in a lively, rustic tavern atmosphere near the city centre.
Bulgarian lev (лв.)
Budget-friendly for Europe: hotels, meals and public transport are cheaper than in many EU capitals, though central areas and upscale venues cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- 12-20 лв. for fast food or street food.
- Mid-range
- 25-45 лв. per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- 80+ лв. per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- 4-6 лв. for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Round up in cafés and taxis. In restaurants, 5-10% is usual for good service if not already included.
FAQs: Varna to Sofia train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Varna to Sofia by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Sofia, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Varna to Sofia can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £15, while the average price tends to be around £16.
The train journey from Varna to Sofia covers a distance of 368 km and takes approximately 7h 25m. Trains run 3 per day.
The train distance from Varna to Sofia is 368 km.
The first train from Varna to Sofia leaves at 7:50.
The last train from Varna to Sofia departs at 16:35.
Trains from Varna to Sofia run approximately 3 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Varna to Sofia.
Yes, there is a direct train between Varna and Sofia. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Bulgarian Railways (BDZh).
To get from Varna to Sofia, you can choose from several travel options including train, flight and coach.
There is no night train service from Varna to Sofia.
The cheapest way to get from Varna to Sofia is by train, costing approximately £15.
Booking trains from Varna to Sofia in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Varna to Sofia offers scenic views of Bulgaria's diverse landscapes, including picturesque countryside, rolling hills, and glimpses of the Balkan Mountains, making it a visually appealing trip.
A day trip from Varna to Sofia is not feasible as the journey takes 7h 25m. The distance is 368 km, and there are 5 trips per day by train.
In Sofia, you can explore Borisova Gradina, a large and scenic park, visit the Sofia Zoo, one of the oldest and largest in the Balkans, and delve into history at the Sofia History Museum. Discover ancient Roman ruins at the Serdika Archaeological Complex, and enjoy performances at the Sofia Opera and Ballet. Don't miss the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, vibrant Vitosha Boulevard, and the National Palace of Culture. Experience the medieval frescoes at Boyana Church and admire the architecture of the Sofia Central Mineral Baths.
To explore Sofia's main attractions, 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Varna to Sofia.
More options for your journey from Varna to Sofia
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Sofia and Varna
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