Travelling To Sofia

Vacationers headed to Sofia can arrange to travel by way of a variety of options, with air travel being the most popular. Sofia sports a modern and busy international airport, but those who choose to get here by land transportation can do so via train or bus as well as by car from many of Bulgaria’s neighbouring countries.

By car

Several European highways lead to Sofia. The main routes in and out of the city are the A1, extending east to Plovdiv, and the A2, which runs northeast. The A2 is interrupted for a stretch by the E772, a European highway, indicated by its ‘E’ prefix. This highway then continues as the A2 to Varna on the Black Sea coast. The E79 goes to Sofia from Greece, crossing the border at Kulata. The E80 from Turkey crosses the border at Kapitan Andreevo, while the E79 travels from Romania, crossing the border at Vidin-Kalafat. In addition, the E80 motorway runs to Sofia from the Yugoslav border at Kalotina and the E871 from the Russian border at Gyueshevo.

Note that traffic in Bulgaria can be slow, with vehicles carrying heavy cargo often holding up the roads. Drivers stick to the right side of the road, and the speed limit is 120kph on the major motorways.

By rail

Plenty of options exist for travel to Sofia by railway including from international destinations. Daily schedules connect Sofia with: Belgrade (8 hours), Bucharest (11 hours), Budapest (16 hours), Istanbul (15 hours), Kiev (38 hours), Moscow (45 hours), St Petersburg (65 hours) and Thessaloniki (10 hours).

From within Bulgaria, trains connect Sofia with the Black Sea at Varna and Burgas; Plovidiv, with connections into Turkey; Kalotina; Kulata, bordering Greece; and Ruse, bordering Romania.

Sofia’s main railway station is an immense concrete edifice on Maria Louiza boulevard, a walkable distance north of the city centre. The station is equipped with most major facilities and services such as moneychangers, ATMs, a left-luggage service and several drinking and dining establishments.

By bus

Sofia has a grand new bus terminal, from where travellers can embark on trips throughout Bulgaria as well as to several European destinations. The modern glass-and-steel terminal was opened in 2004, and has more than 50 ticket counters, and as many as 50 buses arriving or departing at any time. Several bus companies run the line to Istanbul, and you can arrange for bus travel from Budapest, Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam, Warsaw, Athens, Vienna and several other European cities.

By air

Sofia Airport is located 10kms east of the city centre and offers frequent daily flights, connecting the capital with several European and domestic destinations. The airport, which sits in its original 1930 location, is now a modern and bright facility with most major amenities, and it handles 2.5 million passengers per annum. Travel to the city centre is easy, with taxis and public buses available outside the terminal as well as car hire services that are available from within the airport.  These can be booked and prearranged online for pick up on arrival.

Sofia Airport

Sofia Airport is a single terminal facility that handles 2.5 million passengers a year. The airport has been renovated several times in its history and today it is a simple international airport that features many of the facilities and amenities travellers require.   These include banks, moneychangers, ATMs, restaurants, cafeterias and bars, duty-free shopping, a chemist, travel agency, tourist information desk and first-aid facilities. Sofia Airport also manages a business centre for those needing communication or business services, or just seeking some rest.

Sofia Airport transportation

Taxis are available to transport travellers to the city centre, and the taxi rank is located outside the terminal. By law, taxis are painted yellow and should have the rates prominently displayed and tabulated by meter. For public transportation, bus number 84 departs from the airport to Orlov Most, near the city centre. The trip takes about 20 minutes, and departures are scheduled frequently, leaving every 10 or 15 minutes between 05:00 and 24:00. A kiosk selling tickets is situated near the bus stop, although they can also be bought on board from the driver. Alternatively, car hire is available and the route from the airport to the city centre is clearly marked.