How to Get to Sofia
Everything you need to know about reaching Sofia — by air, rail, road, or bus.
Getting Around Sofia
Sofia is a walkable city, especially in the central districts. Many attractions are within easy reach on foot, and the public transport system is reliable for longer distances. Once in the city, Sofia offers an efficient public transport network: three metro lines, as well as trams, trolleybuses, and buses that cover the entire city. The 30 plus ticket (which allows transfers within the first 30 minutes) costs €0.80 (valid from 01.01.2026). It can be loaded onto an electronic card (Sofia City Card or Ultralight) or paid with a bank card using a validator on board the vehicle or at metro entry gates. The ticket allows combined travel by metro and surface transport. The 30-minute period starts from the first successful validation. Within these 30 minutes, passengers may use multiple vehicles, but the ticket must be validated in each one. The last validation made within the 30 minutes allows the passenger to complete the trip without a time limit, until the end of the route. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are also widely available. Shared electric scooters and bikes, available through apps, are another convenient way to get around the city.
By Plane
Sofia Airport (SOF) is the main international gateway, located just 10 km east of the city centre.
Regular direct flights connect Sofia to most major European cities. Airlines including Ryanair, Wizz Air, Bulgaria Air, and Lufthansa serve the airport year-round. Terminal 1 handles most low-cost carriers; Terminal 2 handles full-service and charter flights. Sofia Airport provides direct free-of-charge transportation between the two terminal buildings.
Metro Line 2 connects the airport to the city centre in about 20 minutes for €0.80.
By Train
Sofia Central Station is well-connected to major Balkan and European cities via international rail links.
Regular services run to Thessaloniki, Bucharest, Istanbul, and Belgrade. Domestic trains reach Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas. The station is located in the city centre with direct metro access on Line 2. Connection with the railway transport is possible also two stops from Metro station Sofia Airport at Metro station "Iskarsko shosse", with a changeover there to trains on the Sofia-Plovdiv line.
Book international tickets in advance through BDZ (Bulgarian State Railways) or Rail Europe for the best fares.
By Bus
Coach travel is the most popular and affordable way to reach Sofia from neighbouring countries.
International buses depart from Sofia Central Bus Station, adjacent to the main train station. International and local operators run routes from Athens, Thessaloniki, Bucharest, Istanbul, and beyond. Journey times are longer but fares are very competitive.
Buses to Plovdiv run every 30 minutes and take just 2 hours — a great option for a day trip.
By Car
Sofia sits at the intersection of major Balkan motorways, making it easily accessible by road from across Europe.
The A1 (Trakia) motorway links Sofia to Plovdiv and the Black Sea coast. The A2 (Hemus) heads north to Varna. Driving from Western Europe typically takes 18–24 hours. Border crossings with Greece, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Romania are generally quick.
A vignette (road tax sticker) is required to drive on Bulgarian motorways — purchase one at the border or online in advance.