Public Transport in Sofia
A complete guide to Sofia's metro, buses, trams, and night transport — tickets, routes, and practical tips.
Metro
Sofia's metro has 3 lines covering key areas of the city, including the airport and central train station.
The Sofia Metro operates 3 lines with over 40 stations. Line 1 runs north–south, Line 2 connects the airport to the western suburbs via the city centre, and Line 3 covers the eastern districts. Trains run from 05:30 to 24:00 daily, with intervals of 5–10 minutes during peak hours. A single ride costs approximately €0.80.
Serdika station is the central interchange — from here you can transfer between Line 1 and Line 2.
Buses
Sofia has an extensive bus network reaching all major neighbourhoods and suburbs.
Over 90 bus routes cover the city and its outskirts. Buses generally run from 05:00 to 23:00. The same ticket is valid for metro, bus, tram, and trolleybus. Most buses are modern and air-conditioned. Real-time arrival information is available at major stops and through the Sofia Urban Mobility app.
Download the Sofia Urban Mobility app to track buses in real time and plan your route.
Trams & Trolleybuses
Trams and trolleybuses are a scenic and reliable way to cross the city centre.
Sofia operates 15 tram lines and 9 trolleybus routes, primarily serving the central and inner-city areas. Trams are especially useful for reaching attractions along the main boulevards. The same ticket used for buses and metro is valid on trams and trolleybuses. Vehicles run from approximately 05:00 to 23:00.
Tram lines 20 and 22 pass many central attractions — a great and cheap way to sightsee.
Night Transport
Select bus routes operate through the night for late-night travel across the city.
Night buses (designated with an 'N' prefix) operate from 23:00 to 05:00 on key routes. They cover major corridors connecting the city centre with outer districts. Frequency is lower — typically every 20–30 minutes. The same standard ticket is valid for night buses. Routes and schedules are available on the Sofia Urban Transport website.
Night bus N1 and N2 cover the most popular routes — check the schedule in advance as frequency is limited.
Tickets & Passes
A single ticket works across all public transport — metro, bus, tram, and trolleybus.
A single ride ticket costs approximately €0.80 and is valid for 30 minutes including transfers. Tickets can be purchased from drivers, ticket kiosks at metro stations, or through the Sofia Urban Mobility app. You must validate your ticket on board or at metro gates. Tourist day passes are available for unlimited travel. A 1-day pass costs around €2.
Get a rechargeable transport card if staying more than a few days — it saves time and offers slightly lower fares.
Useful Tips
Practical advice to make your public transport experience in Sofia smooth and hassle-free.
Always validate your ticket — inspectors are active and fines for unvalidated tickets are around €20. Keep your ticket until the end of your journey. Most public transport signs and announcements are in Bulgarian and English. Pickpocketing can occur on crowded trams and buses — keep valuables secure. Cycling infrastructure is improving, with shared bikes available through apps.
Tourist day passes are the best value for visitors — unlimited rides on all transport for the whole day.