If you’re planning a trip from Bucharest to Sofia, you’re in the right place. Here, I’ll cover all the available options for getting from Bucharest to Sofia, including travel times, costs, and all other details for each method: plane, train, bus, and car.
The good news is that Bulgaria’s capital is the closest European capital to Bucharest, so you have some fast options to get there, especially by plane, which will take you to your destination in just over one hour. (Note: Read more about Romania’s neighbors here).
But we’re going to talk about all the options that you have below, so let’s not waste a single second and instead let’s see how to get from Bucharest, Romania to Sofia, Bulgaria!
Getting from Bucharest to Sofia by Plane
As I said already, if you’re looking to get to your destination fast, then hopping on a plane will take you there in just a bit over one hour.
At the moment of writing this article, there are just two companies operating direct flights from Bucharest to Sofia: Tarom and Bulgaria Air.
Flight Details
- Airlines: Tarom and Bulgaria Air
- Departure Airport: Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP)
- Arrival Airport: Sofia Airport (SOF)
- Flight Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Schedule: Both flights typically depart Bucharest at 6 PM and arrive in Sofia at 7:15 PM
- Ticket Prices: Expect to pay between €70-€150 for a one-way ticket
Make sure to double-check the timetables and prices on Tarom’s official website, or Bulgaria Air, as flight schedules can change (although in this particular case, we’ve had the same hours for at least the past 4 years).
If you’re looking for accommodation close to the airports in each country, I have an article sharing the best hotels near Otopeni Airport in Bucharest.
Getting from Bucharest to Sofia by Train
If you’re not a big fan of traveling by plane, you can get to your destination by train. A direct train runs during the warmer season (from early June to early October). Otherwise, you will have to make the connecting train in Ruse, Bulgaria.
The direct train leaves Bucharest’s Gara de Nord station at 10:50 AM, arriving in Sofia around 8:20 PM. With most of the route in Bulgaria, the trip offers scenic views over the long duration of the ride. Price of a one-way ticket (2nd class): around €33.
There is also a permanent train (running outside of the warm season), but divided into two legs: Bucharest – Ruse (10:50 – 13:55), then Ruse – Sofia (14:15 – 20:41).
Insider’s tip: Instead of getting the ticket for the entire route from Bucharest, buy two tickets instead to keep costs even lower. Each ticket will cost around €11.50, if bought separately.
Make sure to double-check the schedules and fees here (Romanian railway system) and the Bulgarian railways here.
Getting from Bucharest to Sofia by Bus
Despite the proximity of the two capitals, the number of buses available is relatively low, even during the season, because most of them head towards the seaside resorts in Bulgaria, and not towards the capital.
Speaking of seaside resorts, I recommend checking out my article “Best Summer Destination: Bulgaria vs Romania?”
There are a few options available, with buses taking you to your destination in as little as 6 hours and 15 minutes. However, the buses often depart late at night, which might not be ideal for everyone.
- FlixBus: Offers a bus that leaves Bucharest at 11:45 PM and arrives in Sofia around 6 AM. Tickets start at around €20. You can check schedules and book tickets on the FlixBus website.
- Seasonal Buses: Other buses are seasonal, some of them starting to operate in May, some just during the summer season, and some year-round. You can find more direct buses from Bucharest to Sofia by checking this Romanian website.
You might also have more options, especially during the season, by splitting your trip in two: get a bus from Bucharest to Ruse, and then find a bus from Ruse to Sofia, in similar fashion to how train travel works on this route.
One of the disadvantages of traveling by bus, especially during the high season, is that you may spend a lot of time in queues at the customs because most buses with tourists will pass through Ruse as well.
Getting from Bucharest to Sofia by Car
Driving gives you the most flexibility, with two main options (unless you already have a car):
- Ride-Sharing with BlaBlaCar: This ride-sharing app is popular in Romania and can connect you with drivers heading to Sofia. However, availability can vary, so check in advance for cars that match your travel dates.
- Rental Car: Renting a car allows you to plan stops along the way. The drive takes about 5.5 hours, and crossing the border is straightforward, though it’s wise to prepare for some wait time at customs, especially during the summer season.
Travel Tip: If you’re renting a car, ensure it has cross-border insurance coverage. Plan for delays at customs, especially during busy travel times.
Driving Details from Bucharest to Sofia
- Route: The most common route is via the Giurgiu-Ruse border crossing, using the Friendship Bridge over the Danube River.
- Road Conditions: The roads are generally in good condition, but be aware of possible roadworks or traffic, especially near the border.
- Border Crossing: You’ll need to pay a bridge toll (approximately €6) and purchase a Bulgarian vignette (road tax) after crossing into Bulgaria. A Romanian vignette is also mandatory while in the country. You can get the vignettes online or from gas stations.
- Rental Car Considerations: Not all car rental companies allow cross-border travel, so make sure to confirm this when renting the car.
Driving gives you the freedom to stop along the way and maybe explore some lesser-known places. Just make sure you’re comfortable with driving in both countries and familiarize yourself with local traffic laws.
Travel Options from Bucharest to Sofia at a Glance
Method | Time | Cost | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Plane | ~1 hour | €70-€150 | Fastest option |
Train | ~10 hours | ~35 Euros | Budget-conscious, scenic travel |
Bus | ~6-8 hours | ~20 Euros | Budget-friendly, especially for overnight trips |
Car | ~5.5 hours | Varies | Flexible travel |
Conclusion
Bucharest and Sofia offer all the possible ways to travel between them. Here’s a quick recap of the options, so you can choose the best depending on your preferences:
- For Speed: Flying is the best choice, getting you to Sofia in about an hour. It’s also the most expensive.
- For Budget: Taking the bus is often the cheapest way to travel, but it’s usually an overnight bus.
- For Scenic Travel: The train journey provides countryside views but is much slower. It’s also budget-friendly
- For Flexibility: Driving by rental car or ride-sharing allows you to control timing and stops.
In the end, it’s your choice to make and I’m sure that with the details above, you will be able to make the best one to fit your needs. Let me know in the comments which option you choose or if you have other travel tips to share!
And if you’re deciding between visiting Romania and Bulgaria, why not check my article about Romania vs Bulgaria?
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Sofia is definitely on my list of places to visit. It looks absolutely beautiful from the images l’ve seen. I had been planning on a visit this year, but sadly l don’t think it will happen with the current state of affairs. One of the discount airlines was supposed to start a new route just before summer. Oh well ;-(. Stay safe.
From what I saw, Bulgaria is still pretty safe (at least looking at the numbers). We also had plans to visit Sofia this year, by train from Bucharest (or from Craiova, which is closer to us… but apparently that train no longer operates). Well, we’ll just have to wait and see what the next few months bring…