How to Get from Bucharest to Sofia by Plane, Train, Bus & Car

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 one capital to the other, 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 can get there quickly, especially by plane, which is a trip that takes less than an hour. (Note: Learn more about Romania’s neighbors here.)

But today, after Romania is finally a full Schengen member, together with Bulgaria, it’s easier than ever to get from Bucharest to Sofia and vice-versa. But enough talking – let’s check out all the options below!

Getting from Bucharest to Sofia by Plane

As I said in the intro, if you’re looking to get to your destination fast, flying is your option, as the flight takes just a bit over one hour.

At the moment of writing this article, there are two companies operating direct flights from Bucharest to Sofia: Tarom and Bulgaria Air. You can check prices and book your flight here.

Flight Details

• Departure Airport: Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP).
• Arrival Airport: Sofia Airport (SOF).
• Flight Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Schedule: Varied, from early morning flights arriving in Bulgaria before noon, to evening ones.
• Ticket Prices: Expect to pay between €150-€200 for a one-way ticket.

If you want to be close to the airport, check out my article sharing the best hotels near Otopeni Airport in Bucharest.

Airport Transfers

OTP ➔ City Center: Take the Airport Express bus (line 780, €1), or a 20-minute taxi/Uber (around €12). You can also take the direct train from the airport to the Gara de Nord train station (25 minutes, 2nd class ticket – around €1.20)

SOF ➔ City Center: Metro line M1 (about €1), or taxi/Uber (~€8).

Getting from Bucharest to Sofia by Bus

A solid alternative is taking the bus – if you don’t like flying. While you don’t have tons of options, the ones available should be enough, even though most buses head towards the seaside resorts in Bulgaria, and not the capital.

Speaking of which, I recommend checking out my article “Best Summer Destination: Bulgaria vs Romania.”

Bus fares are faster than the train, sometimes cheaper, and in most cases you travel over night – which might be a bonus if you can sleep for the duration of the journey.

Here are your options:

• Bookaway: A nice bus leaving from Militari bus station at around 11:30 PM and arriving in Sofia at 7:30 AM. Check out schedules and prices here.
• FlixBus: Offers a bus that leaves Bucharest at 11:45 PM and arrives in Sofia around 6 AM. I prefer the one above as it has better hours if you can sleep. You can check schedules and book tickets on the FlixBus website.
• Seasonal Buses: Other buses are seasonal, starting to operate in May/June and usually until early October. If the options above are not suitable, you can try your luck with 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.

Getting from Bucharest to Sofia by Car

Driving gives you the most flexibility, with two main options (unless you already have a car):

1. 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.
2. Car Rental: Renting a car allows you to plan stops along the way and drive yourself. Check out offers and prices here.

Travel Tip: If you’re renting a car, ensure it has cross-border insurance coverage.

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 a bit crowded during the summer season.
• 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, and it’s also faster than the bus/train, although slower than flying. Just make sure you’re comfortable with driving in both countries and familiarize yourself with local traffic laws.

Getting from Bucharest to Sofia by Train

If you’re not a big fan of traveling by plane, bus, or car, you can get to your destination by train, which is the slowest option. A direct train runs during the warmer season (from early June to early October). Otherwise, you will have to take the connecting train in Ruse, Bulgaria.

The direct train leaves Bucharest’s Gara de Nord station at 10:10 AM, arriving in Sofia around 8:40 PM (double-check the schedule!). 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 €35.

There is also a permanent train (running outside of the warm season), but divided into two legs: Bucharest – Ruse (10:11 – 13:39), then Ruse – Sofia (14:25 – 20:35).

Save money: Instead of getting the ticket for the entire route from Bucharest, buy two tickets instead to keep costs 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.

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Travel Options from Bucharest to Sofia at a Glance

Method	Time	Cost	Best For
Plane	~1 hour	~€150	Fastest option
Train	~10 hours	~35 Euros	Budget-conscious, scenic travel
Bus	~6-8 hours	~20 Euros	Budget-friendly, perfect for overnight trips
Car	~5.5 hours	Varies	Flexible travel

Conclusion

Bucharest and Sofia offer all the possible ways to travel between them. 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 just one of the two countries, why not read my article about Romania vs Bulgaria first?

If you’re interested in more travel options from Bucharest to various other destinations, here are a couple other articles I wrote:

• How to Get from Bucharest to Timisoara
• How to Get from Bucharest to Budapest