Plovdiv to Sofia

Plovdiv to Sofia

Plovdiv
Sofia
Fri, Sep 4
+ Add return
2 Travelers
Finding the best routes for you — almost ready!
Sort by
Recommended
Filters
Departure time
Transport type
Departure station
Arrival station
Booking Facilities
Price
Arrival time
Operators
 
 
 
 
 

Plovdiv to Sofia Destination Reviews

CG
Cristina G
Right on time and the driver was very friendly and accommodating to our needs. Thank you!
Plovdiv to Sofia, Bus Standard AC, Citylines, May 6, 2026
A
Anonymous
Good trip but. Everything was fine in the end. I ordered two tickets to and from Plovdiv, but we weren't allocated seats next to each other, but across the aisle. Same happened to another couple so we swapped seats to be with our partners.
Plovdiv to Sofia, Bus Standard AC, Citylines, Oct 10, 2025
A
Anonymous
Sofia-Plovdiv one day trip. W.e have planned to go with train but bus was faster and cheaper. It was pleasant ride and on time. When we came to Sofia station we were at loss which bus is going to Plovdiv and had to ask around, also there are 2 terminals so for tourists it can be confusing. Also in Plovdiv we were not able to buy tickets with cards both on the station and on the local bus, only local currency.
Plovdiv to Sofia, Bus Standard AC, Citylines, Jul 23, 2025
A
Anonymous
Prompt and reasonably comfortable. Helpful and friendly driver, on time, air conditioning. 3 people squished together onto front bench seat.
Plovdiv to Sofia, Bus Standard AC, City Tour, Jun 2, 2024
A
Anonymous
Great driver but clearly very tired. Clean bus and easy booking. The driver was clearly tired on the long stretches and I watched him nod off as if falling asleep 3 times which made me extremely nervous. The rest of the journey was fine and I was prepared to leave an excellent review as otherwise he was a fantastic driver but this CANNOT happen- open the window, put on music, drink loads of coffee or something but you should be able to do 2.5 hours without an issue or don’t come to work. Next time I will probably take the train so I don’t have to worry.
Plovdiv to Sofia, Bus Regular, Karat S, May 18, 2023
A
Abraham
Timely service and comfortable ride. New buses, clean, on-time, great value.
Plovdiv to Sofia, Bus Regular, Karat S, Mar 24, 2023
4.6
45 customer reviews
5
67%
4
24%
3
7%
2
2%
1
0%

Plovdiv to Sofia Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Daytrip private transfer with English speaking driver
Minivan 7pax
Any time
+1h 42m
$179.95
Bus
Union Ivkoni National
Standard AC
10:25
12:35
$8.92
Bus
Traventuria
Standard AC
11:31
14:15
$30.00
Flight
Wizz Air UK
Economy
12:15
13:35
$480.86
Bus
Karat S
Regular
13:00
15:20
$9.65
Bus
Traventuria
Standard AC
13:30
19:10
$29.48
Bus
Traventuria
Standard AC
13:50
16:24
$30.01
Bus
Traventuria
Standard AC
14:30
17:15
$29.54
Bus
Traventuria
Standard AC
14:46
16:00
$24.24
Bus
Karat S
Regular
15:10
17:30
$9.65
Bus
Traventuria
Standard AC
15:30
17:44
$29.99
Bus
Karat S
Regular
16:10
18:30
$9.65
Bus
Traventuria
Standard AC
16:41
18:55
$23.61
Bus
Karat S
Regular
17:00
19:20
$9.65
Bus
Union Ivkoni National
Standard AC
17:30
20:00
$9.18
Bus
Karat S
Regular
18:00
20:20
$9.65
Bus
Union Ivkoni National
Standard AC
18:30
20:30
$9.18
Bus
Karat S
Regular
19:00
21:20
$9.65
Bus
Union Ivkoni National
Standard AC
19:50
22:00
$8.88
Bus
Union Ivkoni National
Standard AC
21:10
23:05
$9.18

How to get from Plovdiv to Sofia

Travelling between Plovdiv and Sofia is possible by Bus, train and taxi. Taxi guarantees the fastest travel on this route. Bus is the slowest option.

The most expensive ticket will cost you USD 10.20 if you go by Train; to keep it budget-friendly, opt for a train which will set you back mere USD 7.65.

How long does it take to get from Plovdiv to Sofia?

It can take you anywhere between 2 and 7 hours to travel between Plovdiv and Sofia depending on the means of transport you choose.

Taxi is the fastest way to travel between Plovdiv and Sofia. Taxi will bring you to your destination in 1h 42m. Bus does a much slower job and take about 6h 20m to reach Sofia.

How much does it cost to get from Plovdiv to Sofia?

Travelling between Plovdiv and Sofia can be as cheap as USD 7.65 if you opt for a BDZ train and as expensive as USD 10.20 if you buy a BDZ Train ticket.

Here is the list of how much you can expect to pay travelling by each means of transport available for this route.

How many trips per day are there between Plovdiv and Sofia ?

  • 18 from Plovdiv to Sofia starting from 02:34 Plovdiv until 19:56 Plovdiv

Check above for a bus, train, flight and ferry timetable from Plovdiv to Sofia.

What mode of transportation is the best one for my route?

Bus

Travelling from Plovdiv to Sofia overland will inevitably take longer but in many cases it is the cheapest option if you opt for a bus.

Things to remember: For a more comfortable ride opt for a higher-class bus wherever possible. These buses usually have soft reclining seats and are equipped with air-conditioning and on-board toilets.

They often include water, snacks or a light lunch into your ticket price and make bathroom stops en-route.

Companies operating bus routes between Plovdiv and Sofia

Citylines, Karat S, Traventuria, Union Ivkoni National

Taxi

Some travellers consider taxi to be the most convenient form of overland transport thanks to flexible departure times, a possibility to choose the size of the car you need, and a hassle-free door-to-door service.

Things to remember: If you are planning to make detours during your trip, discuss it with your driver or service provider in advance as it may affect the price.

Companies offering charters between Plovdiv and Sofia

Daytrip private transfer with English speaking driver

Train

Train is a often a great choice for long-haul travel especially if you opt for a night sleeper train with berths which will allow you to sleep all your journey through. To make the most of your train journey, choose the class of your ticket wisely.

Note that there are air-conditioned and fan-only carriages; private compartments for 2 or 4; hard and soft seats.
Though the upper class you get the smoother is your journey, often second class air-conditioned or fan-only sleepers are a good money saving alternative.

What is the most popular transport to get from Plovdiv to Sofia?

There is a choice of transportation means any time of the day with Bus remaining the most popular option due to their reasonable pricing and comfort.

Out of 1000 travellers who bought tickets for this route

  • 76% opted for a bus
  • 23% took a train
  • 1% Other

Transportation from Plovdiv to Sofia

Facts about the transport from Plovdiv to Sofia

Cheapest Transport$8
Fastest Transport1h 42m
Earliest Departure2:34 AM
Latest Departure7:56 PM
Departures per day18
Distance148 kilometers
Transport CompaniesBDZ, Citylines, Karat S, Traventuria, Union Ivkoni National