Buses from Plovdiv to Sofia

Buses from Plovdiv to Sofia

Plovdiv
Sofia
Fri, Sep 4
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2 Travelers
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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
44 customer reviews
5
68%
4
23%
3
7%
2
2%
1
0%

Plovdiv to Sofia Bus Schedule

OperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Union Ivkoni National
Standard AC
10:25
12:35
$8.92
Traventuria
Standard AC
11:31
14:15
$30.00
Karat S
Regular
13:00
15:20
$9.65
Traventuria
Standard AC
13:30
19:10
$29.48
Traventuria
Standard AC
13:50
16:24
$30.01
Traventuria
Standard AC
14:30
17:15
$29.54
Traventuria
Standard AC
14:46
16:00
$24.24
Karat S
Regular
15:10
17:30
$9.65
Traventuria
Standard AC
15:30
17:44
$29.99
Karat S
Regular
16:10
18:30
$9.65
Traventuria
Standard AC
16:41
18:55
$23.61
Karat S
Regular
17:00
19:20
$9.65
Union Ivkoni National
Standard AC
17:30
20:00
$9.18
Karat S
Regular
18:00
20:20
$9.65
Union Ivkoni National
Standard AC
18:30
20:30
$9.18
Karat S
Regular
19:00
21:20
$9.65
Union Ivkoni National
Standard AC
19:50
22:00
$8.88
Union Ivkoni National
Standard AC
21:10
23:05
$9.18
Traventuria
Standard AC
21:31
00:16
$29.98
Traventuria
Standard AC
23:31
23:59
$29.95

How to get from Plovdiv to Sofia by bus

Bus travel remains one of the most affordable and convenient ways to travel between many destinations. Getting from Plovdiv to Sofia by bus may not be the fastest way of travel, yet many travellers prefer to rely on the bus on this route; with easy online booking and tickets of different classes for all tastes and budgets available, the bus from Plovdiv to Sofia a conscious and budget-friendly option.

Check the timetable before you book your ticket and read other travellers’ reviews to choose the trip that suits you best. Note that there may be several bus terminals at your departure or arrival point – always double-check where you are leaving from and arriving to. It may prove crucial if you have connecting trips.

Here is the list of operators serving the route: .

How far is Plovdiv from Sofia?

If travelling by bus, you will cover the distance of 148 km between Plovdiv and Sofia.

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

Buses normally need between 1h 55m and 6h 20m hours to get to Sofia from Plovdiv. Note that the travel time is for your reference only and can depend on different factors such as traffic and weather conditions. Heavy rainfalls almost inevitably make the trip longer due to poor visibility or floods. Road and surface repairs which happen quite often, result in detours and longer travel times. Major national holidays, long weekends, or peak season periods may cause delays both in departures and arrivals – plan accordingly to avoid disappointment, especially if you have further connections and a tight schedule.

On this route, Union Ivkoni National offers the fastest service. Traventuria buses usually take the longest time to complete the journey.

Remember, though, that tickets offering the shortest travel time are normally the most expensive ones. Yet it pays to spend a bit more to ensure your bus goes direct without additional stops and uses highways instead of local roads.

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

The price of your bus ticket will depend not only on the distance you need to cover but on the class of your coach. E.g. expect to shell out more for VIP or sleeper buses while ordinary buses though being the cheapest option, often are a compromise on comfort and travel time. Of course, they do their job, too, and can be the only option if you hop on/off in the middle of the route.

Anyway, travelling by bus between Plovdiv and Sofia remains an affordable option. The cheapest ticket is offered by Union Ivkoni National and costs USD 11.79. A Traventuria's ticket will set you back USD 11.79 on average.

Travelling by bus essentials

  • If you are planning to travel during the high season, weekends, or national holidays, booking your bus tickets in advance is highly recommended. The demand is at its highest, yet very often, the number of coaches serving the route remains the same. The earlier you reserve your seat, the better. On some routes, you need to secure your ticket more than a month in advance; on others, a couple-of-days advanced booking is enough. During such periods, try to book online beforehand whenever possible, as showing up at the bus station without a ticket may result in many-hours of waiting in the queue or leave you downright stranded.
  • VIP, 1st, Gold, and similar bus tickets are the most expensive option, but they provide a higher level of comfort. Normally the price of such tickets will include wide soft reclining seats, blankets, water and snacks or lunch, and sometimes some toiletries. Upper-class buses travel faster, make fewer stops during the route, and normally provide more spacious seating to their passengers and a better travel experience.
  • Not all buses have an on-board toilet, but generally, for all trips longer than three hours, all operators schedule a bathroom and/or a lunch stop. While operators definitely do their best to keep on-board toilets clean, the smell may be an issue sometimes. For longer trips, booking a seat a bit farther from the toilet may be a good idea. Also, using bathroom stops for your toilet needs is always better than trying to find your balance in an on-board toilet on the run.
  • If you travel by an air-con bus, make sure to pack layers. A hoodie, a warm scarf, or a beanie hat may prove a good idea. Air-conditioning on buses tends to be excessive, and running nose and sore throats abound after even not the longest bus rides.
  • Always use the security belts even if your bus ride attendant or driver does not insist on it. Your safety comes first – for you, for sure. All buses normally are equipped with security belts, but they may be fixed behind your seat. Take time to find the belt and fix it appropriately.
  • To avoid being disturbed by overhead lights, switched on during stops even at night, and too loud music or sound from the on-board entertainment system, have earplugs and a sleeping mask at hand.
  • As a courtesy to other passengers, avoid using strong perfumes or smelly foods. Some foods like cheeses or durians are forbidden to take on-board – check in advance. Alcohol is also prohibited on the majority of buses.
  • Note that if the bus requires refuelling en-route, passengers will be asked to get off the bus. Operators are not allowed to refuel with passengers on board due to safety reasons. Usually, it takes from 5 to 10 minutes and is often combined with a toilet/lunch stop.
  • If not stated otherwise in your tickets, arrive at the bus station 20-30 minutes before departure. It will give you enough time to find the departure platform and check-in. For international trips, you may need more time for check-in and border formalities.

Transportation from Plovdiv to Sofia

Facts about the bus from Plovdiv to Sofia

Cheapest Bus$12
Fastest Bus1h 55m
Earliest Bus6:30 午前
Latest Bus7:00 午後
Daily Bus Routes0
Distance148 kilometers
Bus CompaniesCitylines, Karat S, Traventuria, Union Ivkoni National