How much is the bus ticket from Thessaloniki to Sofia?

The cheapest bus tickets from Thessaloniki to Sofia start from TRY 622. The average price for this route is around TRY 1,413. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

How long is the bus ride from Thessaloniki to Sofia?

The average bus travel time from Thessaloniki to Sofia is 5h 5m, covering a distance of 232 km. The quickest bus can get you there in 2h 45m and is operated by Infobus .

Which bus companies service the Thessaloniki to Sofia route?

Several major bus companies operate on this route with 14 buses available per day, including services from Arda Tur , Union Ivkoni , Ilias Travel , FlixBus , LIKEBUS , Openline , Karat-S , Tourist Service Holding , Infobus , Maks Trans LTD .

What are the earliest and latest departure times for the bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia?

The earliest bus departs from Thessaloniki to Sofia at 12:01am. And the latest bus departs at 11:55pm.

What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Thessaloniki to Sofia?

A bus trip from Thessaloniki to Sofia generates an estimated 5.7939 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and a mode of travel recommended by Busbud.

What is the best bus company from Thessaloniki to Sofia?

According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Tourist Service Holding , with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 50 reviews.

Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Thessaloniki to Sofia?

Based on Busbud reviews, the bus company Openline has the highest Wi-Fi rating with a score of 5.0.

Which bus company has the best on-time performance from Thessaloniki to Sofia?

According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual bus company on this route is Karat-S , with a punctuality rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Thessaloniki to Sofia?

According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Maks Trans LTD , with a cleanliness rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.

Bus Thessaloniki to Sofia from TRY 505 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures for Thessaloniki to Sofia on May 29
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	8:20am	Thessaloniki 28 Monastiriou Street	4h 40m	1:00pm	Serdika	Cheapest
Bus	12:30am	Railway Station	4h 30m	5:00am	Serdika	Fastest
Bus	12:05am	Κ.Τ.Ε.Λ	4h 55m	5:00am	Serdika	No tags
Bus	2:00am	Monastiriou	4h 45m	6:45am	Serdika	No tags
Bus	2:00am	Monastiriou	4h 45m	6:45am	Serdika	No tags

Get from Thessaloniki to Sofia

This route is served by bus only

The journey takes about 5 hours 5 minutes, and with fares starting at just TRY 622, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

14bus per day

5h 5mAverage Duration

232 kmDistance

6kgCO₂ emissions

Where are the popular stops in Thessaloniki and Sofia?

Stops in Thessaloniki

A
Selanik Makedonya KTEL Otogarı
Selanik KTEL Bus Station, Giannitson 244, Thessaloniki 546 28, Greece
Visit page
B
Κ.Τ.Ε.Λ
Leof. Dendropotamou, Ampelokipi Menemeni 546 28, Greece
Visit page
C
Monastiriou
Monastiriou 63, Thessaloniki 546 27, Greece
Visit page
D
Taskou Papageorgiou
Taskou Papageorgiou 5, Thessaloniki 546 31, Greece
Visit page
E
Selanik (Yunanistan)
Michail Kalou 14, Thessaloniki 546 29, Greece
F
Port of Thessaloniki
Επιβατικός Τερματικός Σταθμός "Μακεδονία", Salaminos, Thessaloniki 546 26, Greece
Visit page

Stops in Sofia

A
Serdika
bulevard "Knyaginya Maria Luiza" 108, 1202 Sofia, Bulgaria
Visit page
B
Sofia Airport
Visit page
C
Central Bus Station - Sofia
bulevard "Knyaginya Maria Luiza" 100, 1202 Tsentralna, Sofia, Bulgaria
Visit page
D
Central Bus Station
bulevard "Knyaginya Maria Luiza" 100, 1202 Tsentralna, Sofia, Bulgaria
Visit page
E
Knyaginya Maria Luiza
bulevard "Knyaginya Maria Luiza" 65, 1202 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
F
Lukoil
E80 9086, 1331 Sofia, Bulgaria

Compare bus companies

Arda Tur

3.1/5266 reviews

Staff3.9

Timeliness3.4

Cleanliness4.1

Wi‑Fi1.7

Customers have praised the punctuality of the bus service, noting that it started and reached its destination on time. However, there are concerns about communication issues from drivers, as some passengers were left behind at borders due to a lack of clear instructions.

Arda Tur Thessaloniki Sofia recent customer reviews

12:30 is midday. 00:30 is easier to understand that it is midnight.That means that I didn't travel at all.I have to buy a new ticket.Disappointment.

Fotini P.

October 21, 2025

Condition of bus was good but the driver needs to learn to communicate with his passengers. A passenger was left behind at the Bulgarian border simply because we all had no idea of what was going on.

Emma S.

May 24, 2024

Too many stations . Comfortable bus . Helpful staff

Ioannis F.

November 21, 2025

Union Ivkoni

2.7/51,999 reviews

Staff2.9

Timeliness2.8

Cleanliness2.7

Wi‑Fi0.8

According to customer reviews, the bus service is generally enjoyable with good seats and a smooth ride. However, some passengers have complained about excessive heat throughout the journey and inappropriate behavior from the driver at times. Despite these issues, overall satisfaction with the service remains positive.

Union Ivkoni Thessaloniki Sofia recent customer reviews

We could not communicate, he left me on Sofia central station instead of terminal 2.

Alex A.

September 23, 2025

The driver dropped us at the wrong location and refused to dirge us to the airport , we had to find a taxi and pay extra cost for the service . Very unprofessional

Luca C.

April 9, 2025

I really enjoyed the ride. So much nicer than airport ques, airport security, passport control. The bus just goes right into the city, no hastles. Good seats, smooth ride. 👌

Richard B.

April 22, 2023

Ilias Travel

FlixBus

3.5/512,719 reviews

Staff4.2

Timeliness4.0

Cleanliness4.1

Wi‑Fi2.7

Users have shared positive experiences, highlighting the ease of booking and check-in processes. The journey was relaxed, arriving on schedule as expected. Additionally, travelers appreciated a 40-minute break for food or coffee during the trip. Overall satisfaction is evident from these reviews with high recommendations noted by users.

FlixBus Thessaloniki Sofia recent customer reviews

Very easy booking, check in and a relaxed travel. Arrived on schedule, would highly recommend.

Julia R.

August 17, 2024

All was perfect !Especially that we had 40 min. “Break” for food or coffee .

Χριστος Π.

August 21, 2025

LIKEBUS

3.7/529 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness4.7

Wi‑Fi3.6

Openline

2.6/519 reviews

Staff3.4

Timeliness1.7

Cleanliness2.5

Wi‑Fi5.0

Karat-S

4.1/5300 reviews

Staff4.3

Timeliness4.7

Cleanliness4.7

Wi‑Fi1.8

Based on 300 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the temperature and the departure location but often complained with the Wi‑Fi. Karat-S ticket prices on this trip start at TRY 1,548

Citylines Thessaloniki Sofia recent customer reviews

The bus did not turn up. I had to buy a ticket from another company. It was an extremely stressful experience. If I could not source alternative arrangements I would have been stranded

Neil F.

May 25, 2024

Very helpful driver and posh coach. Felt safe. The toilet was locked and out of use.

Sarah W.

July 2, 2023

My bus never came

Nele F.

July 27, 2021

Tourist Service Holding

4.2/550 reviews

Staff4.3

Timeliness4.5

Cleanliness4.6

Wi‑Fi3.1

According to 13 reviews, Tourist Service Holding received a 4.4-star rating for this journey. Travellers were especially satisfied with the temperature and the cleanliness, but some complained about the power outlets. Tourist Service Holding ticket prices on this trip start at TRY 2,163

Tourist Service Thessaloniki Sofia recent customer reviews

The staff were very professional and helpful. The bus developed a mechanical problem enroute but the staff worked diligently to resolve it so overall it was a positive experience

Shrijayanti P.

September 30, 2022

Excellent bus, good timing, could use one more stop and some English assistance but other wise great

Angela C.

May 6, 2018

Very great!

Jake L.

December 27, 2023

Infobus

3.9/5496 reviews

Staff4.5

Timeliness4.3

Cleanliness4.8

Wi‑Fi3.8

Maks Trans LTD

3.3/53 reviews

Staff5.0

Timeliness1.7

Cleanliness5.0

BG bus companies:FlixBus, LIKEBUS, Union Ivkoni, Openline, Arda Tur, Karat-S, Maks Trans LTD

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Thessaloniki to Sofia by bus

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

How much is the bus ticket from Thessaloniki to Sofia?
The cheapest bus tickets from Thessaloniki to Sofia start from TRY 622. The average price for this route is around TRY 1,413. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus ride from Thessaloniki to Sofia?
The average bus travel time from Thessaloniki to Sofia is 5h 5m, covering a distance of 232 km. The quickest bus can get you there in 2h 45m and is operated by Infobus.
Which bus companies service the Thessaloniki to Sofia route?
Several major bus companies operate on this route with 14 buses available per day, including services from Arda Tur, Union Ivkoni, Ilias Travel, FlixBus, LIKEBUS, Openline, Karat-S, Tourist Service Holding, Infobus, Maks Trans LTD.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia?
The earliest bus departs from Thessaloniki to Sofia at 12:01am. And the latest bus departs at 11:55pm.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Thessaloniki to Sofia?
A bus trip from Thessaloniki to Sofia generates an estimated 5.7939 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and a mode of travel recommended by Busbud.
What is the best bus company from Thessaloniki to Sofia?
According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Tourist Service Holding, with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 50 reviews.
Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Thessaloniki to Sofia?
Based on Busbud reviews, the bus company Openline has the highest Wi-Fi rating with a score of 5.0.
Which bus company has the best on-time performance from Thessaloniki to Sofia?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual bus company on this route is Karat-S, with a punctuality rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Thessaloniki to Sofia?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Maks Trans LTD, with a cleanliness rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

05-26

TRY 1,868

05-27

TRY 1,403

Today

TRY 1,176

05-29

TRY 924

05-30

TRY 784

05-31

TRY 810

06-01

TRY 784

06-02

TRY 756

The cheapest trip from Thessaloniki to Sofia was searched and found on Jun 2, 2026 with a price of TRY 756

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Thessaloniki to Sofia, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from TRY 756 to TRY 2,490 for a bus ticket from Thessaloniki to Sofia based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at TRY 756 which is on 2026-06-02.

Usually Citylines LTD will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.