How can I travel from Thessaloniki to Sofia without a car?

The best way to travel from Thessaloniki to Sofia is by bus. The bus trip is an affordable, safe and convenient way to travel between the two cities. Alternatively, you can also use carpooling services.

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

The average travel time from Thessaloniki to Sofia is about 5h 15m, although the fastest bus will take 4h, on average. This is the time it takes to travel the 145 miles (233 km) that separate the two cities.

What is the travel distance from Thessaloniki to Sofia?

The distance between the two cities is 145 miles (233 km).

What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia?

The majority of buses traveling from Thessaloniki to Sofia start their journey at Κ. Τ. Ε. Λ and wind up at Serdika. These are the primary departure and arrival locations on this route, but you can find others that could fit better into your travel plans.

What is the most affordable way to get from Thessaloniki to Sofia?

The cheapest way to travel this route is by bus. With prices starting at $9, you won't find a more affordable way to get there.

How much are the bus tickets from Thessaloniki to Sofia?

The average bus ticket price from Thessaloniki to Sofia is $27. In the last 30 days, the prices ranged from $9 to $57, so it's good to do your research before booking.

What are the best sights and things to do in Sofia?

Once in Sofia, you can start exploring the city and discover its surroundings. The top sights and things to do are Statue of Slaveikovs, Russian Church of St Nicholas, Ivan Vazov National Theater, Monument to the Soviet Army and Food Tour.

Thessaloniki to Sofia Bus Tickets

TodayMay 16

from $12

TomorrowMay 17

from $10

SunMay 18

from $18

MonMay 19

from $24

TueMay 20

from $18

WedMay 21

from $13

ThuMay 22

from $10

FriMay 23

from $11

Cheap buses leaving tomorrow

One passenger / one way

This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest
Departure time: May 17 at 5:30pm
Departure city: Thessaloniki
Departure location: Thessaloniki 28 Monastiriou Street
Arrival time: May 17 at 10:45pm
Destination city: Sofia
Destination location: Serdika
Operated by: Flixbus
Vehicle: BusDuration: 5h 15m
This trip is recommended because it is: Fastest
Departure time: May 17 at 2:30pm
Departure city: Thessaloniki
Departure location: Selanik Makedonya KTEL Otogarı
Arrival time: May 17 at 6:30pm
Destination city: Sofia
Destination location: Sofia Bus Station Serdika
Operated by: Infobus
Vehicle: BusDuration: 4h
Departure time: May 17 at 12:05am
Departure city: Thessaloniki
Departure location: Κ.Τ.Ε.Λ
Arrival time: May 17 at 5:00am
Destination city: Sofia
Destination location: Serdika
Operated by: Arda Tur
Vehicle: BusDuration: 4h 55m
Departure time: May 17 at 2:00am
Departure city: Thessaloniki
Departure location: Monastiriou
Arrival time: May 17 at 6:45am
Destination city: Sofia
Destination location: Serdika
Operated by: Infobus
Vehicle: BusDuration: 4h 45m
Departure time: May 17 at 2:00am
Departure city: Thessaloniki
Departure location: Monastiriou
Arrival time: May 17 at 6:45am
Destination city: Sofia
Destination location: Serdika
Operated by: Tourist Service Holding
Vehicle: BusDuration: 4h 45m

Accepted payments

Bus Thessaloniki to Sofia: Trip Overview

Average ticket price$27

Average bus trip duration5h 15m

Number of daily buses17

Earliest bus departure12:05am

Distance144 miles (231 km)

Latest bus departure11:45pm

Compare bus companies

Union Ivkoni

2.5/51,861 reviews

Staff2.8

Timeliness2.7

Cleanliness2.6

Wifi0.8

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

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

It was ok.. the bus is a bit old bus it was good in terms of driving and service

Ria E.

April 15, 2023

Arda Tur

3/5218 reviews

Staff3.7

Timeliness3.6

Cleanliness4.4

Wifi1.7

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

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

The bus started on time and reached the destination on time

Syed J.

June 25, 2023

Excellent and really friendly Greek driver

Caoimhe G.

November 28, 2021

Infobus

4/5467 reviews

Staff4.8

Timeliness4.6

Cleanliness4.8

Wifi3.8

FlixBus

3.5/58,629 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness4

Cleanliness4.1

Wifi2.6

Flixbus is a European bus operator that offers intercity and bus travel in over 38 countries. Known for their easy-to-spot lime green buses and for offering affordable transportation between cities in Europe and the Americas, Flixbus is a good option for those looking for an affordable, reliable bus company. In their buses, you'll find free WiFi, bathrooms, and power outlets. You can also pay extra to choose your seat and get extra legroom, or even buy a snack or drink onboard directly from the driver. You can reschedule your ticket for a small fee, which varies from $1 to $5, depending on how close you are to the departure date.

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

Maks Trans LTD

Karat-S

4/5264 reviews

Staff4.3

Timeliness4.7

Cleanliness4.7

Wifi2.3

Based on 264 reviews, the company was rated 4 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the temperature and the departure location but often complained with the wifi. Karat-S ticket prices on this trip start at $32.00

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

4.5/549 reviews

Staff4.3

Timeliness4.5

Cleanliness5

Wifi3.2

According to 13 reviews, Tourist Service Holding received a 4.4-star rating for this journey. Travelers 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 $39.00

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

LIKEBUS

3.5/524 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness4

Cleanliness4.7

Wifi3.4

BG bus companies: FlixBus, Infobus, FlixTrain, Union Ivkoni, LIKEBUS, Openline, Arda Tur

Thessaloniki to Sofia Bus

With Busbud, comparing and booking tickets for a bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia is a breeze. Browse through an extensive selection of bus fares and bus schedules to find the best deals.

Bus service from Thessaloniki to Sofia will be provided by the most trusted bus companies.

Discover how much the bus trip from Thessaloniki to Sofia will cost you. Use our filters and sorting features to find the cheapest bus tickets or luxury buses.

Where are the popular stops in Thessaloniki and Sofia?

Stops in Thessaloniki

A - Κ.Τ.Ε.Λ

B - Monastiriou

C - Selanik Makedonya KTEL Otogarı

D - Makedonya Şehirlerarası Otogarı

E - Michail Kalou 16

F - Selanik (Yunanistan)

Stops in Sofia

A - Serdika

B - Sofia Airport

C - Central Bus Station

D - Central Bus Station - Sofia

E - Knyaginya Maria Luiza

F - Lukoil

Frequently asked questions for your trip Thessaloniki - Sofia

How can I travel from Thessaloniki to Sofia without a car?
How long does it take to get to Sofia from Thessaloniki by bus?
What is the travel distance from Thessaloniki to Sofia?
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia?
What is the most affordable way to get from Thessaloniki to Sofia?
How much are the bus tickets from Thessaloniki to Sofia?
What are the best sights and things to do in Sofia?

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found

05/14

$24

05/15

$11

Today

$12

05/17

$10

05/18

$18

05/19

$24

05/20

$18

05/21

$13

The cheapest trip from Thessaloniki to Sofia was searched and found on May 17, 2025 with a price of $10

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 $10 to $41 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 $10 which is on 2025-05-17.

Usually Citylines 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.

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

Meet and talk to locals at the bus stations while traveling from Thessaloniki to Sofia.There is no better way to get inside travel information while exploring a new city than to go straight to its people.

Much more than a mere vehicle taking you from Thessaloniki to Sofia, riding the bus will expose you to some of the most stunning panoramas while enroute to your final bus stop.

Buses have one of the smallest carbon footprints of motorized transport modes. A bus going from Thessaloniki to Sofia will emit less CO2 than a car or an airplane.

Make a music playlist for your bus ride from Thessaloniki to Sofia, and enjoy the scenery to tunes from your own personal soundtrack.

Did you know?

The bus driver with the longest career in the world drove more than 2,000,000 miles and is a happy World Record holder.

The word 'bus' is an abbreviation of 'omnibus" which means 'for all' in Latin as buses were meant to be transportation for everybody.

Did you know that 80% of the buses in North America are equipped with WiFi and power outlets ? And 60% of bus travelers have used their electronic device on board during 2014.

Will you be returning to Thessaloniki by bus?

Bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia

Top traveled bus routes

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Busbud.com makes it easy for you to find, compare and book city-to-city bus tickets, all over the world. We save you the extra trip to the bus station. With Busbud, wherever you go, you have a worldwide bus station within reach and available in your own language and currency. Busbud prides itself on its worldwide partnerships. We make it possible for you to buy tickets with its large network of trustworthy bus partners like Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.

One passenger / one way

Cheap buses leaving tomorrow

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

Bus Thessaloniki to Sofia: Trip Overview

Compare bus companies

Thessaloniki to Sofia Bus

Where are the popular stops in Thessaloniki and Sofia?

Frequently asked questions for your trip Thessaloniki - Sofia

How can I travel from Thessaloniki to Sofia without a car?

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

What is the travel distance from Thessaloniki to Sofia?

What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Thessaloniki to Sofia?

What is the most affordable way to get from Thessaloniki to Sofia?

How much are the bus tickets from Thessaloniki to Sofia?

What are the best sights and things to do in Sofia?

Find cheapest prices for buses

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

Did you know?

Will you be returning to Thessaloniki by bus?

Top traveled bus routes

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

People from around the world trust Busbud

Popular Buses Connecting Thessaloniki

Buses Leaving from Thessaloniki

Buses Going to Thessaloniki

Popular Buses Connecting Sofia

Buses Leaving from Sofia

Buses Going to Sofia

Popular routes in this country

Popular airport transfers