Airports & Getting into Town
Sofia (SOF)
- Metro at Terminal 2 (Line M4). Trains run from roughly 05:30 to 23:45. If you land at T1, use the free shuttle to T2 for the metro.
- Official airport taxi: Yellow! (order from the counters in Arrivals). Avoid touts.
- City buses 84/184 also link the airport and centre.
Varna (VAR)
- Bus 409 connects the airport with the city centre, Central Bus Station, and Golden Sands (~20–50 min).
Burgas (BOJ)
- Bus 15/15A links the airport with Bus Station South and the centre (~20–30 min).
Plovdiv (PDV)
- Flight-timed shuttle between Bus Station South ↔ Airport (10 BGN; pay on board). Limited public transport outside flight hours.
Sofia’s public transport (best in the country)
- Tickets: Sofia offers time-based e-tickets, including 30-minute and 60-minute options, as well as day/24 h/72 h passes. Additionally, daily fare capping is available when tapping a contactless card/phone. Validate on every entry/transfer. (Prices were 1.60 BGN / 2.20 BGN in 2025; from 2026, amounts are displayed in EUR). Check the metropolitan.bg
- How to pay: Tap your Visa/Mastercard/phone on the blue validators across the bus/tram/trolley and at the metro gates (open-loop). No app or paper needed.
- Fines: Traveling without a valid, validated ticket can result in an on-the-spot fine (control fare). Inspectors do check.
- Reality check: Vehicles are mixed in age; the metro is modern, but some trams/buses are older. Information quality is improving; the official Urban Mobility Center site is the most reliable for routes and live boards.
Intercity Trains (BDZ): Scenic, Relatively Cheap… Often Unreliable
- What to expect: BDZ sells e-tickets; many coaches are older. Night trains offer couchettes/sleepers (3-berth cabins with a typical washbasin), bedding provided. Seat/berth reservations are commonly required on fast and night services. БДЖ – Пътнически превози
- The classic ride: The Rhodope narrow-gauge (Septemvri–Dobrinishte) is a destination in itself (≈4½–5 h). Expect breathtaking scenery, not speed.
- Disruptions: Major works around Sofia Central have caused timetable changes and reroutes through August 2025. Please constantly check your train on BDZ before departure.
- Be realistic: For Sofia–Varna/Burgas, buses (or driving) are usually quicker and more punctual than daytime trains, even by plane. Average train speeds are low while modernization continues.
Intercity Buses: Fastest Nationwide Network
- Coverage & booking: Numerous national and international bus operators cover the country and neighbouring capitals. Buy online or at stations (e.g., Central Bus Station Sofia). Please check the website of the Central Bus Station Sofia, centralnaavtogara.bg
- Frequency: Multiple daily departures on key axes (e.g., Sofia–Burgas/Varna). Check operator sites or aggregators for current timetables.
- Reality check: Vehicle quality varies by operator/route; peak-season seats sell out; occasional late changes happen, so book early on popular weekend/coastal runs.
Taxis & Ride-hailing
- Typical Sofia tariffs (company-posted): Tariffs vary between EUR 0.55 to EUR .80 per kilometer. Night surcharges and an initial fee apply. Expect higher quotes from resort/airport stands if not booked from the official desk/app. (From 2026, meters show EUR; ranges will feel similar, just converted.)
- At Sofia Airport: Use Yellow! (official partner in 2025) from the airport counters, don’t accept rides from touts.
- Apps & ride-sharing: Bolt operates in major cities (rides, car-share, scooters). Uber does not currently operate rides in Bulgaria. Local taxi apps (Yellow, TaxiMe, Taxistars) work well.
- Reality check: Always check the tariff sticker on the passenger window before you get in. If a car has unusually high per-km prices, consider taking another.
Practical Tips (what locals actually do)
- Use contactless in Sofia—faster than hunting kiosks; daily capping protects you on busy days.
- Buses > trains for speed on most intercity trips; trains for comfort/scenery (especially the narrow-gauge).
- Check your works: if your journey passes through Sofia Central, verify your platform and times again close to departure. Eurail Community
- Airport runs: The Metro from SOF T2 is the cheapest and often the quickest option. For very late arrivals or with heavy bags, consider booking an official taxi.
- Summer on the coast: Varna/Burgas urban buses are cheap and frequent; intercity coastal buses fill fast—pre-book.
