Transportation in Sofia
To and from Sofia
The easiest way to reach Sofia is by plane, bus or train. Sofia has one Airport, central Bus station (where international trains arrive/depart), and central Railway station (where international lines arrive/depart). Certainly, some of the participants from nearby countries can simply drive to Sofia.
The easiest way to reach Sofia is by plane, bus or train. Sofia has one Airport, central Bus station (where international trains arrive/depart), and central Railway station (where international lines arrive/depart). Certainly, some of the participants from nearby countries can simply drive to Sofia.
Sofia Airport
t
Location: 1 Hristofor Kolumb Blvd., Sofia 1540
Web: https://www.sofia-airport.bg
Tel: +359 2 937 2211; +359 2 937 2212; +359 2 937 2213 (0-24h)
You can reach the city center from the airport by Metro, Bus, or Taxi
By Metro to the city center
Sofia Metro Line 1 connects Sofia Airport to the city center. The journey from Sofia Airport to the city center (Metro Station: “Sofia University”) takes approximately 30 min. The metro trains on the route to the airport operate from 5:30 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and weekends/holidays. The metro station at Sofia Airport is located in the eastern part of Terminal 2. You can reach it by following the floor markings in blue at the public area of Terminal 2. Sofia Airport provides free-of-charge transportation between the two terminal buildings. The shuttle bus stops located in front of the terminal buildings are designated by signage and pavement markings. Metro tickets cost 1.60 BGN=Bulgarian Leva. Machines selling metro tickets are located at Sofia Airport Metro Station. Most machines accept only Bulgarian currency, but one of them accepts credit cards as well. Important: Any piece of baggage exceeding 60х40х40 cm requires a separate ticket. For further details please click the LINK.
Location: 1 Hristofor Kolumb Blvd., Sofia 1540
Web: https://www.sofia-airport.bg
Tel: +359 2 937 2211; +359 2 937 2212; +359 2 937 2213 (0-24h)
You can reach the city center from the airport by Metro, Bus, or Taxi
By Metro to the city center
Sofia Metro Line 1 connects Sofia Airport to the city center. The journey from Sofia Airport to the city center (Metro Station: “Sofia University”) takes approximately 30 min. The metro trains on the route to the airport operate from 5:30 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and weekends/holidays. The metro station at Sofia Airport is located in the eastern part of Terminal 2. You can reach it by following the floor markings in blue at the public area of Terminal 2. Sofia Airport provides free-of-charge transportation between the two terminal buildings. The shuttle bus stops located in front of the terminal buildings are designated by signage and pavement markings. Metro tickets cost 1.60 BGN=Bulgarian Leva. Machines selling metro tickets are located at Sofia Airport Metro Station. Most machines accept only Bulgarian currency, but one of them accepts credit cards as well. Important: Any piece of baggage exceeding 60х40х40 cm requires a separate ticket. For further details please click the LINK.
By Taxi to the city center
The airport is situated only 10 km apart from the city center. The easiest and fastest option to reach the heart of Sofia is by taxi. It is relatively inexpensive, the price ranges between 12-16 BGN (6 to 8 Euro) depending on traffic and exact location. For your convenience and safety, we recommend that you use ONLY the services of Ok Supertrans - a Certified Taxi Company, which Sofia Airport operates with. You can request the service at the offices of the company in the Arrivals of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 or simply follow the floor markings in yellow that will lead you to the taxi stand area.
VERY IMPORTANT! In order to avoid the risk of abuse and being overcharged we strongly recommend that you do not use taxi services offered outside the office of the taxi operator or in front of the terminal. Please disregard the unauthorized offers of individual that are likely to be waiting at the exit! Proceed directly to the desk of Ok Supertans and ask the personnel for assistance.
Taxi Rates:
BGN 0.70 Initial charge
BGN 0.79 /km Daytime rate (from 6:00 a.m.–to 10:00 p.m.)
BGN 0.90 /km Nighttime rate (from 10:00 p.m.–to 6:00 a.m.)
BGN 0.22 /min Wait rate
BGN 0.70 Call-out charge
The airport is situated only 10 km apart from the city center. The easiest and fastest option to reach the heart of Sofia is by taxi. It is relatively inexpensive, the price ranges between 12-16 BGN (6 to 8 Euro) depending on traffic and exact location. For your convenience and safety, we recommend that you use ONLY the services of Ok Supertrans - a Certified Taxi Company, which Sofia Airport operates with. You can request the service at the offices of the company in the Arrivals of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 or simply follow the floor markings in yellow that will lead you to the taxi stand area.
VERY IMPORTANT! In order to avoid the risk of abuse and being overcharged we strongly recommend that you do not use taxi services offered outside the office of the taxi operator or in front of the terminal. Please disregard the unauthorized offers of individual that are likely to be waiting at the exit! Proceed directly to the desk of Ok Supertans and ask the personnel for assistance.
Taxi Rates:
BGN 0.70 Initial charge
BGN 0.79 /km Daytime rate (from 6:00 a.m.–to 10:00 p.m.)
BGN 0.90 /km Nighttime rate (from 10:00 p.m.–to 6:00 a.m.)
BGN 0.22 /min Wait rate
BGN 0.70 Call-out charge
By Bus to the city center
The 84 Bus line operates on the route under an all-day timetable. Between Sofia Airport – Gen. Gurko str. in the center, very near Sofia University. The journey time from the start to the final destination is approximately 40-50 min. on weekdays, and 30-35 min. at weekends/holidays. Bus line 84 can also be used as a transport link between Sofia Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 where the Metro Station is located. Check bus-stops and route of 84 Bus on this map. Bus tickets are sold by the driver, but make sure that you validate your ticket after you buy it. The ticket costs 1.60 BGN (~ 0.80 EUR)
The 84 Bus line operates on the route under an all-day timetable. Between Sofia Airport – Gen. Gurko str. in the center, very near Sofia University. The journey time from the start to the final destination is approximately 40-50 min. on weekdays, and 30-35 min. at weekends/holidays. Bus line 84 can also be used as a transport link between Sofia Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 where the Metro Station is located. Check bus-stops and route of 84 Bus on this map. Bus tickets are sold by the driver, but make sure that you validate your ticket after you buy it. The ticket costs 1.60 BGN (~ 0.80 EUR)
Central Railway Station
Location: 102A Kniagina Maria Louisa Blvd., Sofia 1202
Web: http://razpisanie.bdz.bg/site/search.jsp
Tel: +359 700 10 200; +359 2 932 3333
The best option to reach to/from the Central Railway Station is by Metro
By Metro from the Central Railway Station
Central Railway Metro Station of Sofia Metro Line 2 lies just next to the Central Railway Station. Line 2 (Blue Line) links Central Railway Station with the city center. To reach Sofia University change to Line 1 (Red Line) at Serdika Station. Take the train in Mladost/Aiport direction to Station “Sofia University” (1 stop). The journey must take no longer than 30 min. Tickets cost 1.60 BGN=Bulgarian Leva. Ticket vending machines are placed at the entrance of the station. The machines accept only Bulgarian currency, some of them are equipped with credit cards terminals as well. Important: Any piece of baggage exceeding 60х40х40 cm requires a separate ticket. For further details please click the LINK.
Central Bus Station
Location: 100 Kniagina Maria Louisa Blvd., Sofia 1202
Web: http://www.centralnaavtogara.bg/#b
Tel: +359 900 63 099
The Central Bus Station is the arrival point for all international buses coming from neighboring Balkan countries or Central Europe. It is located next to the Central Railway Station. The cheapest and best option for transportation to the city center is by Metro. Get on Metro Line 2 at the Central Railway Station and change for Line 1 at Serdika Station (See the section above). Important: In case you decide to use a taxi always use only the cars of the certified Ok Supertrans taxi company lined up at a designated point in front of the station. We strongly recommend that you do not follow individuals who might approach you and offer their services for a ride to the center. This is likely to result in an overpriced journey for you. A fare deal to the city center must not exceed 10 BGN (~5 Euro).
To Sofia by car
Being at a reachable distance some participants can decide to come to Sofia by car. The best option is booking a hotel that has its own parking space or ask at the reception about the location of the nearest paid parking where you can leave the car. Parking in the city center is always difficult and it is also paid. Depending on location there are two paid zones - Blue and Green in which a car can be parked for a short period (up to 2 h. and 6 h. respectively). Parking fee is paid either via SMS sent to a municipality phone number, indicated on the road signs or by buying tickets from personnel in charge roaming the streets. In case you leave your car unattended for longer period it is likely that it will be impounded by the municipality and brought to special parking lots. Car can only be released after paying a fine.
Sofia parking zones: