Sofia Central Bus Station and Central Railway Station are adjacent, about 10 km from the airport.

About Sofia Central Bus Station

Sofia's Central Bus Station (Tsentralna Avtogara) is the main intercity and international bus hub, with departures to Plovdiv (2 hours), Veliko Tarnovo (3.5 hours), Varna (6 hours), and international routes to Istanbul, Belgrade, Bucharest, and Athens. The modern terminal building opened in 2016 and features ticket counters, waiting areas, a small food court, and left-luggage facilities.

The station sits adjacent to the Central Railway Station and the Princess Hotel, in an area that's functional rather than scenic. The nearby Lion's Bridge (Lavov Most) is a notable landmark. The station is well-connected by metro (Serdica II station nearby) and multiple tram and bus lines to all parts of the city.

Nearby Landmarks

Central Railway Station Lion's Bridge Princess Hotel Serdica II metro hub

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $8-11
Time 20-30 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $5-8
Time 20-30 min

Terminal 2 arrivals exit

Train (Metro Line 1 + Line 2)

Cost $1
Time 25 min
Frequency Every 5-10 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Take Metro Line 1 from airport. 2. Transfer at Serdika to Line 2. 3. Alight at Central Railway Station stop.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $8-11 20-30 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $5-8 20-30 min Budget-conscious, app users
Train $1 25 min Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Taxis are available 24/7. After midnight, a ride to the bus station costs about 12-15 BGN ($7-8). The metro runs until midnight. Note that most intercity buses do not depart between midnight and 5 AM; check your schedule.

Luggage Tips

The bus station has luggage storage facilities for a small fee. If connecting from a flight to an intercity bus, consider storing excess bags. Metro stations have wide gates for suitcases.

Accessibility

The Central Bus Station has ground-level boarding for most platforms. The metro to Serdica II station is fully accessible with elevators. Some older intercity buses may not have wheelchair ramps—confirm accessibility when booking.