Sofia city center (Serdika / NDK area) is about 10 km west of the airport, easily reached by Metro.

About Sofia City Center

Sofia's city center is a layered tapestry of history, where Roman ruins sit beneath modern streets and Ottoman mosques neighbor Orthodox cathedrals. The Serdica archaeological complex, visible through glass panels in the metro station, reveals the ancient Roman city. Above ground, the gold-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral—one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world—dominates the skyline.

Vitosha Boulevard (Vitoshka) is the main pedestrian shopping street, leading toward the imposing Vitosha Mountain that forms the city's southern backdrop. Sofia offers remarkable value, with excellent restaurants, a thriving bar scene around Rakovski Street, and cultural institutions like the National Palace of Culture (NDK). The city's mineral hot springs still flow from public fountains where locals fill bottles daily.

Nearby Landmarks

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Vitosha Boulevard National Palace of Culture Serdica ruins

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $8-12
Time 20-35 min

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

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $5-9
Time 20-35 min

Arrivals level, Terminal 2 exit

Train (Metro Line 1)

Cost $1
Time 20 min
Frequency Every 5-10 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Follow signs to Metro station at Terminal 2. 2. Take Line 1 (M1) toward Business Park. 3. Alight at Serdika station for city center (about 20 min). 4. NDK station is 2 stops further.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $8-12 20-35 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $5-9 20-35 min Budget-conscious, app users
Train $1 20 min Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Metro Line 1 operates until midnight. After that, taxis from the airport to the center cost approximately 10-15 BGN ($5-8). Use the OK Supertrans taxi stand at the airport or book via the Yellow Taxi app to avoid overcharging.

Luggage Tips

Metro stations have wide gates for luggage. From the airport metro stop, the train is direct to Serdica station downtown with no transfers needed. Taxis have good trunk space for this short trip.

Accessibility

Sofia Metro is fully accessible with elevators at all stations and wheelchair spaces in trains. The city center has mixed accessibility—Vitosha Boulevard is flat and smooth, but some side streets have uneven sidewalks and high curbs.