How to get from Bucharest to Sofia
About traveling from Bucharest to Sofia
Both Bucharest and Sofia are two unmissable capital cities in any Eastern Europe tour. Enjoy the medieval history and impressive architecture in the Romanian capital of Bucharest, the “Paris of the East.” In Sofia, Bulgaria’s pleasantly laid-back capital, experience a unique combination of architecture, culture, and beautiful views beneath the Vitosha mountain. There is much to see traveling from Bucharest to Sofia, such as the “resting place” of Dracula at Comana Monastery, the underground Cathedral of Sveta Troitsa, the UNESCO-listed Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo, historical Pleven, Prohodna Caves, and the obscured beauty of Kremikovtsi Monastery. However, the only way to experience these sites is to book a private car transfer with Daytrip.
How to get from Bucharest to Sofia
If you’re traveling from Bucharest to Sofia, you have a few travel options. For travelers on a budget, the bus is the cheapest way to travel from Bucharest to Sofia. The fastest way to travel from Bucharest to Sofia is by train or car, though a car is, of course, the best way to travel from Bucharest to Sofia since it’s very convenient. There are direct flights from Bucharest to Sofia, although the hassle of additional baggage fees, hotel taxis, and airport security make it the most troublesome option.
Bucharest to Sofia by train
To travel from Bucharest to Sofia by train, you need to get to Bucuresti Nord and purchase a ticket to Sofia Central Station, as tickets are not available online. The only train departs at 12:50 PM, arriving the next day. The train from Bucharest to Sofia is operated by CFR Căile Ferate Române, with train tickets from Bucharest to Sofia costing €30 for the 9 hrs 30 minutes trip. The distance from Bucharest to Sofia is about 400 kilometers. Trains have bathrooms on board and no restaurant car. This train is only direct between June and October.
Bucharest to Sofia by bus
To travel from Bucharest to Sofia by bus, there are three different stations from which you can depart and arrive. While you can buy your ticket at the station, it’s best to purchase them in advance. The earliest bus is at 06:15 AM, and the last bus is at 11:30 PM. The main bus from Bucharest to Sofia is run by Flixbus, and bus tickets from Bucharest to Sofia cost about €15 for the 7-hour trip. The morning buses are nearly 9 hours long. The distance from Bucharest to Sofia is about 384 kilometers for a direct transfer. Departures are either very early in the morning before 7:00 AM or late in the evening after 11:30 PM.
Bucharest to Sofia flight
To travel by plane, you need to get to Budapest International Airport. As usual with flights, you’ll want to buy your tickets in advance. Tickets are usually non-refundable and can’t be canceled. For traveling such a short distance, only direct flights make sense. The plane tickets cost around €136 for the 1 hr 15-minute flight from Bucharest to Sofia. It’s recommended that you arrive at the airport 2 hours before the flight, and additional baggage fees and airport-hotel taxi costs may apply.
Bucharest to Sofia private car transfer
For speed and convenience, a private car transfer with Daytrip is the best way to travel from Bucharest to Sofia. You will be picked up at your accommodation, and the driver will take care of your luggage. You’ll then be able to enjoy door-to-door service to your accommodation in Sofia and can even add sightseeing stops on the way!
Going the other direction? Check our guide on How to get from Sofia to Bucharest
