How to get from Sofia to Bucharest

About traveling from Sofia to Bucharest

Both capital cities of Sofia and Bucharest are must-sees in any Eastern European adventure. In Sofia, Bulgaria’s pleasantly laid-back capital, experience a unique combination of architecture, culture, and beautiful views beneath the Vitosha mountain. Enjoy the medieval history and impressive architecture in the Romanian capital of Bucharest, the “Paris of the East.” There is much to see traveling from Sofia to Bucharest, 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 Sofia to Bucharest

If you’re traveling from Sofia to Bucharest, you have several travel options. For travelers on a budget, the bus is the cheapest way to travel from Sofia to Bucharest. The fastest way to travel from Sofia to Bucharest is by train or car, though a car is, of course, the best way to travel from Sofia to Bucharest since it’s very convenient. There are direct flights from Sofia to Bucharest, although the hassle of additional baggage fees, hotel taxis, and airport security make it the most troublesome option.

Sofia to Bucharest by train

To travel from  Sofia to Bucharest by train, you need to get to Sofia central station and purchase a ticket to Bucuresti Nord. The earliest train is at 7:55 AM, and the last train is at 6:45 PM, with trains departing just twice a day. The train from Sofia to Bucharest is operated by CFR Căile Ferate Române, and train tickets from Sofia to Bucharest cost €80 on average for the 9hr 10-minute trip. The distance from Sofia to Bucharest is about 400 kilometers. Trains have bathrooms on board and no dining car.

Sofia to Bucharest by bus

To travel from Sofia to Bucharest by bus, you’ll need to travel to Autogara Militari Bucharest to purchase your tickets at the station, or you can buy your tickets online in advance. The main bus departs at 11:30 PM. There are two other buses, but they’re nearly 11 hours long, making for a very uncomfortable trip that is not worth the time. The bus from Sofia to Bucharest is run by Flixbus, and bus tickets from Sofia to Bucharest cost €15 for the 7-hour trip. The distance from Sofia to Bucharest is about 354 kilometers with no changes. All options run direct services.

Sofia to Bucharest 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 €170 for the 1 hr 15-minute flight from Sofia to Bucharest. 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.

Sofia to Bucharest private car transfer

For speed and convenience, a private car transfer with Daytrip is the best way to travel from Sofia to Bucharest. 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 Bucharest, and can even add sightseeing stops on the way!

Going the other direction? Check our guide on How to get from Bucharest to Sofia