Sofia to Varna from $11: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Sofia to Varna: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$11 by trainBest price
380.26 kmDistance
2h 11m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Sofia to Varna with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
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| Type | Mo 06/01 | Tu 07/01 | We 08/01 | Th 09/01 | Fr 10/01 | Sa 11/01 | Su 12/01 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | $19 | $19 | $19 | $19 | $19 | $19 | $19 |
| Fly | $70 | $70 | $63 | $70 | $74 | $74 | $74 |
Traveling From Sofia to Varna
The journey from Sofia to Varna offers a striking contrast between the bustling urban landscape of Bulgaria's capital and the serene coastal charm of its seaside city.
Best Neighbourhoods in Varna
Varna’s neighborhoods present diverse atmospheres and experiences for visitors.
City Center
• Vibrant cafes and shops line the bustling streets.
• Close to historical landmarks and cultural attractions.
Sea Garden
• Expansive park with stunning views of the Black Sea.
• Ideal for leisure walks, picnics, and outdoor events.
Asparuhovo
• Residential area with a local charm and community feel.
• Offers picturesque beaches and tranquil seaside spots.
Best Times To Visit Varna's Attractions
Timing your visits to Varna's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.
Varna Archaeological Museum
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy quieter exhibits.
Sea Garden
Weekdays during the early evening are ideal for a peaceful stroll.
Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin
Mornings on weekdays provide a serene atmosphere for exploration.
Varna Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Varna enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters, making it a pleasant destination year-round. Late spring and early autumn provide comfortable temperatures, ideal for sightseeing, while summer brings beach days but also busier crowds.
Dining Recommendation
For a delightful contrast to Sofia’s restaurant scene, try the fresh seafood at Restaurant Morski Dar, where the menu celebrates local catches and vibrant flavors. The laid-back atmosphere, combined with sea views, transforms your dining experience into a relaxing escape that encapsulates the coastal charm of Varna.
Sofia - Varna operators
Explore transport companies operating between Sofia and Varna, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
air.bg
Plane from Sofia (SOF) to Varna (VAR)
Average Duration
2h 11mEstimated price
$141-348Contact phone
+35929311111Website
bdz.bg
Train from Sofia to Varna
Average Duration
7h 33mEstimated price
$11-24Contact phone
+3599884551Website
biomet.bg
Bus from Sofia Central Bus Station to Varna Central Bus Station
Average Duration
6h 15mEstimated price
$35-50Contact phone
+359 2 989000Website
etapgroup.com
Bus from Sofia Central Bus Station to Varna Central Bus Station
Average Duration
6h 45mEstimated price
$17-21Bus from Sofia Central Bus Station to Golden Sands
Average Duration
7h 40mEstimated price
$18-22Contact phone
+359 878 155 116Website
bgrazpisanie.com
Bus from Sofia Serdika to Varna
Average Duration
12h 14mEstimated price
$35-50Contact phone
+359 89 345 5533Website
atlastaxi.eu
Other from Sofia to Varna
Average Duration
7h 52mEstimated price
$310-430Sofia to Varna: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Sofia and Varna offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Sofia to Varna, covering a distance of 444.2 km in approximately 5 hours and 14 minutes.
💰 Experience the flexibility of pricing options ranging from €60 to €101 for the journey by car from Sofia to Varna, allowing you to choose the best fit for your budget.
🏖️ Arrive in Varna, a coastal gem on the Black Sea, after a pleasant drive through picturesque landscapes, ready to explore the city's vibrant beaches and cultural attractions.
Average price
€60 - €101
🚂 The train journey from Sofia to Varna is a direct route operated by Bulgarian Railways, with departures every four hours and services running daily. The scenic journey takes approximately 7 hours and 33 minutes.
🌅 Sit back and relax as you travel from Sofia station to Varna station, enjoying the comfortable amenities and beautiful landscapes along the way. The prices for this train ride can range from €10 to €22, making it an affordable and convenient transportation option.
Departure Point
Sofia station
Arrival Point
Varna station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services vary depending on the operator, but most trains, such as those operated by Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ), offer catering services that include snack carts and light meals for purchase. You can typically find sandwiches, pastries, drinks, and local specialties on board. Consider bringing some local snacks to enhance your travel experience.
• For your trip from Sofia to Varna, you will usually have the option of First Class, Business Class, and Economy seats. First Class provides more spacious seating and sometimes includes complimentary services, while Business Class offers comfortable seating with extra legroom. Economy seats are more economical but still provide a reasonable level of comfort for the journey.
• Two primary operators for the Sofia to Varna route are Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) and the private operator, Union Ivkoni. You can find schedules and tickets on their respective websites: BDZ and Union Ivkoni. It’s recommended to check both for the best schedules and prices.
🛫 Experience a swift journey from Sofia to Varna by taking the quickest direct flight, which only lasts 50 minutes with Bulgaria Air.
✈️ Enjoy the convenience of flying from Sofia Airport to Varna Airport with a flight duration of 2 hours and 11 minutes, providing a hassle-free travel experience.
💸 Discover affordable flight options between Varna and Sofia, with prices ranging from €130 to €321, allowing for a budget-friendly trip between the two enchanting Bulgarian cities.
Departure Point
Sofia Airport
Arrival Point
Varna Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Book your flight with Bulgaria Air, as they offer the quickest direct flight from Sofia to Varna, which takes only about 50 minutes—ideal for a short getaway.
• Upon arrival at Varna Airport, follow the signs to the baggage claim area, where you will find friendly staff who can assist with any questions; the airport is small and easy to navigate, with most facilities located on the ground floor.
• Expect to pay approximately 15-25 BGN (around €7-13) for a taxi ride from Varna Airport to the city center; always use the designated taxi stands outside the terminal to ensure safe and fair fares.
🛣️ The journey from Sofia Central Bus Station to Varna Central Bus Station takes approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes.
💸 Ticket prices for the Sofia to Varna bus range from €32 to €46, offering a budget-friendly travel choice for those looking to explore different cities in Bulgaria.
Departure Point
Sofia Central Bus Station
Arrival Point
Varna Central Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Book your tickets in advance through the official Global Biomet website (globalbiomet.com) or other operators like Union Ivkoni (unionivkoni.com) to secure the best prices, as bus fares range from €32 to €45.
• Allow extra time at Sofia Central Bus Station to locate your bus, as the station can be busy and confusing; check the electronic displays for your bus's platform and departure times.
• Upon arrival at Varna Central Bus Station, use the station's map available at the information desk to navigate nearby amenities and transport options, such as buses and taxis, as Varna is a larger city with various options for onward travel.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Sofia to Varna.
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The distance between Sofia and Varna is 379.8 km by air. It takes approximately 2 hours and 11 minutes to reach Varna from Sofia by plane. If you prefer a scenic route, you can also consider taking a ferry, which takes around 7 hours and 52 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train and enjoy the countryside during the 7 hours and 14 minutes journey.
For cost-effective and time-efficient options to travel from Sofia to Varna, the most recommended method would be to fly. While it is a bit more expensive, with prices ranging from €127-€336, it only takes 2h 11m, offering a quick and convenient journey. However, for those on a tighter budget, taking the train would be the most cost-effective with fares ranging from €9-€21, but the journey time is longer, taking 7h 14m.
When traveling from Sofia to Varna, the prices for the different modes of transportation differ. The train prices range from €9 to €21, while the bus prices vary from €11 to €19. If taking the ferry, the prices range from €273 to €382.
To travel from Sofia to Varna without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 444.2 km. The journey typically takes around 5 hours and 14 minutes by car. The prices for renting a car for this journey can vary between €59 and €100.
To travel from Sofia to Varna without a car, you have several options. The quickest and most convenient way is to fly, which takes approximately 2 hours and 11 minutes and costs between €127-€336. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which takes about 6 hours and 15 minutes and costs €11-€19. Another option is to take a train, which usually takes around 7 hours and 14 minutes and costs €9-€21.
Yes, there is a direct link between Sofia and Varna. You can take a train operated by Bulgarian Railways which departs every three hours and takes approximately 7 hours and 14 minutes. Another option is to take a direct bus from Sofia Central Bus Station to Varna Central Bus Station, which operates every two hours and takes around 6 hours and 15 minutes.
The flight between Sofia and Varna typically takes approximately 50 minutes. The cost of a flight between the two cities can vary, with prices ranging from €127 to €333.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Varna. With over 1395 hotels to choose from, there is something to suit every budget and preference. Prices for hotels in the area start at €26 per night.
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