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Sofia to Athens from $25: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Sofia, Bulgaria
to
Athens, Greece

How to Get from Sofia to Athens: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$25 - Bus, TrainBest price
528.2 kmDistance
4h 19m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Sofia to Athens 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.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  19m
Estimated price
$106-253
Recommended
Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
10h  53m
Estimated price
$25-66
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 528.2 km
Duration: 4h 19m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
Citylines SZPS
Bus
Average Duration
11h  30m
Estimated price
$40-75
Company
various
Drive
Plane
Average Duration
5h  10m
Estimated price
$126-381
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
8h  3m
Estimated price
$160-240

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $28 $28 $28 $28 $28 $28 $30
Fly $66 $70 $60 $73 $74 $104 $65
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Sofia to Athens

This journey from Sofia to Athens offers a fascinating contrast between Bulgaria's vibrant city life and Greece's rich ancient history.

Best Neighbourhoods in Athens

Athens features diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinctive experiences for visitors.

Plaka
• Charming streets lined with traditional tavernas
• Close to the Acropolis and historic sites
Monastiraki
• Vibrant flea market and shops
• Great for street food and local cuisine
Kolonaki
• Upscale boutiques and cafes
• Art galleries showcasing contemporary works

Best Times To Visit Athens's Attractions

Planning your visit to Athens? Consider these tips for a more enjoyable experience at its top attractions.

Acropolis
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
The Acropolis Museum
Midweek visits, especially on Wednesdays and Thursdays, generally see lighter crowds.
Monastiraki Flea Market
Go on Sunday mornings for the liveliest atmosphere and a chance to find unique items.

Athens Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Athens experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The best times to visit are during spring and fall when temperatures are pleasant, enhancing your overall travel experience and allowing you to explore the city comfortably.

Dining in Athens: A Culinary Adventure

Try Tsipouradiko Ouzeri for an authentic taste of Greece, where you can savor fresh seafood paired with local ouzo. This dining experience contrasts with Sofia's heartier fare, offering lighter dishes that celebrate the Mediterranean's vibrant flavors and the lively atmosphere of traditional Greek meze.

Sofia - Athens operators

Explore transport companies operating between Sofia and Athens, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights
Website
air.bg

Plane from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Athens Airport (ATH)

Average Duration
1h 18m
Estimated price
$75-270
Website
en.aegeanair.com

Plane from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Athens Airport (ATH)

Average Duration
1h 18m
Estimated price
$75-270
Website
skyexpress.gr

Plane from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Athens Airport (ATH)

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$55-200
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
02 981 13 33
Website
tourist-service.com

Bus from Sofia to Athens

Average Duration
11h 30m
Estimated price
$73-73
Contact phone
+3590885700870
Website
citylines.eu

Bus from Sofia Serdica Bus Station to Athens Karolou

Average Duration
11h 20m
Estimated price
$41-46
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
flixbus.de

Bus from Sofia to Thessaloniki

Average Duration
5h
Estimated price
$26-40

Bus from Thessaloniki to Athens

Average Duration
4h 53m
Estimated price
$9-30
Train
Contact phone
14511
Website
hellenictrain.gr

Train from Thessaloniki to Athens

Average Duration
4h 53m
Estimated price
$9-30

Sofia to Athens: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Sofia and Athens 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 Athens, covering a distance of 796.6 km. 💰 Explore affordable travel options with prices ranging from €147 to €221 for the road trip from Sofia to Athens. 🏛️ Arrive in the historic city of Athens after an approximately 8-hour drive from Sofia.
Average price
€148 - €221
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for your journey from Sofia to Athens typically include a catering service that offers a selection of snacks and beverages. While the menu may vary, you can usually find coffee, tea, soft drinks, and some light meals or sandwiches available for purchase. It's a good idea to check with the train staff for any special offerings on the day of your travel.
• The train service on this route usually features different seating options. For example, First Class seats are more spacious and comfortable, often with access to power outlets and complimentary refreshments. Business Class offers a moderately comfortable experience, ideal for work on the go, while Economy Class is budget-friendly but still provides a decent level of comfort. Make sure to choose according to your budget and preference for a more enjoyable trip.
• There are several operators that run on this route, including the Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) and the Greek Railways (Trainose). You can find more information and book your tickets through their websites: BDZ - ">">bdz.bg and Trainose - ">">trainose.gr Make sure to check the timetable and book in advance for availability.
🛫 Flying from Sofia to Athens is quick and convenient with a direct flight that takes just 1 hour and 15 minutes. Bulgaria Air, Sky Express, and Aegean Airlines are the airlines that offer flights on this route. 🌍 The journey by plane covers a distance of 4 hours and 19 minutes, allowing you to reach the vibrant city of Athens from Sofia in a relatively short time. 💸 Prices for flights between Athens and Sofia range from €97 to €233, offering travelers a variety of options to suit their budget and travel preferences.
Departure Point
Sofia Airport
Arrival Point
Athens Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Consider checking with Bulgaria Air, Sky Express, and Aegean Airlines for any special in-flight services or meal options tailored to this route, particularly if you have dietary restrictions; this can enhance your travel experience.
• Upon landing at Athens Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos), follow the signs to the arrivals area, and familiarize yourself with the airport layout as there are two main terminals; it’s best to allocate some time to navigate between them if needed.
• Expect to pay approximately €38-€50 for a taxi from Athens Airport to the city center; it's advisable to use the authorized taxi ranks located outside the arrivals hall to ensure a safe and fair fare.
🚌 Departing once daily, the direct bus journey from Sofia to Athens operated by Tourist Service Holding AD takes approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes. 💰 Prices for the bus ride between Sofia and Athens range from €37 to €69, offering an affordable and convenient travel option for those looking to explore both cities.
Departure Point
Sofia station
Arrival Point
Athens station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Sofia to Athens.

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The distance between Sofia and Athens is approximately 527.9 km by air, 792.9 km by road, and 11.5 hours by bus. By taking a combination of bus and train, it takes about 12 hours and 57 minutes to reach Athens from Sofia. For a quicker option, traveling by plane takes around 4 hours and 26 minutes. Driving by car from Athens to Sofia has an estimated travel time of 8 hours.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Sofia to Athens is by bus, which typically costs €37-€69 and takes around 11 hours and 30 minutes. However, if time is a concern, the quickest option is to fly, which usually costs €91-€247 and takes about 4 hours and 26 minutes.
When traveling from Sofia to Athens the prices for a bus ticket typically range from €37 to €69.
To get from Sofia to Athens without using public transportation, you can choose to rent a car and drive. The driving distance is approximately 793.4 km and it takes around 8 hours to reach Athens by car. Prices for car rentals may vary, ranging from €146 to €220.
The best way to travel from Sofia to Athens without a car is by bus. The journey takes approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes, and tickets cost between €37 and €69.
Yes, there is a direct link between Sofia and Athens. A direct bus service operated by Tourist Service Holding AD departs once daily from Sofia and arrives at Athens station. The journey takes approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes.
The flight time between Sofia and Athens is typically 1 hour and 15 minutes on a direct flight. The prices for this flight can vary, with prices ranging from €96 to €240.
There are a variety of accommodation options available near Athens. With over 2,247 hotels to choose from, travelers can find something that suits their budget and preferences. Prices for hotels in Athens start at €43 per night, offering options for every traveler's budget.

Trips to Athens