1map logoGo to main page

Sofia to Bucharest from $22: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Sofia, Bulgaria
to
Bucharest, Romania

How to Get from Sofia to Bucharest: 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.

$22 by trainBest price
300 kmDistance
4h 44m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Sofia to Bucharest 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
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
7h  22m
Estimated price
$35-47
Recommended
Company
Bulgarian Railways (BDZh), Romanian Railways (CFR)
Train
Average Duration
10h  47m
Estimated price
$22-33
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 300 km
Duration: 4h 44m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
10h  37m
Estimated price
$22-33
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
7h  10m
Estimated price
$28-39
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
5h  4m
Estimated price
$60-90
Company
Tarom
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
4h  34m
Estimated price
$100-260
Company
Atlas Taxi
Drive
Average Duration
4h  44m
Estimated price
$260-360

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 10/03Tu 11/03We 12/03Th 13/03Fr 14/03Sa 15/03Su 16/03
Bus $18 $17 $18 $17 $18 $19 $19
Fly $93 $93 $202 $84 $95 $93 $215
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Sofia to Bucharest

Embarking on the journey from Sofia to Bucharest offers you a transition from Bulgaria’s serene mountains to Romania's vibrant urban life, showcasing distinct cultures and experiences at every turn.

Best Neighbourhoods in Bucharest

Bucharest boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique flavor of the city.

Old Town
• Vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and clubs.
• Rich in history with charming architecture.
Cotroceni
• Home to the Romanian Presidential Palace.
• Peaceful streets dotted with lush parks.
Lipscani
• Bustling with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
• Cultural hub with galleries and museums.

Best Times To Visit Bucharest's Attractions

Timing your visits in Bucharest can significantly enhance your experience at popular attractions.

Palace of the Parliament
Visit early in the morning for smaller crowds and cooler temperatures.
Romanian Athenaeum
Afternoon concerts offer a chance to enjoy music with fewer tourists around.
Village Museum
Weekdays in spring or fall bring pleasant weather and fewer visitors.

Bucharest Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Bucharest experiences a continental climate, featuring hot summers and cold winters, with spring and autumn offering mild temperatures. The best times to visit are during these transitional seasons, as pleasant weather enhances your ability to explore the city's outdoor attractions.

Dining Recommendation in Bucharest

Experience the vibrant flavors of Romanian cuisine at Caru' cu Bere, where traditional dishes like sarmale (cabbage rolls) are served in an ornate setting that echoes the city’s rich history. This bustling atmosphere and emphasis on local ingredients provide a contrast to Sofia's more understated dining scene, inviting you to savor a lively culinary moment.

Sofia - Bucharest operators

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

Bus
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Sofia to Bucharest Horoscop Hotel

Average Duration
7h 5m
Estimated price
$30-50

Bus from Sofia to Ruse

Average Duration
4h 30m
Estimated price
$27-40
Contact phone
07001 8282
Website
http://en.union-ivkoni.com/

Bus from Sofia Central Bus Station to Ruse Central Bus Station

Average Duration
4h 30m
Estimated price
$13-21
Website
https://pegasusbg.com/

Bus from Ruse Central Bus Station to Bucharest Horoscop Hotel

Average Duration
1h 40m
Estimated price
$15-18
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+35929311111
Website
https://www.bdz.bg/en

Train from Sofia to Ruse

Average Duration
6h 19m
Estimated price
$8-17

Train from Sofia to Ruse - Tovarna

Average Duration
6h 29m
Estimated price
$8-17
Contact phone
0219521
Website
https://www.cfrcalatori.ro/en/

Train from Ruse to Bucuresti Nord

Average Duration
3h 2m
Estimated price
$12-15
Plane
Website
tarom.ro

Plane from Sofia (SOF) to Bucharest Otopeni (OTP)

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$100-260
Other Show other routes
Contact phone
+359 89 345 5533
Website
https://atlastaxi.eu/

Other from Sofia to Bucharest

Average Duration
4h 44m
Estimated price
$260-360

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

Traveling between Sofia and Bucharest 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.

🚗 The scenic road trip from Sofia to Bucharest covers a distance of 389.5 km, taking about 5 hours and 4 minutes to reach your destination. 💰 The cost of driving from Sofia to Bucharest by car ranges from €55 to €83, offering an affordable and flexible travel option. 🌍 Experience the cultural richness of Eastern Europe as you drive through picturesque countryside and vibrant cities, immersing yourself in the beauty and history that Bulgaria and Romania have to offer.
Average price
€55 - €83
🚂 Starting from Sofia station, travelers can embark on an approximately 10-hour journey to reach Bucharest by train. While there is no direct route, passengers will have to make transfers at Ruse and Gara de Nord along the way. 💸 Travelers can expect ticket prices for the Sofia to Bucharest train to range from €20 to €30, making it an affordable option for those looking to explore these vibrant cities without the need for air travel.
Departure Point
Sofia station
Arrival Point
Bucuresti Nord station
Useful tips for train travellers
Onboard Services: The train services between Sofia and Bucharest generally offer catering options with a dining car that serves light snacks and beverages. Depending on the operator, you may find options ranging from sandwiches to warm meals, alongside a selection of soft drinks, coffee, and tea. It's advisable to check in advance if your specific train will have these services, as they can vary.
Seating Options: The trains on this route typically provide three seating classes: First Class, Business Class, and Economy. First Class generally offers spacious and comfortable seating with power outlets and sometimes additional privacy. Business Class provides a good balance with reclining seats, table service, and extra legroom. Economy Class is more budget-friendly, with standard seating but still comfortable for the duration of the trip. Depending on the operator, such as Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) or CFR Călători, the features may slightly differ, so check their respective websites for detailed descriptions.
Arrival Station Tip: Upon arriving at Gara de Nord in Bucharest, navigate through the main hall to find facilities. There is a luggage storage area where you can leave your bags while you explore the city. Make sure to check for the lockers or storage service near the ticket sales area. Restrooms are available in the station, but there are no showers. To get to the city center quickly, you can take Metro Line 1 from the nearby station (Gara de Nord) to either the University or Piata Romana station, which takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
🛫 The quickest way to travel from Sofia to Bucharest is by taking a direct flight that lasts about 1 hour and 5 minutes.
Departure Point
Sofia Airport
Arrival Point
Bucharest Otopeni Airport
🚌 While there is no direct bus from Sofia to Bucharest, you can take a bus operated by FlixBus departing from Sofia station with a journey time of approximately 7 hours and 10 minutes. 🌍 The route includes a transfer at Ruse Central Bus Station before arriving at Bucharest Horoscop Hotel. Pegasus Group Ltd. also operates services on this route, with a total trip duration of 7 hours and 22 minutes. 💸 The prices for a bus ticket between Bucharest and Sofia typically range from €32 to €43, offering an affordable and convenient travel option between these two vibrant European capitals.
Departure Point
Sofia station
Arrival Point
Bucharest Horoscop Hotel station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Sofia to Bucharest.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Sofia and Bucharest is approximately 300.9 km. By car, the typical travel time is about 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. If you prefer to take the train, it will take around 10-11 hours to reach Bucharest from Sofia. There is also an option to combine train and night bus, which can reduce the travel time to around 9 hours. Additionally, there is a bus option available that takes approximately 7 hours and 37 minutes to reach Bucharest from Sofia.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Sofia to Bucharest is by train and night train, which costs between €11 and €21 and takes approximately 10 hours and 57 minutes. This mode of transportation provides a comfortable and affordable option for traveling between the two cities. However, if time is a factor, driving would be the most time-efficient option, taking approximately 5 hours and 4 minutes.
The train prices for traveling between Sofia and Bucharest range from €11 to €21. The bus prices for the journey from Bucharest to Sofia range from €32 to €44.
To travel from Sofia to Bucharest without using public transportation, you can consider renting a car. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 389.5 km, and it takes around 5 hours and 4 minutes to drive from Sofia to Bucharest. The prices for renting a car for this journey can range from €55 to €82.
The best way to travel from Sofia to Bucharest without a car is by bus. The journey takes approximately 7 hours and 37 minutes and tickets cost between €32 and €46.
Yes, there is a connection between Sofia and Bucharest. However, there is no direct train from Sofia to Bucharest. The journey with transfers takes approximately 10 hours and 26 minutes. There is also no direct bus from Sofia to Bucharest, but the journey with transfers takes approximately 8 hours.
The flight between Sofia and Bucharest typically takes around 1 hour and 5 minutes. The quickest and most convenient option is to take a direct flight from Sofia Airport to Bucharest Otopeni Airport. Prices for this flight can vary depending on the airline and the time of booking, but generally, you can expect to pay around $100 to $150 for a one-way ticket.
There are a variety of options for accommodation near Bucharest. With over 1524 hotels to choose from, you can find a range of prices and styles to suit your needs. Prices start at €19, and you can choose from luxury hotels, budget accommodations, and everything in between.