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Sofia, Sofia City Province to Budapest, Budapest from $46: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Sofia, Bulgaria
to
Budapest, Hungary

How to Get from Sofia to Budapest: 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.

$46 by busBest price
634 kmDistance
3h 58m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Sofia to Budapest 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
3h  58m
Estimated price
$110-307
Recommended
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
14h  44m
Estimated price
$46-93
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 634 km
Duration: 3h 58m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
Various
Bus
Average Duration
16h  38m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
Bulgarian Railways (BDZh)
Train
Average Duration
22h  57m
Estimated price
$73-90
Company
Various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
20h  6m
Estimated price
$78-95
Company
Various
Drive
Plane
Average Duration
4h  39m
Estimated price
$85-355
Company
Various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
7h  36m
Estimated price
$106-330
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
7h  31m
Estimated price
$130-200

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 20/01Tu 21/01We 22/01Th 23/01Fr 24/01Sa 25/01Su 26/01
Bus $48 $48 $24 $52 $21 $19 $18
Fly $73 $94 $133 $73 $81 $73 $132
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Sofia to Budapest

The journey from Sofia to Budapest offers a fascinating contrast, with Sofia's rich history and vibrant culture blending into Budapest's stunning architecture and lively atmosphere.

Best Neighbourhoods in Budapest

Budapest boasts diverse neighborhoods, each showcasing a unique charm.

District VII (Jewish Quarter)
• Home to vibrant ruin pubs and nightlife.
• Rich in history and cultural heritage.
District V (Downtown)
• Features iconic landmarks like the Parliament.
• Bustling cafes and shops line the streets.
District I (Buda Castle)
• Offers stunning views of the Danube River.
• Charming cobblestone streets and historical sites.

Best Times To Visit Budapest's Attractions

Visiting Budapest? Timing can greatly enhance your experience at major attractions.

Buda Castle
Early morning or late afternoon visits offer fewer crowds and stunning light.
Thermal Baths
Weekdays, especially Tuesday to Thursday, provide a more relaxing experience.
Fisherman’s Bastion
Visit at sunrise for breathtaking views and fewer tourists.

Budapest Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Budapest experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, making spring and early fall the best times to visit for pleasant weather. Your travel experience can vary significantly depending on the season, so consider the weather when planning your activities.

Dining Recommendation in Budapest

One must-try dish in Budapest is the hearty goulash, which showcases a rich blend of flavors from slow-cooked beef, paprika, and seasonal vegetables, offering a contrast to Sofia's lighter fare. Enjoying this dish in a traditional ruin pub adds a unique local atmosphere, with eclectic decor and vibrant energy that elevates your culinary adventure.

Sofia - Budapest operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
ryanair.com

Plane from Sofia (SOF) to Budapest (BUD)

Average Duration
1h 25m
Estimated price
$45-360
Website
austrian.com

Plane from Sofia (SOF) to Vienna (VIE)

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$90-390

Plane from Vienna (VIE) to Budapest (BUD)

Average Duration
2h 31m
Estimated price
$11-40
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+35929311111
Website
bdz.bg

Train from Sofia to Vidin

Average Duration
4h 46m
Estimated price
$6-12

Train from Vidin to Craiova

Average Duration
3h 6m
Estimated price
$12-14

Train from Craiova to Budapest-Keleti

Average Duration
13h 5m
Estimated price
$55-65
Contact phone
0219521
Website
cfrcalatori.ro

Train from Baile Herculane to Budapest-Keleti

Average Duration
9h 46m
Estimated price
$42-47
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
flixbus.de

Bus from Sofia to Budapest Népliget

Average Duration
14h 31m
Estimated price
$65-95
Contact phone
+359 2 8120810
Website
karat-s.com

Bus from Sofia Serdica Bus Station to Budapest Nepliget

Average Duration
11h 30m
Estimated price
$45-65

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

Traveling between Sofia and Budapest 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 Budapest, spanning 478 miles of captivating landscapes and charming towns. The journey promises a mix of cultural experiences and natural beauty, making the drive an adventure in itself. 💰 Budget-conscious travelers will be pleased with the cost range of €120 to €185 for the journey by car, offering affordability and flexibility in exploring both countries at your own pace. This budget-friendly option allows you to allocate more funds for indulging in local cuisine and attractions along the way. 🌆 Arrive in Budapest after approximately 7 hours and 31 minutes of travel time, ready to immerse yourself in the bustling Hungarian capital. From the historic Buda Castle to the vibrant ruin bars, Budapest welcomes you with a blend of history, entertainment, and unforgettable experiences.
Average price
€120 - €185
🛤️ The train services for this route are operated by Bulgarian Railways and Romanian Railways, providing a comfortable and scenic travel experience. The total travel time from Sofia to Budapest is approximately 22 hours and 57 minutes, offering ample time to relax and enjoy the landscapes. 💸 Prices for the train ticket between Sofia and Budapest typically range from €67 to €83, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers looking to explore both Bulgaria and Hungary by rail.
Departure Point
Sofia station
Arrival Point
Budapest-Keleti station
🛫 Discover the convenient and swift journey from Sofia to Budapest by catching a direct flight that only takes 1 hour and 25 minutes with Ryanair offering this route. ✈️ Enjoy the seamless travel experience as you cover the distance of 481 kilometers from Sofia to Budapest in just under 4 hours by plane. 🌍 Embark on your Eastern European adventure without breaking the bank, with flight prices ranging from €101 to €283 for the route between Budapest and Sofia.
Departure Point
Sofia Airport
Arrival Point
Budapest Airport
🚌 Embark on a scenic journey from Sofia to Budapest by bus, covering a distance of 14 hours and 44 minutes. Explore the picturesque landscapes along the route as you travel towards the enchanting Hungarian capital. 🎫 The prices for bus tickets between Budapest and Sofia range from €42 to €86, offering budget-friendly options for travelers seeking to experience the cultural richness of both cities without breaking the bank. Select from a variety of schedules and seating options to suit your preferences and travel style.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Sofia to Budapest.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Sofia and Budapest is 394 miles or 477.9 miles by road. The typical travel times by various modes of transportation are as follows: by train, it takes 22 hours and 19 minutes; by flying from Sofia to Vienna and then taking a train, it takes 7 hours and 35 minutes; by plane, it takes 4 hours and 16 minutes; by car, it takes 7 hours and 31 minutes; and by bus, it takes 11 hours and 43 minutes to reach Budapest from Sofia.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Sofia to Budapest is by bus. It takes 11 hours and 43 minutes and costs between €36-€82. If you are looking for a quicker alternative, flying is the most time-efficient option, taking 4 hours and 16 minutes and costing between €82-€263. Both options provide different trade-offs between cost and convenience.
The price of a train ticket from Sofia to Budapest ranges from €61 to €82. On the other hand, the price of a bus ticket from Budapest to Sofia can range from €37 to €81. These prices are subject to change and may depend on factors such as the time of booking and availability. It is recommended to check with the respective transportation providers for the most accurate and up-to-date prices.
To get from Sofia to Budapest without using public transportation, you can drive. The driving distance is approximately 478 miles and it takes about 7 hours and 31 minutes to reach Budapest by car. The prices for this option vary from €118 to €181.
To travel from Sofia to Budapest without a car, you have a few options. The best way is to take a bus, which takes approximately 11 hours and 43 minutes and costs between €36 and €82. Another option is to fly, which takes around 4 hours and 16 minutes and costs between €82 and €263. If you prefer, you can also take a train, which takes 22 hours and 19 minutes and costs between €59 and €82.
There is no direct train link between Sofia and Budapest. However, there are train services that require transfers, with a journey time of approximately 22h 19m. The trains depart from Sofia station and arrive at Budapest-Keleti station, with transfers at Vidin and Craiova. It is important to note that these train services are operated by Bulgarian Railways and Romanian Railways.
The flight between Sofia and Budapest typically takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary and ranges from €83 to €262. It is recommended to check with airlines for the most updated prices.
There are a wide variety of accommodation options available near Budapest. With over 1246 hotels to choose from, you can find something to suit your budget and preferences. Prices start at €25 per night, offering affordable options for travelers. Whether you're looking for luxury hotels, budget-friendly hostels, or cozy guesthouses, there are plenty of options available for your stay near Budapest.