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Sofia, Sofia City Province to Bucharest, Bucharest region 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 20/01Tu 21/01We 22/01Th 23/01Fr 24/01Sa 25/01Su 26/01
Bus $17 $17 $17 $17 $17 $18 $19
Fly $89 $89 $192 $80 $91 $89 $205

Traveling From Sofia to Bucharest

Embarking on the journey from Sofia to Bucharest reveals distinct cultural flavors, as Sofia offers a blend of historical and natural beauty while Bucharest showcases its vibrant life and striking architecture.

Best Neighbourhoods in Bucharest

Bucharest's neighborhoods offer diverse experiences that cater to every traveler.

Old Town
• Cobblestone streets filled with history
• Lively bars and restaurants at every turn
Nordul Bucureștiului
• Leafy parks and spacious homes
• Trendy cafes and boutique shopping options
Cotroceni
• Charming streets lined with beautiful villas
• Proximity to the Palace of the Parliament

Best Times To Visit Bucharest's Attractions

Timing your visits to Bucharest's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Palace of the Parliament
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
Romanian Athenaeum
Weekdays during lunchtime offer a peaceful atmosphere and fewer tourists.
Village Museum
Early spring or autumn provides pleasant weather and smaller crowds.

Bucharest Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Bucharest experiences a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters, making the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn ideal times to visit. Understanding the weather will help you plan your activities, ensuring you enjoy the city comfortably.

Dining Recommendation in Bucharest

A visit to Caru' cu Bere is essential for sampling traditional Romanian dishes like sarmale, which features cabbage rolls filled with flavorful meat and rice, offering a heartiness that contrasts with Sofia’s lighter fare. The restaurant’s stunning Gothic architecture and vibrant atmosphere bring a unique charm to your dining experience, setting it apart from the culinary scene in Sofia.

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 Show bus routes
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 Show flights
Website
tarom.ro

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

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$100-260
all-pages.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.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Sofia to Bucharest covering a distance of 242 miles. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes and diverse scenery along the way as you drive for approximately 5 hours and 4 minutes. 💰 Explore the flexibility of pricing options to reach Bucharest from Sofia by car, ranging from €55 to €83. Plan your budget accordingly and make the most of your journey by taking in the culture and experiences both countries have to offer.
Average price
€55 - €83
🚂 Traveling from Sofia to Bucharest by train requires planning ahead as there is no direct route available. The journey involves transfers at Ruse and Gara de Nord, taking approximately 10 hours and 37 minutes in total. 💸 Ticket prices for the Sofia to Bucharest train range from €20 to €30, making it a cost-effective and comfortable way to travel between these historic cities. Settle in, relax, and enjoy the picturesque views on your journey through Bulgaria and Romania.
Departure Point
Sofia station
Arrival Point
Bucuresti Nord station
Useful tips for train travellers
Onboard Services: The train operators for the Sofia to Bucharest route typically offer catering services that include light snacks and beverages. In many cases, you'll find a snack bar or trolley service that provides options such as sandwiches, pastries, coffee, and soft drinks. It's advisable to check the specific operator's website for details on the food options available, as this can vary.
Seating Options: The main operators on this route are Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) and CFR Călători (Romanian National Railways). Both operators provide different seating configurations: Economy Class (basic seating), Business Class (more comfortable seats with additional legroom), and First Class (private compartments and superior comfort). First Class is ideal if you're looking for more privacy and comfort, while Economy is the most budget-friendly option. You can check their specific offerings on their respective websites, bdzee.bg and cfrcalatori.ro.
Arrival Station Tip: Upon arriving at Bucharest's Gara de Nord station, you can leave your luggage at the Luggage Storage service available on-site. Also, there are restrooms located in various parts of the station, but there are no showers. To navigate the station, looking out for signs or asking station staff for directions can be helpful since it can get crowded. After picking up your bags, you can head to the main exit to find transportation options.
🛫 Hop on a quick direct flight from Sofia Airport to Bucharest Otopeni Airport, taking only 1 hour and 5 minutes. Travel seamlessly with Tarom, offering convenient flights between the two cities.
Departure Point
Sofia Airport
Arrival Point
Bucharest Otopeni Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Book your flight with TAROM, as they are the primary carrier offering direct flights from Sofia to Bucharest; check their website for the latest schedules and promotions at tarom.ro
• Upon arriving at Bucharest Otopeni Airport, follow the signs for 'Transport' to easily locate the taxi stand; expect to pay around 50-80 RON (~10-16 EUR) for a ride to the city center.
• Consider downloading the Bucharest public transport app or visiting ratb.ro for updated schedules on buses and trams, as this may provide convenient options to reach your destination after arriving.
🚌 Starting in Sofia travelers can take a bus to Bucharest with a journey time of approximately 7 hours and 10 minutes, including transfers at Ruse Central Bus Station. 💰 Prices for the bus journey between Bucharest and Sofia range from €32 to €43, offering a cost-effective and convenient transportation option for those exploring the route between these two vibrant European capitals.
Departure Point
Sofia station
Arrival Point
Bucharest Horoscop Hotel station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• When booking your bus ticket, consider checking both FlixBus (flixbus.com) and PEGASUS GROUP Ltd. (pegasusgroup.ro), as they offer services on this route and may have different prices or schedules.
• Prepare for your transfer at Ruse Central Bus Station by allowing extra time between buses, as it can get crowded and you may need to navigate between different platforms; familiarize yourself with the station layout in advance if possible.
• Upon arrival at Bucharest Horoscop Hotel, be mindful of the local transport options nearby; the hotel is situated close to public buses and taxis, but downloading a local transit app such as Moovit can greatly simplify your journey to your final destination.

Trips to Bucharest