Travel Information

Getting to/from Sofia Airport (SOF)

Location & Basics:

  • Sofia Airport is about 10 km east of the city center with two terminals (T1 and T2).
  • A free shuttle bus runs between T1 and T2 24/7 (every ~30–40 min).

Metro (Best Budget Option):

  • Line M4 serves Sofia Airport (station by Terminal 2).
  • Journey time to city center: ~20–30 min to Serdika (central station).
  • Hours: approx. 5:30 AM–midnight.
  • Cost: ~1.60 BGN (~€0.82) one-way.

Buses:

  • Bus lines 84 and 184 connect both terminals to the city center (Gen. Gurko St. / major hubs).
  • Journey time: ~35–50 min (depends on traffic).
  • Same ticket price as metro (~1.60 BGN).
  • A night bus (N4) now runs between both terminals and the city overnight (past midnight).

Taxi & Ride Apps:

  • Licensed taxis are plentiful. Official airport taxis like Yellow Taxi or bookings via apps (e.g., Taxi Me) are recommended.
  • Typical airport→city center fare: ~€9–15 (~18–30 BGN) with app booking.
  • Always order via app or official taxi desk to avoid overcharging.
  • Note: Uber does not operate in Bulgaria; use local taxi apps instead.

Getting Around Sofia City

Public Transport Network:

  • Metro: 4 interconnected lines serving ~47 stations — efficient for most city routes.
  • Buses & Trams: Complement the metro and cover areas above ground (~100+ bus routes, multiple tram lines).
  • Trolleybuses also operate on key routes.

Tickets & Passes:

  • Single ticket: ~1.60 BGN (valid for 30 min across transport).
  • Transfer ticket: ~2.20 BGN (valid 60 min).
  • Day pass: ~4 BGN (unlimited rides until midnight).
  • You can pay at vending machines or tap your debit/credit card on board/gates in many cases.

Taxis in the City:

  • Taxis are widely available and inexpensive for short rides.
  • Use apps like Taxi Me, Yellow Taxi, or Volt for transparency and prices.

Walking & Biking:

  • Sofia’s central area is compact and walkable, especially around landmarks like Vitosha Boulevard and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
  • Bike rental options are available seasonally in many districts.

Visa-Free Travel

  • EU / EEA / Switzerland: Citizens of European Union (EU) countries, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland do not need a visa to enter Bulgaria — you can simply enter with a valid passport or national ID card for stays up to 90 days (tourism, business, etc.).
  • Schengen alignment: Since 31 March 2024, Bulgaria issues Schengen (uniform C) visas valid for all Schengen Area countries (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). A Schengen visa from Bulgaria lets you travel within the wider Schengen zone under standard Schengen rules.
  • Other exemptions: Citizens of many non-EU countries (e.g., the U.S., Canada, Japan) can enter visa-free for short stays (up to 90 days) under bilateral or EU arrangements — always check the latest lists with the Bulgarian foreign ministry for your specific nationality.

 Who needs a Visa

If your nationality is not visa-exempt under Bulgaria’s short-stay rules (or EU/Schengen agreements), you must apply for a short-stay visa (Type C) before traveling.

For stays longer than 90 days (e.g., work, study, family reunification), you will need a long-stay visa (Type D) and then apply for a residence permit after arriving.

For more information visit: https://www.mfa.bg/en/services-travel/consular-services/travel-bulgaria/visa-bulgaria