Getting Around Sofia
Sofia is a walkable city with a well-developed public transport network. Most visitor attractions are accessible by a combination of walking and public transit, making it straightforward to navigate without a car.
Public Transport Overview
Sofia's public transport system includes metro, tram, bus, and trolleybus services. A single ticket costs €0.80 and works across all modes—metro, tram, bus, and trolleybus—for a single journey. You can also purchase a day ticket for 4 лв (Bulgarian Leva) that provides unlimited travel on all public transport modes. Tickets can be bought from news stands, ticket machines at stations and stops, and increasingly through contactless payment methods (cards and payment apps such as Apple Pay) directly on vehicles and at gates.
Metro
The Sofia Metro operates with multiple lines covering the city. Metro Line 4 (Yellow) connects directly to the airport, with service running between 05:30 and 24:00. The airport stop is a few metres outside Terminal 2; follow signs for "Subway" until you leave the southeast corner of the building. The journey from the airport to the city centre takes 20–30 minutes. Other metro lines serve the city centre and extend to various neighbourhoods, making the metro a reliable option for longer journeys within Sofia.
Trams and Trolleybuses
Sofia has an extensive tram network serving central areas and extending to outer neighbourhoods. Tram routes connect major thoroughfares and transport hubs. Trolleybuses (electric buses) also operate throughout the city and provide another convenient option for public transit.
Buses
Regular buses complement the metro and tram network, serving both central and peripheral areas. Buses #84 and 184 specifically connect the airport to the city centre, with the journey taking 30–40 minutes. These buses make stops including Orlov Most (Sofia University metro station), where you can transfer to the metro. Buses can be accessed with the same €0.80 single ticket used on other modes.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis operate throughout Sofia with regulated fares. If using a taxi from the airport, use only the contracted operator, OK Supertrans AD. Request a taxi from the official taxi stand to the right when you leave the arrivals area or from the taxi office adjacent to baggage reclaim. A taxi to the city centre costs approximately €15. The regulated taxi fare structure is: initial fee of €1.50 (€1.70 at night), €0.75 per kilometre during the day or €0.85 at night, €0.25 per minute of waiting time, and €0.60 for ordering by phone. Avoid touts and non-contracted taxis with fake logos that may wait in front of terminals. Ride-hailing apps such as Ridenow Taxi also operate in Sofia.
Walking
Sofia is a walkable city with many attractions, cafes, and services concentrated in central areas. The city centre is compact enough for exploring on foot, and walking is often the most practical way to visit nearby attractions and experience local neighbourhoods.
Getting from Sofia Airport to the City
Sofia Airport is located 9 km east of the city centre. You have several options to reach the city:
- Metro Line 4 (Yellow): Operates between 05:30 and 24:00. The stop is a few metres outside Terminal 2. Journey time to the city centre is 20–30 minutes. Cost: €0.80 per ticket.
- Buses #84 and 184: Serve both terminals and the city centre, taking 30–40 minutes. Tickets cost €0.80. These buses stop at Orlov Most (Sofia University metro station) where you can transfer to the metro.
- Taxi: Use only the regulated operator, OK Supertrans AD. Approximate cost to city centre: €15. Request from the official taxi stand or taxi office.
- Free shuttle bus between terminals: Operates every 15–30 minutes between 05:00 and 23:00. Outside these hours, a free shuttle can be requested at the information desk, or you can use buses #84 or 184.
The airport has shops, cafes, post offices, ATMs, and money exchange offices. Ticket vending machines and access gates accept credit cards and payment apps, making it easy to purchase tickets immediately upon arrival.
Transport Hubs
Sofia Central Railway Station and the Central Bus Station (Tsentralna Avtogara) are located near each other in the north of the city centre on Boulevard Knyaginya Maria-Luiza. Both are served by Metro Line 2 (Blue) and are accessible via buses and trams. The International Bus Station (Bus Station Serdika) is located between these two facilities. Several smaller bus stations serve regional and local routes from different neighbourhoods.