3 Ways To Travel From Sofia To Bucharest (& Bucharest To Sofia)

This comprehensive transportation guide provides essential details on how to travel between Sofia and Bucharest, focusing on departures from train stations and bus terminals.

If you’re considering taking a bus from Sofia to Bucharest, it’s noted as being the cheapest option. The journey typically departs 1-4 times a week, and the travel time can vary.

It compares travel times by car, taxi, train, or bus to help you plan your trip effectively.

What Is The Best Option And Route From Sofia To Bucharest?

Crossing borders is far easier than it has been in the past. You can also hop between neighboring countries without as much paperwork and stress as before. So, what if you want to visit Bucharest during your stay in Sofia, and how do you get back?

Of course, Sofia is a beautiful destination in its own right. Bulgaria’s capital is a country that sits at the foot of the imposing Vitosha Mountain.

With countless centuries of history, there is plenty to see, including churches dating back to the 4th century. But neighboring Romania has plenty of sights to see, too! A wonderful blend of old and new, there is more than enough to see during a break in Sofia.

Bucharest is, of course, the Romanian capital city. You’ll undoubtedly find it here if you’re looking for more history. Veche Palace is one highlight, dating back to the 15th century, and is the ruling site of Vlad The Impaler. You can also check out the stunning Palatul Parlamentului while partying the night away in the Lipscani District.

So, what do you do if you want to get from Sofia to Bucharest and back again?

What Is The Best Way To Get From Sofia To Bucharest

There are several options for traveling from Sofia in Bulgaria to Bucharest in Romania.

1. A Flight From Sofia To Bucharest 

The fastest way to get from Sofia to Bucharest is to fly. The flight time is just under 1 hour, and there are several daily flights.

You can reach the Sofia Airport from the city center by taking Metro Line 1. This connects to the airport and takes around 18 minutes, with several services leaving every hour. You will then fly to Bucharest Otopeni Airport.

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2. Going From Sofia To Bucharest By Bus

If you want to take the scenic route and relax, you can take the bus between the two cities. You have two options, but either way, you will be crossing the border, so you’ll need your passport and any visa information you need for your particular country of origin. Double-check this on your embassy’s website ahead of your planned visit.

A bus leaves Sofia Bus Station four times weekly to Bucharest Autogara Militari. FlixBus runs this service and takes 6.5 hours without any changes en route. You can buy tickets on their website, at the bus station, or onboard, depending upon availability on the day.

ETAP Group runs the other option and runs twice per day, taking 7.5 hours to arrive at Gara Filaret in Bucharest.

Both bus companies operate year-round, with the bus departing in Sofia.

3. Travel From From Sofia To Bucharest By Train

If you take a train from Sofia to Bucharest, you will see some fantastic scenery. The trains are comfortable and run twice daily between the two cities.

The Bucharest to Sofia train will use ‘Bulgarian Railways,’ which first heads to Ruse, on the Bulgarian border. This particular portion of the trip takes 6 hours. You’ll then change trains and head to Bucharest Nord Station. This service runs twice daily and takes three hours.

There are no direct train services, so be prepared to change trains. Train tickets can be purchased online or in person.

Driving Between Sofia And Bucharest

If you want to head off on your own, you can quickly drive between the two cities. The journey will take around 5 hours, depending upon traffic and any queues at the border.

Be sure to have all necessary paperwork when you cross the border, including your passport, visa information (if required), your International Driving Licence (all parts), and car insurance documents.

The journey covers 387km, and you will take Route 3. Roads are comfortable and easy to follow. To return to Sofia at the end of your trip, follow the exact reverse route.

Transport From Bucharest To Sofia

When traveling from Bucharest to Sofia, much of the information we’ve just talked about stands, with a few differences.

Flying From Bucharest To Sofia

Flying from Bucharest Otopeni Airport to Sofia Airport takes under one hour, and getting to the airport from the city center is effortless. A regular shuttle bus takes just 20 minutes and connects directly to the airport.

Catching The Bus From Bucharest To Sofia

Once again, FlixBus and ETAP Group are your two bus options.

The ETAP bus takes just 1.5 hours to travel from Bucharest’s center to Ruse Central Bus Station. Then, you’ll change to the Sofia Central Bus Station service, which takes 5 hours and runs four times daily.

Alternatively, FlixBus runs a service from Bucharest Autogara Militari to Sofia without any changes. This bus runs four times per week and takes 6.5 hours to arrive.

Getting The Train Between Bucharest To Sofia

Heading back to Sofia from Bucharest, you’ll travel with Romanian Railways, and you’ll need to head to Bucharest Nord Station. There is a once-daily direct service to Sofia Station, which takes 9.5 hours.

FAQs

What are the three main ways to travel from Sofia to Bucharest?

There are three primary ways to travel from Sofia to Bucharest: by train, by bus, and by flight. Each mode of transportation offers different advantages in terms of time, cost, and convenience.

How do I get from Sofia to Bucharest by train?

To travel from Sofia to Bucharest by train, you can take a direct train, which usually takes around 9 hours. Train tickets can be purchased at the station or online. It’s advisable to book your tickets in advance during peak seasons.

Is the bus from Sofia to Bucharest a good option?

Yes, taking a bus from Sofia to Bucharest is a popular and often cheapest way to travel between the two cities. Companies like Flixbus and Union Ivkoni operate this route. The journey typically takes 6-7 hours. You can buy bus tickets online or at the bus station.

How much does a train ticket from Sofia to Bucharest cost?

The price of a train ticket from Sofia to Bucharest varies depending on the class and how far in advance you book. Generally, you can expect to pay between €20 and €40. It’s best to check the latest prices and book your tickets from Sofia to Bucharest online for the best deals.

Now that you know how to get to Sofia from Bucharest, we hope you have safe travels.