Sofia-capital Bulgaria Travel Guide
Sofia Airport (SOF) is the single international airport serving the capital, located approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of the city center. It has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, linked by a free shuttle bus.
Both terminals offer duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, vehicle rental desks, ATMs, and currency exchange. Free Wi-Fi is available. Terminal 2 is newer and handles most international flights.
Flight prices increase in summer (June-August) and during major holidays. Book flights months ahead of time for lower prices.
Duty-free shops, cafes, ATMs, currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi are available at Sofia Airport terminals.
A no-cost shuttle bus connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, essential for metro access if showing up at T1.
International (Hertz, Avis, Europcar) and local companies have desks at Sofia Airport. Book in advance via DiscoverCars.com.
Pre-booked private transfers are available, offering ease and comfort, especially for groups or heavy luggage.
Metro Line 4 offers a direct, affordable, and often fastest connection from Terminal 2 to the city center.
Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) operates from Sofia Central Railway Station (Tsentralna Gara). This hub connects to other major Bulgarian cities and a few international destinations.
The bus network frequently serves both domestic and international travel, often quicker than trains. Sofia Central Bus Station (Tsentralna Avtogara) is beside the railway station.
Renting a car (via DiscoverCars.com) offers flexibility beyond Sofia. You need a valid driving license (EU standard or IDP with domestic license) and a credit card for deposit.
Bulgaria shares land borders with Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, and Romania. Crossings involve standard passport and visa checks. Non-EU citizens receive entering and leaving stamps.
Sofia is a landlocked capital city. Direct sea or river arrivals are not applicable for access to the city itself. Bulgaria has Black Sea ports (Varna, Burgas), but these are distant from Sofia.
If traveling by sea to Bulgaria, you might arrive at Black Sea ports like Varna or Burgas. From there, onward travel to Sofia is needed.
Sofia Airport (SOF) is your direct entry point for travel by plane into the capital.
Well-established bus and train networks connect Sofia to nearby countries and cities.
Sofia is landlocked; sea/river arrivals are not direct options to the capital.
Departure taxes are typically covered by your airfare from Sofia Airport. No separate exit fees are paid at the airport. Plan your airport entry well in advance of your flight.
Be ready for standard security checks. For international flights outside the Schengen Area, you go through passport control. Give yourself plenty of time to reach your departure gate.
Duty-free shops, retail stores, cafes, and restaurants. Currency exchange and ATMs. Common rooms for eligible passengers.
Shops, cafes, waiting areas, and luggage storage. Access to Metro for airport transfers.
Shops, cafes, and waiting areas. Located next to the railway station for integrated travel.
Reconfirm your flight or bus/train schedule the day before departure. Traffic to Sofia Airport can be unpredictable, especially during peak hours, so allow extra travel time. For flight delays or cancellations, AirHelp might offer assistance.
