How to Get from Sofia Airport to Sofia City Center

Whether you’re planning a visit to Bulgaria’s capital or simply find yourself at Sofia Airport by chance, this article provides all the information you need to travel between the airport and the city.

Sofia has only one airport for commercial flights. It is located approximately 10 km from the city center, and fortunately, it is well-connected by public transport. You can take the metro or use one of the two bus lines (84 and 184). Taxis are also available in front of the Arrivals building.

Sofia Airport to Sofia City Center BY METRO

If you’re at Terminal 2, the Sofia Metro is by far the easiest way to reach downtown. It’s safe, fast, and convenient—we highly recommend this option. The journey to Serdika Metro Station, Sofia’s central metro hub, takes a little under 30 minutes.

If you arrive at Terminal 1 and need to get to Terminal 2 (or vice versa), a free shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes. Simply follow the signs or ask for directions at the information desk.

Getting from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 and Vice Versa

The shuttle bus that could take you from T1 to T2 operates every day, 24/7 with the following schedule:

• From 08:00 a.m. to 08:00 p.m. – every 30 min. 
• From 08:20 p.m. to 07:40 a.m.  – every 40 min.

Here’s the full schedule:

From Т1 to Т2:

00.00; 00.40; 01.20; 02.00; 02.40; 03.20; 04.00; 04.40; 05.20; 06.00; 06.40; 07.20; 08.00; 08.30; 09.00; 09.30; 10.00; 10.30; 10.50; 11.10; 11.30; 11.50; 12.10; 12.30; 12.50; 13.10; 13.30; 13.50; 14.10; 14.30; 15.00; 15.30; 16.00; 16.30; 17.00; 17.30; 18.00; 18.20; 18.40; 19.00; 19.20; 19.40; 20.00; 20.40; 21.20; 22.00; 22.40; 23.20; 00.00

From Т2 to Т1:

00.20; 01.00; 01.40; 02.20; 03.00; 03.40; 04.20; 05.00; 05.40; 06.20; 07.00; 07.40; 08.15; 08.45; 09.15; 09.45; 10.15; 10.40; 11.00; 11.20; 11.40; 12.00; 12.20; 12.40; 13.00; 13.20; 13.40; 14.00; 14.20; 14.45; 15.15; 15.45; 16.15; 16.45; 17.15; 17.45; 18.10; 18.30; 18.50; 19.10; 19.30; 19.50; 20.20; 21.00; 21.40; 22.20; 23.00; 23.40

Should you have any additional questions regarding the inter-terminal transfer you can contact the information desks of the two terminals at +359 2 937 22 11

From Sofia Airport to Sofia City Center BY BUS

There are 2 bus lines serving the 2 terminals of Sofia Airport bus 84 and bus 184. If you’re going from the airport to downtown Sofia it doesn’t matter which one you take, because both lines pass through T1 and T2. The stops are in front of the arrival buildings. Both buses take you straight to downtown Sofia – at Gen. Gurko str. 

From Sofia City Center to Sofia Airport (T2 & T1) BY BUS

If you’re going from the Sofia City Center to the Sofia Airport, you should keep in mind that bus 84 goes first to T2 and then T1, whereas bus 184 takes you to T1 first and then T2. 

Both bus routes run on an all-day schedule. The specific times, including the first and last buses, are available at the Urban Mobility Center. The travel duration from the initial to the final stops for bus routes 84 and 184 is also provided. Go to “Timetables”, choose the number of the line, and then the stop/station you need. It’s very accurate and gives you precise information.

Bus stop in front of Sofia Airport Terminal 1.

Bus stop in front of Sofia Airport Terminal 2

TICKETS 

Naturally, to use public transport in Sofia – you need a ticket. You have several options.

Electronic Ticket

By far, the easiest way to pay for your ride is to use your bank card. Just tap it once at the entrance doors of the metro (or look for the blue machine if you’re taking the bus). Remember, you only need to tap your card once when you get it. Don’t do it when you get out.  Fares in Sofia are fixed, regardless of the length of your journey. It’s 1.60BGN (0.80 EUR) per ride. Should you decide to use the public transport multiple times – the maximum daily charge is 2EUR (4BGN). Even if you use it 100 times. 

Physical Ticket

You can also buy a ticket from the bus driver. However, that will be a bit more expensive – costing you 2BGN (1EUR). Although by law bus drivers are supposed to sell tickets, not all of them have tickets for sale or might refuse to sell you if you try buying one with a big note like 20, 50 or 100 BGN, because they might not have change to give you back. This means that you either need smaller notes or, if you are a bigger group, let one of you buy 4,5 or 10 tickets at once. 

If you prefer a physical ticket for the metro, you can use one of the ticket vending machines. The cost of a ticket bought from the vending machines is 1.60BGN (0.80EUR). You can only pay in the local currency – The Bulgarian Lev (BGN). You can also get your physical ticket at one of the desks at the entrances of the Sofia Metro. 

Do I need an extra ticket for my suitcase?

Years ago, passengers using public transport in Sofia were required to buy a separate ticket for their luggage. Fortunately, that is no longer the case. Therefore, you need just 1 ticket – for yourself. Please note that you are permitted to carry up to two pieces of hand luggage on public transport free of charge. Any extra luggage requires a separate transport ticket.

Ticket Machines at Sofia Airport

If you are arriving at T2, look for the vending machines at the entrance of the Metro station.

Metro entrance at Terminal 2

Ticket vending machine inside the Metro station at Terminal 2

If you are arriving at T1 look for the vending machines inside the Arrival building.

The only problem with the vending machine is that you cannot use a credit/debit card. You can only use cash and only in Bulgarian lev.

Sofia Airport to Sofia City Center BY TAXI

If you don’t want to use the public transport you can always pick up a taxi. However, bear in mind that there might be scammers to charge you higher prices, so choose your taxi carefully. The company that currently has a contract with the Sofia Airport is called Yellow Taxi, and they should provide regular prices. A journey to downtown Sofia should be around 25-30 BGN (13-15 EUR). You will be able to find their cars upon arrival. You can also contact them at +359291119

You can also use different applications (like TaxiMe) to call a taxi, as there are many companies out there. Unfortunately, Uber doesn’t operate in Bulgaria.  

Sofia Airport Has a New Name

By presidential decree on February 17 2025, the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, officially named Sofia Airport after Bulgaria’s Apostle of Freedom, Vasil Levski. A formal ceremony was held at Terminal 2 for the official renaming of Sofia Airport to Vasil Levski Sofia Airport. 

Who is Vasil Levski?

Vasil Levski (1837–1873) was a Bulgarian revolutionary and national hero, often called the “Apostle of Freedom.” He played a key role in organizing Bulgaria’s liberation movement against Ottoman rule. Levski established a secret revolutionary network across Bulgaria, aiming to prepare for an uprising and create a democratic republic. Betrayed and captured by the Ottoman authorities in 1872, he was executed in 1873. His legacy remains central to Bulgarian national identity, symbolizing the struggle for independence and justice. During your stay in Bulgaria, you will frequently come across his name, as numerous landmarks, including the National Stadium in Sofia, streets, neighborhoods, and more, are named after him.

Well, there it is—everything you need to know about getting to downtown Sofia from the airport. We hope that you find this guide useful. Welcome to Sofia! And don’t forget—once you arrive in the city, make sure to explore Sofia’s main landmarks with us by joining our daily Free Sofia Tour.

Also check out: 

The Ultimate Sofia Travel Guide
Top 7 Day Trips from Sofia