Complete Guide to Sofia Metro: Navigate Metropolitan Sofia

Here’s everything you need to know about the metro in Sofia: where the stations are, how many lines there are and what types, where to buy tickets, and what the schedules are. Read through to the end, and you’ll feel fully prepared to move around the city quickly and easily — it’s one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get around while visiting Sofia.

Information about the Sofia Metro

Construction of the metro network began back in the 1970s, and over the years, the number of kilometers and stations (47 stations as of 2025) has grown, gradually covering more of the city. Today, major districts like Lyulin, Mladost, Nadezhda, Krasno Selo, Lozenets, and Obelya housing area are all served by the metro. Expansion continues, connecting more areas including Sofia University and Banya.

And here’s a fun fact: the trains can carry around 50,000 passengers per hour, offering a fastest route across the capital.

Quick facts about the Sofia Metro, Bulgaria

• Number of metro lines: 4
• Number of stations: 16
• First train departs at: 05:00
• Last train departs at: 00:00
• Train interval: between 9 and 14 minutes
• Total track length (as of 2025): 52 km
• Average distance between stations: about 1 km

Is the Sofia Metro accessible for people with reduced mobility?

Yes, all new stations are wheelchair-accessible and equipped with elevators. This ensures public transportation in Sofia remains inclusive and easy for all.

Can you travel with a pet on public transport?

Yes, you can — but under certain conditions.

Small dogs, cats, and other pets must be in a carrier. If you keep the carrier with you, the pet travels for free.

Larger dogs must be on a short leash and wear a muzzle, and you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket for them.

Sofia Metro Schedule and Route Timetable Guide

You can find detailed information about all lines, routes, and timetables at every station — just look for signs or use the metro map available on-site or online. Info is also available at ticket vending machines and help desks.

Inside the trains, digital boards and voice announcements help you connect between stations and lines. You’ll know exactly where you are, and what’s next — including stops near Vitosha Boulevard, NDK (National Palace of Culture), and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Need help online? The public transportation guide is available at Metro Sofia’s website and the Urban Mobility Center — a great way to get around the city smartly.

Metro Stations from Sofia Airport to the City Center and Back – Line M4

The central metro station in Sofia isSerdika. Two lines run between Serdika and Sofia Airport, and the journey takes approximately 30 minutes.

Of course, you can also get from the airport to the city center by bus or taxi, but taxis are not very economical, and there are only two bus lines.

The Sofia Airport metro station is located next to Terminal 2. If you arrive at or need to get to Terminal 1, you can use the free shuttle buses that run every 30 minutes between the two terminals. Ask at the airport for the exact shuttle bus stops.

If you land at Terminal 2, go left past the Departures area — you’ll find the metro entrance on the side. From there, take Line M4.

Sofia Metro: From the Airport to the Central Railway Station and Back

If you want to get to Sofia Central Railway Station, take the yellow Line M4 from Terminal 2. Get off at Serdika station and transfer to the blue Line M2 in the direction of Obelya (you don’t need to buy a second ticket). Get off at the station for the railway terminal.

To travel from the Central Station to the airport, take the blue Line M2 from the station, get off at Serdika, and transfer to Line M4 toward Sofia Airport. Get off at the final station, which is next to Terminal 2.

For more details, see: How to get from Sofia Airport to the city center?

Important: There are two trains running on the same line in this direction — M4 (red line) and M1 (yellow line), alternating one after the other. Only M4 goes to Sofia Airport, while M1 heads to Business Park Sofia.

Where to Buy Tickets for the Sofia Metro

A single metro ticket costs 1.60 BGN (around €0.80). It allows travel on all metro lines, and you don’t need a new ticket when transferring between lines. However, if you exit the metro and enter again, you’ll need a new ticket.

There are also additional options, like the “30+” or “60+” tickets, which are valid for 30 or 60 minutes from the time of issuance.

Children under 7 years old travel for free.

Paper tickets can be purchased either from a cashier or from ticket machines available at every metro station.

You can also pay for your ticket using a contactless credit or debit card by simply tapping it on the validators at the entrance gates. You won’t receive a paper ticket, but in case of inspection, your card will serve as proof of payment.
Don’t worry — inspectors cannot withdraw money from your account; their devices only check if a valid transaction was made.

Travel Cards for All Metro Lines

There are several types of metro travel cards in Sofia that are very economical. It's important to know that these cards can be used on all types of public transport in Sofia, including buses, trolleys, and trams.
In other words, any subscription card you may already have for other public transport is also valid for the metro.

For tourists, the most suitable option is the daily card, which costs 4 BGN.
If you pay for more than two rides in one day with a credit card, you’ll automatically be issued such an electronic daily card, and your account will not be charged more than 4 BGN for that day, regardless of how many times you ride.
You just need to validate your card at the validators, as usual, when entering the metro.
Note: one card can only be used to pay for one person per ride.

You can also get a paper Ultralight card or a plastic Sofia City Card at metro station ticket counters or the Urban Mobility Center.
They are valid for 24 or 72 hours, and there are different options to consider on the spot.
Prices range from 4 BGN for one day to 20 BGN for three days, with discounts for young people under 25.

Unlike electronic cards, with these you'll need to pay separately for the card itself:

• 0.80 BGN for the paper card
• 3.00 BGN for the plastic card

They can be recharged later.

Full details about the types of tickets and cards are available on the Metropolitan Sofia official website.

Fines on Sofia Public Transportation Routes

Traveling without a valid ticket results in a fine of 40 BGN.
Ticket inspectors (in blue uniforms) conduct checks on public transportation routes across the city. Always validate your ticket or card to avoid issues.

Metro and Walking Tour of Sofia with an Audio Guide

The intersection point — or junction — of the red, yellow, and blue metro lines is Serdika Station, where you can easily transfer between lines.
This is also the stop where you should get off if you're looking for the "Sofia Walking Tour with Audio Guide" and the city's main landmarks.

The starting point is just a five-minute walk from the station, right next to the Ivan Vazov National Theatre.
The tour is light, enjoyable, and full of great impressions — a perfect way to explore one of the oldest cities in Europe.

If you're still unsure how to get to the central metro station from your current location, check out our detailed public transportation guide for Sofia.

We hope this information has been helpful — enjoy your journey!

The Sofia walking tour takes place every day, twice a day — at 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
You can make a reservation.