Sofia Public Transportation in Bulgaria — A Complete Guide

If you're not yet familiar with the public transportation system in Sofia, this guide is for you. You'll learn where to buy metro tickets, how to use them, how to get to the metro station at the airport, the central train stations, or bus terminals, and what you can and cannot bring with you. We hope this information will help you feel confident navigating the sofia city and avoid getting lost in the urban jungle.

Many residents of Bulgaria and Sofia prefer to use their personal cars, but Sofia Bulgaria public transportation still remains a convenient way to move around Sofia without the hassle of finding parking. It runs regularly, is quite affordable, and reliable enough to get you from one point to another withoutdifficulty.

Key Information About the Public Transportation System in Sofia

There are a few important things to understand about the official transport system in the capital city — Sofia.

Public transport in Sofia operates daily from 5:00 AM to 12:00 midnight.
Night services are available on a few select routes and not every day.

You can find detailed timetable information about the entire transport network, routes, and schedules (by day and hour) on the Sofia Urban Mobility website. You can enter your starting point, destination, date, and departure or arrival time, and get all the available transport options across the city.

Similar information is also available via Google Maps and several Google Play apps, often with information in English.

To travel within the city, you’ll need to buy a ticket.
If you have large luggage that takes up the space of a passenger, you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket for it.

The same ticket is valid for tram lines, buses, and trolleybuses. The Sofia metro requires a separate ticket, but the price is the same.

Buses in Sofia — Convenient Transport Options Around the City

Buses are the real kings of the urban jungle, covering every part of the city.
They are spacious, comfortable, and can always fit a few more passengers. You'll come across both older models from the Eastern Bloc and modern buses of Western make, all part of a large network of buses.

Here are some of the most popular and widely used routes in the Sofia Bulgaria public transportation system:

Bus Lines 84 and 384 — Direct Route to Sofia Airport

These two routes connect Sofia Airport with the city. They stop at Terminals 1 and 2. Line 84 goes to the city center, while line 384 connects the airport with the Mladost 1 metro line — a great destination for travelers arriving by air via free shuttle from Terminal 1.

Bus Lines 94 and 280 — Student-Friendly Public Transport in Sofia

These buses take you to Studentski Grad (Student Town) — a lively area that “never sleeps.”
Whether you're studying at a local university or just looking to explore Sofia's youthful nightlife, this is the best and most affordable way to get there.

Line 72 — A Key Public Transport Route Through Sofia

One of the most well-known bus lines among locals.
It passes through key areas such as the Military Hospital, the National Palace of Culture (NDK), the National Stadium, and the Pliska Hotel — all central stops for anyone navigating the Sofia public transportation guide.

Line 213 — Connecting the City Center with the Central Bus and Railway Stations

This route connects the city center with the Central Bus Station and Central Railway Station, making it a convenient choice to get to Sofia or leave the capital city. It also serves one of the most densely populated districts — the Mladost residential complex.

Line 64 — Scenic Public Transport to Vitosha and Beyond

This scenic route takes you to the Boyana district, home to the National History Museum and the Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Nearby is the picturesque Boyana Waterfall.
If you ride to the final stop, you'll find yourself at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, near the Bay Krustyo lift, which will take you to the mountain’s peak in just 20 minutes — a perfect nature getaway close to the city.

The Metro in Sofia

The metro network in Sofia is relatively new — it only opened in 1998 and has been expanding ever since. It quickly became one of the most popular forms of public transport in Sofia. Since August 2020, there are three active lines, with convenient transfers available at three central interchange stations like Serdika. Metro line M4 goes directly to Terminal 2 of Sofia Airport, making it a fast and convenient destination for travelers.

It's important to note that metro trains arrive at stations every 3 to 9 minutes, depending on the time of day. However, many locals still prefer trams for their faster and more flexible travel, especially within the heart of the city.

Trams in Sofia

Trams remain one of the most efficient and optimal ways to move around in Sofia. They are fast, run regularly, and often bypass traffic jams — making them a top recommendation in any Sofia public transportation guide.

Near the mosque in the city center, you can even see an old tram car. It has been turned into a tourist information center and has become a popular photo spot for both residents and visitors of the capital.

Trolleybuses in Sofia

Trolleybuses in Sofia follow fixed routes, much like trams, which makes their network a bit more limited. However, they are still reliable and a valid part of the Sofia Bulgaria public transportation system. For some routes, especially in quieter neighborhoods, they remain a practical and eco-friendly option.

Tickets for the Metro and Surface Public Transportation in Sofia

As already mentioned in this Sofia public transportation guide, you need a ticket to travel on any public transportation vehicle. The standard ticket costs 1.60 BGN.

A regular ticket from the driver can be purchased directly from the driver (except on the metro). Many buses and trams are equipped with ticket vending machines that print a ticket once the exact amount (1.60 BGN) is inserted. These machines do not require validation — the date and time of purchase are printed on the ticket. Drivers often call them “piggy banks” because they only accept coins.

Once you have your ticket, it must be validated by inserting it into a puncher device (usually 4–5 in every vehicle). Each puncher leaves a unique pattern of holes, making it impossible to reuse the same ticket. While the system may seem old-fashioned, it’s still an effective way to prevent fraud.

One ticket costs 1.60 BGN and is valid for a single ride — on a bus, tram, or trolleybus.

However, there are another option. Numbered ticket booklets are available at the Sofia Urban Mobility Center ticket offices. These are cheaper than regular tickets but must be used in strict numerical order, and ticket #1 must always be shown along with the current one. Two people cannot share a single booklet.

An electronic 10 tickets card looks like a small card and must be validated by tapping it against the onboard validator.

A virtual metro ticket can be purchased using a contactless debit or credit card. Just tap the card on the validator when boarding. During ticket checks, simply show your card as proof of payment. Don’t worry — ticket inspectors cannot withdraw any funds; their devices only verify that the payment was successfully made.