How to Get From Sofia Airport to Center [Metro, Bus, Taxi]

Landing in Sofia after a long flight?

Sofia's airport sits just 10 kilometers east of downtown, making it one of the quickest airport-to-city transfers in Europe.

Whether you're backpacking on a budget or splurging on convenience, I'll walk you through every option so you can hit the ground running.

[Photo placement: Sofia Airport Terminal 2 exterior / Alt text: Sofia Airport Terminal]

How to Get From Sofia Airport to Center

Before we dive into specific transport methods, here's a quick comparison table to help you decide:

#1. Metro

The metro is hands down my favorite way to reach central Sofia from the airport. The M4 Yellow Line connects Terminal 2 directly to Serdika Station in the heart of the city.

When you exit baggage claim at Terminal 2, turn left and follow the blue floor markings to the metro station (next to Costa Coffee). The station is on the same level as the terminal, so no stairs with luggage.

Payment is simple: tap your Visa or Mastercard at the validators for €0.80, or buy tickets from machines using cash or card. Trains run every 5-15 minutes from 5:30 AM until midnight. The journey to Serdika takes 25-30 minutes, and since the airport is the terminus, you can't board the wrong train.

Terminal 1 arrivals: Take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 2 first (runs every 30-40 minutes, 24/7).

• Location: Terminal 2, eastern entrance (follow blue floor markings)

• Hours: 5:30 AM - 12:00 AM daily

• Price: €0.80 per trip

• Journey Time: 25-30 minutes to Serdika Station

• View on Google Maps

[Photo placement: Metro platform at Sofia Airport / Alt text: Sofia metro platform]

#2. Private Transfer

Private transfers offer door-to-door service with English-speaking drivers who meet you at arrivals. The fixed pricing means no surprises: a sedan for up to 4 passengers costs around €23-25, while a minivan for up to 8 passengers runs €34-35. Journey time is 15-20 minutes (25-30 during rush hour).

Book in advance through companies like Welcome Pickups, Transfeero, or SofiaAirportTransfer.com. Drivers track your flight, so delays aren't an issue.

• Price: €23-35 depending on vehicle size

• Journey Time: 15-20 minutes (25-30 during rush hour)

• Booking: Advanced booking required online

• Payment: Credit card (pre-pay) or cash to driver

#3. Taxi

Do NOT use any of the taxis parked at the airport - they’re almost always a tourist scam.

Airport taxis in Sofia are notorious for overcharging tourists €35-50+ for rides that should cost €9-11.

Download Taxi Me or Yellow Taxi app before landing. These apps work like Uber (which doesn't operate in Bulgaria) and provide upfront pricing, driver tracking, and card payment. A typical airport-to-city center ride costs €9-15. Taxis usually arrive within 3-5 minutes of ordering.

• App Recommendations: Taxi Me (best), Yellow Taxi

• Price: €9-15 to city center via app

• Journey Time: 15-25 minutes

• Payment: In-app (card) or cash to driver

• Avoid: Airport taxi stands – they're tourist traps

[Photo placement: Taxi Me app screenshot / Alt text: Sofia taxi app]

#4. Bus

Buses 84 and 184 connect downtown Sofia (Gen. Gurko Street) with both terminals. From the airport, both buses stop at T2 then T1. The fare is €0.80 (tap your card) or €1.00 if buying from the driver in cash.

Buses run from approximately 5:00 AM until 11:40 PM. Journey time is 35-45 minutes on weekdays, 30-35 minutes on weekends. The N4 night bus now serves the airport from midnight to 4:00 AM for late arrivals.

• Lines: 84, 184 (both serve airport)

• Price: €0.80

• Hours: ~5:00 AM - 11:40 PM daily

• Night Bus: N4 (midnight - 4:00 AM)

• Journey Time: 35-50 minutes

9 Tips for Getting Around Sofia

Once you've made it from the airport to your accommodation, here are my essential tips for navigating Sofia like a local:

• Go contactless: Your bank card is your transit pass. Just tap on validators for metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses. After 2 trips in one day on the same card, you're automatically upgraded to a daily pass (€2.00) with unlimited rides until midnight.

• No Uber, use taxi apps: Uber and Bolt don't operate in Bulgaria. Download Taxi Me or Yellow Taxi instead. These local apps work just as well and charge fair, metered rates.

• Carry some cash: While most places accept cards these days, smaller cafes, markets, and some taxi drivers prefer cash. Keep some euros or Bulgarian leva handy.

• The city center is walkable: Sofia's historic center is compact. Most major attractions – Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Vitosha Boulevard, City Garden – are within 20 minutes walking distance of each other.

• Metro is your friend: Sofia's metro is modern, clean, air-conditioned, and the fastest way to move around. The four lines (M1-M4) connect all major areas and run until midnight.

• Download navigation apps: Use Google Maps or Moovit for real-time public transport directions. Moovit is especially accurate with Sofia's bus and tram schedules and alerts you when to get off.

• Validate every time: Always tap your card or ticket when boarding buses, trams, or trolleybuses, even for transfers. Inspectors don't speak English and fines are €20.

• Watch for pickpockets: Sofia is generally safe, but like any capital, be aware of your surroundings on crowded metros and buses, especially at tourist hotspots like the Central Market Hall.

• Night transport exists: Four night bus lines (N1-N4) operate from midnight to 4:00 AM, meeting at Alexander Battenberg Square. The N4 now goes to the airport, which is a game-changer for late arrivals or early departures.

FAQ

How much does it cost to get from Sofia Airport to the city center?

The cheapest option is the metro or bus at €0.80 per person. A taxi ordered via app costs €9-15, while a private transfer runs €23-35, depending on vehicle size. Airport taxi stands often overcharge tourists, so avoid them and use taxi apps instead.

How do I get from Terminal 1 to the metro station?

The metro station is only at Terminal 2, so if you arrive at Terminal 1 (used by Wizz Air and easyJet), you need to take the free shuttle bus between terminals.

The shuttle runs every 30-40 minutes, 24 hours a day, and the journey takes about 5 minutes.

Look for the shuttle bus stop outside the arrivals area – don't confuse it with the regular city bus stops. Once at Terminal 2, follow the blue floor markings to the metro station.

Is the Sofia Airport metro safe at night?

Yes, the Sofia metro is safe until its closing time at midnight. The trains are well-lit, clean, and monitored by security. However, if you arrive after midnight, use the N4 night bus to the airport or book a private transfer or taxi app for peace of mind.

Can I use my credit card on Sofia public transport?

Absolutely! Sofia's public transport fully supports contactless payments with Visa and Mastercard (including Apple Pay and Google Pay). Just tap your card once on the blue validator when boarding. American Express is not accepted. After two trips in one day, you automatically get a daily pass for €2.00.

Which terminal does Ryanair use in Sofia?

Ryanair operates from Terminal 2 at Sofia Airport, where the metro station is located. Low-cost carriers Wizz Air and easyJet use Terminal 1. If you arrive at Terminal 1, take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 2 to access the metro.

How long does the metro take from Sofia Airport to city center?

The metro journey from Sofia Airport to Serdika Station (city center) takes approximately 25-30 minutes. Trains run every 5-15 minutes depending on time of day, from 5:30 AM until midnight daily.

Is Sofia Airport far from the city?

No, Sofia Airport is only 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the city center. This makes it one of the closest major airports to its city center in Europe. By metro it's 25-30 minutes, by taxi 15-20 minutes, and by bus 35-45 minutes.

Do I need Bulgarian leva for the airport transfer?

Not necessarily. The metro accepts contactless credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), eliminating the need for local currency. Taxis ordered through apps like Taxi Me accept card payments. If buying bus tickets from drivers or using vending machines, you'll need Bulgarian leva in cash.

What's the best way to get from Sofia Airport to my hotel?

For budget travelers, the metro is fastest and cheapest at €0.80. For convenience and door-to-door service, book a private transfer (€23-35) or use the Taxi Me app (€9-15). Avoid unmarked taxis at the airport as they often overcharge tourists.

Can I take luggage on the Sofia metro?

Yes, you can take up to 2 pieces of hand luggage on the metro free of charge with your regular ticket. The same applies to buses, trams, and trolleybuses. For additional or oversized luggage, you technically need an extra ticket, though this is rarely enforced.

Is there public transport from Sofia Airport after midnight?

Yes! As of 2025, the new N4 night bus connects Sofia Airport with the city center and major residential areas. It runs from midnight to 4:00 AM with hourly departures. Alternatively, book a taxi via Taxi Me app or arrange a private transfer for late-night arrivals.

Conclusion

Getting from Sofia Airport to the city center is refreshingly straightforward compared to many European capitals.

The metro offers unbeatable value at just €0.80, getting you downtown in 30 minutes.

For those prioritizing convenience, private transfers and taxi apps provide stress-free, fixed-price options.

Whatever you choose, avoid airport taxi stands and download Taxi Me before you land.

Once in Sofia, embrace the walkable city center, use your contactless card for all public transport, and enjoy one of Eastern Europe's most charming and affordable capitals. Safe travels!