A Local's Guide to Sofia Public Transport [Updated for 2026]

As someone who's spent years navigating Sofia's buses, trams, and metro lines, I can tell you this city's public transport system is a quirky mix of modern efficiency and old-school charm.

It's cheap, surprisingly extensive, and once you understand how it works, getting around Bulgaria's capital becomes an absolute breeze.

Let me walk you through everything you need to know to travel like a true local.

Quick Reference

• Single ride cost: €0.82 (tap contactless card or phone)

• Daily spending cap: €2.05 (automatic after 3+ rides with same card)

• Metro lines: 4 lines, 47 stations

• Operating hours: 5:00 AM – midnight (night buses until 4:00 AM)

• Airport to center: Metro M4, ~20 minutes, €0.82

• Best apps: Google Maps, Moovit

• No Uber: Use Taxi Me or Yellow Taxi apps instead

• Fine for no ticket: €20

Overview of Sofia's Public Transport System

Sofia is the only city in Bulgaria that operates all four modes of public transport: metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses. The entire network falls under the Sofia Urban Mobility Center, which handles scheduling, ticketing, and route planning.

The metro is your fastest option, especially during rush hour when surface transport gets stuck in traffic. Trams have been rolling through Sofia since 1901, giving the city the largest tram network in the Balkans. Buses reach neighborhoods the metro doesn't serve, while trolleybuses offer a quiet, eco-friendly alternative on major routes.

Public transport runs daily from around 5:00 AM until midnight, with night buses covering the gap until 4:00 AM.

The Sofia Metro: Your Best Friend for Getting Around

The metro is hands-down the most reliable way to move through Sofia. It's clean, punctual, and completely avoids the traffic jams that plague surface transport during peak hours.

Metro Lines

Sofia's metro currently has four lines with 47 stations:

• M1 (Red Line): Runs from Slivnitsa to Business Park Sofia, passing through key areas like Lyulin and Mladost

• M2 (Blue Line): Connects Obelya to Vitosha, stopping at the Central Railway Station and National Palace of Culture (NDK)

• M3 (Green Line): Links Gorna Banya to Hadzhi Dimitar

• M4 (Yellow Line): The airport line, running from Sofia Airport to Slivnitsa (shares 13 stations with M1)

The key transfer station is Serdika, located right in the city center where the M1, M2, and M4 lines connect. When exiting here, you'll find yourself steps away from major landmarks like St. Nedelya Church and Vitosha Boulevard.

Metro Operating Hours

Metro trains run from approximately 5:30 AM to midnight on weekdays, with similar hours on weekends. Trains come every 2-5 minutes during peak hours and every 8-10 minutes at other times.

[PHOTO 2: Place image here] Alt text: Sofia metro train interior

Trams, Buses, and Trolleybuses

Trams

Sofia's tram network consists of 17 lines covering 154 kilometers, making it the largest tram system in the Balkans. Trams have dedicated tracks and right of way over pedestrians, so they're fairly reliable despite sharing the streets with cars.

Some trams are sleek, modern low-floor vehicles perfect for accessibility, while others are vintage yellow cars that have survived several regimes. Both get you where you need to go.

Useful tram lines for tourists:

• Tram 10: Passes through the city center and continues into Borisova Gradina Park

• Tram 5: Runs from behind the Court of Justice to Knyazhevo district, a starting point for Vitosha Mountain hikes

Buses

Buses cover the entire city, including neighborhoods the metro doesn't reach. Most modern buses have digital displays in Bulgarian and English showing upcoming stops. Some routes connect directly to popular attractions like Boyana Church, the National History Museum, and Vitosha Mountain.

Trolleybuses

Trolleybuses run on over 10 routes, primarily in central and residential districts. They're electric, quiet, and environmentally friendly. The route between Sofia University and NDK is particularly convenient for tourists.

Tickets and Fares: How to Pay

Since 2023, Sofia's public transport has gone mostly digital. The easiest way to pay is simply tapping your contactless bank card or phone at the blue validators inside every vehicle and at metro gates.

Ticket Types and Prices

The Automatic Daily Cap

Here's a brilliant feature: if you pay with the same bank card three or more times in one day, the system automatically caps your spending at €2.05 (4 BGN). You're essentially issued an electronic day pass without doing anything.

Important Rules

• Validate every time: You must tap your card or ticket when boarding every vehicle, even when transferring. The validator will show until what time your transfer window remains valid.

• One card, one person: You cannot tap the same card twice to pay for two people. Each passenger needs their own card or ticket.

• Keep the same device: Use either your physical card or your phone, but don't mix them on the same day.

• Fines are steep: Traveling without a validated ticket means a €20 fine (40 BGN). Inspectors wear uniforms and carry ID cards they must show you.

Getting from Sofia Airport to the City Center

Sofia Airport sits about 10 kilometers east of the city center. Taking the metro is by far the easiest and cheapest option.

1. By Metro (Recommended)

The Sofia Airport metro station (M4 line) is right next to Terminal 2. Just follow the blue floor markings after you exit arrivals, turn left past departures, and you'll find the metro entrance.

The journey to Serdika station in the city center takes about 18-20 minutes and costs just €0.82. Trains run from approximately 5:30 AM to midnight.

If you need the Central Railway Station or Bus Station, transfer at Serdika to the M2 line heading toward Obelya. The whole journey takes under 30 minutes.

2. If You Land at Terminal 1

No problem. There's a free shuttle bus running between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 every 30-40 minutes, available 24/7. Alternatively, Bus 84 goes directly into town from Terminal 1.

3. By Bus

Bus 84 connects both terminals to the city center (Gen. Gurko Street area). The journey takes about 40-50 minutes depending on traffic and costs €0.82.

4. By Taxi

The official taxi company at the airport is Yellow Taxi. Look for their desk in the arrivals hall. A ride to the city center should cost around €13-15. Don't accept rides from unofficial drivers who approach you in the terminal.

Since there's no Uber in Bulgaria, use local taxi apps like Taxi Me or Yellow Taxi to avoid scams. Always make sure the meter is reset before your ride starts.

5. Night Arrivals

Great news for late arrivals: since July 2025, the N4 night bus serves Sofia Airport. It runs hourly throughout the night, connecting both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 with the city center and major residential areas.

Night Transport in Sofia

Four night bus lines (N1-N4) operate between midnight and 4:00 AM, running approximately every hour. All lines meet at Knyaz Alexander Battenberg Square, where you can transfer between them.

• N1: Lyulin to Mladost 4

• N2: Obelya to Studentski Grad

• N3: Ovcha Kupel to Levski G

• N4: Druzhba 2 to Gotse Delchev (now extends to the airport)

Night bus tickets cost €1.02 (2 BGN). If you have a 24-hour, 72-hour, or monthly pass, night buses are included.

Getting to Vitosha Mountain

One of the best things about Sofia is having a mountain right at its doorstep. Vitosha is easily accessible by public transport.

By Bus

Take the M2 metro line to Vitosha station (the last stop, next to Paradise Mall). From there:

• Bus 66: Goes all the way up to Hotel Moreni near Aleko hut, close to the summit. This is as high as you can get by public transport.

• Bus 64: Takes you to Boyana Church, from where you can hike to Boyana Waterfall

• Bus 122/123: Goes to the Simeonovo Gondola Lift base station

Standard public transport tickets (€0.82) work on all Vitosha buses.

By Gondola

The Simeonovo Gondola Lift offers spectacular views during the ascent. It primarily operates on weekends and holidays, plus throughout the ski season. A return ticket costs around €10.

Alternative Routes

Tram 5 from behind the Court of Justice goes to Knyazhevo district, from where you can hike up to the Golden Bridges (about 2 hours).

Best Apps for Navigation

• Google Maps: Works excellently in Sofia with accurate real-time arrival information

• Moovit: Popular among locals, syncs well with the transport GPS system and alerts you when your stop is coming

• EasyWay: Shows detailed route maps for every bus, tram, and trolley line (Android only)

Essential Tips for Using Sofia Public Transport

• Avoid rush hours if possible. Peak times are 7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM. Vehicles get extremely crowded, and buses can face significant delays.

• Watch your belongings. Pickpocketing can occur on crowded routes, especially during rush hour. Keep valuables in front pockets or secure bags.

• Don't board the wrong airport train. Both M1 and M4 trains use the same platforms at several stations. Only M4 goes to the airport, while M1 goes to Business Park Sofia. Check the destination displayed on the train.

• Trams always have right of way. This isn't just a courtesy, it's law. Trams don't stop at pedestrian crossings, and their drivers won't hesitate if you step in front of them.

• Get off at the final stop. If you're on the last bus or tram of the night and don't get off at the final stop, you might end up at the depot rather than your destination.

FAQ

Is Sofia public transport safe for tourists?

Yes, Sofia's public transport is generally safe and reliable for tourists. The metro is particularly secure, with well-lit stations, CCTV cameras, and visible security personnel. Keep an eye on your belongings during rush hour on surface transport, as pickpocketing can occasionally occur in crowded situations. Overall, using public transport in Sofia is no riskier than any other major European capital.

Can I use my contactless credit card from any country?

Absolutely. Sofia's public transport accepts contactless Visa and Mastercard from any bank or fintech company worldwide, as well as mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Just tap your card once when boarding. The system automatically processes payments after midnight and caps your daily spending at €2.05 regardless of how many trips you take.

How do I get from Sofia Central Railway Station to the airport?

Take the M2 metro line from Central Railway Station to Serdika station, then transfer to the M4 line heading toward Sofia Airport. The whole journey takes about 25-30 minutes. Remember that only M4 trains go to the airport, so check the destination displayed before boarding.

Are there discounts for students or seniors on Sofia public transport?

Yes, students and people under 26 can get monthly passes for around €12.80 (25 BGN). Seniors and people with disabilities also qualify for discounted passes. You'll need to visit a Urban Mobility Center office with proper documentation to obtain a personalized discount card.

What happens if I forget to validate my ticket?

You risk a €20 fine (40 BGN) if caught by inspectors. Controllers conduct random checks and the fine must be paid on the spot. If you refuse, it increases to €25.60 (50 BGN). The inspector will issue you a day ticket after you pay the fine, allowing you to continue traveling.

Can I bring luggage on public transport?

Yes, you can bring up to two pieces of hand luggage free of charge. Large suitcases or items that take up the space of another passenger may require an extra ticket. Strollers and wheelchairs used by people with disabilities don't require additional tickets.

Is there Wi-Fi on Sofia's metro or buses?

Most metro stations offer free Wi-Fi, and some newer buses and trams have it too. Coverage isn't universal on surface transport, but connectivity is improving across the network. You'll also find free Wi-Fi at the Central Railway Station, Central Bus Station, and both airport terminals.

How accessible is Sofia public transport for wheelchair users?

All newer metro stations have elevators and are wheelchair-accessible. Modern low-floor trams and buses also accommodate wheelchairs, but older vehicles have steep steps with no independent access. The metro remains the most reliably accessible option. When in doubt, check which vehicles are running on your route using the Moovit app.

Does Sofia have a tourist transport pass?

Yes, the Sofia Pass is a 3-day tourist card offering unlimited public transport plus free or discounted entry to museums and attractions. It costs around €15 and can be purchased at Urban Mobility Center offices. For shorter visits, the standard 24-hour or 72-hour passes work perfectly well.

How late does the metro run?

The metro operates until approximately midnight (last trains depart around 11:45-11:50 PM from most stations). On weekdays, the airport line runs from about 5:30 AM to midnight. After the metro closes, night buses take over from midnight until 4:00 AM.

Final Thoughts

Sofia's public transport might seem confusing at first, but once you get the hang of tapping your card and knowing which lines go where, you'll find it surprisingly easy to navigate. The metro alone will get you to most major attractions, and at less than a euro per ride, it's one of the best-value transport systems in Europe. Embrace the occasional quirks, and you'll be zooming around the city like a true Sofianets in no time.