Trains to Sofia

Plan Your Ideal Trip to Sofia with Virail's Assistance

This page is filled with various pieces of information you'll need if you're planning your Sofia journey. Here, you will find assorted details about the transport companies facilitating your journey, the green attributes of your target city, and guidance on the monthly budgeting for your trip.

Journey to Sofia by selecting the train solutions from Union Ivkoni,FlixBus,FlixTrain,TGV inOui,BDZ,OUIGO, where convenience is merely a reservation away.

As you plan your itinerary for Sofia, consider the city's air quality, indicated by the 50. A destination with clean air contributes to a more enjoyable holiday.

Sometimes walking may not be enough to explore the city. In this case, knowing the transportation costs will be beneficial. Additionally, it's important to remember that not everyone is able to walk, making alternative transportation options essential. Learn the single trip price with $0.85, great for your day trips.

Exploring local cuisine is an important part of traveling! But how do we handle the expenses? The average meal price is $10.62.

During your travels, you may always need internet access! Understanding the $12.79 price is crucial for digital nomads and travelers, ensuring you're always connected, whether working remotely or streaming your favorite shows after a day of exploration.

Considering a long-term stay? Discover the average monthly rent, which is $538.21, to assess the affordability of staying in various locales, making it easier to choose where to extend your travels based on your budget.

If you can't travel without sports, don't worry, we're here for you. The $29.55 price allows you to determine the most budget-friendly ways to stay fit, balancing fitness with experiencing everything your destination has to offer.

Popular train routes to Sofia

Discover popular train routes to Sofia and book the cheapest train ticket in no time

Popular routesAverage journey durationLowest priceTickets
Strelcha - Sofia5 hr 44 min$6.19Book
Mannheim - Sofia40 hr 33 min$77.58Book
Cologne - Sofia40 hr 21 min$146.41Book
Hanover - Sofia37 hr 41 min$82.90Book
Hamburg - Sofia42 hr 2 min$86.04Book
Frankfurt - Sofia42 hr 26 min$104.92Book
Paris - Sofia45 hr 33 min$166.17Book

Train tickets to Sofia

Select departure and find the best deals on train tickets to Sofia.

Find the best day to travel to Sofia by train

When travelling to Sofia by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Carriers on this route

Find out more about the carriers on this route.

BDZ stands for Bulgarian State Railways, which is the national railway company of Bulgaria. It was founded in 1888 and operates passenger and freight trains throughout the country, as well as international services to neighboring countries. BDZ operates on several routes, including Sofia, Varna, Pazardzhik, Jambol, Veliko Tărnovo, Dobrich, Vidin, Lovech or Silistra.

FlixBus, a long-distance bus company, operates in both Europe and the United States. Founded in 2013, it has grown to become one of the largest bus operators in Europe, connecting over 2,500 destinations in 30 countries. Originating in Germany, FlixBus has expanded quickly to neighboring countries including France, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Croatia, while also offering regular services to Norway, Spain, and England. With affordable fares and comfortable amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard toilets, FlixBus provides a convenient and enjoyable travel experience.

Flixtrain is a European low-cost passenger rail service that offers affordable and comfortable train travel to various destinations across Germany. It is owned and operated by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus, which is a popular bus transportation service in Europe. Flixtrain operates on several routes, including Berlin to Stuttgart, Berlin to Cologne, and Hamburg to Cologne, among others.

In 2013, the French national railway company SNCF introduced OUIGO to offer budget-friendly TGV travel options. Choose between the lightning-fast OUIGO Grande Vitesse, reaching speeds of 300 km/h, or the more leisurely OUIGO Classique, which offers a nostalgic train ride experience.

TGV inOui, which replaces traditional TGV services by offering a contemporary upgrade, is a high-speed train service operated by the French National Railways, SNCF that make it easy to explore around 50 destinations in neighboring countries such as Belgium, Germany, and Spain. TGV inOUI is designed to offer more comfort and flexibility to travelers, with features such as spacious seats, Wi-Fi, and catering services. It connects major cities in France and provides a fast, convenient, and comfortable mode of travel.

Union Ivkoni is a Bulgarian bus company that operates domestically and internationally. Founded in 1992, the company has grown to become one of the largest bus operators in Bulgaria, with a fleet of over 1,000 buses. Union Ivkoni offers a wide range of services, including regular bus lines, charter services, and international routes to destinations throughout Europe. The company is known for its modern fleet, comfortable buses, and reliable service.

Ticket types and facilities from to Sofia

Compare the different ticket types and the facilities provided by FlixTrain, OUIGO and TGV inOui when traveling to Sofia.

Standard

A standard ticket on FlixTrain is a regular ticket / second class ticket. Flixtrain standard ticket offers you a comfortable seat, guaranteed Wi-Fi, access to power outlets, and one carry-on and one checked luggage with size restrictions.
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Standard Class / TGV

OUIGO Grande Vitesse offers a single class, akin to second-class travel, which accounts for its affordable ticket prices. Adult fares start at €10, depending on the destination, while children can travel for €5. Tickets for OUIGO can only be purchased online.
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Standard Class / Classical

OUIGO Train Classique only have one class, which is equivalent to second class travel, which is why ticket prices are cheap. Tickets are available from €10 for adults (depending on destination) and €5 for children, and OUIGO train tickets are only available online.
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Second Class (The essentials)

For a practical and affordable journey, TGV INOUI has two fares for second class tickets: The Prems Second, an affordable option, and The Second, the classic second class. Both of them can be exchanged and refunded, subject to certain conditions. The Prem's fare tickets are perfect if you're looking for the lowest prices, starting at just 15€ and available for booking up to 4 months in advance.
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First Class (The comfort)

First-class tickets take your journey to the next level, offering enhanced comfort and exclusive benefits, including the option to choose seats in the Quiet Area. Additionally, this ticket offers flexibility for your booking and provides added benefits to Second Class features.
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quiet_zone Quiet zone
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luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
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air_con Air conditioning
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Business Première (The flexibility)

Business Première offers premium advantages like no-cost exchanges or refunds and exclusive amenities including advanced Wi-Fi and access to Grand Voyageur lounges, all while ensuring flexibility in your booking.
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quiet_zone Quiet zone
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Facility Description

Find out more about the different facilities available onboard with each carrier on this route.

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Connect effortlessly on FlixTrain and enjoy free WiFi, whether you're catching up on work, chatting, or simply browsing.
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Keep your devices charged and ready. FlixTrain seats come equipped with power sockets and USB outlets.
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For your safety and the comfort of everyone on board, FlixBus permits you to bring one carry-on bag that should fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment. You're also allowed one checked bag, but make sure you can load and unload it by yourself and store it in the overhead space or under your seat. Kindly ensure your luggage isn't bulky or poses a risk to others. Remember, it's up to you to keep track of your belongings during the trip.
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FlixTrain prioritizes comfort for all. Passengers with mobility concerns can book designated seats and utilize complimentary transportation for foldable wheelchairs and mobility aids. Reach out to FlixTrain for any assistance required.
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While FlixTrain doesn't offer onboard catering, you're welcome to bring along your own snacks and beverages.
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With FlixTrain, you can pack an extra piece of luggage, but it's a good idea to book early since train space is limited. Got sports equipment or a big musical instrument? They're welcome too, though an extra fee might apply. If you're cycling around, you can park your bike in specific areas for just 9 Euro, but ensure it's standard-sized and free of extra attachments. Remember to reserve a spot for your bike early, as space fills up fast
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You have access WiFi (OUIFI) and delve into the OUIFUN entertainment portal for an added fee.
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On Ouigo trains, only top deck seats in select coaches come with power sockets. Note that these seats come at an additional charge, and the bottom deck lacks sockets altogether.
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OUIGO lets you bring two small hand luggage items or one piece measuring 36 x 27 x 15 cm for free, along with cabin baggage at 55x35x25cm with no weight restrictions. For larger items, a fee of €5 applies for online bookings made in advance, and it goes up to €20 if you pay in-person at the station.
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For travelers with mobility concerns, TGV INOUI offers the 'Accès Plus' service. This provides dedicated assistance from the station directly to the train seat. It is advisable for passengers to contact 'Accès Plus' after securing their tickets and ensure arrangements are made at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure.
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In France, OUIGO's Train classique services provide an at-seat snack service, though this isn't available on the high-speed trains. For those traveling in Spain, a visit to the OUIBAR in coach 4 serves up a variety of beverages and snacks.
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Travel in comfort with all coaches being air-conditioned.
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Planning to bring along bigger items like a bike, scooter, skis, or a musical instrument? If you book online in advance, it's just a €5 fee. But, if you decide to pay at the station, the fee goes up to €20.
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On TGV INOUI trains, enjoy complimentary WiFi access throughout your journey. Whether you're working, replying to emails, or diving into the TGV INOUI entertainment hub, we've got you covered.
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With a Business Première ticket, step into an exclusive coach designed for comfort. It's your silent sanctuary, ideal for both work and relaxation.
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Every seat on TGV inOUI is power-packed! With an outlet at your disposal, you're always charged and ready.
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On TGV INOUI trains, you can bring as much luggage as your arms and legs can carry, but remember to properly label your own luggage. Handbags and small items are best stored either at feet-level or under the seat; heavier pieces should be placed in an available corner of the car or along its central aisle.
accessibility Accessibility open icon close icon
For travelers with mobility concerns, TGV INOUI offers the 'Accès Plus' service. This provides dedicated assistance from the station directly to the train seat. It is advisable for passengers to contact 'Accès Plus' after securing their tickets and ensure arrangements are made at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure.
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Travelers on TGV INOUI can look forward to an assortment of food and beverages. The train service presents a curated selection that promises to cater to diverse palates.
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Stay cool and comfortable. All TGV inOUI trains are air-conditioned, ensuring a pleasant journey, irrespective of the weather outside.
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Booking required for non-foldable bikes (€10) on select TGV INOUI trains, foldable bikes under 130x90cm can travel as hand luggage on any TGV INOUI train, disassembled bikes can be taken without booking if stored in a bike bag under 130x90cm. Aquatic or snowboards, folded scooters, and musical instruments can be taken as hand luggage if they are in a carrying case under 130 x 90 cm.

Eco-Friendly Travel: Making a Greener Choice - Sofia

From choosing green cities and sustainable transport options, we guide you through the details of reducing your carbon footprint while exploring the globe

  • Air quality
    50
    Good
  • Renewable energy
    21%
    Low
  • Green spaces
    40%
    Good
  • Total score
    52
    Good
Rank Cities Air quality Energy Green spaces Total score
1 Hamburg 34 49 199 81
2 Paris 30 24 75 59
3 Mannheim 30 49 - 48
4 Hanover 30 49 - 48
5 Frankfurt 39 49 - 45
6 Cologne 53 49 - 42
7 Strelcha 30 21 - 40
Cheap train tickets to Sofia
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets to Sofia.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip to Sofia, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from to Sofia.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.