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Trains to Sofia

14/11/2024
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Explore Your Travel Options to Sofia with Virail

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 FlixBus,OUIGO,FlixTrain,Union Ivkoni,BDZ, where convenience is merely a reservation away.

Considering more sustainable options? The details on this page are tailored for you. Leverage Sofia's high 52 to guide your travel choices towards sustainability. Every eco-friendly decision counts towards a healthier planet.

And, the large green areas per person in Sofia, shown by a 99%, can lead you to a relaxing holiday close to nature.

If your travel plans span over several weeks, the cost-effective choice is the monthly ticket, available at €25.87.

Exploring local cuisine is an important part of traveling! But how do we handle the expenses? The average meal price is €10.35.

During your travels, you may always need internet access! Understanding the €12.46 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.

In your travel destination, the average monthly income is €971.12. This detail provides context for understanding the local cost of living.

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 hrs 44 mins€6.03Book
Chelopech - Sofia1 hr 55 mins€0.00Book
Stuttgart - Sofia41 hrs 19 mins€68.44Book
Berlin - Sofia41 hrs 5 mins€73.62Book
Bordeaux - Sofia42 hrs 44 mins€117.92Book

Train tickets to Sofia

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

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.

<p>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.</p> <p>You have the option to choose your preferred seat on Flixbus, with various categories designed to suit your specific needs.</p> <ul> <li>Classic: Choose your seat with no additional perks.</li> <li>Panorama: Sit in the first row and enjoy the most scenic views.</li> <li>Front: Travel quietly in the front section of the bus, starting from the 2nd row.</li> <li>Table: Enjoy more space and comfort with a convenient table in front of you.</li> <li>Comfort: Get extra legroom for a more relaxing journey.</li> <li>Extra: Reserve your seat and the one next to you for more personal space.</li> <li>Single: Enjoy the comfort of having no one seated next to you.</li> <li>Semi-bed: Relax with a seat that reclines almost flat, perfect for resting.</li> <li>Bed: Experience maximum comfort with a fully flat reclining seat, ideal for longer trips.</li> </ul>

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.

<p>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.</p> <p>Union Ivkoni has only one class-the standard bus. All their buses have luggage storage, hand luggage compartments, power outlets, air conditioning, movies, and extra legroom.</p>

Ticket types and facilities from to Sofia

Compare the different ticket types and the facilities provided by FlixTrain and OUIGO 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.
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
bicycle Bicycle

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.
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

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.
wifi WiFi
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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Power outlets are available near seats on FlixBus buses to keep your devices charged throughout your journey.
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Each passenger can bring one carry-on bag (up to 25lbs/11kg) and one stored bag (up to 50lbs/23kg) for free on FlixBus. Excess baggage up to 50lbs (23kg) is accepted for a fee, with limited space available, so booking in advance is recommended.
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FlixBus offers boarding assistance with a hydraulic lift for travelers with reduced mobility. Contact the bus company in advance to confirm availability and assistance.
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Snacks and drinks are available for purchase from the bus drivers during your trip.
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Bikes are allowed with restrictions on FlixBus: 3 per bus with a cover, 5 with a carrier, but no electric bikes.
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FlixBus offers free Wi-Fi on all its buses. Additionally, enjoy movies, e-books, audiobooks, music, and games through FlixBus's online entertainment portal.
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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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Power outlets are available on Union Ivkoni buses, usually one or two per row.
luggage Luggage open icon close icon

You can bring hand luggage up to 5 kg (30x40x20 cm or 90 cm total) and checked luggage up to 30 kg (180 cm total or 80x60x40 cm). Additional luggage up to 30 kg can be prepaid at the following rates: €10 for trips up to 1500 km, €15 for trips between 1501-3000 km, and €20 for trips over 3000 km.
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Wi-Fi availability depends on the vehicle. But, most new Union Ivkoni buses have Wi-Fi. Additionnally, Union Ivkoni buses have personal entertainment screens.
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Union Ivkoni provides services for passengers with mobility issues. Contact the carrier in advance for arrangements.
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Drinks and snacks are available for purchase on Union Ivkoni.

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 Berlin 30 49 123 80
2 Stuttgart 38 49 167 71
3 Bordeaux 47 24 111 49
4 Strelcha 30 21 - 40
5 Chelopech 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.