Bus travel in Bulgaria is very cheap and is a great way of exploring the country. Staff however very rarely speak English and place names are generally written in Cyrillic, but don't let that put you off as there are some spectacular places to see and you can usually find someone willing to help.
There are numerous travel companies operating in Bulgaria and buses are generally every hour to most destinations. It is advisable to book in advance during the summer as they can quite often be full. The long distance coaches all have air-con and usually show English movies.
Around the resorts and nearby towns buses generally run every 10-20 minutes and tickets can be purchased on the bus.
If you are travelling into Sofia the Central Bus Station has domestic routes to practically everywhere in Bulgaria. There are numerous ticket counters for all the different operators and destinations ar clearly listed. There is also an information desk where the staff speak some English. Sofia to Bourgas takes approximately 7 hours and is 35 leva.
Bus Timetables, Fares & Departure Boards
Long distance trains are also a great way of seeing the country although they can be quite slow. But if you're in no rush you can sit back and enjoy the scenery. They operate from early morning to late evening generally every hour but often have a gap of a couple of hours mid afternoon. Local trains tend to be more frequent.
Staff at the station usually speak little English but information boards are often available at bigger stations in English. If you are travelling into or from Sofia the train station is adjacent to the central bus station.
Tickets are sold from different windows depending on your destination and if you can't see the destination you require on the ground floor head to the right and down the hidden staircase to the lower level where more booths and the escalators to the platforms are located. If you are travelling to Bourgas you can purchase a ticket from any window. As an example a first class single ticket from Sofia to Burgas costs approx 24 leva.
there is an overnight sleeper service from Sofia to Bourgas and a berth costs only BGN10.
Departure boards now display Cyrillic and English in the departure hall and show platform numbers and destinations. There are also lots of small snack shops but if you are in a rush trolleys frequently move around the train selling drinks and snacks.
Rail Timetables, Fares & Route Planner
