Getting from Sofia Airport to your destination

Sofia Airport (SOF) is only 10 km from the city center, so getting into town is quick and cheap. The metro is the best value at 1.60 BGN (~€0.80), takes about 20 minutes, and drops you right in the center. A taxi costs around 10-15 BGN (~€5-8). If you're arriving late or have lots of luggage, a pre-booked transfer runs €15-25 and saves you the hassle of finding a legit taxi.

Sofia Airport has two terminals. Terminal 2 is the main one for international flights and is modern and well-organized. After passport control and baggage claim, you'll exit into the arrivals hall. The metro station is connected to Terminal 2 — follow the signs, it's a 3-minute walk. Taxi drivers will approach you in the arrivals hall. Some are legit, some aren't. The official taxi company is OK Supertrans (yellow cars). Avoid anyone who approaches you inside the terminal offering rides.

Official taxi (OK Supertrans): The only officially licensed airport taxi company. Fare to center is 10-15 BGN (~€5-8). Use the taxi stands outside arrivals. Make sure the meter is running and starts at the correct tariff (day rate ~0.79 BGN/km, night rate ~0.90 BGN/km).

Bus (Line 84): Runs from Terminal 1 to the city. Cheap at 1.60 BGN but slower and less convenient than the metro.

Ride-hailing: Bolt and Spark work in Sofia. Usually 8-12 BGN to the center. Sometimes there's a wait.

Pre-booked transfer: €15-25 for a sedan. Driver meets you with a name sign. Best for families, groups, or late arrivals.

| Destination | Distance | Taxi estimate | Transfer estimate | |---|---|---|---| | City center (Serdika) | 10 km | 10-15 BGN (€5-8) | €15-20 | | Vitosha Boulevard | 11 km | 12-16 BGN (€6-8) | €15-20 | | National Palace of Culture | 12 km | 12-18 BGN (€6-9) | €18-22 | | Boyana (Residence area) | 18 km | 18-25 BGN (€9-13) | €22-30 | | Plovdiv | 150 km | Not practical | €90-120 |

Note: Bulgarian lev (BGN) is pegged to the euro at ~1.96 BGN = €1. Bulgaria is expected to adopt the euro soon, but as of 2026 it still uses the lev.

The metro closes at midnight, so if you land after 11:30 PM you'll need a taxi or transfer. The official taxi rank operates 24/7 but there are fewer cars late at night. Bolt works around the clock but surge pricing can apply. A pre-booked transfer is the stress-free option — your driver will be there regardless of what time you land, even if your flight is delayed.

The metro handles suitcases fine — it's modern with wide doors and no stairs if you use the elevators. For families with car seats or more than 2-3 large bags, a pre-booked transfer with a minivan is the practical choice. Taxis in Sofia are mostly sedans and can struggle with 3+ large suitcases. If you need a child seat, you won't find one in regular taxis — book a transfer and request one in advance.

For pre-booked transfers, drivers typically wait in the Terminal 2 arrivals hall holding a name sign. Some services also offer meeting at the gate or curb pickup. The official taxi rank is directly outside the Terminal 2 arrivals exit — turn right after the doors. For the metro, follow signs for 'Metro' from Terminal 2 — it's a covered walkway.

• Budget traveler, daytime arrival, light luggage: Take the metro. It's fast, clean, and costs less than €1.
• Small group or couple, normal hours: Bolt or official taxi. Quick and affordable.
• Family with kids and luggage: Pre-booked transfer with child seat.
• Late night arrival: Pre-booked transfer or official taxi.
• Business traveler: Pre-booked transfer for reliability.
• Going outside Sofia (Plovdiv, ski resorts): Definitely pre-book a transfer.